Chapter 8 – Sprites aren't magical

"I almost feel cheated Jane. Now that Papa is the Marquis we are expected to make good matches. The only men I can enjoy dancing with are ones like John Lucas and Robert Goulding. None of the men in town were good enough last Season; they all lacked a certain amount of wit."

"I suppose Mr. Darcy didn't quite match up to his applauded attributes?"

"She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me. Really, Jane, you'd think our dowries would render us at least slightly better than tolerable."

"But you were never introduced! While it is highly unusual during an Assembly not to meet all the newcomers to town, you were engaged for the whole of the evening."

"Well, when we do meet, I should ask after Lady Matlock. She was most solicitous to us when we were last in town, and I would be pleased to make her acquaintance again."

"And not ask after Napoleon's Bane?"

Jane took a swift pillow to the face.

"Like that would be appropriate!" – The second pillow aimed at Jane did not succeed. It was Lizzie's turn to be upset by the goose feathers' unsuccessful attempt at flight.

"Even though Mr. Bingley is a dashed dream, Sir Brampton, promised to call upon you. Now that our year of mourning is up, perhaps he will call again."

"I will hold out no hope for Sir Brampton, Lizzie. He might not call."

"Oh my dear sweet Jane, now that we are out of mourning, I imagine once we are in town, suitors will be lined up down the block for your hand."

"Papa has invited the Netherfield party for dinner next week, we shall be seeing more of them."

"Then we shall simply have to find unicorns."

The girls tumbled giggling into bed, happy to be out in society once again.

"Why didn't you tell me she was a Bennet?"

"I did Darcy, I thought you heard me."

Charles Bingley had never seen his friend this distraught.

I know it's short. More for next week's update!