Chapter Three...

Well, since my last installment many things have happened that I feel I must share, including making several new acquaintances!  But I am getting ahead of myself, let me start at the beginning. 
Mr Bingley returned my father's visit and sat with him in his library for a time. My mother and sisters were disappointed that they did not meet him, but as he was only at Longbourne for ten minutes, it could not be helped.  We issued him an invitation to dinner, but this was rebuked because Mr Bingley had an engagement in town, so the first my mother, my sisters and I saw of him was at the ball. 

(The ball!)

At first we had heard that Mr Bingley was bringing twelve ladies with him from town, which would have been a tragedy!  But this did not occur.  When he came through the doors he had only his two sisters, the husband of the elder, and another gentleman. 
Presently, we were introduced to Mr Bingley and his friends.  His sisters were less than pleasing, although they fooled everyone else, and his sister's husband seemed to want to be elsewhere.  As for his friend, by name of Mr Darcy, he was an interesting character.  Lady Lucas informed us that he is a very rich man, of ten thousand or more a year, and that he owns most of Derbyshire. 

(Mr Darcy)

Apparently riches don't buy you friendliness however, because by the end of the evening he was considered by most to be the proudest and rudest man they had ever met! He even slighted me personally, by flatly refusing to dance with me!  But as I told my mother, even if he did want to dance with me in the future, I believe I can safely promise to refuse. 
My father remained disinterested in the whole affair.

Chapter Two...

It transpired today that my father was indeed teasing my mother.  He visited Mr Bingley yesterday, as I knew he would, and my mother was once again in high spirits along with my sisters (apart from Mary of course) and proclaimed my father to be "excellent" once again.  Myself and Jane were also pleased and I am sure that Mr Bingley cannot fail to fall in love with Jane.  She truly is the sweetest girl, and I know she will do right by her family.  If only Mr Bingley can see past my mother's slightly overbearing personality. 

Chapter One...

My mother announced today that Netherfield Park has been let at last, to a single man of great fortune by the name of Mr Bingley.  My father seemed less than enthused by this, but my mother and my younger sisters are dancing all over the house as though their lives are changed forever! 
I myself can see how this may benefit our family, but only if my mother shows some propriety and Mary, Kitty and especially Lydia do not expose us all to public ridicule.  I can tell that Jane is pleased by the knowledge of a new gentleman in the neighbourhood as well, but she is so good natured and polite that I doubt anyone else has picked up on it. 
However, this may all come to nothing, because my good father has decreed that he will not visit Mr Bingley and my mother believes that he is quite determined.  I am more inclined to think that my father is merely teasing my mother, as usual, but she insists not. 
Well, we shall see I suppose.