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The Bennet family lived in the peaceful village of Longbourn, surrounded by hills greenery and fields as far as the eye can see. Mr. Bennet, a man of sharp wit and somewhat indolent nature, spent his days immersed in his books or observing with benevolent irony the whims of his family. His wife, Mrs. Bennet, was its complete opposite; energetic, talkative and often excessive, she had a single obsession: marrying off his five daughters, each as different as the next.

The eldest, Jane, was the sweetest and most beautiful. His kindness and even disposition made her the model of virtue and grace. Elizabeth, the second, was distinguished by his lively mind and independent character. She had a keen sense of observation and an ease in reading the intentions of others, although this sometimes leads her to too hasty judgments. Mary, the third, was studious and serious, but lacked often of social discernment, losing himself in moralizing dissertations. THE younger, Catherine and Lydia, were carefree and frivolous, Lydia being particularly adventurous and often in search of novelty and attention.

The Bennet house was still full of noise: the lively discussions of Mrs. Bennett on the latest village gossip, Lydia and Kitty's laughter, Mary's songs to her pianoforte. Yet behind this lively façade hid a palpable tension. Mrs. Bennet felt immense pressure to marry off his daughters. With the modest dowry that they had, she knew that finding respectable husbands for each of them would be an arduous task. She often repeated that if one of them did not not a good marriage, the family would be in financial difficulty.

One morning, Mrs. Bennet rushed into the living room, his eyes bright of excitement. "Mr. Bennet, have you heard the news?" » she exclaimed, out of breath.

Mr. Bennet, barely looking up from his book, replied in an indifferent tone:

“What a could the news put you in such a state, my dear? »

“Netherfield Park is finally rented!” And by a rich young man, Mr. Bingley, with a considerable fortune. He is single, and he came looking for a wife! » She turned towards his daughters, his face beaming. “Jane, Lizzy, this is your chance!” »Elizabeth smiled at her mother, amused by her enthusiasm.

“Mom, we don’t know nothing about this man. Maybe he's not looking for a wife. Maybe even won't he stay in Netherfield for long. »

Mrs. Bennet, however, was in no mood to let these details tarnish his good mood. " Never mind ! We need to invite him to dinner as soon as possible. Jane, you are our greater chance. You are so beautiful and so sweet. How could he not fall in love with you? »

Jane blushed slightly, used to these compliments, but she knew that her mother often exaggerated things. Elizabeth just rolled her eyes and smiling. She loved her mother, but she knew that her mother's obsession

with

Weddings were often a source of unnecessary stress.

Mr. Bennet, as a good observer of characters, added not without malice:

“We

We could also consider renting Jane to attract all the young men in the region. That would be a very profitable business, don't you think? »

"Mr. Bennet!" » exclaimed Mrs. Bennet, shocked but amused by her remark husband. “You shouldn’t joke about such things. »

"I'm joking, of course," he replied calmly. "But I'm curious to know what you think you'll do if Mr. Bingley doesn't like Jane. »

Mrs. Bennet, undeterred, replied: “Impossible! Jane is perfect in all respects. And if, unfortunately, he doesn't choose it, we still have four other girls, all equally charming. » She turned to Elizabeth, her eyes

sparkling.

“Lizzy, you would be a great second chance.” »

Elizabeth smiled, shaking her head. “I prefer not to be considered a second option, mom. I think I will continue reading my books and walking in the countryside. »Despite the apparent carefreeness of the conversation, a certain pressure weighed on the shoulders of each of the Bennet girls. The society of the time imposed expectations strict rules for women, and marriage was often the only path to security and social respect. The Bennets were well aware of their precarious situation; their

The property was to go to a distant cousin, Mr. Collins, on the death of Mr. Bennet, due to of a male heir. This fact further increased the pressure on young girls to that they marry advantageously.

Thus, the Bennets' daily life was punctuated by the concerns of Mrs. Bennet on the future of his daughters, the often acerbic jokes of Mr. Bennet, and the hopes and individual dreams of each sister. The news of Mr. Bingley's arrival had breathed new energy into the house, a mix of curiosity and anticipation. For Elizabeth, however, the prospect of meeting this wealthy bachelor was not only a temporary diversion. She much preferred the company of her books and her solitary walks. But she could not ignore the reality of her situation, nor the importance of what this event could mean for his family.

As the days passed, the excitement grew. The girls were discussing the rumors

concerning Mr. Bingley, his riches, his character. “Maybe he’s shy,” Jane suggested one evening. “After all, coming to settle in a new place must be intimidating. »

“Or maybe he’s arrogant and thinks no one is good enough for him,” Lydia replied, half laughing.

“What is certain,” Elizabeth added, “is that we must make our own opinion when we meet him. »

The day of the first meeting was approaching, and with it, excitement and

apprehension.

The Bennets, like many other families in the neighborhood, waited with looking forward to the ball at Meryton, where they would have the opportunity to meet this mysterious Mr.

Bingley and to see if Mrs. Bennet were founded. For Elizabeth, it would be above all an evening of observation and reflection. She wasn't in as much of a hurry as her mother to marry, preferring to wait for true love, a partner who would understand and appreciate it for what it was. But she couldn't help butwondering if this Mr. Bingley could be that man, or if, like so many others, he would see in her just another young girl to marry.

News of Mr. Bingley's arrival at Netherfield had spread like wildfire. of powder through the village of Longbourn. The rumors had amplified, transforming this rich and single young man into an almost mythical figure, source of all the hopes and the wildest speculations. The Bennet family did not escape to this effervescence, quite the contrary.

Mrs. Bennet, more elated than ever, spent the next few days making sure that her girls would be fully prepared for any eventuality. She ensured that their dresses are impeccable, their manners impeccable, and their minds sharp to

attract the attention of the newcomer. The ball at Meryton, where they would finally meet

Mr. Bingley was on everyone's lips.

“Jane, my dear, you must be particularly charming this evening,” said Mrs. Bennet fixing her eldest daughter's curls. “Don’t forget to smile, and stay gracious in all circumstances. Mr. Bingley can only fall under your spell. »

“Yes, Mum,” Jane replied gently, although her heart was pounding at the moment.

the idea of this meeting. Elizabeth, seated not far away, observed the scene with slight mockery in the eyes.

“And you, Lizzy,” continued Mrs. Bennet turning to his second daughter,

“Please, try not to contradict him too much. Men don't like women too much stubborn. »

Elizabeth smiled. “Don’t worry, mom. I will be gentle angelic this evening. »

On the night of the ball, the Bennet house was in turmoil. The dresses were fitted, the hair neatly styled, and excitement palpable. Mr. Bennet, always so detached, observed all this with amusement. “Well, my dears, I see that you are all ready to conquer this young Mr. Bingley. Don't forget to have fun. »“We'll do our best, Dad,” Elizabeth replied, laughing.