I cannot believe we are almost at the end of January. I've been busy in my kitchen. I make most things from scratch and with the grandson staying with us for an indefinite period of time during this lockdown, I'm mostly baking bread to keep his hollow legs filled!
We're continuing on with Pride & Perception and now that I've finally realized the rules are somewhat relaxed with the length of your submission, I'm adding on just a little extra to see the scene through. What fun!
We ended the last scene with:
“I assume, as before, no mention will be made that we own
Netherfield?”
“None whatsoever. I’ll not have some young man chase our
daughter for her inheritance. No, we will remain the Bennet’s of Longbourn,
with an estate that is entailed–”
“Mr. Bennet! Have you still not told anyone the entail was broken after Lydia was born?”
Now onto this week's ten lines:
A wry grin spread across Mr. Bennet’s face.
“No, I also don’t want Jane chased for her inheritance. I want our daughters to marry for the same reasons we did, and that means the gentleman who wins their hand in marriage will do so because they love them, unconditionally.”
“Should I be a tad flighty, to test the limits?”
“My love, a little goes a long way, so be careful when and where you spout nonsense. You don’t wish to chase the bird out of the bush before the gun is primed and ready.”
“When I meet the young man, I’ll assess just how silly I have to be. Don’t worry, Mr. Bennet. I have our girl’s best interests at heart.”
“I know you do.”
Continuing:
“I would assume my brother Phillips is taking care of the contract for – Oh! I never asked you his
name.”
“Bingley. Mr. Charles Bingley.”
“Is he a stable young man? I ask because I don’t want our
tenants to fall under the management of someone who would be irresponsible. You
know how gentlemen can be when they have unlimited funds and behave in a
capricious manner.”
“Don’t worry, my dear. Not only will Phillips keep an eye on
him, Lizzy will watch over her tenants with a zeal that would rival a dragon
guarding its treasure.”
Their parents are well-intentioned, but I fear, things will not go as they hope. Great snippet!
ReplyDeleteThe fun will be in how far I let Mrs. Bennet act silly.
DeleteWhat I find most interesting in this this passage is how you've reworked Mrs. Bennett's role and personality.
ReplyDeleteI have always thought that although she was a tad vulgar in her behaviour, she was (in all honesty) no different than the high society mothers peddling their daughters through Almack's and the balls of London. In this scenario, she's had about 10+ years to become better educated and refined.
DeleteLove this interchange! "I forgot to ask his name." Ah to be bothered with such triffles as names.
ReplyDeleteJust another subtle nudge showing she's not concerned with how much he has, but who he is.
DeleteHello, my friend! It's good to see you again! I really loved this line: You don’t wish to chase the bird out of the bush before the gun is primed and ready.” Looking forward to the next snippet! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Hope you're staying safe up there it Ottawa.
DeleteAlways looking forward to your new stories. I love this...Mrs Bennet intentionally being Mrs Bennet.
ReplyDeleteThese two are being very sneaky and devious (Mrs. Bennet feigning flightiness is a delightful touch). I can't wait to meet the daughters!
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying this spin on the original tale. Another great snippet!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun the parents are having. I want to read more.
ReplyDeleteI think that it's wonderful that the parents want their daughters to marry for love rather than money or titles.
ReplyDeleteThese parents are charming, and they clearly love their daughters.
ReplyDeleteOMG, I love that Mrs. Bennet's flightiness is an act to support her daughter. Great interpretation.
ReplyDeleteI love their conversation, how easy they are with each other.
ReplyDeleteThis line is perfect: "You don’t wish to chase the bird out of the bush before the gun is primed and ready.”
Nice!
Great spin on the tale. Look forward to more.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how their daughter would react if she found out her mom's flightiness was just a test for her boyfriend!
ReplyDeleteLove that last line! (About the dragon.)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great line: "Not only will Phillips keep an eye on him, Lizzy will watch over her tenants with a zeal that would rival a dragon guarding its treasure.”
ReplyDelete