Vanity and Bias

Chapter 1: A Wealthy Bachelor Shows Up

The universally accepted fact is that a single individual with a good Fortune must be lacking a spouse.

The ladies of Hertfordshire were quick to believe that, anyway. The Netherfield Park, one of the best estates in the world, was announced to After the space was eventually rented, rumours spread like wildfire among all the tea tables in the county.

Within the modest but dignified Smith family home, Longbourn House, Mrs. Smith was so excited that she was practically glowing.

She cried, "My dear Mr. Smith," and rushed into the living room where her Have you heard that Netherfield Park is for sale? said the husband, holding a book. finally?"

Mr. Smith continued reading without raising his head. He had a quiet sense of sarcasm and dry wit, used to his wife's enthusiasm about marriage-related issues. "T have not listened," he stated calmly.

She went on, panting, "But it is" "Mrs. Long told me she was just here." everything! The house has been taken by a wealthy young man from the north of England. -he arrived on Monday with a sizable entourage in a carriage and four. "How wonderful for our girls!"

Mr. Smith, who was still absorbed in his book, arched an eyebrow. "Is he Are you married or not?

She said, "Single, of coursel." "A young man with a lot of money—four or five a year! Just consider it, sweetheart! He must be looking for a wife, and you must go see him right now!"

With a slight smile on his lips, Mr. Smith finally put his book down. "Why must I go see him?"

"How can you be so annoying, my love? You have to understand that it is absolutely essential. We cannot get to know him if you don't go see him, and if we don't know How can our daughters possibly get to know him? He could end up falling in love with love with one of them.

"You overestimate my influence, my dear. Perhaps he will fall in love with you instead," Mr Smith said, leaning back in his chair with a laugh.

Smith, Mrs., sneered. "I'm not thinking about myself, that's for sure. I'm thinking about our daughters. Lydia is only fifteen, and Jane is almost twenty-three and stunning. However, she is vibrant and full of life. He would definitely like Emily. You are aware that she is equally as intelligent as she is attractive.

Emily was his favourite of the five daughters, and Mr. Smith nodded knowingly. "Lizzy has a quick mind," he said, adding, "I see no reason why she shouldn't charm the young man-assuming he has the good sense to appreciate her."

With her hands trembling with anticipation, Mrs. Smith was now pacing. "Oh, you always prefer Lizzy to the others, but that doesn't matter; what matters is that you go. and make a promise to me that you will call on Mr. Bingo.

As he spoke, Mr. Smith stood up and stretched a little. "l suppose Imust. But only due to your insistence."

Mrs. Smith's eyes widened and she froze. "You have already made plans to come." "Have you not?"

Mr. Smith was deceived by his smirk. "Perhaps l have."

For once, she exclaimed, "Oh, Mr. Smith!" "How good you are! | knew you cared more than you let on."

"You mistake me, my dear," he caustically retorted. "I just take pleasure in listening to you talk. I've never encountered someone who can express their nervousness with such regularity and fervour."

Despite huffing, Mrs. Smith couldn't help but smile. "You do love to tease me."

"Indeed I do."

Though he rarely expressed it, Mr. Smith cared deeply for his daughters, and if this Mr. Bingo was as promising as he seemed, perhaps this unexpected arrival would start something meaningful. As she hurried off to tell the girls the good news, Mr. Smith quietly returned to his book, satisfied.

They had no idea that the arrival of a single wealthy bachelor would mark the start of Much more than courtship, it would arouse feelings, undermine pride, and cause biases in ways they couldn't have predicted.