Vanity and Bias

Chapter 2: The Jokes of Mr. Smith and the Aspirations of Mrs. Smith

As promised, and much to Mrs. Smith's delight, Mr. Smith visited. The very next morning, to Mr. Bingo. He did so in silence, without fanfare or fanfare. slipping away on foot as the housewives were occupied with breakfast. their morning routines and chatter.

He didn't mention it when he got back.

He kept his secret despite the passing of dinner. Mrs. Smith was barely able to control herself. She alternated between nervousness and excitement throughout the day. attempting to determine if he had left and, if so, what had happened.

That evening, as the family assembled in the drawing room, the topiC-as anticipated -turned to Netherfield Park once more.

"I hope, Mr. Smith," Mrs. Smith bluntly remarked, "that you'll be calling on Mr. Bingo.

"I see no occasion for that," Mr. Smith said simply, sitting in his usual chair. You can go with the girls, or even better, send them by themselves. Maybe Mr. Bingo will Enjoy a cup of tea with one of them.

Mrs. Smith exclaimed, "You are so tiresome!" "You are well aware that a man cannot visit someone you don't know without an introduction, especially if they're a young girl. without the presence of a father."

Mr. Smith, obviously enjoying the scene, grinned but remained silent. Jane, ever mild, attempted to shift the topic, but Lydia, full of youthful vigour, insisted that the next ball would undoubtedly feature Mr. Bingo.

Lydia exclaimed, "I'm sure he'll be there, Mama," with excitement. "I'll be the one dancing, too." with him initially!"

Despite her smile, Mrs. Smith scolded, "You'll do no such thing." "You have to allow Jane has the first chance.

Emily gave a playful roll of her eyes. "Perhaps he won't be interested in any of us."

"He must be!" Mrs. Smith exclaimed. "How can a household with five gorgeous daughters function? Could he not be?

Mr. Smith put down his book and made a straight face as he surveyed the room. "1 Finally, he said, "I have good news."

Immediately, four sets of eyes turned to him.

"I've made a discovery' he continued, barely hiding his amusement." Mr. Bingo has already returned my visit. He has committed to going to the ball, and he's the most excited to meet each of you."

It was almost comical how loudly Mrs. Smith gasped. "You've been to see him! Oh, You are such a cunning man, Mr. Smith, and you enjoy torturing me."

"I do" he said mockingly. "It keeps life interesting."

Even the normally quiet Jane started laughing along with the other girls. Emily provided Her father gave her a knowing glance; he had fulfilled their mother's request exactly, but still turned it into a game.

Now positively glowing, Mrs. Smith was unable to stop complimenting her husband. "What How fortunate our girls are to have you as a father! He could fall in love with Jane immediately!"

Lydia added, "Or Lizzy. Or me! "

Mr. Smith grinned and went back to his book, happy with the drama he had stirred and content that he had fulfilled his obligations on his own terms.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Smith was already making marriage predictions, organising dresses, and She was counting down the days until she could address one of her daughters as "Mrs. Bingo."