All Bets are Off: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (First Impressions) by Alix James

Author:Alix James [James, Alix]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe
Goodreads: 220199768
Publisher: Winsome Wit Publishing
Published: 2025-01-24T00:00:00+00:00

Fifteen

“Five shillings says the Netherfield Ball is held within the week,” Lydia declared. She jingled her small purse triumphantly as Kitty nodded in fervent agreement.

“You are too optimistic,” Mary replied without looking up from her book. “Such matters take time and planning if they are to be done with decorum. We’ve not even seen the invitations. Two weeks, at the very least.”

Mrs. Bennet, who had been inspecting a length of ribbon for her bonnet, snapped her head up. “Nonsense, Mary! Why, Mr. Bingley has been hinting at it for a fortnight or more. Did you not hear him speak of bringing the neighborhood together when he visited last?”

Elizabeth exchanged a glance with Jane, who was carefully folding a piece of embroidery in her lap. “I seem to recall he said no such thing,” Elizabeth said lightly. “Though I would not discourage Mama from placing her own wager. I am sure it would liven up the odds.”

Mrs. Bennet turned a sharp look on her second eldest. “Do not tease, Lizzy. I have every confidence that the ball will be announced soon—and when it is, you must be ready to dance. And do be sure to save a set for Mr. Collins.”

Elizabeth arched a brow. “I was not aware we were taking reservations.”

“Oh, Lizzy!” Lydia interrupted with a loud laugh. “You will not need to save a dance for Mr. Collins. He is so slow, I am sure you could finish two sets before he even finds the floor.”

“That is enough, Lydia,” Jane said gently, though her lips twitched with amusement.

Lydia jangled her coin purse again. “I only said what you all were thinking. Will you place a wager, Lizzy? Surely you have an opinion on the timing of this grand affair. Perhaps you would like to bet on the number of dances Mr. Collins will attempt with you.”

Elizabeth sighed. “If I were to bet, Lydia, I would wager that Mr. Collins will find a way to be intolerably verbose, regardless of the number of dances or the date of the ball.”

Mr. Bennet, seated in the corner with a copy of Don Quixote, chuckled. “A safe wager, indeed. Perhaps he will find himself a Dulcinea at the ball, as well.”

“Stuff and nonsense! He will dance with Lizzy,” Mrs. Bennet sniffed. “Or Mary would do very well, I suppose. I’ll not countenance any foreign tarts coming in and stealing his notice.”

Foreign…? Elizabeth’s mouth dropped open and her gaze drifted to her father, who only chuckled and turned his page without explaining who Dulcinea was. Not that it mattered—her mother had already shifted topics again.

“Of course, it will all depend on Mr. Bingley’s timing,” she said. “An honor to Jane, to be sure, for did he not wait until she was recovered to even speak of it? Mark my words, my dear, this ball will be your moment. He cannot wait forever to declare himself.”

Jane’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink. “Mama, please. It is not certain there will even be a ball.”

“Not certain?” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed.

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