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Mr Bingley arrives at Netherfield Park

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary.
At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins.

Sunday, September 27th, 1801

Mama insisted I accompany her to church, (much against my inclination,) but I kept myself amused, by whispering to Kitty, practising a flirtatious glance I have perfected, and watching its effects on the verger. Unhappily, papa happened to look my way just as I had engaged the complete attention of my object, and hissed between clenched teeth, that if I wanted to see any token for my pocket, I had better desist making sheep’s eyes at innocent officers of the church. La! I declare the verger is one of the most handsome men I have ever set eyes on!
There is great excitement in the village because a Mr Bingley has taken the house at Netherfield Park. He is a single man with a large fortune and every maid in the village has him married and fathering her ten children before he has stepped out of his carriage. Indeed, I am most anxious to see him myself, even though I have heard that he is not a soldier, nor officer, nor captain of the guard. My partiality for a soldier is so fixed, that it would take an exceedingly handsome man to capture my heart or my affections, if he had not the added attraction of a scarlet coat!
Sadly, that gentleman will not get his chance to fall in love with me, because papa will not call on him. I am vexed because I overheard my father say, (whilst listening at the keyhole), that we girls are all silly and ignorant, except for his favourite, Lizzy. At least mama has the good sense to know that of all my five sisters, I am the good humoured one! She forgot to add, however, that I am delightful company, that I possess a sparkling wit, and am at present in ravishing good looks. Despite papa's lack of interest, I am not without hope of dancing and balls, as I am sure my mother will strive to bring about an introduction, even if it takes a month to succeed with my father. I cannot wait!

Lydia Bennet