Pride and Prejudice Mini Ball

"Lizzie!" Kitty gets to you first, grabbing both of your arms before your youngest sister, Lydia. "Please let me borry your blue bonnet. It goes with my dress." She spins you away from Lydia who is trying to wrestle you away from from Kitty. "No, it goes with *my* dress," Lydia whines. Kitty stares at you without blinking. "I know for a fact you aren't planning to wear it because you're wearing your purple gown with the flecks of silver and that bonnet would look *horrible*. Please, can I borrow it?" Lydia has given up on getting your attention and it standing nearby, sulking. "If you don't let me borrow it, you will regret it." Something in her voice gives you a chill. They wait for your answer. What decision will you make? [[Lend the bonnet to Kitty.]] or [[Lend the bonnet to Lydia.]] or [[Tell them both to fuck off.]]

Kitty: 1 -- "You will not regret this," Kitty pulls you even closer. "Thank you, beloved sister." "You're both dead to me," Lydia says, glaring at them both before running off to threaten Jane. Kitty smiles widely at you before climbing the stairs to finish getting ready. [[I changed my mind about who to lend the bonnet to ->Bonnet discussion]] [[Go to the ball->MrCollinsIsANightmare]]

Lydia: 1 -- Lydia looks pleasantly surprised. Kitty pushes you away a little too hard and runs off to acost Jane. "Thank you," Lydia says, cheerfully. In a sing-song voice, she assures you, "your kindness will not be forgotten." She skips off to finish getting ready for the ball. [[I changed my mind about who to lend the bonnet to->Bonnet discussion]] [[Go to the ball->MrCollinsIsANightmare]]

fuckoff:1 -- Lydia flips you off before running off to attack Jane. Kitty follows. "Wait for me! It's not fair if you ask without me there." [[I changed my mind about who to lend the bonnet to->Bonnet discussion]] [[Go to the ball->MrCollinsIsANightmare]]

You head into the ballroom to find a partner. [if HasDancedWithCaroline === 1] You've already danced with Caroline, so you look to see what your other options are. If you don't see anyone else to dance with, [[you decide to leave.->After the Ball]] [else] All of your potential dance partners are open! The music is already playing in full force when you arrive alongside your family. Plenty of people are dancing, but it's early enough that none of your top choices seem committed to any dance partners yet, so you have choices! [continue] [if CarolineMad === 1] As you scan the room, Caroline glares at you from the opposite side of the room. There are still plenty of other options. [else] [continue] Bingley Darcy Charlotte [[Caroline->Dance With Caroline]]

HasDancedWithCaroline: 1 -- You approach Caroline. She still has that smile that feels very likely to be directed at you. "Have you come to try again for Mr. Darcy's attention?" she scrunches her smile into a sympathetic frown you find disengenuine. "No, I believe neither of us want to dance with the other." You see his eye glance over at you ever so slightly. You bow in his direction. He coughs and turns away. "Then what do you want?" Her voice isn't nearly so hostile this time. [["Actually, I came to see if you would like to dance."->Continue Dancing with Caroline]] [[Give up and choose a more pleasant dance partner->Choose a Dance Partner]]

"Oh," is all she says. You wait for a moment, but you begin to worry you weren't clear. "I asked if you would like to dance. With me." You hold your hand out to her. *Has no one ever asked her to dance?* you wonder to yourself. Her face softens, and you think she's about to accept your invitation. Instead, she walks away from you and right outside the door she's been hovering near since she arrived. [[Follow her outside->Caroline Confesses Her Plan]] [[Go back to the most likely less complicated people who answer when you ask them to dance->Choose a Dance Partner]]

CarolineComeback:"" -- "Why are you being so nice to me?" she asks you before you're eyes have adjusted to the dark. "What?" You see her standing cross-armed and leaning against a concrete railing. "I've been as unbearable as I can be, but you are being nice to me anyway." She sighs and then almost thoughtful, she adds, "I think you might have a problem. Has anyone ever told you that you might be a people pleaser?" You've got a really good comeback to say. If you know what it is, put it here:{text input for: 'CarolineComeback', required: false}[[Click here to throw it in her face->Caroline Responds Positively]] Or Storm off. Maybe she's right, and you have a problem. It can be easily solved by going back inside where people at the very least enjoy dancing. [[Go back inside->Choose a Dance Partner]]

CarolineBurn: "" CarolineSympathy: "" HasDancedWithCaroline: 1 -- [if CarolineComeback===""] "How am I the one with the problem?" you ask her. "Why did you even come here? Can't you just pay people to stay away from you?" It feels good releasing your built up rage on someone who probably deserves it, but it's clear on Caroline's face that you've hit a nerve. [else] "{CarolineComeback}" You say it confidently. [continue] She starts to laugh so loud that it's almost a scream. You aren't sure. "Of course it would seem as though I'm rich. I have better clothes than you and live in the most expensive house in this village." You nod. "Yes, that is the definition of rich." "That is such a poor definition of wealth. Or at least short-sighted." She looks sad. "I'm surprised at that, Ms. Elizabeth Bennet. I thought you might understand the wealth that comes in the power of choosing your destiny." You frown at her. "What could you possibly be in need of?" "My home is nicer than yours, but I have the same issue as you." "Which is?" "It isn't mine." You have follow up questions, but at that moment a carriage comes barreling down a side road, stopping suddenly next to the railing where Caroline stands. She hands a letter to whoever is inside. It's gone just as quickly as it appeared. She breaths a relieved sigh. "I absolutely could not miss that appointment. Can I count on your silence on this subject?" You are willing to lie for her: [["Of course. It's none of my business."->Caroline Opens Up]] Or You aren't willing to lie for her: [["No."->Caroline Responds Negatively]]

HasDancedWithCaroline: 1 CarolineMad: 1 -- "Well. I guess that's all there is to say then. Yes?" She says coldly before walking back inside before you have a chance to answer. You guessed this would happen and regret nothing. [[Head back to the ball to find someone else to dance with->Choose a Dance Partner]]

CarolineInvite: 1 -- "Thank you. I don't know what I would do if you'd said no." She laughs nervously. "So. What's the plan?" You wonder how forthcoming she might be now that you are somewhat complicit. "I'm grateful for your kindness and agreeing to keep my secret, but I'm not going to tell you the plan." This doesn't exactly surprise you. Agreeing to silence isn't exactly binding. "But," she says, smiling at you in a much more inviting manner than earlier. "If you would like to come with me, I would be happy to have you." You wait for her to give you any details. "You aren't going to tell me anything? Not even what I should pack?" She smiles again. "Bring whatever you want." "Why are you inviting me?" "Something tells me you are ready for an adventure." She walks by you, pausing when she is standing shoulder to shoulder. "And I am tired of being alone. If you are up for it, be at Netherfield just before the sun rises," she says quietly and then walks inside. [[Return to the Ball->Choose a Dance Partner]]

As she begins her story, you notice that her demeanor would suggest this is a completely different person in front of you. You remain skeptical, but maintain your commitment to hearing her out. "It all started when our father died. Of course the estate went to Charles, but it was specifically to buy an estate for our family. Which includes me." She says this fiercely enough that makes you wonder who said she wasn't. You resist cutting her off. "But last week, he ran off to this middle-of-nowhere village and bought the first place he saw." She groans in frustration. You jump in at this point. [["And that made you mad because the house isn't as grand as you wanted it to be?"->Caroline Reveals her Plan Part2 [["And that made you mad because you hadn't given your approval yet?"->Caroline Reveals her Plan Part2

CarolineInvite: 1 -- "No!" She shouts. "Because I was planning to steal the money." You could almost see the weight of her secret leave her shoulders. This is the first time in this conversation you have truely felt like you might be out of your league. *Is that something she can do?,* you have to ask yourself before asking her directly. "Can you do that?" "Well," she starts to say, "Maybe. I haven't worked out the exact details yet. But I was so close. And now the money's spent." She covers her face with her hands. "So, probably not." "Anyway, if you want to come with me, meet me at Netherfield tomorrow morning before sunrise." [[Return to the Ball->Choose a Dance Partner

NumIntros: HasIntroWithCharlotte + HasIntroWithCaroline -- As usual, your family is arriving late. The time or the location is always the same. You suspect your mother orchestrates this, hoping that by arriving a bit late, suitable bachelors with sting with regret at your initial absence resulting in a prompt and immediate offer of marriage upon your arrival. The reality is less time for dancing. Typically, entering the ballroom gives you this sense of liveliness and excitement at the possibilities of dance partners and general revelry. This feels less like an escape and more like respite. The idea of having to be *pragmatic* gives you hives. You refuse to give into this morbid line of thought just as the night begins. Surely it can wait until morning. You curse Mr. Collins for bringing attention to the fact that you don't have a serious plan for your future. You forget about everything when you see that your friend Charlotte in the sea of people. [[Go find her->Say Hi to Charlotte]] Close by, you notice Mr. Lucas gesturing for you to come to him. [[You still need to meet the new resident->IntroCaroline]] [if NumIntros>0] [[Choose a Dance Partner]] [else] [continue]

HasDancedWithCaroline: 0 CarolineMad: 0 CarolineInvite:0 Lydia: 0 Kitty: 0 fuckoff:0 -- It is an unseasonably warm December morning, the sun is shining, and due to an accident in the kitchen, breakfast is to be the dessert meant for after dinner. Your sole focus is the ball later tonight. You are fully accepting of the good luck this morning because last night was the most horrifying collection of moments of your twenty-three years. Last night just you sat down to dinner and noticed the extra place setting next to you, an estranged cousin who is entailed the Longborn house on the occassion of your father's death appeared with the intent to resolve the ill feelings caused by his future inheritance by proposing to you. You declined of course. This was before you witnessed any of his repellent mannerisms or felt the full brunt of his self-importance. He was requesting you to be a pawn in your mother's scheme to have her daughters married by any means necessary. It was an easy no. Your rejection of Mr. Collins has been the most difficult for your mother. She doesn't understand, and you have no intention to explain your decision. This ball is not all that unusual, but it is the first ball that the new resident of your neighborhood will be attending. The new, single, *rich* resident of your neighborhood. The implications of this information have been talked about for days in your home. You were largely unscathed by the topic, but as you recently learned, that wasn't without consequences. Tonight you and your sisters will be introduced to the gentleman. Specifically, your eldest sister will be introduced. Your mother is predicting their future matrimony with only the information that he has recently bought a house in the neighborhood. But it's a nice day, you had cake for breakfast, and your mother is furious at you for not marrying the most ridiculous man on the planet. Of course Mr. Collins is coming to the ball with your family, and walking is out of the question. You take a much needed moment to feel sorry for yourself. If there is anything you want to add to the wallow session, shout it into this void:{text input for: 'ReaderSecret', required: false} Lydia and Kity approach you in a fuss. For once, you're in the mood for the distraction. [[Ask them what they want->Bonnet discussion]]

As you leave the ball, you consider your night and the conversations you had. Between you and Jane, there will be much to discuss. Even as you make your way home, you feel an uneasiness of things left unsettled. "What's on your mind, Lizzie?" Jane asks you in the carriage on the drive home. Rather than attempt to make your explaination here and now, you deflect in your usual way. "I'm just trying to figure out where Lydia is." At this, your mother nearly launches herself forward as if compelled to answer. "She got a ride with colnel Forster and his wife. She was deep in a conversation and I just couldn't bear to drag her away." At this, she fell back asleep. Your father laughs. "Thanks," you say before turning back to Jane to give her a reassuring smile. Her expression remains unchanged, but she leaves you alone until you arrive home. *** Once at the house, you pause. It's an hour before dawn. "Are you coming inside?" Jane asks, sensing your hesitation. "I have *so* much to tell you." "No, I have some things to think about first." [[Stay where you are->Time to make a choice]] Or "Yes, I think I'm ready to end the day." [[Follow her inside->Ending1]]

You let yourself steep in the early morning, considering what's ahead of you. As if to illustrate this, your breath gathers into a cloud before dissipating. The sun hasn't risen yet, so you have a moment to think about this. [if Lydia===1] Interupting your thoughts, Lydia steps out to join you. "I wasn't expecting you to be up so early. It seemed as if you had quite a time last night." You hadn't thought she was home at all. "Any ball I've been to has been a good time," she jokes. "The unfun ones are the ones unfortunate enough to miss out on my presence." "Fair enough," you say. Maybe it's the prospect of adventure for yourself, but Lydia's silliness is less exhausting even at this early hour. Her face takes on a more serious look. "I wanted to return your bonnet." She hands it to you. "Please don't tell the others yet, but I'm going away." "Away?" you ask louder than you intend. She gestures for you to keep your voice down. "Where could you go? You're barely 15." "If I'd known you would react this way, I would have run away more often." She laughs. You are less inclined to appreciate her jokes now. "Sorry, I know you must be worried." You nod incredulously. "Well don't. I have it all planned out." You have to admit she sounds confident despite her cryptic message. "But, if you could do me a favor." "I am not keeping your secrets." "All I'm asking is that you wait until sunrise." You shake your head. "Well, you don't have much of a choice, do you?" she asks, challenging your commitment. "It's almost the sunrise already, and I will be gone by then." "What do you need from me then? If you have it all planned out?" "Please be careful. I know for a fact there are vampires out here." Before you can ask any follow up questions, a carriage pulls up seemingly out of no where. She is inside and gone before you realize what's happening. [If CarolineInvite === 1] "Where are all these carriages coming from out of nowhere?" You shout after her. [continue] All you can think is *where could Lydia go without any of her things?* [else] The wind highlights the peace of the morning. Other than the chill of the early morning, you feel alone. [continue] The time has come to end this very long day. [if CarolineInvite === 1] You've made your choice. [[Go to Netherfield to meet Caroline->EndingCaroline]] [else] You consider how funny it would have been if Caroline had invited you to join her party, shuddering at the potential exhaustion of it. [continue] If you don't like any of the other options, or don't have any other adventures to go on tonight, [[go inside and talk to Jane->Ending1]]

You follow Jane into the house. She describes her night in great detail, which is mostly her describing Mr. Bingley in great detail. "Oh, Lizzie, I wish you will soon have an adventure like this." You smile at her, happy for her but unsure of what you want. What you do know is that you are content with what you have in front of you. Friends and family who are loving and supportive. "I have an adventure everyday. I'm very happy with where I am." Jane is consumed enough with her own discoveries to not push you on this. You are grateful for where you are, why go anywhere else? There will be another adventure soon enough. You're in no rush. THE END

You manage to walk the few miles to Netherfield before the sun fully rises. Caroline is waiting outside when you arrive. "You walked?" she asks you. "You waited?" You are grateful it hasn't rained recently enough for your shoes to be muddy. You hadn't given this enough thought. "Please, don't worry about your clothes. I packed more than enough for each of us." She finishes loading her final trunk. "I'm honestly surprised you came at all." "Me too," you say. "The way you described this, I thought you were being more secretive. I don't think I was expecting you to take a carriage." "Oh please. My brother barely notices me anyway. And after staring at your sister for over half the night, I'm even further out of his mind. It'll be another week before he gives me a second thought." "A week?" She nods, opening the door for you. "That's how long we have to complete this heist. Get in and I will give you the details." THE END

HasIntroWithCaroline: 1 -- Mr. Bingley and his sister stand in a corner, attempting to distinguish themselves by standing completely still and looking as disagreeable as possible. Mr. Lucas introduces you and Jane without acknowledging the scowl forming on Caroline's face. This is likely due to the emotional event happening on Charles Bingley's face. You look to see if Jane has become the sun as his face suggests. She looks the same as before but slightly happier. "And this is Mr. Darcy," Mr. Lucas continues without missing a beat. You stifle a laugh, as Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bingley could possibly be the most pitifully elegant people you've ever seen. Standing next to Mr. Bingley, beacon of pure joy, they looked comical. Your character study is cut short by Mr. Lucas with the most egregious betrayal. "Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth is an excellent dance partner. Perhaps Mr. Bingley and Charlotte could join the dance." "No," he says to Mr. Lucas before you get a chance to interject. When he does make eye contact with you, he blushes and adds, "Thank you." Caroline smirks. You assure Mr. Darcy that you should be thanking him for the pleasure of avoiding his company. [[Say something equally rude->Choose a Dance Partner]] You say nothing, what is there to say? Or if you do have something put it in here. {text input for: 'MrDarcyComeback', required: false} [[You don't feel like saying anything->Choose a Dance Partner]]

HasIntroWithCharlotte: 1 -- *Oh thank the heavens*, you think to yourself the moment you see Charlotte. With everyone else, you feel the obligation to attempt civility, but with your best friend, you can speak the truth. "My dear Lizzie, please tell me what is on your mind. I can see that it is full of thoughts." She pulls me in close. "Have you been introduced to the new attendants?" "No, but I hardly need to with their judgemental stares giving me plenty of leeway to judge them myself. What an interesting group of people that have *condescended* to mingle with us." She laughs, giving you a knowing glance. "Your cousin is also very interesting." "*Interesting?* The man is-" you cut yourself off, noticing something in Charlotte's eyes. *Pity*. She is looking out the window behind you, and of course Mr. Collins is standing there, likely detailing to some stranger the intricacies of Rosings. The idea that she could pity such an intensely silly man leaves you uncommonly speechless. "Charlotte! Don't tell me that-" She cuts you off again. "Shh. Come find me later, and I promise tol tell you everything." She pushes you toward Mr. Lucas. "Go, be introduced and then come back, so we can have a serious conversation." Mr. Lucas takes your arm before you have time to protest. [[You don't have any choice but to follow->IntroCaroline]]

The drive to the ball is tense. "Mr. Collins, please don't hold all of us accountable for my daughter's poor manners," your mother says suddenly. "Please, don't worry yourself, dear Mrs. Bennet. If I know one thing-" Mr. Collins is interrupted by your father. [if Lydia === 1] "Lydia, what a beautiful bonnet you have." "Thank you!" She pulls the bonnet around her chin playfully. "Lizzie lent it to me." She leans towards you. "It would seem Lizzie isn't without any manners." Your father winks at you. Your mother swats him with her fan. A pleasant result of your mother's abuse is how increasingly uncomfortable Mr. Collins appears to be. [[Escape the carriage!!->Escape the Carriage]] [else] [continue] [if Kitty === 1] "Kitty, what a beautiful bonnet you have." "Thank you!" She adjusts the ribbons of the bonnet. "Lizzie lent it to me." Lydia huffs under her breath. "It would seem Lizzie isn't without any manners." Your father winks at you. Your mother swats him with her fan. A pleasant result of your mother's abuse is how increasingly uncomfortable Mr. Collins appears to be. [[Escape the carriage!!->Escape the Carriage]] [else] [if fuckoff===1] "Lydia, Kitty, why are you both staring daggers at your sister?" "We asked her to borrow her bonnet *that she isn't even wearing*, and she told us to fuck off!" Lydia says, exasperated. "Lydia!" Mrs. Bennet scolds her daughter. "My apologies, Mrs. Bennet. It would seem you are more than correct--none of our daughters have any manners." The carriage was silent after that, including Mr. Collins and Mrs. Bennet. [[Escape the carriage!!->Escape the Carriage]] [continue]

HasIntroWithCharlotte: 0 HasIntroWithCaroline: 0 -- You escape from the carriage as quickly as possible. "Elizabeth!" You hear Mr. Collins call after you, but he is unable to catch up to you before you make it to the threshold leading into the foyer. A shadow moves in the distance at the side of the building. You pause. It looked like someone ducking around the corner. You are almost certain it was a trick of the light, and if you don't go inside immediately, Mr. Collins will most definitely catch up to you and force conversation on you. Do you want to check it out? [[Absolutely check out the dark corner->Go Investigate the Scary Dark Corner]] No, you didn't get all dressed up to chase shadows. You decide to stick with the original plan which was dance and gossip with your friends. [[Go inside, there are snacks and drinks->Enter the Ballroom]]

What a brave choice! As you round the corner, you peak to see if Mr. Collins is following you. He heads stright into the ball, clearly on a mission. Though it is very dark since the lighting is exclusively focused on the front of the building, you are pleased that you don't have to worry about Mr. Collins likely for the rest of the night. Most people attending a ball don't get all dressed up to lurk around the dirt and the dark. Your eyes adjust in a few minutes allowing you to move further along the outside of the building. Uh oh. This leg of the story is incomplete. [[Go back->Escape the Carriage]]