It is quite common to see the ladies gossiping silently over tea and crumpets the day after a ball. Much is said about those who shone brightly like the sun, as well as those who had seen better days. It is clear that the higher you stand in society, the more well off you are and the more money you have to buy the best dresses. In this volume of fashion police, I, Caroline Bingley, will critique the best and the worst dressed at the ball at Netherfield Park.
Elizabeth Bennet
Let us start with the spotlight stealer. Miss. Elizabeth Bennet, who is stealing a certain Mr. Darcy away from me, showed up today in a simple golden dress with elbow-length, white silk gloves. Her dress was far too plain for such a lavish occasion as a ball, especially since it took place at Netherfield Park, one of the most luxurious estates in this part of the country. But this was all to be expected as her family, the Bennets, make far too little to have dresses made for each ball, unlike myself. Moving onto her hair, Her entire updo resembled a bird nest, complete with twigs growing out of her scalp. Why, I thought I almost hear a bird chirp. I must say that overall I give Miss Elizabeth Bennet a 5, neither too beautiful or too horrid.
Jane Bennet
My dear Jane, oh how Mrs. Hurst and I have missed you. Ha don't be silly, I was just kidding my dear. It's such a relief to have her out of our lives. My brother still seems to be quite smitten with her though. I honestly don't see what he sees in her. She's quite ordinary, and the dress she wore matched her personality. Light pink is very much last season; this year, it's all about the scarlets and the maroons. Similarly, her hair was modest and unadorned. All in all, Miss Jane Bennet deserves a 6 because although her dress is simple and unmemorable, at least reflects who she is.
Mary Bennet
Oh, where do I start with Miss Mary Bennet. She is the least ladylike of all the Bennet sisters. Although she does possess some admirable talents such as her pianoforte skills, she does not resemble a proper lady in the least. The poor child has been afflicted with poor vision, and now has to wear eyeglasses all day long. She does not delight in dancing nor seeking out future husbands. Instead, she keeps to herself and would much rather study the dusty old books than socialize with the ladies. Her dress was very modest and her curls were much too short and tight for my taste. From me, Miss Mary Bennet receives a 2 for not being ladylike enough.
Lydia Bennet
My oh my, if it isn’t Lydia Bennet! She is the wildest of the Bennet sisters indeed! At such a young age of 16, she is already chasing after men, especially the officers. Word has it that she’s already thinking of running off with one of them. We’ll just have to wait and see. As for her attire, her dress was very much expected. It was almost adorable to see such a young girl in an innocent, rose colored dress dance with everyone. Nonetheless, her immaturity became quite obnoxious after some time. For that, I must give her a 4 because her juvenile state is not appropriate for a ball.
Charlotte Lucas
Charlotte is an interesting lady. She keeps to herself and only worries about securing her future. Although she is Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s best friend, she is not even close to being as witty. At the Netherfield Park ball, she wore a simple lavender gown with matching pearl accessories. Her dress resembles something I would wear around the house when I have no visitors. It is too simple for my taste. In addition, her ensemble becomes miserable with her lack of a smile. If only every now and then she would smile a bit, her appearance would be somewhat more pleasant. In regards to her fashion score, I will give her a 4 for being so bland.
Miss Bingley
Last but not least, there's moi. Moi means me in French, for those of you who have never been to the magnificent country of France. I wore only the latest fashions from Paris for the ball at Netherfield Park, as I was obliged to wear the best to represent my brother’s estate. My glamorous scarlet gown shone like the sun, filling up the room with sunlight. I bought the best dress money could buy, which is something no one else could afford. Compared to all the other ladies, I believe I looked the best. Oh, as did my sister, Mrs. Hurst. Being fair to all the other ladies in this volume of fashion police, I think I deserve a 10 out of 10 for my appearance at the ball.
About the Author:
Caroline Bingley is an accomplished young lady, who can sing, dance, and play the pianoforte with skill and precision. She is at the height of fashion, and goes to St. James's court but rarely.