P&P The Untold Stories: Denny at the Netherfield Ball

The Netherfield Ball, as seen by Lt. Denny

November 26, 1811

LIEUTENANT DENNY, IMMACULATE IN HIS NUMBER ONE UNIFORM, paid his respects to his hosts, Mr. and Miss Bingley, before following Captain Carter into the main room of Netherfield. At his shoulder were his comrades, Pratt and Chamberlayne. His friends were looking for diversion, something that Denny sought as well, but he had a task to perform.

“Ah,” said Pratt, “Carter is making for the card room.”

“All the better to avoid Miss Watson,”...