In life, first impressions are everything. As a debutante, the way I present myself to society for the first time, determines the way society will perceive me for the rest of my life. Considering I come from a family of little wealth, I pride myself over my ability to make a strong positive first impression on those of higher social stature.
The same could not be said for the Bennets. I know its my best friend Elizabeth’s family, but the way they all present themselves is distasteful; It’d make any governess cringe! Well, at least Kitty and Lydia’s actions would do so; the way they act causes everyone to think they’re foolish and ditzy. Sadly, it’s not that far from the truth. I partially blame their mother, who even though has wealth and the breeding of a lady, does not act like one. She’s so obsessed with marrying off her daughters, that she introduced them in society well before they were ready. The eldest two daughters, Jane and Lizzy aren’t even courting yet! The scandal!
Luckily, my mother raised me well, to the best of her ability. Between her and my father, they taught me how to behave like an heiress of a fortune 500 company, even though I may only be the offspring of a humble stock trader. They are hoping my socialite talents will attract a man with a fortune, so that I won’t be a burden on them financially any longer.
Recently I had the opportunity to show my social skills at a public gala hosted at the MET. It was a wonderful evening filled with ravishing designer cocktail dresses and exquisite cuisine prepared by the world’s finest chef. There was also dancing and fine art along the walls to look at in case a pair needed a rest.
It’s safe to say it was the social event of the season, especially since the son of the late Vice President of Coca Cola attended with his two sisters.
Since my mother puts it upon herself to be the first person to know every bit of news in the socialite society in order to feel a sense of self-importance, we all knew about his arrival days before when the young Mr. Bingley began moving his belongings into the Trump Palace on 3rd Avenue. That same day, my mother and father were the first to visit and welcome him to the community. Upon returning home that evening, she said said Mr. Bingley’s first name was Charles and that he was handsome, friendly and very wealthy.
Basically, every debutante’s dream.
After meeting him for the first time at the Gala, to Mrs. Bennet, he was the highlight of the event and nothing else in the room mattered. She acknowledged his handsome features and proper etiquette, but really, it was the dollar signs that caught her attention. It’s believed that he earns around $300,000 a year due to real estate investments.
Like Mrs. Bennet, I thought in terms of money when I had the honor to dance the first dance with him. As we swayed across the floor, I hatched a plan to make him mine. Yet, it was no use. His eyes kept drifting outward and scanned the room for his next eligible partner. It didn’t matter that I was of high pedigree or low in comparison to him; he was just like all the others who didn’t find me attractive.
Luckily the young man also brought another eligible bachelor, Mr. Darcy, the son of the late CEO of Amazon. It’s rumored that he soon will take his father’s place as chair of the board and make over $600,000 a year. Unlucky for me however, is that he is completely intolerable and everyone at the Gala thought so too. He’s shy, judgmental and rude. Yet, I could look past all that for that yearly sum and holiday bonus that could buy me a nice house in the Hamptons for the summer.
Too bad he didn't give me the time of day. Instead, he spent the night complaining about how the young ladies didn’t meet up to par with his desires in a wife.
Maybe first impressions aren't based on behavior.
Maybe it’s pure physical appearance.
What do you think?
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