nce upon a time, there was a frog. He lived in Englandish Pond, in an area known as Dirtishire. His home had a name, as all homes do: Pebble Lea. This frog's name was Darcy. Darcy was not a frog with lots of warts. No, he was a cute green frog, with a whitish belly. One day, Darcy was reflecting on his life, and a sadness came over him.

Part II

s he (Darcy) sat there in a self-pitying state, his best friend Binger happened upon him. Binger was a fish, and he always wore a smile. However, when he saw Darcy's long face, he asked him, with some concern, what was wrong.

"I'm going to be two years old soon," answered Darcy. "That's pretty old for a frog, you know, considering we only live for about five years. I've been thinking that I need to find a wife."

Binger was concerned. He knew about the short life of a frog. Most water creature have short lives. There were two creatures living in the pond that really were quite old: an old crab, known as Lady Katie DeBorg, and Colin the eel, a tenant of Lady Katie. Lady Katie was actually Darcy's aunt. Binger had never actually met either of them, but he'd heard about them. Binger decided to help his friend find a wife.

"I know!" he said, grinning. "I'll be moving to a new place near Merrirock, called Lilifield, in the county of Havenshire. You should come. A change of scenery might do you some good, you know. And," he added, "There might even be some frogs in the neighbourhood. My sisters will be moving there, too. Perhaps they may introduce you to some new acquaintances."

Darcy brightened at the idea. He had never explored the area around Merrirock before. This could be a good thing. Darcy agreed.

"Splendid!" cried Binger. "We'll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning. See you then." Binger left, grinning from... well, from fin to fin.

Darcy went home that night and told his sister, his only relative besides his aunt, that he'd be leaving for a while. Georgia was only a tadpole, and she was to stay home with the housekeeper. She pleaded with her brother to let her come with him, but he refused. "You'd better not come. I don't know how big Lilifield is, and Binger's sisters are going to be there too."

"Okay," sighed Georgia. "But don't forget to write me.

The next morning, Darcy was a Binger's place, getting ready to leave. As Darcy was checking his trunk to make sure he had everything, two fish swam over: a barracuda and a carp. Binger looked up and smiled in greeting.

"Darcy," said he. "I'd like you to meet my two sisters, Carol," pointing to the barracuda, "and Louise," pointing to the carp. Carol smiled, and immediately latched on to Darcy, trying to engage him in conversation. As the group still had a few things to do before they left, her efforts were in vain. The four set off towards Merrirock fifteen minutes later.

Part 3

pon their arrival, Darcy made a few excuses to Binger and his sisters, and set off to explore the area of Merrirock, Englandish Pond. As he went, he happened to meet up with the eel named Colin. Colin immediately engaged Darcy in a rather one-sided conversation.

"I've just visited the most wonderful family. Perhaps you know them? Oh, no, you must be new here, I've never seen you before. My name is Colin, and you are? Oh, I'm sure I'll find out your name some time or other." Colin didn't even leave time for Darcy to answer. "As it is, the Bernards are so kind to their cousins, you know. I'm their father's cousin. I'm to inherit their estate of Logbourne when the father passes away. But that is too morbid a topic for a first meeting. The Bernards are such a wonderful family of frogs, kind of like yourself, and they have five charming daughters, and excellent parents. Unfortunately, they have no sons, and..."

During Colin's tirade, Darcy had been staring in disbelief at the amount of words coming out of Colin's mouth. But at the mention of five daughters in a frog family, he perked up. He quickly left Colin's side, not saying a word. Colin remained on the spot and nodded politely as Darcy swam like a mad frog in the direction Colin had come.

Once Darcy came near the Bernard's house, he stopped. What was he doing?! He didn't even know these frogs! Slowly, he turned away. Darcy began to meander around the Bernard's property. As he was swimming, he noticed a frog lounging outside near some beautiful seaweed. Her eyes sparkled. Another frog came out of the house, and Darcy hid himself from their view to watch. He was astonished at himself for eavesdropping, but he couldn't help himself. The second frog made her way toward the first frog, calling, "Lisa!"

The first frog looked up. "Yes, Janet?" Lisa's voice was exquisite, like cream, very smooth. Darcy was mesmerized. Janet came over to her sister's side.

"Mamma wants to speak to you, please," she said.

"Oh, Janet!" cried Lisa. "Colin wants to marry me, I just know it. He's been acting like he's in love with me. I don't want to marry him. He may be the one to inherit Logbourne, but I don't want him just to ensure my own happiness. I want to marry for love."

"Lisa, I'm sure mamma will understand," answered Janet. "But you must go speak with her."

"All right," said Lisa. "I'm going. Tell Marie, Kendra and Lynda that Carlotta will be visiting this evening."

"I will - now go!"

Lisa left Janet and swam into her house. Darcy quietly swam away towards Binger's home. His thoughts were consumed with Lisa. She was the most beautiful frog he had ever seen. He wished to know her and her family better. He went away from the Bernard's house, his heart full of love.

Part 4

he next day, Binger announced that there was to be a party that evening, given in honour of their arrival at Lilifield. The whole of Havenshire had been invited. The party was to be held at the Lush's home, called Lush Lodge. Darcy's thoughts immediately went to Lisa. He was a little nervous about seeing her.

"Darcy," Binger said. "There is a family near here, called the Bernards. They have five daughters. The father came to call this morning, and he seemed very agreeable. Perhaps one of his daughters will suit you."

Darcy decided not to let Binger know where he had gone the previous evening. He answered with a disinterested "Oh?"

"Yes. I'm hoping that we will be introduced to the rest of the family tonight."

Darcy answered with a "Hmm" and excused himself. All he could think of was Lisa. As he wandered around the property of Lilifield, Darcy imagined what the family would be like: all of them very agreeable. Darcy went back to Lilifield with high expectations.

That night when Binger, Darcy, Carol and Louise arrived at Lush Lodge, they could hear the music and the laughter coming from inside. The four went to the door and were shown into the large parlour where many of the guests were gathered. The room went silent upon their entrance, as every one turned to observe the newcomers. Sir Bill Lush made his way over to the four, and welcomed them to his home. Binger smiled.

"Sir Bill. Thank you for having us. We are delighted to be here. There is nothing I like better than a party!"

Darcy looked around the room, trying not to appear too interested. Lisa was nowhere to be found. He spotted an empty window seat, and went to watch for her arrival. As he sat there, he was amazed at the lack of civility he observed in the room. Creatures seemed like they were having a good time, but there was a lack of decorum about their actions that made him want more than anything to leave. He turned his head toward the window, trying to block the rowdy laughter. It was then that he saw her. She was making her way towards the house, arm in arm with Janet, followed by what he presumed to be her other sisters. Another creature caught Darcy's eye. It was that odious Colin, the eel. Darcy saw Lisa look up at the window, and, anxious not to appear like he was watching for her, he turned away and swam slowly towards Binger, who was being introduced to Sir Bill's daughter, Carlotta.

Part 5

he Bernards entered the room, and were greeted cordially by some of the families present. Mr. Bernard was not with his family, and Darcy assumed he did not like coming into society, and sent his family without him.

Darcy wanted desperately to meet Lisa Bernard. But he was contented for the moment to watch her. He was jolted from his solitary reverie when an impudent fish bumped into him, and swam off without excusing himself. Darcy was astonished at the lack of manners in the room. He turned and observed the party guests. His disgust was increasing every moment, as he saw guests drinking and spilling wine all over themselves. The laughter coming out of some mouths was hideous, and they all talked too loud for the occasion. True, it was a party, yet he did not appreciate the lack of discretion displayed in some topics of conversation.

Darcy was again interrupted from his watch by seeing Binger and Sir Bill pass by him. For a lack of anything better to do, he followed. He did not know, however, that Binger was about to be introduced to the Bernards. By the time he realized where they were headed, it was too late to turn around without being seen. Instead, he stopped a little away from the family of fish, and focused his attention on a sculpture. He was close enough, however, to hear the conversation.