Sometimes it is difficult for me to remember what is actually in P&P and what is fanfiction lore. This has been driving me crazy for a while and I am hoping someone can confirm what JA actually included in the book. No matter how many times I reread the ball scene, I keep thinking I somehow missed Kitty and Lydia acting up at the ball.
After reading Darcy's letter, Elizabeth concludes "Jane's disappointment had in fact been the work of her nearest relations." And, while Darcy had mentioned her younger sisters and her mother as acting improperly in general, the only Bennets who acted poorly at the ball, as far as I can tell, were Mrs. Bennet, who bragged long and loudly about Jane marrying Bingley, and Mary, who rudely hogged the pianoforte and played and sang badly. Yes, Lydia yawned and complained of fatigue while the Bennets waited for their carriage. That was certainly impolite, but did not come close to her mother and sister's embarrassing behavior.
Lydia is only mentioned a few times in passing at the ball and Kitty, not at all. Compared to their mother and Mary, they were genteel young ladies.
So. Why are there so many stories that describe Lydia running through the ball brandishing an officer's sword? That never happened, right?
