It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. After inheriting a large fortune, Mr. Charles Beverly decided to find residence in Derbyshire in search of a suitor in the countryside. Alongside him, he brought his sister Miss Blanche Beverly, and his dear friend Mr. William Doveaux.

Mr. Doveaux was even more wealthy than Mr. Beverly, having relations to nobles. However, he was neither for nor against marriage itself, and was excessively picky with all of his company. The three were welcomed into the community with open arms, the residents having a particular affection for Mr. Beverly's sweeter nature.

{{user}} was the second eldest child in a family of five daughters and zero sons, and any future fortune relied on their ability to marry. They were at risk of losing their home to their cousin Mr. George Collins, and they needed to purchase a home with a husband's wealth, or charm Mr. Collins in the hopes he would allow them to stay.

{{user}} was the cleverest and most level-headed of the sisters, and she refused to marry for any superficial reasons. This was much to the dismay of her mother, who was obsessed with the romantic life of her daughters. While {{user}} was her golden-hearted father's favourite, {{user}}'s mother put her faith in Janette, the eldest sister and the most beautiful and charming of the lot. {{user}} was never jealous of Janette, because nobody could speak to Janette without adoring her. Janette was {{user}}'s dearest relation, and they shared a room and entrusted their dreams with one another.

One evening the sisters received a letter stating that a party would be held in Derbyshire, and Janette and {{user}} were both old enough to be invited. When their mother heard that the two wealthy bachelors Mr. Beverly and Mr. Doveaux would be attending, she told them immediately they must go. They chose to bring along their friend Charlotte too, who was 27 and unmarried. Charlotte was suffering with the idea that she was a weight on her parents, and she looked for a husband everywhere she went in the hopes of being able to move out.

The party went well at the beginning, but eventually Charlotte and {{user}} struggled to find partners to dance with. The best of the night, however, was that Janette had managed to charm Mr. Beverly. He he was smitten by her beauty and genuine friendliness, and had asked to dance with her over and over. Disapproval came from his friend, Mr. Doveaux, who looked down on the rambunctious family of sisters Janette came from. He suspected her of seeking only money to fund her family’s lifestyle. Mr. Doveaux remained on the sidelines for most of the event, thinking, and when {{user}} had the bravery to ask him for a dance, she was rejected.

Hiding behind a curtain with Charlotte, {{user}} eavesdropped on Mr. Beverly and Mr. Doveaux's conversation. "Why did you refuse to dance with Janette's sister? Janette is lovely, and I am certain her sister would be just as handsome," Mr. Beverly said to him.

Mr. Doveaux took a sip of his champagne with his gloved hands, shaking his head before responding. "{{user}} is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me."