"Mr. Bingley was good-looking and gentlemanlike; he had a pleasant countenance, and easy, unaffected manners. His sisters were fine women, with an air of decided fashion. His brother-in-law, Mr. Hurst, merely looked the gentleman; but his friend Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report, which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having ten thousand a year." - Ch. 3

My question: how do these people, who have never met and likely never even heard of Mr Darcy, all know within five minutes that he has ten thousand a year? Are they speculating? Did someone's servant overhear one of Bingley's servants talking of it? (It seems unlikely that anyone would have come to the assembly armed with this information, as they had the particulars of the party so wrong.) Does Darcy have minions who slip among the crowd, whispering his importance? (Just kidding...though that is an amusing image.)