Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Translated by Asa Montreaux. Ch 1-12
Everyone knows that a single man who has a lot of money must be looking for a wife.
No matter how little is actually known about such a man’s feelings or opinions when he first moves into a neighborhood, this truth is so completely accepted by the surrounding families that they all consider him the rightful property of one of their daughters.
“My dear Mr. Bennet,” his wife said to him one day, “have you heard the news? Netherfield Park is finally rented!”[1][2][3]
Mr. Bennet replied that he had not.
“But it is!” she insisted. “Mrs. Long was just here, and she told me everything.”
Mr. Bennet didn’t answer.
Impatiently, his wife cried, “Don’t you want to know who’s taken it?”
“You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.”
That was all the invitation she needed.
“Well, my dear, you simply must know! Mrs. Long says that Netherfield has been taken by a wealthy young man from the north of England. He came down on Monday in a fancy four-horse carriage to see the place and was so delighted with it that he made a deal with Mr. Morris on the spot. He’s set to move in before late September, and some of his servants will be in the house by the end of next week.”[4][5][6][7]
“What’s his name?”
“Bingley.”
“Is he married or single?”
“Oh, single, my dear, of course! A single man with a huge fortune—four or five thousand a year! What a wonderful thing for our girls!”[8]
“How so? How could it possibly affect them?”
“My dear Mr. Bennet,” his wife replied, “how can you be so aggravating? You must know that I’m thinking of him marrying one of them.”
“Is that his reason for settling here?”
“Reason? Don’t be ridiculous! But it’s very likely he might fall in love with one of them, so you absolutely must visit him as soon as he arrives.”
“I see no need for that. You and the girls can go—or, even better, you could send them by themselves. Since you’re as beautiful as any of them, Mr. Bingley might like you the best of the group.”
“My dear, you flatter me. I certainly had my share of beauty, but I don’t claim to be anything special now. When a woman has five grown daughters, she should stop thinking about her own looks.”
“In those situations, a woman often doesn’t have much beauty left to think about.”
“But, my dear, you really must go and see Mr. Bingley when he moves into the neighborhood.”
“I can’t promise that, I assure you.”
“But think about your daughters! Just imagine what a secure future it would be for one of them. Sir William and Lady Lucas are determined to go for that very reason, and you know they usually don’t visit newcomers. You have to go, because it will be impossible for us to visit him if you don’t.”
“You’re being much too proper, surely. I’m sure Mr. Bingley will be very happy to see you. And I’ll send a little note along with you, giving him my enthusiastic permission to marry whichever of the girls he chooses—though I must put in a good word for my little Lizzy.”
“I demand you do no such thing! Lizzy is not a bit better than the others; and I’m sure she is not half as pretty as Jane, or half as good-natured as Lydia. But you always favor her.”
“None of them have much to recommend them,” he replied. “They are all a bit silly and naive, like most girls their age; but Lizzy has a bit more cleverness than her sisters.”
“Mr. Bennet, how can you talk about your own children that way? You enjoy upsetting me. You have no sympathy for my poor nerves!”
“You misunderstand me, my dear. I have the highest respect for your nerves. They are old friends of mine. I’ve heard you mention them with great concern for at least the last twenty years.”
“Ah, you have no idea what I suffer.”
“But I hope you will get over it, and live to see many more young men with four thousand a year move into the neighborhood.”
“It will do us no good if twenty such men come, since you refuse to visit them.”
“Depend on it, my dear. When there are twenty, I will visit them all.”
Mr. Bennet was such a strange mix of sharp wit, sarcastic humor, aloofness, and whimsy that even twenty-three years of marriage hadn't been enough for his wife to understand his character. Her own mind was much simpler to figure out. She was a woman of simple understanding, little information, and a temper that was hard to predict. When she was unhappy, she imagined she was nervous. The main business of her life was to get her daughters married; her greatest comforts were social visits and gossip.
Mr. Bennet was one of the first people to visit Mr. Bingley. He had planned to go all along, even while he was still teasing his wife by telling her he wouldn't. In fact, she had no idea he had actually gone until that evening.
It all came out while he was watching his second daughter, Lizzy, decorate a hat. He suddenly spoke to her.
MR. BENNET
I hope Mr. Bingley likes it, Lizzy.
MRS. BENNET
(Resentfully)
How would we know what Mr. Bingley likes? We’re not going to visit him, after all.
ELIZABETH
But you forget, Mamma, we’ll see him at the public dances. And Mrs. Long promised she would introduce him.
MRS. BENNET
I don’t believe Mrs. Long will do any such thing. She has two nieces of her own to think about. She’s a selfish, two-faced woman, and I have no respect for her at all.
MR. BENNET
Neither do I. I’m glad to see you’re not counting on her to do you any favors.
Mrs. Bennet didn't bother to reply to that, but she was too worked up to stay quiet. She immediately started scolding one of her other daughters.
MRS. BENNET
For heaven’s sake, Kitty, stop coughing like that! Have a little pity on my nerves. You’re tearing them to shreds!
MR. BENNET
Kitty has no sense of timing with her coughs. She does it at the worst moments.
KITTY
(Irritably)
I’m not coughing for my own amusement! Lizzy, when is your next ball?
ELIZABETH
Two weeks from tomorrow.
MRS. BENNET
That’s right! And Mrs. Long won’t be back until the day before. So it will be impossible for her to introduce him, because she won’t even know him herself.
MR. BENNET
Then, my dear, you’ll have the chance to one-up your friend by introducing Mr. Bingley to her.
MRS. BENNET
Impossible, Mr. Bennet, simply impossible! How can I introduce him when I haven’t met him myself? Why must you be so exasperating?
MR. BENNET
I admire your caution. It’s true, knowing someone for only two weeks isn’t very long. You can’t really know what a man is truly like after such a short time. But if we don’t take the chance, someone else will. After all, Mrs. Long and her nieces have to take their shot. So, since she’ll see it as a great kindness, if you refuse the job, I’ll just have to do it myself.
The girls all stared at their father. Mrs. Bennet just muttered, “Nonsense, nonsense!”
MR. BENNET
What’s the meaning of that passionate outburst? Do you really think the proper forms of introduction are nonsense? I can’t quite agree with you there. What do you say, Mary? You’re a young woman of deep thoughts, I know, always reading important books and taking notes.
Mary wanted to say something very intelligent, but she didn’t know how.
MR. BENNET
(Continuing)
While Mary gathers her thoughts, let’s get back to Mr. Bingley.
MRS. BENNET
I am so sick of Mr. Bingley!
MR. BENNET
I’m sorry to hear that. But why didn’t you tell me sooner? If I had known that this morning, I certainly wouldn’t have called on him. It’s very unfortunate, but since I’ve already paid the visit, we can’t escape the acquaintance now.
The shock on the ladies’ faces was exactly what he had hoped for—Mrs. Bennet’s was perhaps the most extreme. But once the initial burst of joy was over, she started insisting that she knew it would happen all along.
MRS. BENNET
Oh, that was so good of you, my dear Mr. Bennet! I just knew I could persuade you in the end. I was sure you loved your girls too much to pass up such an opportunity. Oh, I am so pleased! And it’s such a funny joke that you went this morning and didn’t say a single word about it until now!
MR. BENNET
Now, Kitty, you can cough as much as you like.
And with that, he left the room, completely worn out by his wife's ecstatic celebration.
MRS. BENNET
(After the door closed)
What an excellent father you have, girls! I don’t know how you’ll ever repay him for his kindness—or me, for that matter. At our age, you know, it’s not exactly pleasant to be making new friends all the time, but for your sakes, we would do anything. Lydia, my love, even though you’re the youngest, I bet Mr. Bingley will dance with you at the next ball.
LYDIA
(Boldly)
Oh, I’m not worried. I may be the youngest, but I’m the tallest!
The rest of the evening was spent wondering how soon Mr. Bingley would return Mr. Bennet’s visit, and deciding when they should invite him over for dinner.
No matter what Mrs. Bennet and her five daughters asked, they couldn't get a satisfying description of Mr. Bingley out of their father. They came at him from every angle—with direct questions, clever guesses, and subtle hints—but he dodged all of their attempts. In the end, they were forced to accept the second-hand information from their neighbor, Lady Lucas.
Her report was glowing. Sir William had been absolutely delighted with him. He was young, incredibly handsome, extremely charming, and—to top it all off—he planned to come to the next public dance with a large group. Nothing could be more exciting! A man who loved to dance was practically guaranteed to fall in love, and their hopes for capturing Mr. Bingley’s heart were running high.
MRS. BENNET
(To her husband)
If I can just see one of my daughters happily married and settled at Netherfield, and all the others just as well-married, I will have nothing left to wish for.
A few days later, Mr. Bingley returned Mr. Bennet’s visit and chatted with him in his library for about ten minutes. He had been hoping to catch a glimpse of the young ladies, whose beauty he had heard so much about, but he only saw the father. The ladies had slightly better luck; from an upstairs window, they were able to confirm that he wore a fine blue coat and rode a handsome black horse.
An invitation to dinner was sent soon after. Mrs. Bennet had already planned an impressive menu that would show off her housekeeping skills when a reply arrived that put a stop to everything. Mr. Bingley had to be in London the next day and was therefore unable to accept their kind invitation. Mrs. Bennet was very annoyed. She couldn’t imagine what business he could possibly have in the city so soon after arriving in Hertfordshire, and she began to worry that he might be one of those men who was always jetting off from one place to another, never settling down at Netherfield like he was supposed to.
Lady Lucas managed to calm her fears a little by suggesting that he had only gone to London to gather a large party for the ball. This was followed by a rumor that Mr. Bingley was bringing twelve ladies and seven gentlemen with him. The Bennet girls were horrified by the thought of so many female rivals, but they were comforted the day before the ball to hear that he had only brought six people with him from London—his five sisters and a cousin.
When his group finally walked into the ballroom, however, it consisted of only five people: Mr. Bingley, his two sisters, his eldest sister’s husband, and another young man.
Mr. Bingley was handsome and acted like a true gentleman; he had a friendly face and an easy, natural way about him. His sisters were elegant women who were clearly very fashionable. His brother-in-law, Mr. Hurst, simply looked the part of a gentleman, but it was his friend, Mr. Darcy, who immediately captured the room's attention with his tall, striking figure, handsome features, and aristocratic bearing. Within five minutes of his arrival, a rumor was flying around the room that he was worth ten thousand a year. The men agreed he was a fine-looking man, and the ladies declared he was much more handsome than even Mr. Bingley. He was admired by everyone for about half the evening, until his behavior created a wave of disapproval that completely ruined his popularity.
Everyone realized he was proud, acted like he was better than everyone else, and was impossible to please. Not even his enormous estate in Derbyshire could save him from having a standoffish, unpleasant expression, and everyone soon decided he wasn't worthy of being compared to his friend.
Mr. Bingley, on the other hand, quickly introduced himself to all the important people in the room. He was lively and open, danced every single dance, was genuinely upset that the ball ended so early, and even talked about hosting his own ball at Netherfield. Such wonderful qualities spoke for themselves. What a stark contrast between him and his friend!
Mr. Darcy danced only once with Mrs. Hurst and once with Miss Bingley. He refused to be introduced to any other lady and spent the rest of the night pacing around the edges of the room, only speaking occasionally to someone from his own party. His character was set in stone. He was the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world, and everyone hoped he would never show his face there again. Among his most vocal critics was Mrs. Bennet, whose general dislike for his attitude was sharpened into personal resentment when he insulted one of her daughters.
Elizabeth Bennet had been forced to sit out two dances because there weren't enough men. During that time, Mr. Darcy was standing close enough for her to overhear a conversation he had with Mr. Bingley, who had stepped away from the dance floor for a moment to try and convince his friend to join in.
BINGLEY
Come on, Darcy, you have to dance. I hate seeing you just standing around by yourself like this. You should be dancing!
DARCY
I certainly will not. You know how much I despise it, unless I know my partner very well. At a chaotic gathering like this, it would be unbearable. Your sisters are busy, and there isn’t another woman in this room who it wouldn’t be a punishment for me to dance with.
BINGLEY
I wouldn’t be as picky as you for a whole kingdom! I swear, I’ve never met so many delightful girls in my life as I have tonight. And, as you can see, several of them are incredibly pretty.
DARCY
(Looking at the eldest Miss Bennet)
You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room.
BINGLEY
Oh, she’s the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen! But look, one of her sisters is sitting down right behind you. She’s very pretty, and I’m sure she’s very nice. Let me ask my partner to introduce you.
DARCY
(Turning to look at Elizabeth for a moment, then catching her eye and coldly looking away)
Which one do you mean? She’s… tolerable. But not pretty enough to tempt me. I’m in no mood right now to pay attention to young ladies who are ignored by other men. You should go back to your partner and enjoy her smiles. You’re wasting your time with me.
Mr. Bingley took his advice and walked away. Mr. Darcy stalked off, and this, of course, did not leave Elizabeth with very warm feelings toward him. Still, she told the story with great amusement to her friends later, because she had a fun-loving, playful personality and loved anything absurd.
Overall, the evening was a pleasant one for the whole family. Mrs. Bennet had seen her eldest daughter, Jane, get a great deal of admiration from the Netherfield party. Mr. Bingley had danced with her twice, and his sisters had paid special attention to her. Jane was just as pleased by this as her mother was, though she showed it more quietly. Elizabeth was happy for Jane. Mary had overheard Miss Bingley refer to her as the most accomplished girl in the area. And Catherine and Lydia had been lucky enough to never be without a dance partner, which was all they really cared about at a ball.
So, they returned in high spirits to their home in the village of Longbourn, where they were the most prominent family. They found Mr. Bennet still awake. When he had a book, he lost all track of time, and tonight he was curious to hear the results of an evening that had been so eagerly anticipated. He was rather hoping that all his wife’s dreams about the newcomer would be crushed, but he soon found out he was about to hear a very different story.
MRS. BENNET
(Bursting into the room)
Oh, my dear Mr. Bennet, we had the most wonderful evening, the most excellent ball! I wish you had been there. Jane was so admired, you’ve never seen anything like it! Everyone was saying how lovely she looked, and Mr. Bingley thought she was absolutely beautiful and danced with her twice! Can you imagine, my dear? He actually danced with her twice, and she was the only person in the room he asked a second time! First, he danced with Miss Lucas. I was so annoyed to see him dance with her, but he didn’t admire her at all—nobody does, you know—and he seemed completely captivated by Jane as she was dancing. So, he asked who she was, got an introduction, and then asked her for the next two dances! Then for the third set of dances he was with Miss King, the fourth with Maria Lucas, the fifth with Jane again, the sixth with Lizzy, and then the Boulanger—
MR. BENNET
(Impatiently)
If he had any sympathy for me, he wouldn’t have danced half as much! For God’s sake, don’t list any more of his partners. If only he had sprained his ankle during the first dance!
MRS. BENNET
(Ignoring him)
Oh, my dear, I am just so delighted with him! He is so incredibly handsome! And his sisters are such charming women. I’ve never seen anything more elegant than their dresses. I’m sure the lace on Mrs. Hurst’s gown—
Here, he interrupted her again. Mr. Bennet refused to hear any descriptions of clothing or finery. So, she was forced to switch to another topic, and she began to tell him, with great bitterness and some exaggeration, about the shocking rudeness of Mr. Darcy.
MRS. BENNET
But I can assure you, Lizzy isn’t missing out on much by not being his type. He is a most disagreeable, horrid man, not worth trying to please at all! So arrogant and conceited, it was unbearable! Strutting here and there, thinking he’s so great! ‘Not handsome enough to dance with,’ indeed! I wish you had been there, my dear, to put him in his place. I absolutely detest the man.
Later, when Jane and Elizabeth were alone, Jane, who had been careful with her praise of Mr. Bingley earlier, finally told her sister just how much she admired him.
JANE
He’s exactly what a young man should be! Intelligent, good-natured, lively... and I’ve never seen such wonderful manners! He’s so relaxed, yet so perfectly polite.
ELIZABETH
He’s also handsome, which a young man should definitely be if he can manage it. That basically makes him perfect.
JANE
I was so flattered when he asked me to dance a second time. I never expected a compliment like that.
ELIZABETH
You didn’t? I expected it for you. But that’s the big difference between us, isn’t it? Compliments always catch you by surprise, but they never surprise me. What could be more natural than him asking you again? He must have noticed you were about five times prettier than any other woman in the room. That wasn’t him being charming; it was just a fact. But yes, he certainly is very pleasant, and I give you my full permission to like him. You’ve certainly liked far more foolish people.
JANE
Oh, Lizzy!
ELIZABETH
You know you’re far too quick to like people in general. You never see a flaw in anyone. In your eyes, the whole world is good and agreeable. I’ve never heard you say a bad word about a single person in your life.
JANE
I try not to be too quick to judge anyone, but I always speak my mind.
ELIZABETH
I know you do, and that’s what makes it so fascinating! For someone with your good sense, you are so genuinely blind to the foolishness of others. Faking that kind of open-mindedness is common enough—you see it everywhere. But to be that generous without any agenda, to see the best in everyone’s character and make it even better, and to say nothing of their flaws... that quality belongs to you alone. And so, you like this man’s sisters, too? Their manners certainly aren’t as good as his.
JANE
Not at first, no. But they are very pleasing women once you start talking to them. Miss Bingley is going to live with her brother and run his household, and I’ll be very surprised if we don’t find a charming neighbor in her.
Elizabeth listened quietly but wasn’t convinced. The sisters’ behavior at the dance had not been designed to win over the crowd. With her sharper observation skills and a less flexible personality than her sister—plus a judgment that wasn't clouded by receiving any personal attention from them—she was not inclined to approve of them.
The truth was, they were very fancy ladies. They could be perfectly friendly when they were in a good mood, and certainly knew how to be charming when they chose to be, but they were ultimately proud and conceited. They were quite attractive, had been educated at one of the top private schools in London, and had a fortune of twenty thousand pounds. They were in the habit of spending more money than they should and socializing with people of high rank. Because of all this, they felt they were completely entitled to think highly of themselves and to look down on others. They came from a respectable family in the north of England—a fact that was more firmly planted in their memories than the fact that their brother’s fortune, and their own, had been made through business.
Mr. Bingley himself had inherited nearly a hundred thousand pounds from his father, who had always intended to buy a country estate but died before he could. Mr. Bingley planned to do the same and had even considered which county to buy in. But now that he had a good house and the freedom that came with it, many who knew his easy-going nature doubted he would ever get around to it. They suspected he might just spend the rest of his days at Netherfield and leave the actual purchasing of an estate to the next generation.
His sisters were very eager for him to own his own property. But even though he was only a renter for now, Miss Bingley was more than happy to be the lady of his house. And Mrs. Hurst, who had married a man with more style than money, was just as willing to treat her brother’s house as her own whenever it was convenient for her. Mr. Bingley had only been an adult for two years when a chance recommendation tempted him to go look at Netherfield House. He looked it over for half an hour, was pleased with the location and the main rooms, was satisfied with the owner’s praise of the property, and immediately rented it.
Despite their very different personalities, there was a strong and steady friendship between him and Darcy. Darcy was fond of Bingley for his easy-going, open, and adaptable nature, even though it was the complete opposite of his own personality, which he seemed perfectly content with. Bingley, in turn, had complete faith in Darcy’s friendship and the highest respect for his judgment. In terms of intelligence, Darcy had the upper hand. Bingley was by no means a fool, but Darcy was clever. He was also, however, arrogant, reserved, and incredibly picky. And his manners, though technically correct, were not at all inviting.
In that regard, his friend had a huge advantage. Bingley was sure to be liked wherever he went; Darcy was constantly offending people.
The way they each talked about the Meryton ball was a perfect example of their differences. BINGLEY had never met more pleasant people or prettier girls in his life. Everyone, he said, had been incredibly kind and attentive to him. There was no stuffiness or formality; he felt like he knew everyone in the room almost immediately. As for Miss Bennet, he couldn’t imagine a more beautiful angel.
DARCY, on the other hand, had seen a collection of people with little beauty and no style. He hadn’t felt the slightest bit of interest in any of them, nor had he received any attention or enjoyment from them. He admitted that Miss Bennet was pretty, but he thought she smiled too much.
Mrs. Hurst and her sister agreed with this critique, but they still admired Jane and liked her. They declared her a "sweet girl" and said they wouldn't mind getting to know her better. And so, Miss Bennet was officially labeled a "sweet girl," and with that seal of approval, their brother felt he had all the permission he needed to think of her however he pleased.
Just a short walk from Longbourn lived a family the Bennets were especially close with. Sir William Lucas used to be a businessman in the local town of Meryton, where he had made a good amount of money and was even knighted after giving a speech to the king during his time as mayor.
The new title, perhaps, went to his head a bit. It made him lose his taste for his business and for living in a small market town. So, he quit both and moved his family to a house about a mile from Meryton, which they called Lucas Lodge from then on. There, free from the hassles of work, he could enjoy thinking about his own importance, and his only job was to be friendly to everyone. And while he was thrilled with his new rank, it didn't make him snobby. In fact, it was just the opposite; he was friendly and attentive to everyone he met. He was a naturally harmless, kind, and helpful man, and his formal introduction to the royal court had simply made him even more polite.
Lady Lucas was a perfectly nice woman, and thankfully not so clever that she couldn't get along with Mrs. Bennet as a neighbor. They had several children. Their eldest daughter, Charlotte, was a smart, sensible woman of about twenty-seven and one of Elizabeth’s closest friends.
Of course, the Lucas girls and the Bennet girls absolutely had to get together to gossip about the ball, so the next morning, Charlotte and her sister came over to Longbourn to share all the details.
MRS. BENNET
(With forced politeness to Charlotte)
You certainly started the evening off well, Charlotte. You were Mr. Bingley’s first choice for a dance partner.
CHARLOTTE
Yes, but he seemed to like his second partner much better.
MRS. BENNET
Oh, you mean Jane, I suppose, because he danced with her twice. I’m sure that seemed like he admired her—and I do rather believe he did! I heard something about it… though I can’t recall exactly what… something involving Mr. Robinson.
CHARLOTTE
Perhaps you mean what I overheard between him and Mr. Robinson? Didn't I mention it? Mr. Robinson asked him how he was enjoying the Meryton dances, and if he didn’t think there were a great many pretty women in the room, and which one he thought was the prettiest. And to that last question, he answered right away, 'Oh, the eldest Miss Bennet, without a doubt. There can’t be two opinions on that.'
MRS. BENNET
My word! Well, that is very clear, isn’t it? That certainly does seem like… but then again, you know, it could all come to nothing.
CHARLOTTE
(To Elizabeth)
My eavesdropping was much more useful than yours, Eliza. Mr. Darcy isn’t nearly as interesting to listen to as his friend, is he? Poor Eliza! To only be considered ‘tolerable.’
MRS. BENNET
I hope you won’t let Lizzy get upset over his rudeness. He’s such a disagreeable man that it would be a complete disaster to be liked by him. Mrs. Long told me last night that he sat next to her for half an hour without saying a single word!
JANE
Are you quite sure, Mamma? Isn’t that a little mistaken? I’m certain I saw Mr. Darcy speaking to her.
MRS. BENNET
Yes, because she finally asked him how he liked Netherfield, and he couldn’t very well not answer her. But she said he seemed very annoyed to be spoken to at all.
JANE
Miss Bingley told me that he never speaks much unless he’s with close friends. With them, she says he’s incredibly charming.
MRS. BENNET
I don’t believe a word of it, my dear. If he was so charming, he would have talked to Mrs. Long. I can guess what happened. Everyone says he is eaten up with pride, and I bet he heard that Mrs. Long doesn’t own her own carriage and had to come to the ball in a hired cab.
MISS LUCAS
I don’t mind that he didn’t talk to Mrs. Long, but I do wish he had danced with Eliza.
MRS. BENNET
(To Elizabeth)
Next time, Lizzy, if I were you, I wouldn’t dance with him.
ELIZABETH
I believe, Mamma, I can safely promise you I will never dance with him.
MISS LUCAS
His pride doesn’t offend me as much as pride usually does, because in his case, there’s a reason for it. You can’t blame a handsome young man with family, fortune, and everything else in his favor for thinking so highly of himself. If I can put it this way, he has a right to be proud.
ELIZABETH
That’s very true. And I could easily forgive his pride, if he hadn’t so viciously insulted mine.
MARY
(Who prided herself on her deep thoughts)
Pride is a very common failing, I believe. From everything I’ve ever read, I’m convinced that it is very common indeed. Human nature is especially prone to it, and there are very few of us who don’t feel a little self-satisfied about some quality we have, whether it’s real or imagined. Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used as if they mean the same thing. A person can be proud without being vain. Pride is more about our opinion of ourselves, whereas vanity is about what we want other people to think of us.
A YOUNG LUCAS BOY
(Who had come with his sisters)
If I were as rich as Mr. Darcy, I wouldn’t care how proud I was! I’d keep a pack of foxhounds and drink a bottle of wine every day!
MRS. BENNET
Then you would be drinking far more than you should! And if I saw you doing it, I would snatch that bottle away from you immediately!
The boy insisted that she would not. She continued to declare that she would, and the argument only ended when their visit did.
The ladies of Longbourn soon paid a formal visit to the ladies of Netherfield, and the visit was returned as expected. Miss Bennet’s pleasant personality started to win over Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. And though they found the Bennet mother to be absolutely unbearable, and the younger sisters not even worth talking to, they expressed a wish to get to know the two oldest sisters better.
Jane was delighted by this attention. But Elizabeth still saw the snobby way they treated everyone else—barely even excluding Jane—and she simply could not like them. Still, she had to admit that their kindness to Jane, such as it was, was valuable, since it was almost certainly because of their brother’s admiration for her.
It was obvious to everyone whenever they met that Mr. Bingley admired Jane. And it was just as obvious to Elizabeth that Jane was starting to give in to the feelings she’d had for him from the very beginning. She was well on her way to being very much in love. But Elizabeth was pleased to think that the rest of the world likely wouldn’t discover it, since Jane combined her deep feelings with a calm personality and a consistently cheerful attitude that would protect her from any nosy gossips. She mentioned this to her friend, Charlotte Lucas.
CHARLOTTE
It might be nice to be able to fool the public like that, but being so guarded can sometimes be a disadvantage. If a woman hides her feelings just as skillfully from the man she likes, she might lose her chance to secure him. It would be poor comfort then to know that the rest of the world is also in the dark. There’s so much gratitude and vanity involved in almost every romance that it’s simply not safe to leave it to chance. We can all start out casually—a slight preference is natural enough—but very few of us have the heart to fall truly in love without some encouragement. Nine times out of ten, a woman is better off showing more affection than she actually feels. Bingley definitely likes your sister, but he may never do more than like her if she doesn’t help him along.
ELIZABETH
But she is helping him, as much as her personality allows! If I can see how much she cares for him, he must be a complete fool not to see it, too.
CHARLOTTE
Remember, Eliza, he doesn’t know Jane’s personality the way you do.
ELIZABETH
But if a woman likes a man and doesn’t try to hide it, he has to find out!
CHARLOTTE
Perhaps, if he sees enough of her. But even though Bingley and Jane see each other fairly often, it’s never for very long. And since they always meet in large, mixed groups, it’s impossible for them to spend every single moment talking to each other. Jane needs to make the most of every half-hour she has his attention. Once she’s sure of him, there will be plenty of time to fall in love as much as she wants.
ELIZABETH
Your plan is a good one, if the only goal is to be well-married. If I were determined to get a rich husband, or any husband at all, I’m sure I’d follow it. But that’s not how Jane feels; she’s not scheming. She isn’t even sure yet how much she likes him, or if it’s even a good idea. She’s only known him for two weeks! She danced with him four times at Meryton, saw him once at his house, and has had dinner in his company four times since. That’s not nearly enough time to truly understand his character.
CHARLOTTE
Not the way you put it. If she had only had dinner with him, she might have only discovered if he has a good appetite. But you have to remember they’ve also spent four evenings together—and four evenings can accomplish a great deal.
ELIZABETH
Yes, these four evenings have allowed them to discover that they both prefer the card game Vingt-un over Commerce. But as for any other important personality traits, I doubt much has been revealed.
CHARLOTTE
Well, I wish Jane success with all my heart. And if she were to marry him tomorrow, I think she’d have just as good a chance at happiness as if she spent a whole year studying his character. Happiness in marriage is purely a matter of chance. Even if a couple knows each other’s personalities perfectly, or are very similar before the wedding, it doesn’t help their happiness in the slightest. They will always grow different enough over time to have their share of problems. It’s better to know as little as possible about the flaws of the person you’re going to spend your life with.
ELIZABETH
You make me laugh, Charlotte, but that’s not good advice. You know it’s not, and you would never live your own life that way.
While she was busy watching Mr. Bingley’s attention to her sister, Elizabeth had no idea that she herself was becoming an object of interest in the eyes of his friend. At first, Mr. Darcy had barely admitted to himself that she was pretty. He had looked at her at the ball with no admiration at all, and the next time they met, he looked at her only to find things to criticize.
But no sooner had he convinced himself and his friends that she hardly had a single attractive feature, he began to realize that the beautiful expression in her dark eyes made her face look incredibly intelligent. This discovery was followed by others that were equally frustrating for him. Though his critical eye had spotted more than one imperfection in her figure, he was forced to admit that she was lean and attractive. And despite his insistence that her manners were not refined enough for the fashionable world, he found himself drawn in by their easy playfulness.
She was completely unaware of any of this. To her, he was just the man who made himself unpleasant wherever he went and who hadn’t thought she was pretty enough to dance with.
He began to want to know more about her, and as a first step, he started paying close attention to her conversations with other people. His listening soon caught her attention. It happened at Sir William Lucas’s house, where a large party was gathered.
SCENE START
INT. LUCAS LODGE - NIGHT
A party is in full swing. ELIZABETH is talking to COLONEL FORSTER. She notices MR. DARCY standing nearby, listening. She moves over to her friend, CHARLOTTE.
ELIZABETH
(Quietly)
What does Mr. Darcy think he’s doing, listening to my conversation with Colonel Forster?
CHARLOTTE
That’s a question only Mr. Darcy can answer.
ELIZABETH
Well, if he does it again, I’m going to let him know I see what he’s up to. He has a very judgmental look in his eye, and if I don’t start by being a little bold myself, I’ll soon become afraid of him.
Just then, MR. DARCY walks toward them, though he doesn't seem to have any intention of speaking. Charlotte dares her friend to bring it up, which, of course, is all the provocation Elizabeth needs. She turns to him.
ELIZABETH
(Playfully)
Don’t you think I expressed myself incredibly well just now, when I was teasing Colonel Forster to host a ball for us in Meryton?
MR. DARCY
With great energy. But it’s a subject that always makes a lady energetic.
ELIZABETH
You’re being harsh on us.
CHARLOTTE
(To Elizabeth)
It will be your turn to be teased soon. I’m going to the piano, Eliza, and you know what that means.
ELIZABETH
You are the strangest kind of friend! Always wanting me to play and sing in front of everyone! If my vanity was musical, you’d be a huge help. But as it is, I’d really rather not perform for people who are probably used to hearing the very best musicians.
Charlotte insists. Elizabeth sighs.
ELIZABETH
Very well. If it must be so, it must.
(She glances at Mr. Darcy)
There’s a fine old saying that I’m sure everyone here is familiar with: ‘Keep your breath to cool your porridge.’ I shall keep mine for my song.
Her performance was pleasant, though certainly not professional. After a song or two, before she could respond to the requests for another, her sister MARY eagerly took her place at the piano. As she was the only plain-looking one in the family, Mary had worked very hard to gain knowledge and accomplishments and was always desperate to show them off.
Mary had neither natural talent nor good taste. And though her vanity made her practice, it also gave her a stuffy, conceited air that would have undermined even a much higher level of skill than she possessed. Elizabeth, with her easy and natural manner, had been much more pleasant to listen to, even though she didn't play half as well. After a long concerto, Mary was happy to finally get some praise by playing lively Scottish and Irish tunes at the request of her younger sisters, who, along with some of the Lucases and a couple of officers, had enthusiastically started dancing at one end of the room.
Mr. Darcy stood near them, silently furious at such a way of spending an evening, which left no room for conversation. He was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn't notice SIR WILLIAM LUCAS was standing next to him, until Sir William spoke.
SIR WILLIAM LUCAS
What a charming activity for young people this is, Mr. Darcy! There’s nothing like dancing, after all. I consider it one of the finest activities of a truly polished society.
MR. DARCY
Certainly, sir. And it also has the advantage of being popular among the less polished societies of the world. Every savage can dance.
Sir William just smiled. After a pause, seeing Mr. Bingley join the dancing, he continued.
SIR WILLIAM LUCAS
Your friend is a delightful dancer. And I have no doubt that you are an expert yourself, Mr. Darcy.
MR. DARCY
I believe you saw me dance at Meryton, sir.
SIR WILLIAM LUCAS
Yes, indeed, and it was a great pleasure to watch! Do you often dance at St. James’s Palace?
MR. DARCY
Never, sir.
SIR WILLIAM LUCAS
Don’t you think it would be a proper show of respect to the place?
MR. DARCY
It’s a compliment I never pay to any place, if I can help it.
SIR WILLIAM LUCAS
I assume you have a house in London?
Mr. Darcy bowed.
SIR WILLIAM LUCAS
I once thought about moving to the city myself, as I’m fond of high society. But I wasn’t quite sure the London air would agree with Lady Lucas.
He paused, hoping for a reply, but Darcy wasn't going to give him one. At that moment, Elizabeth happened to walk toward them. Sir William was suddenly struck with the idea of doing something very charming and chivalrous.
SIR WILLIAM LUCAS
(Calling out)
My dear Miss Eliza, why aren’t you dancing? Mr. Darcy, you must allow me to present this young lady to you as a very desirable partner. I’m sure you can’t refuse to dance when faced with so much beauty!
He took her hand and was about to give it to Mr. Darcy—who, though extremely surprised, was not unwilling to take it—when Elizabeth instantly pulled back.
ELIZABETH
(Slightly flustered)
Indeed, sir, I have no intention of dancing. Please don't assume I walked over here to beg for a partner.
Mr. Darcy, with serious politeness, asked for the honor of her hand, but it was no use. Elizabeth was firm, and Sir William’s attempts at persuasion did not change her mind.
SIR WILLIAM LUCAS
You are such an excellent dancer, Miss Eliza, that it’s cruel of you to deny me the happiness of seeing you perform! And though this gentleman generally dislikes dancing, I’m sure he can’t object to indulging us for just one half-hour.
ELIZABETH
(Smiling)
Mr. Darcy is all politeness.
SIR WILLIAM LUCAS
He is indeed! But considering the incentive, my dear Miss Eliza, we can’t be surprised at his willingness. For who would object to such a partner?
Elizabeth gave him a playful look and turned away. Her refusal had not spoiled the gentleman's opinion of her. In fact, he was thinking of her with some satisfaction when MISS BINGLEY approached him.
MISS BINGLEY
I can guess what you’re daydreaming about.
MR. DARCY
I highly doubt it.
MISS BINGLEY
You’re thinking about how unbearable it would be to spend many more evenings like this, with this kind of society. And frankly, I completely agree with you. I’ve never been more annoyed! The blandness, and yet the noise—the absolute nothingness of these people, and yet their unbelievable self-importance! What I would give to hear your brutal opinions of them!
MR. DARCY
Your guess is completely wrong, I assure you. My mind was on something much more pleasant. I was meditating on the great pleasure that a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can provide.
Miss Bingley immediately stared at his face and demanded to know which lady had inspired such a thought. Mr. Darcy replied without a hint of hesitation.
MR. DARCY
Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
MISS BINGLEY
(Stunned)
Miss Elizabeth Bennet! I am utterly shocked. How long has she been such a favorite? And when, pray tell, am I supposed to congratulate you on your engagement?
MR. DARCY
That is exactly the question I expected you to ask. A lady’s imagination is incredibly fast. It jumps from admiration, to love, to marriage in a single moment. I knew you would be congratulating me.
MISS BINGLEY
Well! If you’re so serious about it, I’ll consider the matter settled. You’ll have a charming mother-in-law, that’s for sure. And of course, she’ll be at Pemberley with you all the time.
He listened to her with perfect indifference as she continued to amuse herself this way. And since his calm composure convinced her that there was no real danger, her sharp wit flowed on.
SCENE END
Mr. Bennet’s property consisted almost entirely of an estate that brought in two thousand pounds a year. Unfortunately for his daughters, this estate was entailed, which meant that since he had no sons, it would pass to a distant male relative upon his death. Their mother’s own fortune, while perfectly respectable for her position in life, was not nearly enough to make up for what they would lose. Her father had been a lawyer in Meryton and had left her four thousand pounds.
Mrs. Bennet had a sister who was married to a Mr. Philips—a man who had once been her father’s clerk and had since taken over his law practice. She also had a brother who lived in London, working in a respectable trade.
The village of Longbourn was only a mile from Meryton, a very convenient distance for the young ladies. They were often tempted to go into town three or four times a week to visit their aunt and to browse a hat-maker's shop just across the street.
The two youngest sisters, Catherine and Lydia, were especially frequent visitors. Their minds were less occupied than their sisters’, and when nothing better was going on, a walk to Meryton was essential to entertain them in the mornings and give them something to talk about in the evenings. And no matter how boring the countryside might be, they always managed to squeeze some news out of their aunt.
Lately, however, they had an endless supply of both news and happiness, thanks to the recent arrival of a militia regiment in the neighborhood. They were set to stay for the entire winter, with Meryton serving as their headquarters.
Now, their visits to Mrs. Philips yielded the most interesting gossip. Every day, they learned something new about the officers’ names and their family connections. Soon they knew where all the officers were staying, and eventually, they began to meet the officers themselves. Mr. Philips visited all of them, which opened up a source of happiness for his nieces that they had never known before. They could talk of nothing but officers. Even Mr. Bingley’s huge fortune, which so excited their mother, seemed worthless in their eyes when compared to the dashing red uniform of a junior officer.
One morning, after listening to them gush on about the subject, Mr. Bennet coolly remarked:
MR. BENNET
From everything I can gather from this conversation, you must be two of the silliest girls in the entire country. I’ve suspected it for some time, but now I’m convinced.
Catherine was embarrassed and didn’t answer. But Lydia, with perfect indifference, kept right on expressing her admiration for a certain Captain Carter and her hope of seeing him today, since he was leaving for London tomorrow.
MRS. BENNET
I’m shocked, my dear, that you’re so quick to call your own children silly! If I were going to think poorly of anyone’s children, it certainly wouldn’t be my own.
MR. BENNET
If my children are silly, I hope I’m always aware of it.
MRS. BENNET
Yes, but as it happens, they are all very clever.
MR. BENNET
This is the only point, I believe, on which we don’t agree. I had hoped we saw eye-to-eye on everything, but I must disagree with you here and say that I find our two youngest daughters to be exceptionally foolish.
MRS. BENNET
My dear Mr. Bennet, you can’t expect girls their age to have the sense of their father and mother! When they get to be our age, I’m sure they won’t think about officers any more than we do. I remember a time when I quite liked a man in a red coat myself—and to be honest, I still do! And if a handsome young colonel with five or six thousand a year wanted to marry one of my girls, I certainly wouldn’t say no. In fact, I thought Colonel Forster looked very dashing the other night at Sir William’s in his uniform.
LYDIA
Mamma! My aunt says that Colonel Forster and Captain Carter don’t visit the Watson sisters as often as they used to. She sees them standing around in Clarke’s Library all the time now.
Mrs. Bennet was stopped from replying by a footman who entered with a note for Miss Bennet. It was from Netherfield, and the servant was waiting for a reply. Mrs. Bennet’s eyes sparkled with delight.
MRS. BENNET
(Eagerly, as Jane reads)
Well, Jane, who is it from? What is it about? What does he say? Come on, Jane, hurry and tell us! Hurry, my love!
JANE
It’s from Miss Bingley.
She then read it aloud.
My Dearest Friend,
If you don’t have enough pity on us to come and have dinner with Louisa and me today, we are in danger of hating each other for the rest of our lives. A full day of two women talking to each other can never end without a quarrel. Please come as soon as you get this. My brother and the other gentlemen are dining with the officers.
Yours always,
Caroline Bingley
LYDIA
With the officers! I wonder why my aunt didn’t tell us about that.
MRS. BENNET
Dining out… that is very unlucky.
JANE
Can I take the carriage?
MRS. BENNET
No, my dear, you had better go on horseback. It looks like it’s going to rain, and then you’ll have to stay the night.
ELIZABETH
That would be a great plan… if you were sure they wouldn’t offer to send her home in their own carriage.
MRS. BENNET
Oh, but the gentlemen will have taken Mr. Bingley’s carriage to Meryton. And the Hursts don’t have any horses for theirs.
JANE
I’d much rather go in our coach.
MRS. BENNET
But my dear, I’m sure your father can’t spare the horses. They’re needed on the farm. Mr. Bennet, aren’t they?
MR. BENNET
They are needed on the farm far more often than I can actually get them.
ELIZABETH
But if you have managed to get them today, then my mother’s plan will work.
Finally, she managed to get her father to admit that the horses were, in fact, already busy. So, Jane had to go on horseback. Her mother saw her off at the door with many cheerful predictions of a terrible storm.
Her hopes were answered. Jane hadn’t been gone long before it began to rain hard. Her sisters were worried for her, but her mother was delighted. The rain poured down the entire evening without stopping. Jane certainly wasn't coming back.
“This was a lucky idea of mine, indeed!” Mrs. Bennet said more than once, as if she deserved all the credit for making it rain.
It wasn’t until the next morning, however, that she realized the full success of her scheme. Breakfast was barely over when a servant from Netherfield arrived with the following note for Elizabeth:
My Dearest Lizzy,
I’m feeling very unwell this morning, which I suppose is from getting soaked in the rain yesterday. My kind friends here won’t hear of me going home until I’m better. They are also insisting that I see Mr. Jones—so don’t be alarmed if you hear he has visited me. Other than a sore throat and a headache, I am mostly alright.
Yours, etc.
MR. BENNET
(After Elizabeth read the note aloud)
Well, my dear. If your daughter becomes dangerously ill—if she should die—it will be a great comfort to know that it was all in the pursuit of Mr. Bingley, and done under your orders.
MRS. BENNET
Oh, I’m not afraid of her dying. People don’t die from trivial little colds. She’ll be well taken care of. As long as she stays there, everything is fine. I would go and see her myself if I could have the carriage.
Elizabeth, feeling genuinely worried, decided to go to her sister, even though the carriage was unavailable. Since she wasn’t a horsewoman, walking was her only option. She announced her decision.
MRS. BENNET
How can you be so silly? Walking in all this mud! You won’t be fit to be seen when you get there.
ELIZABETH
I’ll be perfectly fit to see Jane—which is all I want.
MR. BENNET
Is that a hint for me to send for the horses, Lizzy?
ELIZABETH
No, indeed. I don’t mind the walk. The distance is nothing when you have a reason to go. It's only three miles. I’ll be back by dinner.
MARY
I admire the energy of your kindness, but every emotional impulse should be guided by reason. In my opinion, one’s effort should always be proportional to what is required.
CATHERINE & LYDIA
We’ll go as far as Meryton with you!
Elizabeth accepted their company, and the three young ladies set off together.
LYDIA
(As they walked)
If we hurry, maybe we can catch a glimpse of Captain Carter before he leaves.
In Meryton, they parted ways. The two youngest headed to the home of one of the officers’ wives, while Elizabeth continued her walk alone. She crossed field after field at a brisk pace, hopping over fences and jumping over puddles with an impatient energy. She finally found herself in sight of the house, with tired ankles, dirty stockings, and a face glowing from the warmth of her exercise.
She was shown into the breakfast parlor, where everyone except Jane was gathered. Her arrival caused quite a stir. The idea that she had walked three miles, by herself, so early in the morning and in such muddy weather was almost unbelievable to Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. Elizabeth was sure they were looking down on her for it.
They received her politely, however. And their brother’s welcome held something better than just politeness—it held genuine good humor and kindness. Mr. Darcy said very little, and Mr. Hurst said nothing at all. Darcy was torn between admiring the healthy glow her exercise had given her skin and doubting whether the situation really justified her coming so far alone. As for Mr. Hurst, he was only thinking about his breakfast.
Her questions about her sister were not answered with good news. Miss Bennet had slept poorly. And though she was awake, she was very feverish and not well enough to leave her room. Elizabeth was glad to be taken to her immediately. Jane, who had only held back from saying in her note how much she wanted such a visit for fear of causing trouble, was thrilled to see her. She wasn’t up for much conversation, however. When Miss Bingley left them alone, all Jane could do was express her gratitude for the extraordinary kindness she was being shown. Elizabeth quietly sat with her and tended to her needs.
After breakfast, the Bingley sisters joined them. Elizabeth started to like them a little more when she saw how much affection and concern they showed for Jane. The local doctor arrived, examined his patient, and said, as expected, that she had caught a bad cold and that they needed to focus on getting her better. He advised her to go back to bed and promised to send some medicine. The advice was followed immediately, as Jane’s fever was getting worse and her head was aching terribly.
Elizabeth never left her room for a moment, and the other ladies were often there as well. Since the gentlemen were out, they really had nothing else to do.
When the clock struck three, Elizabeth knew she had to leave and very reluctantly said so. Miss Bingley offered her their carriage, and she only needed a little encouragement to accept. But just then, Jane showed such sadness at the thought of her leaving that Miss Bingley was forced to change her offer of a ride into an invitation for Elizabeth to stay at Netherfield for the time being. Elizabeth gratefully accepted. A servant was sent to Longbourn to inform the family of her stay and to bring back a supply of her clothes.
At five o'clock, the two ladies went to their rooms to get ready for dinner. At half-past six, a servant called Elizabeth down. When she arrived, she was met with a flood of polite questions about her sister, and she was pleased to notice that Mr. Bingley's concern was far more genuine than anyone else’s.
Unfortunately, she couldn’t give them good news. Jane was not any better.
Upon hearing this, the sisters repeated three or four times how terribly sorry they were, how shocking it was to have a bad cold, and how much they themselves disliked being ill. After performing their little show of sympathy, they promptly forgot all about it. Their indifference when Jane wasn't right in front of them confirmed all of Elizabeth’s initial dislike for them.
Their brother was the only one in the group she could stand. His anxiety for Jane was obvious, and his attention to Elizabeth herself was very kind. It kept her from feeling like the total intruder she was sure the others considered her to be. She received very little notice from anyone but him. Miss Bingley was completely focused on Mr. Darcy, and her sister was nearly as bad. As for Mr. Hurst, who Elizabeth was seated next to, he was a lazy man who lived only to eat, drink, and play cards. Once he discovered she preferred plain food to fancy stews, he decided he had nothing more to say to her.
When dinner was over, Elizabeth went straight back up to Jane’s room. The moment she was gone, Miss Bingley began to tear her apart.
SCENE START
INT. NETHERFIELD DRAWING ROOM - NIGHT
The Bingleys, Mr. Hurst, and Mr. Darcy are seated after dinner.
MISS BINGLEY
Her manners are simply awful! A terrible mix of pride and rudeness. She has nothing to say for herself, no style, no taste... and she's certainly not beautiful.
MRS. HURST
I agree. She has nothing going for her, except that she can walk long distances. I'll never forget how she looked this morning. Absolutely wild!
MISS BINGLEY
She really did, Louisa! I could barely keep a straight face. It was absurd for her to come here at all! Why does she have to go running all over the countryside just because her sister has a cold? Her hair was a complete mess, so windblown!
MRS. HURST
Yes, and her petticoat! I hope you saw her petticoat—six inches deep in mud, I'm absolutely certain of it. And the dress she’d let down to hide it wasn’t doing its job.
BINGLEY
Your description might be accurate, Louisa, but I missed all of it. I thought Miss Elizabeth Bennet looked wonderful when she came in this morning. I didn’t even notice her dirty petticoat.
MISS BINGLEY
I'm sure you noticed it, Mr. Darcy. And I imagine you wouldn't want to see your sister making such a scene.
MR. DARCY
Certainly not.
MISS BINGLEY
To walk three, or four, or five miles—whatever it is—up to her ankles in mud, and alone! Completely alone! What could she have been thinking? It seems to me to show a dreadful sort of conceited independence, a complete country-town ignorance of what is proper!
BINGLEY
It shows an affection for her sister that is very pleasing.
MISS BINGLEY
(In a half-whisper to Darcy)
I’m afraid, Mr. Darcy, that this little adventure might have ruined your admiration of her "fine eyes."
MR. DARCY
Not at all. They were brightened by the exercise.
A short, tense pause follows. Mrs. Hurst starts up again.
MRS. HURST
I have an enormous fondness for Jane Bennet—she’s a truly sweet girl—and I wish with all my heart that she could marry well. But with a father and mother like that, and such low family connections, I’m afraid there’s no chance of it.
MISS BINGLEY
I think I’ve heard you say their uncle is a lawyer in Meryton?
MRS. HURST
Yes, and they have another one, who lives somewhere near Cheapside in London.
MISS BINGLEY
(Laughing)
Oh, that’s just perfect!
The two sisters share a hearty laugh.
BINGLEY
If they had enough uncles to fill all of Cheapside, it wouldn't make them any less charming.
DARCY
But it absolutely lessens their chances of marrying men of any importance.
Bingley didn't have a response to that. But his sisters enthusiastically agreed and continued to entertain themselves for some time at the expense of their dear friend’s common relatives.
With a renewed show of tenderness, however, they went up to Jane’s room after leaving the dining parlor and sat with her until they were called down for coffee. She was still very unwell. Elizabeth refused to leave her side at all until late in the evening when she had the comfort of seeing her finally fall asleep. At that point, it seemed more right than pleasant to go downstairs herself.
When she entered the drawing-room, she found the whole party playing a card game called loo. She was immediately invited to join them, but she suspected they were playing for high stakes, so she declined. Using her sister as an excuse, she said she would entertain herself with a book for the short time she could stay. Mr. Hurst stared at her in astonishment.
HURST
You prefer reading to cards? That’s… odd.
MISS BINGLEY
Miss Eliza Bennet looks down on cards. She’s a great reader and finds no pleasure in anything else.
ELIZABETH
I don't deserve such praise, nor such criticism. I’m not a great reader, and I take pleasure in many things.
BINGLEY
I’m sure you take pleasure in taking care of your sister. And I hope that pleasure will soon be increased by seeing her completely well again.
Elizabeth thanked him from the bottom of her heart and then walked over to a table where a few books were lying. He immediately offered to get her more—anything his library had to offer.
BINGLEY
And I wish my collection were larger, for your sake and for my own reputation! But I’m a lazy fellow. And though I don’t have many books, I have more than I’ve ever actually looked at.
Elizabeth assured him that she could find something perfectly suitable among the books already in the room.
MISS BINGLEY
I’m astonished that my father left such a small collection of books. What a delightful library you have at Pemberley, Mr. Darcy!
MR. DARCY
It ought to be good. It has been the work of many generations.
MISS BINGLEY
And you’ve added so much to it yourself—you’re always buying books!
MR. DARCY
I can’t understand neglecting a family library in this day and age.
MISS BINGLEY
Neglect! I’m sure you neglect nothing that could add to the beauty of that magnificent estate. Charles, when you finally build your house, I hope it’s half as lovely as Pemberley.
BINGLEY
I wish it may be!
MISS BINGLEY
But I would strongly advise you to buy your property in that neighborhood and use Pemberley as a model. There isn’t a finer county in all of England than Derbyshire.
BINGLEY
With all my heart! I’ll buy Pemberley itself, if Darcy will sell it.
MISS BINGLEY
I’m talking about possibilities, Charles.
BINGLEY
Honestly, Caroline, I should think it’s more possible to buy Pemberley than to successfully imitate it.
Elizabeth was so caught up in their conversation that she paid very little attention to her book. Soon, she put it aside completely, moved closer to the card table, and stood between Mr. Bingley and his eldest sister to watch the game.
MISS BINGLEY
Is Miss Darcy much bigger since the spring? Will she be as tall as I am?
MR. DARCY
I think she will. She’s about Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s height now, or perhaps a little taller.
MISS BINGLEY
Oh, how I long to see her again! I’ve never met anyone who delighted me so much. Such a lovely face, such perfect manners, and so incredibly accomplished for her age! Her skill on the piano is exquisite.
BINGLEY
It’s amazing to me how young ladies find the patience to become as accomplished as they all are.
MISS BINGLEY
All young ladies accomplished? My dear Charles, what on earth do you mean?
BINGLEY
Yes, all of them, I think. They all paint tables, decorate screens, and knit purses. I hardly know anyone who can’t do all that. And I’m sure I’ve never heard a young lady mentioned for the first time without being told she was "very accomplished."
MR. DARCY
Your list of common "accomplishments" is, unfortunately, quite accurate. The word is thrown around and applied to many women who have done little more than knit a purse or decorate a screen. But I am very far from agreeing with you about ladies in general. Out of all the women I know, I can’t claim to know more than half a dozen who are truly accomplished.
MISS BINGLEY
Neither can I, I’m sure.
ELIZABETH
Then you must include a great deal in your definition of an "accomplished woman."
MR. DARCY
Yes, I do include a great deal.
MISS BINGLEY
(Jumping in)
Oh, definitely! No one can be considered truly accomplished unless she is far beyond what you normally see. A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and modern languages to even deserve the title. And besides all that, she has to have a certain something in her posture and the way she walks, the tone of her voice, her expressions... otherwise the word is only half-earned.
MR. DARCY
She must have all of that... and she must also add something more substantial: the improvement of her mind through extensive reading.
ELIZABETH
Well, now I’m no longer surprised that you only know six accomplished women. I’m starting to wonder how you know any.
MR. DARCY
Are you so harsh on your own sex that you doubt this is even possible?
ELIZABETH
I have never seen such a woman. I have never seen such talent, and taste, and dedication, and elegance, all combined in one person as you describe.
Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley both cried out against the injustice of her doubt, protesting that they knew many women who fit this description. Just then, Mr. Hurst cut them off, complaining bitterly about their lack of attention to the card game. Since that put an end to all conversation, Elizabeth left the room shortly after.
MISS BINGLEY
(As the door closes)
Elizabeth Bennet is one of those young women who tries to make herself look good to men by putting down her own sex. I'm sure it works on many men, but in my opinion, it’s a cheap trick. A very shabby tactic.
MR. DARCY
(To whom the remark was clearly aimed)
Undoubtedly... there is a shabbiness in all the tricks women sometimes stoop to using to attract men. Anything that resembles cunning is deplorable.
Miss Bingley was not quite satisfied enough with this reply to continue the conversation.
Elizabeth joined them again only to report that her sister was worse and that she could not possibly leave her. Bingley immediately insisted they send for Mr. Jones. His sisters, convinced that no country doctor could possibly be of any help, recommended sending an urgent message to London for one of the top physicians. Elizabeth refused to hear of it, but she was willing to agree to their brother’s more reasonable proposal. It was decided that Mr. Jones would be sent for first thing in the morning if Jane was not clearly better.
Bingley was quite distressed. His sisters declared that they were "miserable." They consoled themselves from their misery, however, by singing duets after supper. Meanwhile, the only relief Bingley could find for his own feelings was to instruct his housekeeper to give every possible attention to the sick young lady and her sister.
Elizabeth spent most of the night in her sister’s room. In the morning, she had the pleasure of sending a reasonably positive answer to the inquiries she received, first from Mr. Bingley through a housemaid, and then a little later from the two elegant ladies themselves.
Despite Jane's improvement, Elizabeth sent a note to Longbourn, asking her mother to come and see Jane for herself and make her own judgment about her condition. The note was sent immediately, and her request was quickly met. Mrs. Bennet, accompanied by her two youngest daughters, arrived at Netherfield soon after the family had finished breakfast.
If she had found Jane in any real danger, Mrs. Bennet would have been truly miserable. But she was satisfied on seeing her that the illness wasn't serious, and she had no desire for a quick recovery, since getting better would probably mean Jane would have to leave Netherfield. So, she refused to even listen to her daughter’s suggestion of being taken home. The doctor, who arrived around the same time, didn’t think it was a good idea either.
After sitting with Jane for a little while, Miss Bingley came in and invited them all into the breakfast parlor. Mrs. Bennet and her three daughters followed.
SCENE START
INT. NETHERFIELD BREAKFAST PARLOR - DAY
BINGLEY meets them as they enter.
BINGLEY
I hope you didn’t find Miss Bennet worse than you expected.
MRS. BENNET
Indeed I did, sir! She is far too ill to be moved. Mr. Jones says we mustn’t even think of moving her. We must impose on your kindness for a little while longer.
BINGLEY
Moved! It’s not to be thought of! My sister, I’m sure, won’t hear of her leaving.
MISS BINGLEY
(With cold politeness)
You can rest assured, madam, that Miss Bennet will receive every possible attention while she stays with us.
Mrs. Bennet gushed with thanks.
MRS. BENNET
I’m sure, if it wasn’t for such good friends, I don’t know what would become of her! She is very ill indeed, and suffering a great deal, though with the greatest patience in the world. That’s always the way with her. She has, without a doubt, the sweetest temper I’ve ever met. I often tell my other girls they’re nothing compared to her. You have a lovely room here, Mr. Bingley, and a charming view over that gravel path. I don’t know a place in the country that can compare to Netherfield. You won’t be thinking of leaving in a hurry, I hope, even though you only have a short lease?
BINGLEY
Whatever I do, I do in a hurry. So if I decided to leave Netherfield, I’d probably be gone in five minutes. For now, however, I consider myself quite settled here.
ELIZABETH
That is exactly what I would have guessed about you.
BINGLEY
(Turning to her)
You’re starting to understand me, are you?
ELIZABETH
Oh, yes. I understand you perfectly.
BINGLEY
I wish I could take that as a compliment, but being so easily seen through, I’m afraid, is rather pathetic.
ELIZABETH
That depends. It doesn’t necessarily mean that a deep, complicated character is any more or less admirable than one like yours.
MRS. BENNET
Lizzy! Remember where you are! Don’t go on in that wild way you’re allowed to at home.
BINGLEY
(Quickly, to Elizabeth)
I didn’t realize you were a student of character. It must be an amusing hobby.
ELIZABETH
Yes, but complicated characters are the most amusing. They at least have that advantage.
MR. DARCY
The country, in general, offers very few subjects for such a study. In a country neighborhood, you move in a very small and unchanging social circle.
ELIZABETH
But people themselves change so much that there is always something new to observe in them.
MRS. BENNET
(Offended by his tone)
Yes, indeed! I assure you there is just as much of that going on in the country as there is in the city!
Everyone was surprised. Darcy, after looking at her for a moment, turned away without a word. Mrs. Bennet, who imagined she had just won a great victory over him, continued her triumphant speech.
MRS. BENNET
I can’t see that London has any great advantage over the country, except for the shops and public places. The country is a great deal more pleasant, isn’t it, Mr. Bingley?
BINGLEY
When I’m in the country, I never want to leave it. And when I’m in the city, it’s pretty much the same. They each have their advantages, and I can be equally happy in either.
MRS. BENNET
Yes, that’s because you have the right attitude. But that gentleman…
(Looking at Darcy)
...seemed to think the country was nothing at all.
ELIZABETH
(Blushing for her mother)
Indeed, Mamma, you’re mistaken. You completely misunderstood Mr. Darcy. He only meant that you don't meet as wide a variety of people in the country as you do in the city, which you must admit is true.
MRS. BENNET
Certainly, my dear, nobody said you did. But as for not meeting many people in this neighborhood, I believe there are few neighborhoods that are larger! I know for a fact that we have dinner with twenty-four different families!
Only his concern for Elizabeth’s feelings allowed Bingley to keep a straight face. His sister was less considerate and shot a very meaningful smile at Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth, desperate to say something to distract her mother, asked if Charlotte Lucas had been to Longbourn since she left.
MRS. BENNET
Yes, she called yesterday with her father. What an agreeable man Sir William is, Mr. Bingley, isn't he? So fashionable! So refined and so easy! He always has something to say to everyone. That is my idea of good breeding. And those people who think they’re so important and never open their mouths have got it all wrong.
ELIZABETH
Did Charlotte stay for dinner?
MRS. BENNET
No, she had to go home. I imagine she was needed to help with the mince pies. For my part, Mr. Bingley, I always keep servants who can do their own work. My daughters are raised differently. But everyone must judge for themselves, and the Lucas girls are a very good sort of girls, I assure you. It’s a pity they aren’t pretty! Not that I think Charlotte is so very plain… but then, she is our particular friend.
BINGLEY
She seems like a very pleasant young woman.
MRS. BENNET
Oh, dear, yes! But you must admit she is very plain. Lady Lucas herself has often said so and has told me how much she envies me Jane’s beauty. I don’t like to boast about my own child, but to be sure, Jane—you don’t often see anyone better looking. It’s what everyone says. I don’t trust my own biased opinion. When she was only fifteen, there was a gentleman at my brother Gardiner’s house in London who was so in love with her that my sister-in-law was sure he would propose before we left. But, well, he didn’t. Perhaps he thought she was too young. He did, however, write some poems about her, and they were very pretty.
ELIZABETH
(Impatiently)
And so his love ended. I imagine many have been cured in the same way. I wonder who first discovered that poetry is so effective at driving away love!
MR. DARCY
I have always considered poetry to be the food of love.
ELIZABETH
Of a fine, strong, healthy love, perhaps. Everything nourishes what is already strong. But if it’s only a slight, fragile sort of interest, I’m convinced that one good sonnet will starve it to death completely.
Darcy only smiled. The general silence that followed made Elizabeth tremble, terrified her mother would expose herself again. She desperately wanted to speak but couldn’t think of anything to say. After a short pause, Mrs. Bennet started thanking Mr. Bingley again for his kindness to Jane, with an apology for also troubling him with Lizzy. Mr. Bingley was genuinely polite in his response and forced his younger sister to be polite as well and say what was required. She played her part, though without much enthusiasm, but Mrs. Bennet was satisfied and soon ordered her carriage.
At this signal, her youngest daughter pushed herself forward. The two girls had been whispering to each other throughout the entire visit, and the result was that the youngest, Lydia, was going to confront Mr. Bingley about the ball he had promised to throw at Netherfield when he first arrived.
Lydia was a strong, well-built girl of fifteen, with a good complexion and a cheerful face. She was a favorite of her mother, whose indulgence had pushed her into society at a young age. She had a very energetic spirit and a natural sort of self-importance, which the attention of the officers—drawn in by her uncle’s good dinners and her own easy manners—had inflated into full-blown confidence. She was, therefore, more than ready to confront Mr. Bingley about the ball. She abruptly reminded him of his promise, adding that it would be the most shameful thing in the world if he didn’t keep it.
His answer to this sudden attack was music to her mother’s ears.
BINGLEY
I am perfectly ready to keep my promise, I assure you. When your sister has recovered, you shall, if you please, name the very day of the ball. But you wouldn't want to be dancing while she is ill, would you?
Lydia declared herself satisfied.
LYDIA
Oh, yes—it would be much better to wait until Jane is well. And by that time, Captain Carter will most likely be back in Meryton. And after you’ve thrown your ball, I’ll insist that they throw one, too. I’ll tell Colonel Forster it will be a complete disgrace if he doesn’t!
Mrs. Bennet and her daughters then left. Elizabeth returned immediately to Jane, leaving the behavior of herself and her relatives to be dissected by the two ladies and Mr. Darcy. The latter, however, could not be persuaded to join in their criticism of her, despite all of Miss Bingley's witty remarks about "fine eyes."
The day passed much like the one before. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley spent a few hours in the morning with Jane, who continued to recover, though slowly. In the evening, Elizabeth once again joined the party in the drawing-room.
This time, however, the card table was nowhere to be seen. Mr. Darcy was busy writing a letter. Miss Bingley was seated near him, practically watching over his shoulder, constantly interrupting him with messages she wanted him to pass on to his sister. Mr. Hurst and Mr. Bingley were playing a card game called piquet, and Mrs. Hurst was watching them.
Elizabeth picked up some needlework and was perfectly entertained just by observing the little drama playing out between Darcy and his companion. The woman's constant stream of compliments—on his handwriting, the straightness of his lines, or the length of his letter—and the complete indifference with which he received them, created a strange and amusing conversation that perfectly matched what Elizabeth already thought of them both.
SCENE START
INT. NETHERFIELD DRAWING ROOM - NIGHT
Elizabeth sits with her needlework, watching MISS BINGLEY fawn over MR. DARCY as he writes.
MISS BINGLEY
How delighted Miss Darcy will be to receive such a letter!
He doesn’t answer.
MISS BINGLEY
You write incredibly fast.
MR. DARCY
You’re mistaken. I write rather slowly.
MISS BINGLEY
How many letters you must have to write in a year! Business letters, too! How awful that must be!
MR. DARCY
It’s fortunate, then, that the task falls to me instead of you.
MISS BINGLEY
Please tell your sister I can’t wait to see her.
MR. DARCY
I have already told her so once, at your request.
MISS BINGLEY
I’m afraid you don’t like your pen. Let me fix it for you. I fix pens remarkably well.
MR. DARCY
Thank you, but I always fix my own.
MISS BINGLEY
How do you manage to write so evenly?
He remains silent.
MISS BINGLEY
Tell your sister I’m delighted to hear she’s improving on the harp! And please let her know that I am absolutely wild about her beautiful little design for a table—I think it’s infinitely better than Miss Grantley’s.
MR. DARCY
Will you allow me to save your enthusiastic praise for my next letter? I don’t have room to do it justice at the moment.
MISS BINGLEY
Oh, it’s no problem. I’ll see her in January. But do you always write such charmingly long letters to her, Mr. Darcy?
MR. DARCY
They are generally long. But whether they are always charming is not for me to say.
MISS BINGLEY
I have a rule that anyone who can write a long letter with ease cannot be a bad writer.
BINGLEY
(From the piquet table)
That won’t work as a compliment for Darcy, Caroline. He doesn’t write with ease. He spends too much time searching for four-syllable words. Don’t you, Darcy?
MR. DARCY
My style of writing is very different from yours.
MISS BINGLEY
Oh, Charles writes in the most careless way imaginable! He leaves out half his words and smudges the rest.
BINGLEY
My ideas flow so quickly that I don’t have time to write them all down. As a result, my letters sometimes convey no ideas at all to the people I send them to.
ELIZABETH
Your humility, Mr. Bingley, makes it impossible to criticize you.
MR. DARCY
Nothing is more deceptive than the appearance of humility. It is often just carelessness about one’s reputation, and sometimes, it’s an indirect way of boasting.
BINGLEY
And which of the two was my little moment of modesty just now?
MR. DARCY
The indirect boast. You are actually proud of your flaws in writing because you think they come from a quickness of thought and a casualness in your work, which, if not respectable, you think is at least interesting. The ability to do something quickly is always highly valued by the person who can do it, often without any regard for how poorly it’s actually done. When you told Mrs. Bennet this morning that if you ever decided to leave Netherfield you’d be gone in five minutes, you meant it as a kind of compliment to yourself. And yet, what is so praiseworthy about a hasty decision that must leave important business unfinished and offers no real advantage to you or anyone else?
BINGLEY
Hey, this is too much! Remembering at night all the foolish things that were said in the morning! And yet, I swear, I believed what I said about myself to be true, and I still believe it. So, at the very least, I wasn’t just pretending to be impulsive to show off for the ladies.
MR. DARCY
I’m sure you believed it. But I’m not at all convinced you would actually leave with such speed. Your actions would be just as dependent on chance as any man I know. If, as you were getting on your horse, a friend were to say, ‘Bingley, you’d better stay until next week,’ you would probably do it. You’d probably not go. And if they said another word, you might stay for a month.
ELIZABETH
By this, you have only proven that Mr. Bingley didn’t do justice to his own character. You have shown him in a much better light than he showed himself.
BINGLEY
I’m extremely pleased that you’ve turned my friend’s criticism into a compliment about my sweet personality! But I’m afraid you’re twisting his words in a way he never intended. He would certainly think better of me if, in that situation, I were to give a firm refusal and ride off as fast as I could.
ELIZABETH
So, Mr. Darcy would consider the recklessness of your original plan to be forgiven by your stubbornness in sticking to it?
BINGLEY
Honestly, I can’t exactly explain it. Darcy will have to speak for himself.
MR. DARCY
You expect me to explain opinions that you choose to call mine, but which I have never actually stated. However, accepting the situation as you’ve described it, you must remember, Miss Bennet, that the friend who is supposedly asking him to stay has merely asked, without offering a single logical reason why he should.
ELIZABETH
So, to give in easily to a friend’s persuasion is not a good quality in your view?
MR. DARCY
To give in without being convinced doesn’t reflect well on the intelligence of either person.
ELIZABETH
It seems to me, Mr. Darcy, that you don’t allow any room for the influence of friendship and affection. Caring for the person making the request would often make someone grant it, without waiting for a logical argument to persuade them. I’m not just talking about the hypothetical situation with Mr. Bingley. We may as well wait until that actually happens before we discuss his behavior. But in general, ordinary cases between friends, where one asks the other to change a plan that isn’t very important, would you think badly of that person for agreeing, without waiting to be argued into it?
MR. DARCY
Before we continue, wouldn’t it be wise to define more precisely the level of importance of the request, as well as the degree of closeness between the two friends?
BINGLEY
(Jumping in)
By all means! Let’s hear all the details—not forgetting their comparative height and size! That will have more weight in the argument than you might think, Miss Bennet. I assure you that if Darcy weren’t such a tall fellow compared to me, I wouldn’t give him half as much respect. I declare, I don’t know a more intimidating sight than Darcy on certain occasions, and in certain places—especially at his own house on a Sunday evening when he has nothing to do.
Mr. Darcy smiled, but Elizabeth thought she could see that he was rather offended, so she suppressed her own laugh. Miss Bingley was furious at the insult to her hero and scolded her brother for talking such nonsense.
MR. DARCY
I see your little game, Bingley. You dislike an argument and want to shut this one down.
BINGLEY
Perhaps I do. Arguments are too much like fights. If you and Miss Bennet would put yours on hold until I’m out of the room, I’d be very grateful. Then you can say whatever you like about me.
ELIZABETH
What you ask is no sacrifice for me. And Mr. Darcy had much better finish his letter.
Mr. Darcy took her advice and did just that.
When the letter was finished, he turned to Miss Bingley and Elizabeth and asked if they would indulge him with some music. Miss Bingley eagerly went to the piano. After politely asking Elizabeth to play first—an offer Elizabeth just as politely and much more sincerely refused—she sat down herself.
Mrs. Hurst sang along with her sister. While they were busy, Elizabeth, who was casually flipping through some music books on the piano, couldn't help but notice how often Mr. Darcy’s eyes were fixed on her. She hardly knew what to make of it. She couldn’t imagine that she was an object of admiration for such a great man, and yet, the idea that he was staring at her because he disliked her was even stranger. In the end, she could only guess that he was watching her because there was something about her that was more wrong and blameworthy, according to his standards, than in any other person in the room. The thought didn’t bother her. She liked him too little to care about his approval.
After playing some Italian songs, Miss Bingley changed the mood with a lively Scottish tune. A few moments later, Mr. Darcy walked over to Elizabeth.
MR. DARCY
Don’t you feel a great urge, Miss Bennet, to seize this opportunity to dance a reel?
She smiled but didn’t answer. He repeated the question, a little surprised by her silence.
ELIZABETH
Oh, I heard you the first time. I just couldn’t immediately decide how to reply. I know you wanted me to say ‘Yes,’ so you could have the pleasure of looking down on my taste. But I always enjoy ruining those kinds of schemes and cheating someone out of their pre-planned contempt. So, I’ve decided to tell you that I have no desire to dance a reel at all. Now, despise me if you dare.
MR. DARCY
Indeed, I do not dare.
Elizabeth, who had half-expected to offend him, was amazed at his charming reply. But there was a mix of sweetness and playfulness in her manner that made it difficult for her to truly offend anyone, and Darcy had never been as enchanted by any woman as he was by her. He truly believed that if it weren’t for her inferior family connections, he would be in some danger of falling for her.
Miss Bingley saw, or suspected, enough to become jealous. Her great anxiety for her dear friend Jane’s recovery was now fueled by her desire to get rid of Elizabeth.
She often tried to provoke Darcy into disliking his guest by talking about their supposed future marriage and planning his "happiness" in such a match.
SCENE START
EXT. NETHERFIELD SHRUBBERY - DAY
The next day. MISS BINGLEY and MR. DARCY are walking together.
MISS BINGLEY
I hope, when this desirable event takes place, you will give your mother-in-law a few hints about the advantages of holding her tongue. And, if you can manage it, to cure the younger girls of running after officers. And, if I may mention such a delicate subject, you should try to curb that little something in your lady... that borders on conceit and rudeness.
MR. DARCY
Have you anything else to suggest for my future domestic happiness?
MISS BINGLEY
Oh, yes! You absolutely must have portraits of your uncle and aunt Philips placed in the gallery at Pemberley. Put them right next to your great-uncle, the judge. They’re in the same profession, you know, just in different... branches. As for a portrait of your Elizabeth, you mustn’t even try. What painter could possibly do justice to those beautiful eyes?
MR. DARCY
It would not be easy, indeed, to capture their expression. But their color and shape, and the eyelashes—so remarkably fine—could be copied.
At that moment, they were met on the path by MRS. HURST and ELIZABETH herself.
MISS BINGLEY
(Flustered, worried they were overheard)
I didn’t know you were planning to walk!
MRS. HURST
You treated us terribly, running away without telling us you were coming out!
She then took Mr. Darcy’s free arm, leaving Elizabeth to walk by herself. The path was only wide enough for three people. Mr. Darcy felt their rudeness and immediately said:
MR. DARCY
This walk isn’t wide enough for our party. We should go into the main avenue.
But Elizabeth, who had no desire to stay with them, laughed and answered:
ELIZABETH
No, no, stay where you are! You are a charmingly arranged group. You look perfect. The picturesque scene would be spoiled by adding a fourth person. Goodbye!
She then ran off happily, enjoying her walk and rejoicing in the hope that she would be home again in a day or two. Jane was already so much better that she was planning to leave her room for a couple of hours that evening.
SCENE END
The day passed much as the one before had. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley spent a few hours in the morning with Jane, who continued to make a slow but steady recovery. In the evening, Elizabeth joined their party in the drawing-room. Jane was well enough to come down, too.
After dinner, Elizabeth went upstairs to her sister and, making sure she was well-protected from the cold, walked with her down to the drawing-room. She was greeted by her two “friends,” Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, with a great show of pleasure. For the hour before the gentlemen came in, Elizabeth had never seen them so pleasant. They had impressive powers of conversation: they could describe a party in vivid detail, tell a funny story about an acquaintance, and gossip about their social circle with great energy.
But the moment the gentlemen entered the room, Jane was no longer their main focus. Miss Bingley’s eyes immediately locked onto Mr. Darcy, and she had something to say to him before he had even taken a few steps into the room.
He, however, walked directly over to Miss Bennet with a polite congratulations on her recovery. Mr. Hurst also gave her a small bow and said he was “very glad.” But the real warmth and enthusiasm came from Mr. Bingley. He was overflowing with joy and attention. He spent the first half-hour fussing over the fire, worried she might feel a chill from the change of rooms. At his suggestion, she moved to the other side of the fireplace to be farther from the door. He then sat down beside her and spoke almost exclusively to her for the rest of the evening.
Elizabeth, busy with her needlework in the opposite corner, watched the entire scene with great delight.
When tea was over, Mr. Hurst tried to convince his sister-in-law to get out the card table, but it was no use. She had received inside information that Mr. Darcy did not want to play cards, and so Mr. Hurst’s request was shot down. She assured him that nobody wanted to play, and the silence from the rest of the group seemed to prove her right. Mr. Hurst, therefore, had nothing left to do but stretch out on a sofa and go to sleep.
Darcy picked up a book. Miss Bingley did the same. Mrs. Hurst busied herself by playing with her bracelets and rings, occasionally joining in her brother’s conversation with Miss Bennet.
Miss Bingley’s attention was less on her own book and more on watching Mr. Darcy’s progress through his. She was constantly asking him a question or peeking at his page. She couldn’t draw him into a real conversation, however; he would simply answer her question and then continue reading.
Finally, completely exhausted by the effort of pretending to be entertained by her own book—which she had only chosen because it was the second volume of the one he was reading—she let out a great yawn.
SCENE START
INT. NETHERFIELD DRAWING ROOM - NIGHT
The group is settled. HURST is asleep. BINGLEY and JANE are talking quietly. DARCY is reading.
MISS BINGLEY
(Loudly, to no one in particular)
How pleasant it is to spend an evening like this! I declare, after all, there is no enjoyment quite like reading! One gets tired of anything else so much sooner than a book. When I have a house of my own, I will be miserable if I don’t have an excellent library.
No one responds. She yawns again, throws her book aside, and scans the room for some other form of entertainment. Hearing her brother mention a ball to Miss Bennet, she turns to him suddenly.
MISS BINGLEY
By the way, Charles, are you really serious about planning a dance at Netherfield? I would advise you, before you decide on it, to ask what the rest of us want. I’m quite sure there are some people here who would find a ball to be more of a punishment than a pleasure.
BINGLEY
If you mean Darcy, he can go to bed before it starts if he wants. But as for the ball, it’s a settled thing. As soon as Nicholls has made enough white soup, I’ll be sending out the invitations.
MISS BINGLEY
I would like balls infinitely better if they were run differently. There’s something unbearably tedious about the usual way they’re done. It would surely be much more sensible if conversation, instead of dancing, was the main event.
BINGLEY
Much more sensible, my dear Caroline, I’m sure. But it wouldn’t be nearly as much like a ball.
Miss Bingley doesn’t answer. Soon after, she gets up and begins to walk around the room. She had an elegant figure and walked gracefully, but Darcy, at whom this performance was aimed, remained stubbornly focused on his book. In a desperate last-ditch effort, she turns to Elizabeth.
MISS BINGLEY
Miss Eliza Bennet, let me persuade you to follow my example and take a walk around the room. I assure you, it’s very refreshing after sitting in one position for so long.
Elizabeth is surprised but agrees immediately. Miss Bingley’s ploy works: Mr. Darcy looks up. He is as intrigued by this sudden attention from her as Elizabeth is, and he unconsciously closes his book. Miss Bingley immediately invites him to join them, but he declines.
MR. DARCY
I can only imagine two reasons for you to choose to walk up and down the room together, and my joining you would interfere with either of them.
Miss Bingley is dying to know what he could possibly mean. She asks Elizabeth if she understands him.
ELIZABETH
Not at all. But you can be sure he means to be critical of us, and our best way of disappointing him will be to ask nothing more about it.
Miss Bingley, however, was incapable of disappointing Mr. Darcy in any way. She insisted he explain his two motives.
MR. DARCY
(As soon as she lets him speak)
I have no objection to explaining. You either chose this activity because you are close friends and have secrets to discuss, or because you are aware that your figures look their best when you are walking. If it’s the first reason, I would be completely in your way. And if it’s the second, I can admire you much better from where I’m sitting by the fire.
MISS BINGLEY
Oh, shocking! I’ve never heard anything so dreadful! How should we punish him for such a speech?
ELIZABETH
Nothing is easier, if you have the desire. We can all tease and punish one another. Tease him—laugh at him. As close as you two are, you must know how to do it.
MISS BINGLEY
But I swear, I do not! Our friendship has not taught me that. Tease someone with his calm personality and his presence of mind? No, no, I feel he would win that battle. And as for laughing, we will not make fools of ourselves by trying to laugh without a reason. Mr. Darcy can feel proud of himself.
ELIZABETH
So, Mr. Darcy is not to be laughed at! That is an uncommon advantage, and I hope it stays that way, because it would be a great loss to me to have many friends like that. I dearly love a good laugh.
MR. DARCY
Miss Bingley has given me more credit than I deserve. The wisest and best of men—and even the wisest and best of their actions—can be made to look ridiculous by someone whose main goal in life is to find a joke in everything.
ELIZABETH
Certainly, there are people like that, but I hope I am not one of them. I hope I never make fun of what is truly wise or good. But foolishness and nonsense, quirks and inconsistencies—those amuse me, I admit, and I laugh at them whenever I can. But I suppose those are things you are completely without.
MR. DARCY
Perhaps that is not possible for anyone. But it has been the study of my life to avoid the weaknesses that often make an intelligent person the subject of ridicule.
ELIZABETH
Such as vanity and pride.
MR. DARCY
Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride—where there is a real superiority of mind—pride will always be kept under control.
Elizabeth turns away to hide a smile.
MISS BINGLEY
Your examination of Mr. Darcy is over, I assume. And pray, what is the result?
ELIZABETH
I am now perfectly convinced that Mr. Darcy has no flaws. He admits it himself, quite openly.
MR. DARCY
No. I have made no such claim. I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, faults of understanding. My temper, however, I cannot guarantee. It is, I believe, too unyielding—certainly too much so for the convenience of the world. I cannot forget the foolishness and flaws of others as quickly as I should, or the offenses they have committed against me. My feelings are not swayed by every little attempt to change them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion, once lost, is lost forever.
ELIZABETH
That is a failing, indeed! Unforgiving resentment is a true shadow on a person's character. But you have chosen your flaw well. I really cannot laugh at it. You are safe from me.
MR. DARCY
I believe that every personality has a tendency toward some particular evil—a natural defect that not even the best education can overcome.
ELIZABETH
And your defect is a tendency to hate everybody.
MR. DARCY
(With a smile)
And yours is to willfully misunderstand them.
MISS BINGLEY
(Tired of being left out)
Please, let’s have a little music. Louisa, you won’t mind if I wake Mr. Hurst, will you?
Her sister didn't object in the slightest. The piano was opened, and Darcy, after a moment's thought, wasn't sorry for the change of subject. He was beginning to feel the danger of paying Elizabeth just a little too much attention.
SCENE END
As they had agreed, Elizabeth wrote to her mother the next morning, asking for the carriage to be sent for them sometime during the day. But Mrs. Bennet, who had been counting on her daughters staying at Netherfield until the following Tuesday—which would round out Jane's visit to a full week—could not bring herself to welcome them home any sooner.
Her reply, therefore, was not the one Elizabeth had hoped for, as she was getting very impatient to go home. Mrs. Bennet sent word that they absolutely could not have the carriage before Tuesday. In a postscript, she added that if Mr. Bingley and his sister pressed them to stay longer, she could manage without them just fine.
But Elizabeth was determined not to stay. In fact, she didn't expect to be asked. On the contrary, she was afraid of being seen as an unwelcome guest who had overstayed her welcome. She urged Jane to ask to borrow Mr. Bingley’s carriage immediately. At last, they agreed to announce their original plan of leaving that morning and make the request.
The news was met with a great show of concern. There were so many pleas for them to stay at least one more day that Jane, in her good nature, gave in. Their departure was delayed until the next morning. Miss Bingley was then sorry she had suggested the delay at all, for her jealousy and dislike of one sister was much stronger than her affection for the other.
The master of the house was genuinely sad to hear they were leaving so soon. He repeatedly tried to persuade Miss Bennet that it wasn’t safe for her yet—that she wasn’t fully recovered—but Jane was firm when she felt she was in the right.
For Mr. Darcy, the news was a welcome relief. Elizabeth had been at Netherfield long enough. She attracted him more than he liked, and Miss Bingley was being rude to her and more irritating than usual to him. He wisely decided to be especially careful not to let any sign of his admiration slip out—nothing that could give her any false hope that she might have a hold on his happiness. He was well aware that if such an idea had already formed in her mind, his behavior over the last day would either confirm it or crush it.
True to his plan, he barely spoke ten words to her the entire day on Saturday. And though at one point they were left alone together for a full half-hour, he stuck to his book with intense focus and refused to even look at her.
On Sunday, after the morning church service, the departure, which was a relief to almost everyone, finally happened. Miss Bingley’s politeness to Elizabeth suddenly increased, as did her affection for Jane. When they parted, after assuring Jane it would always be a pleasure to see her at either Longbourn or Netherfield and embracing her with great tenderness, she even shook Elizabeth's hand.
Elizabeth, for her part, said her goodbyes to the entire group in the best of spirits.
They were not welcomed home very warmly by their mother. Mrs. Bennet was surprised to see them and thought they were wrong to have caused so much trouble by coming home early. She was sure Jane would catch a cold again.
But their father, though brief in his expression of pleasure, was truly glad to see them. He had felt their absence in the family circle. The evening conversations, when everyone was gathered, had lost much of their energy and nearly all of their sense without Jane and Elizabeth.
They found Mary, as usual, deep in her studies of music theory and human nature. She had some new passages from books to share and some new, worn-out moral observations for them to listen to. Catherine and Lydia had news of a very different kind. A lot had happened with the militia regiment since Wednesday: several of the officers had recently had dinner with their uncle; a private had been whipped for misconduct; and there was a rumor that Colonel Forster was about to get married.