Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice - Chapters Six & Seven

The ladies of Longbourn soon waited on those of Netherfield.  The visit was soon returned in due form. Miss Bennet's pleasing manners grew on the goodwill of Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley.  Though the mother was found to be intolerable, and the younger sisters not worth speaking to, a wish to acquaint with the two elders was expressed.  Jane was very much pleased, but Elizabeth was not.  She saw superiority in their treatment of everybody, hardly excepting even her sister.  Mr Bingley admired Jane very much whenever they met and this had some effect on his sisters.  Jane was yielding to this and was very much in love with him; but she considered with pleasure that it was not likely to be discovered by others.  However, she mentioned this to her friend Miss Lucas.

"It may perhaps pleasant," said Charlotte, "but it is sometimes a disadvantage, to be so guarded.  If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him.  Bingley likes your sister undoubtedly; but he may never do more than like her, if she does not help him on."

"But she does help him on, as much as nature will allow.  If I can perceive her regard for him, he must be a simpleton."

"Remember, Eliza, that he does not know Jane's disposition as you do."

"But if a woman is partial to a man, and does not endeavour to conceal it, he must find it out.''

"Perhaps he must, if he sees enough of her.  But though Jane and Bingley meet often enough, it is never for many hours together, and they see each other in large mixed parties, they may not be able to talk much.  Jane should therefore make most of the time she can to command his attention.  When she is more secure of him there will be enough there will be leisure for falling in love."

Your plan is good one," said Elizabeth, "when nothing is in question, but the desire of getting married, and of getting a rich husband, I dare say I should adopt it.

But these are not Jane's feelings.  She is not acting by design.  As yet she cannot be certain what she wanted.  She has known him only a fortnight.  She had four dances with him in Meryton; she saw him one morning at his own house, and had since dined with him in company four times.  This is not enough for her to understand his character."

"Not as you represent it.  Had she merely dined with him, she might only have discovered whether he had a good appetite; but you must remember that four evenings have also been spent together - and four evenings may do a great deal."

"Yes; these four evenings have enabled them to ascertain that they both like vingt -un better than commerce, but with respect to any other leading characteristic, I do not imagine that much has been unfolded."

"Well," said Charlotte, "I wish Jane success with all my heart; and if she were married to him tomorrow, she had as good a chance of happiness as if she were to be studying his character for a twelve month.  Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance."

"You make me laugh, Charlotte, but it is not sound.  You know it is not sound, and that you would never act in this way yourself."

While Elizabeth had been observing Mr Bingley's attention to his sister, Mr Darcy had been watching Elizabeth.  He did not think she was pretty.  Though her face was not much attractive her beautiful black eyes were intelligent.  He found her figure to be light and pleasing.  Her manners were not of fashionable world, but there was ease and playfulness.  She was not aware of his observation.  To her he was only a man who made himself agreeable nowhere, and who had not thought her handsome enough to dance with.

Mr Darcy began to take interest in Elizabeth. He wanted to speak to her, and as a step towards it, he attended her conversations with others.  His doing so drew her attention.  It was at Sir William Lucas's where a large party were assembled.

"What does Mr Darcy mean" said she to Charlotte, "by listening my conversation with Colonel Forster?"

"That is a question which Mr Darcy only can answer."

"But if he does it anymore I shall certainly let him know what I feel about him.  He has a very satirical eye, and If I do not begin impertinent myself, I shall soon grow afraid of him."

On his approaching them soon afterwards, though without seeming any intention of speaking, Miss Lucas defied her friend to mention such a subject to him; which immediately provoking Elizabeth to do it, she turned to him and said:

"Did you not think, Mr Darcy, that I expressed myself uncommonly well just now, when I was teasing Colonel Forster to give us a ball at Meryton?"

"With great energy; but it is always a subject which makes a lady energetic."

"You are severe on us."

"It will be her turn soon to be teased," said Miss Lucas.  "I am going to open the instrument, Eliza, and you know what follows."

"You are a strange creature by way of a friend! always wanting me to play and sing before anybody and everybody!  If my vanity had taken a musical turn, you would have been invaluable, but as it is, I would really rather not sit down before those who must be in the habit of hearing the very best performers."

On Miss Lucas persevering, however she added:

"Very well, if it must be so, it must."

And gravely glancing at Mr Darcy, "There is a fine old saying, which everybody here is of course familiar with: 'keep your breath to cool your porridge; and I shall keep mine to swell my song."

Her performance was pleasing, though by no means capital.  After a song or two, she was eagerly succeeded at the instrument by her sister Mary, who worked hard for knowledge and accomplishments, and was impatient for display.

Mary had neither genius not taste; and though vanity had given her application, it had given her likewise a pedantic air and conceited manner.  Elizabeth, easy and unaffected, had been litsened to with much more pleasure, though not playing half so well; and Mary at the end of a long concerto, was glad to purchase praise and gratitude by scotch and Irish airs at the request of her younger sisters, who, with some of the Lucases, and two or three officers, joined eagerly dancing at one end of the room.

Darcy stood near them in silent indignation to the exclusion of all conversation, and was much engrossed by his thoughts.

"What a charming amusement for young people, Mr Darcy!" said Sir William Lucas, "there is nothing like dancing afterall.  I consider it as one of the first refinement of polished society."

"Certainly, sir, it has the advantage also of being in vogue among the less polished societies of the world.  Every savage can dance."

Sir William only smiled. "Your friend performs delightfully," he continued after a pause, on seeing Bingley join the group; "and I doubt not that you are an adept in the science yourself, Mr Darcy."

"You saw me dance at Meryton, I believe, sir."

"Yes, indeed, and received considerable pleasure from the sight. Do you often dance at St James's?"

"Never, sir."

"Do you think it would be a proper compliment to the place?"

"It is a compliment which I never pay to any place if I can avoid it."

"You have a house in town, I conclude?"

Mr Darcy bowed.

"I had once had some thought of fixing in town myself - for I am fond of superior society; but I did not feel quite certain in that the air of London would agree with Lady Lucas."

He paused for an answer, but his companion was not disposed to make any; and Elizabeth at that instant moving towards them, he was struck with the idea of doing a gallant thing, and called out to her:

"My dear Miss Eliza, why are you not dancing? Mr Darcy, you must allow me to present this young lady to you as a very desirable partner.  You cannot refuse to dance, I am sure when so much beauty is before you."

And, taking her hand, he would have given it to Mr Darcy who, though extremely surprised, was not unwilling to receive it, when she instantly drew back, and said with some discomposure to Sir William:

"Indeed, sir, I have not the least intention of dancing.  I entreat you not to suppose that I moved this way in order to beg for a partner."

Mr Darcy with great propriety, requested to be allowed the honour of her hand, but in vain.  Elizabeth was determined; nor did Sir William at all shake her purpose by his persuasion.

"You excel so much in dance, Miss Eliza, that it is cruel to deny me the happiness of seeing you; and though this gentleman dislikes the amusement in general, he can have no objection, I am sure, to oblige us for one half hour.''

"Mr Darcy is politeness," said Elizabeth, smiling.

"He is, indeed; but considering the inducement, my dear Miss Eliza, we cannot wonder at his complaisance - for who would object to such a partner."

Elizabeth looked archly, and turned away.  Her resistance had not injured with the gentleman, and he was thinking of her with some complacency, when this accosted by Miss Bingley.

"I can guess the subject of your reverie."

"I should imagine not."

"You are considering how insupportable it would be to pass many evenings in this matter - in such a society; and indeed I am quite of your opinion.  I was never more annoyed!  The insipidity, and yet the noise - the nothingness, and yet the self importance of all those people!  What would I give to hear your strictures on them!"

" Your conjecture is actually wrong, I assure you.  My mind was more agreeably engaged.  I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow."

Miss Bingley immediately fixed her eyes on his face, and desired he would tell her what lady had the credit of inspiring such reflections.  Mr Darcy replied with great intrepidity:

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet!" repeated Miss Bingley. "I am all astonishment.  How long has she been such a favourite? - and pray, when I am to wish you joy?"

"That is exactly the question which I expected you to ask.  A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment.  I know you would be wishing me joy."

"Nay, if you are serious about it I shall consider the matter is absolutely settled.  You will be having a charming mother-in-law, indeed; and, of course, she will always be at Pemberly with you."

He listened to her with perfect indifference while she chose to entertain herself in this manner; and as his composure convinced her that all was safe, her wit flowed long.

SEVEN

The village of Longbourn was only a mile from Meryton. The daughters used to visit her aunt, who lived in Meryton, two or three times a week. Over the way they also visit the milliner's shop. Catherine and Lydia were particularly frequent in these attentions.  Their minds were vacant than their sisters', and when nothing better offered, a walk to Meryton in the morning was an amusement, and furnish a conversation for the evening; and however bare of news the country in general, they always contrived to learn some from their aunt.  The arrival of militia regiment in the neighborhood was the current news. It was to remain in the whole winter.

Their uncle Mr Phillips visited some members of the regiment, and through him they came to know the officers and their lodgings.  As of late they could talk of nothing, save the officers; and Mr Bingley's large fortune, the mention of which give animation to their mother, was worthless in their eyes.

After listening one morning to their effusions on this subject, Mr Bennet coolly observed:

"From all that I can collect from your talk, you must be two of the silliest girls in the country.  I have suspected it some time, but now I am convinced.

Catherine was disconcerted, and made no answer; but Lydia, with perfect indifference continued to express her admiration of Captain Carter, and her hope of seeing him in the course of the day, as he was going the next morning to London.

"I am astonished, my dear," said Mrs Bennet, "that you should be so ready to think your own children silly.  If I wished to think slightingly of anybody's children, it should not be my own, however."

"If my children are silly, I must hope to be always sensible of it."

"Yes- but it happens, they are all of them very clever."

"I hoped that our sentiments coincided, in every particular, but I must do far differ from you as to think our two youngest daughters uncommonly foolish."

"My dear Bennet, they are very young. When they get to our age, they will not think about officers. If a smart young Colonel with five or six thousand a year should want one of my girls I shall not say no to him; and I thought Colonel Forster looked good the other night at Sir William's in his regimentals."

A footman came with a note to Miss Bennet. It came from Netherfield, and the servant waited for an answer. Mrs Bennet's eyes sparkled with pleasure.  It was an invitation from Caroline Bingley to dine at Netherfield with Mr Bingley, his friends and the officers.

"With officers!" cried Lydia, I wonder my aunt did not tell us of that."

"Dining out," said Mrs Bennet, "that is very lucky."

"Can I have the carriage?" said Jane.

"No, my dear, you had better go on horseback, because it seems likely to rain; and then you must stay all night."

"That would be a good scheme," said Elizabeth, "if you were sure that they would not offer to send her home."

"I had much rather go in the coach."

"But, my dear, your father cannot spare the horse, I am sure.  They are wanted in the farm.  Mr Bennet, are they not?"

Mr Bennet confirmed that they are wanted in the farm urgently.

Jane was therefore obliged to go on horseback.  Jane had not been gone long before it rained hard.  The rain continued the whole evening without intermission.  Jane could not come back.

Next day, a servant from Netherfield brought a note for Elizabeth.  It was from Jane:

My dear Lizzy,

I find myself very unwell this morning because of my getting wet through yesterday.  My kind friends will not hear of my returning till I am better. They insist also on my seeing Jones.  Therefore, do not be alarmed, excepting a sore throat and headache, there is not much matter with me -- Yours, 

"Well, my dear," said Mr Bennet, when Elizabeth had read the note aloud, "If your daughter should have a dangerous fit of illness, it would be a comfort to know that it was all in pursuit of Mr Bingley under your orders."

"Oh! I am not afraid.  She will be taken care of, as long as she stays there.  I would go and see her if I could have the carriage."

Elizabeth, feeling really anxious, was determined to go to her, though the carriage was not available.  As she was no horsewoman, walking was her only alternative.  She declared her resolution.

"How can you be so silly," cried her mother, "as to think of walking, in all this dirt!  You will not be fit to be seen when you get there."

"I shall be very fit to see Jane - which is all I want."

"Is this a hint to me, Lizzy?" said her father, "to send for horses?"

"No, indeed, I do not wish to avoid the walk.  The distance is nothing when one has will; only three miles."

"I admire your benevolence," observed Mary, "but, every impulse should be guided by reason, and exertion should always be in proportion to what is required."

"We will go with you as far as Meryton," said Catherine and Lydia.

Elizabeth accepted their company, and the three young ladies set off together.

"If we make haste," said Lydia, as they walked along, "perhaps we may see something of Captain Carter before he goes."

In Meryton they parted; the two youngest repaired to the lodgings of one of the officers' wives, and Elizabeth continued her walk alone, crossing field after field at a quick pace, jumping over stiles and springing over puddles impatiently and finding herself at last, within the view of the house, weary ankles, dirty stockings, and a face glowing with the warmth of exercise.

She was shown into the breakfast parlour, where all but Jane were assembled, and where her appearance created a great deal of surprise.  That she should have walked three miles so early in the day, in such dirty weather, and by herself, was almost incredible to Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley; and Elizabeth was convinced that they held her in contempt for it.  She was received, however, very politely by them; and in their brother's manners there was something better than politeness; there was good humour and kindness.  Mr Darcy said very little, and Mr Hurst nothing at all.  The former was divided between the admiration of the brilliancy which exercise had given to her complexion, and doubt as to the occasion's justifying her coming so far alone.  The latter was thinking only of his breakfast.

Her inquiries after her sister were not favourably answered.  Miss Bennet had slept ill, and though up, was very feverish, and not well enough to leave her room.  Elizabeth was glad to be taken to her immediately; and Jane, who had only been withheld by the fear of giving alarm or inconvenience from expressing in her note how much she longed for such a visit, was delighted at her entrance. She was not equal, however, to much conversation, and when Miss Bingley left them together, could attempt little besides expressions of gratitude for the extraordinary kindness she was treated with.  Elizabeth silently attended her.

When breakfast was over they were joined by sisters; Elizabeth began to like them herself, when she saw how much affection and solicitude they showed for Jane.  The apothecary came, examined the patient, said, as might be supposed, that she had caught a violent cold, advised her to return to the bed, and promised her some draughts.  The advice was followed readily, for the fever increased, and her head ached acutely.  Elizabeth did not quit the room for a moment; nor were the other ladies often absent; the gentlemen being out, they had, in fact, nothing to do elsewhere.

When the clock struck three, Elizabeth felt that she must go, and very unwillingly said so.  Miss Bingley offered her the carriage, and she only wanted a little pressing to accept, when Jane testified such concern in parting with her, that Miss Bingley was obliged to convert the offer of the chaise to an invitation to remain at Netherfield for the present. Elizabeth most thankfully consented, and a servant was dispatched to Longbourn to acquaint the family with her stay and bring a supply of clothes.