Chapter 4

(Pride and Prejudice chapter 18b)

Her happiness did not last, as it seemed that all of her other family members were determined to embarrass her. At supper her mother talked, with much animation, of nothing else but her expectation that Jane would soon be married to Mr. Bingley. The advantages of such a match were loudly enumerated; the most prominently featured being Mr. Bingley's wealth, and the probability that Jane's marrying so greatly must throw her sisters in the way of other rich men. Elizabeth tried in vain to dampen her mother's enthusiasm, or at least persuade her to express it less audibly, for she perceived that the chief of it was overheard by Mr. Darcy, who sat opposite to them. Her mother only scolded her for being nonsensical.

"What is Mr. Darcy to me, pray, that I should be afraid of him? I am sure we owe him no such particular civility as to be obliged to say nothing he may not like to hear."

"For heaven's sake, madam, speak lower. What advantage can it be for you to offend Mr. Darcy? You will never recommend yourself to his friend by so doing!"

Nothing that she could say, however, had any influence. Her mother would talk of her views in the same intelligible tone. Elizabeth blushed and blushed again with shame and vexation. She could not help frequently glancing her eye at Mr. Darcy, though every glance convinced her of what she dreaded; for though he was not always looking at her mother, she was convinced that his attention was invariably fixed by her. The expression of his face changed gradually from indignant contempt to a composed and steady gravity.

The end of supper brought no reprieve to Elizabeth's mortification, for singingwas talked of, and Mary, ignoring Elizabeth's many significant looks and silent entreaties, determined to exhibit her talents, singing not one, but two songs. Her performance was only ended by her father's interference, in the form of a speech she found almost as regrettable as Mary's singing: "That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit." After this followed Mr. Collins' simultaneously supercilious and self-effacing speech, said at such a volume that it prompted stares and smiles from half the room. She looked in vain to the rest of her family: her father watched with more amusement than anyone else, and her mother did not recognize at all the folly in Mr. Collins speech, but to the contrary commended him for his good sense. She observed with some relief that the entire affaire had escaped the notice of Bingley and Jane. The insolent smiles of his sisters made clear that the ladies had noticed all. To Elizabeth it appeared that, had her family made an agreement to expose themselves as much as they could during the evening, it would have been impossible for them to play their parts with more spirit or finer success.

Not even returning her attention to Jane brought relief, for she saw to her surprise that Jane was dancing with Mr. Darcy. Her mother had also noticed this.

"Why is that disagreeable man dancing with Jane? I'm sure I don't know why he insists on staying here at all. I wish he would stop imposing himself on poor Mr. Bingley, and return to London, and make his friends there put up with all his great pride. Jane wants nothing to do with him. She had much better be dancing with Mr. Bingley."

"Do be reasonable, madam. Mr. Darcy is Mr. Bingley's friend, and you know Jane can not stand up with Mr. Bingley for every dance." But Elizabeth realized with much chagrin that her own thoughts had not been much kinder. Jane smiled serenely. Jane's manners would never allow her to show displeasure in a dance partner, even if her goodness would permit her such uncharitable feelings. It was with an uncomfortable feeling that Elizabeth compared her own actions that evening to those of her dearest sister.

Distracted as she was by these thoughts, she barely noticed the persevering attentions of Mr. Collins. His presence prevented her from dancing for the rest of the evening, but as her preoccupation would hardly be on the steps in any event, it was not a great loss.

The Longbourn party were the last of all the company to depart, and, by a manoeuvre of Mrs. Bennet, had to wait for their carriage a quarter of an hour after everybody else was gone, which gave them time to see how heartily they were wished away by some of the family. Mrs. Hurst and her sister scarcely opened their mouths, except to complain of fatigue, and were evidently impatient to have the house to themselves. They repulsed every attempt of Mrs. Bennet at conversation, and by so doing threw a languor over the whole party, which was very little relieved by the long speeches of Mr. Collins, who was complimenting Mr. Bingley and his sisters on the elegance of their entertainment, and the hospitality and politeness which had marked their behaviour to their guests. Darcy said nothing at all, but occasionally glanced towards the stairs. Elizabeth said no more than Mr. Darcy, and looked frequently to the door, not knowing which gentleman's presence she was more desirous of escaping.. Mr. Bennet, in equal silence, was enjoying the scene. Mary had produced a book, and was studiously reading. Mr. Bingley and Jane were standing together, a little detached from the rest, and talked only to each other. Even Lydia was too much fatigued to utter more than the occasional exclamation of "Lord, how tired I am!" accompanied by a violent yawn.

When at length they arose to take leave, Mrs. Bennet was most pressingly civil in her hope of seeing the whole family soon at Longbourn, and addressed herself especially to Mr. Bingley, to assure him how happy he would make them by eating a family dinner with them at any time, without the ceremony of a formal invitation. Bingley was all grateful pleasure, and he readily engaged for taking the earliest opportunity of waiting on her, after his return from London, whither he was obliged to go the next day for a short time.

Mrs. Bennet was perfectly satisfied, and quitted the house under the delightful persuasion that, allowing for the necessary preparations of settlements, new carriages, and wedding clothes, she should undoubtedly see her daughter settled at Netherfield in the course of three or four months. Of having another daughter married to Mr. Collins, she thought with equal certainty, and with considerable, though not equal, pleasure. Elizabeth was the least dear to her of all her children; and though the man and the match were quite good enough for her, the worth of each was eclipsed by Mr. Bingley and Netherfield.