Pride and Prejudice Part 2

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There's no pressure or big resolutions, just small achievable steps at your own pace. If eligible, treatment is delivered discreetly with support from UK-registered clinicians throughout your journey. Visit medexpress.co.uk slash podcast to learn more. Welcome to Jane Austen Stories. I'm Julie Andrews and from the Noiser Podcast Network, this is Pride and Prejudice Part 2. In the previous episode, we met the Bennett family of long-born Hartfordshire. With five unmarried daughters to support, the overbearing Mrs. Bennett was thrilled to discover that nearby Netherfield Park was being leased to an eligible young bachelor, Mr. Bingley. His most attractive quality? His income? A very handsome £5,000 a year. Quite the catch. At a lavish wall, it was the beautiful Jane, the eldest Bennett daughter that caught Mr. Bingley's eye and the pair danced the night away. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Bennett had a less enjoyable evening thanks to Bingley's friend, Mr. Darcy. Handsome? Yes. Rich? Yes. Smug and aloof? Definitely. Darcy refused to dance with Lizzie, describing her looks as tolerable only. It's a first impression that our heroine will not soon forget. Now we rejoin as the Bennett family pay a visit to Mr. Bingley's sisters and further judgements are made over tea. From the Noiser podcast network, this is Pride and Prejudice. Chapter 6 The ladies of Longbourn soon waited on those of Netherfield. The visit was returned in due form. Miss Bennett's pleasing manners grew on the goodwill of Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, and though the mother was found to be intolerable and the younger sisters not worth speaking to, a wish of being better acquainted with them was expressed toward the two eldest. By Jane, this attention was received with the greatest pleasure, but Elizabeth still saw superciliousness in their treatment of everybody, hardly accepting even her sister and could not like them. Though their kindness to Jane, such as it was, had a value as arising in all probability from the influence of their brother's admiration. It was generally evident whenever they met that he did admire her, and to her it was equally evident that Jane was yielding to the preference which she had begun to entertain for him from the first and was in a way to be very much in love. But she considered with pleasure that it was not likely to be discovered by the world in general, since Jane united with great strength of feeling, a composure of temper, and a uniform cheerfulness of manner which would guard her from the suspicions of the impertinent. She mentioned this to her friend Miss Lucas. It may perhaps be pleasant, replied Charlotte, to be able to impose on the public in such case, but it is sometimes a disadvantage to be so very guarded. If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him, and it will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally in the dark. There is so much of gratitude or vanity in almost every attachment that it is not safe to leave any to itself. We can all begin freely, a slight preference is natural enough, but there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement. In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels. 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, replied Lizzie, as much as her nature will allow. If I can perceive her regard for him, he must be as simple to indeed not to discover it too. Remember, Lizzie, 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, said Lizzie. Perhaps he must, if he sees enough of her. But though Bingley and Jane meet tolerably often, it is never for many hours together, and as they always see each other in large, mixed parties, it is impossible that every moment should be employed in conversing together. Jane should, therefore, make the most of every half hour in which she can command his attention. When she is secure of him, there will be leisure for falling in love as much as she chooses. Her plan is a good one, replied Elizabeth, where nothing is in question but the desire of being well married, and if I were determined to get a rich husband or many husband, I dare say I should adopt it. But these are not Jane's feelings. She's not acting by design. As yet, she cannot even be certain of the degree of her own regard nor of its reasonableness. She has known him only of fortnight. She danced four dances with him at Merriton. She saw him one morning at his own house, and has since dined with him in company four times. This is not quite enough to make her understand his character. Not as you represented, replied Charlotte. 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, said Lizzie, these four evenings have enabled them to ascertain that they both like Vainthe-Erm 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, I should think 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. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other, or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards, to have their share of vexation, and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life. 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. Occupied in observing Mr. Bingley's attention to her sister, Elizabeth was far from suspecting that she was herself becoming an object of some interest in the eyes of his friend. Mr. Darcy had at first scarcely allowed her to be pretty. He had looked at her without admiration at the ball, and when they next met, he looked at her only to criticise. But no sooner had he made it clear to himself and his friends that she had hardly a good feature in her face, then he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes. To this discovery succeeded some others equally mortifying. Though he had detected with a critical eye more than one failure of perfect symmetry in her form, he was forced to acknowledge her figure to be light and pleasing. And in spite of his asserting that her manners were not those of the fashionable world, he was caught by their easy playfulness. Of this she was perfectly unaware. To her he was only the man who made himself agreeable nowhere and who had not thought her handsome enough to dance with. He began to wish to know more of her and as a step towards conversing with her himself attended to her conversation with others. His doing so drew her notice. It was at Sir William Lucas's where a large party were assembled. What does Mr. Darcy mean? said she to Charlotte. By listening to my conversation with Colonel Forster. That is a question which Mr. Darcy only can answer, replied Charlotte. But if he does it any more, I shall certainly let him know that I see what he is about. said Lizzie. He has a very satirical eye and if I do not begin by being impertinent myself, I shall soon grow afraid of him. On his approaching them soon afterwards, though without seeming to have any intention of speaking, Miss Lucas defied her friend to mention such a subject to him which immediately provoking us 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 Mariton? With great energy, replied Mr. Darcy. But it is a subject which always makes a lady energetic. You are severe on us, replied Lizzie. It will be her turn soon to be teased, said Miss Lucas. I am going to open the instrument, Lizzie, and you know what follows. You are a very strange creature by way of a friend, replied Lizzie. Always wanting me to play and sing before anybody and everybody. If my vanity had taken a musical tone, 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 very 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, before she could reply to the entreaties of several that she would sing again, she was eagerly succeeded at the instrument by her sister, Mary. Who, having in consequence of being the only plain one in the family, worked hard for knowledge and accomplishments was always impatient for display. Mary had neither genius nor taste, and though vanity had given her application, it had given her likewise a pedantic air and conceited manner which would have injured a higher degree of excellence than she had reached. Elizabeth, easy and unaffected, had been listened 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 heirs at the request of her younger sisters, who was some of the Lucas' and two or three officers joined eagerly in dancing at one end of the room. Mr. Darcy stood near them in silent indignation at such a mode of passing the evening, to the exclusion of all conversation and was too much engrossed by his own thoughts to perceive that Sir William Lucas was his neighbour, till Sir William thus began. What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Darcy. There is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished societies. Certainly, sir, and it has the advantage also of being in vogue amongst 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 abdept in the science yourself, Mr. Darcy. You saw me dance at Meridron, I believe, sir. Yes indeed, and received no inconsiderable pleasure from the sight. Do you often dance at St. James? Never, sir. Do you not 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 that the heir of London would agree with Lady Lucas. He paused in hopes of an answer, but his companion was not disposed to make any. And Elizabeth, at that instant, moving towards them, he was struck with the notion of doing a very gallant thing and called out to her. My dear Elizabeth, 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 move this way in order to beg for a partner. Mr. Darcy, with grave 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 attempt at persuasion. You excel so much in the dance, Miss Elizabeth, 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's all-polite-ness said Elizabeth, smiling. He is indeed, but considering his inducement, my dear Miss Elizabeth, we cannot wonder at his complacence, for who would object to such a partner? Elizabeth looked archly and turned away. Her resistance had not injured her with the gentleman, and he was thinking of her with some complacency, when thus accosted by Miss Bingley. I can guess the subject of your reverie, said Miss Bingley. I should imagine not, said Darcy. You are considering how insupportable it would be to pass many evenings in this manner in such society. And indeed, I am quite, of your opinion, I was never more annoyed, the insupportability and yet the noise, the nothingness, and yet the self-importance of all these people. What would I give to hear your strictures on them? Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you, replied Mr. Darcy. My mind was more agreeably engaged, and 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 intrabidity. Miss Elizabeth Bennet Miss Elizabeth Bennet, repeated Miss Bingley, I am all astonishment. How long has she been such a favourite, and pray when am I 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 knew you would be wishing me joy. Nay, if you are so serious about it, said Miss Bingley, I shall consider the matter as absolutely settled. You will have a charming mother-in-law indeed, and of course she will always be at Pemberley with you. He listened to her with perfect indifference while she chose to entertain herself in this manner, and as his composer convinced her that it was always safe, her wit slowed along. The Magic Radio This episode is sponsored by Magic Radio. Magic Radio plays the best variety from the 80s to now. The songs you love, the ones you know, and the ones that lift your day. From Wham and Whitney in the 80s to Take That and the Spice Girls in the 90s, or Pink and Kelly Clarkson in the 90s and Adele and Bruno Mars in the 10s, right through to today with artists like Benson Boone, Teddy Swims and Miles Smith. And with Magic's No Repeat Work Day, you won't hear the same song twice between 9 and 5. Magic Radio has had a real glow-up. It's the home of Magic Radio Breakfast with Gok Wan and Harriet Scott, and the world-famous Mello Magic is back now hosted by Nicky Chapman. 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Chapter 7 Mr Bennett's property consisted almost entirely in an estate of 2,000 a year, which, unfortunately for his daughters, was entailed in default of male heirs on a distant relation, and their mother's fortune, though ample for her situation in life, could but ill supply the deficiency of his. Her father had been an attorney in Meriton and had left her 4,000 pounds. Mrs Bennett had a sister married to a Mr Phillips, who had been a clerk to their father, and succeeded him in the business, and a brother settled in London in a respectable line of trade. The village of Longbourn was only one mile from Meriton, a most convenient distance for the young ladies, who were usually tempted to the three or four times a week, to pay their duty to their aunt, and to a milliner's shop just over the way. The two youngest of the family, Catherine and Lydia, were particularly frequent in these attentions. Their minds were more vacant than their sisters, and when nothing better offered, a walk to Meriton was necessary to amuse their morning hours and furnish conversation for the evening, and however bare of news the country and general might be, they always contrived to learn something from their aunt. At present, indeed, they were well supplied, both with news and happiness, by the recent arrival of a militia regiment in the neighborhood. It was to remain the whole winter, and Meriton was the headquarters. Their visits to Mrs. Phillips were now productive of the most interesting intelligence. Every day added something to their knowledge of the officer's names and connections. Their lodgings were not long a secret, and at length they began to know the officers themselves. Mr. Phillips visited them all, and thus opened to his nieces a source of felicity unknown before. They could talk of nothing but officers, and Mr. Bingley's large fortune, the mention of which gave animation to their mother, was worthless in their eyes when opposed to the regimentals of an ensign. After listening one morning to their effusions on this subject, Mr. Bennett coolly observed, from all that I can collect by your manner of talking, you must be two of the silliest girls in the country. I have suspected it some time, but I am now convinced. Catherine was disconcerted and made no answer, but Lydia was perfect in difference, 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. Bennett, 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 one of my own, however. If my children are silly, I must hope to be always sensible of it, said Mr. Bennett. Yes, but as it happens they are all of them very clever. This is the only point, I flatter myself, on which we do not agree. I had hoped that our sentiments coincided in every particular, but I must so far differ from you, as to think our two youngest daughters uncommonly foolish. My dear Mr. Bennett, you must not expect such girls to have the sense of their father and mother. When they get to our age, I dare say they will not think about officers any more than we do. Ah, I remember the time when I liked to redcoat myself very well, and indeed so I still do at my heart, and if a smart young Colonel with five or six thousand a year should want one of my girls, I shall not say nay to him, and I thought Colonel Forster looked very becoming the other night at Sir Williams in his regimentals. Mama! cried Lydia. My aunt says that Colonel Forster and Captain Carter do not go so often to Miss Watson's as they did when they first came. She sees them now very often standing in Clark's library. Mrs. Bennett was prevented replying by the entrance of the footman with a note for Miss Jane Bennett. It came from Netherfield, and the servant waited for an answer. Mrs. Bennett's eyes sparkled with pleasure, and she was eagerly calling out while her daughter read. Well, Jane, who is it from? What is it about? What does he say? Well, Jane, make haste and tell us, make haste, my love. It is from Miss Bingley, said Jane, and then read it aloud. My dear friend, if you are not so compassionate as to dine today with the Louisa and me, we shall be in danger of hating each other for the rest of our lives, for a whole day's tater-tate between two women can never end without a quarrel. Come as soon as you can on the receipt of this. My brother and the gentleman are to dine with the officers. Yours ever, Caroline Bingley. With the officers, cried Lydia, I wonder my aunt did not tell us of that. Dining out, said Mrs. Bennett, that is very unlucky. 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. Oh, the gentleman will have Mr. Bingley's shades to go to Meriton, and the hearths have no horses to theirs. I had much rather go in the coach, replied Jane. But, my dear, your father cannot spare the horses, I am sure. They are wanted in the farm, Mr. Bennett, are not they? They are wanted in the farm much oftener than I can get them. But if you have got them to-day, said Elizabeth, my mother's purpose will be answered. She did at last extort from her father an acknowledgement that the horses were engaged. Jane was therefore obliged to go on horseback, and her mother attended her to the door with many cheerful prognostics of a bad day. Her hopes were answered. Jane had not been gone long before it rained hard. Her sisters were uneasy for her, but her mother was delighted. The rain continued the whole evening without intermission. Jane certainly could not come back. This was a lucky idea of mine indeed, said Mrs. Bennett more than once, as if the credit of making it rain were all her own. Till the next morning, however, she was not aware of all the felicity of her contrivance. Breakfast was scarcely over when a servant from Neverfield brought the following note for Elizabeth. My dearest Lizzy, I find myself very unwell this morning, which I suppose is to be imputed to my getting wet through yesterday. My kind friends will not hear of my returning home till I am better. They insist also on my seeing, Mr. Jones. Therefore do not be alarmed if you should hear of his having been to me, and accepting a sore throat and a headache. There is not much the matter with me. Yours, etc. Well, my dear, said Mr. Bennett, when Elizabeth had read the note aloud, if your daughter should have a dangerous fit of illness, if she should die, it would be a comfort to know that it was all in pursuit of Mr. Bingley and under your orders. Oh, I am not at all afraid of her dying. People do not die of little trifling colds. She will be taken good care of, and as long as she stays there, it is all very well. 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 to be had, and 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 such a thing 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 of all I want, said Elizabeth. Is this a hint to me, Lizzie, that her father to send for the horses? No, indeed. I do not wish to avoid the walk. The distance is nothing when one has a motive, only three miles. I shall be back by dinner. I admire the activity of your benevolence, observed Mary, but every impulse of feeling should be guided by reason, and in my opinion exertion should always be in proportion to what is required. We will go as far as Marathon with you, 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 Marathon 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 styles and swinging over puddles with impatient activity, and finding herself at last within view of the house with weary ankles, dirty stockings, and a face glowing with the warmth of exercise. She was shown into the breakfast parlor 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 humor and kindness. Mr. Darcy said very little, and Mr. Hurst said nothing at all. The former was divided between admiration of the brilliancy which exercise had given to her complexion and doubtless the occasions justifying her coming so far alone. The latter was thinking only of his breakfast. Her inquiries after her sister were not very favorably 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 beside expressions of gratitude for the extraordinary kindness she was treated with, Elizabeth silently attended her. When breakfast was over, they were joined by the sisters, and Elizabeth began to like them herself when she saw how much affection and solicitude they showed for Jane. The apothecary came, and having examined his patient, said, as might be supposed, that she had caught a violent cold and that they must endeavor to get better of it, advised her to return to bed, and promised her some drafts of medicine. The advice was followed readily, for the feverish symptoms increased and her head ached acutely. Elizabeth did not quit her room for a moment, nor were the other ladies often absent, the gentleman being out, they had in fact nothing to do elsewhere. This is an ad from BetterHelp. At EDF, we don't just encourage you to use less electricity, we actually reward you for it. That's why when you use less dream peak times on weekdays, we give you free electricity on Sundays. How you use it is up to you. EDF, change is in our power. How to reduce their weekday peak electricity usage by 50% can earn up to 16 hours of free electricity per week. For full details, eligibility and season seas, visit edfenergy.com forward slash r-power. 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 it. When Jane testified such concern at parting with her, Miss Bingley was obliged to convert the author of the shares into 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 back a supply of clothes. In the next episode, the Bennett sisters remain stuck at Netherfield Park, resulting in further awkwardness, chatter behind backs, and bad tempers, though not on the part of the sweet Mr. Bingley, as Jane lies in bed with a fever, his concern and affection for her grows. The same can't be said for Lizzie and Mr. Darcy, who get into a tense war of words. And even as her sister lies ill, Lydia Bennett can think of only one thing, a ball at Netherfield, where she can dance with the handsome officers of the local regiment. That's next time on Jane Austen Stories, Pride and Prejudice.���� www.noiser.com slash subscriptions for more information or click the link in the episode description. At EDF we don't just encourage you to use less electricity, we actually reward you for it. That's why when you use less during peak times on weekdays we give you free electricity on how you use it is up to you. EDF change is in our power. Households to reduce their weekday peak electricity usage by 50% can earn up to 16 hours of free electricity per week. For full details, eligibility and season fees visit EDFenergy.com forward slash r-power. Here's the new Citroen C3 Aircross, the perfect SUV for bears and lovers of the great outdoors. Sure and comfort too. Inside it easily goes from five to seven seats and for you Cubs look it's got Apple CarPlay and your favourite apps. Yes Mr Grizzly available in petrol, full electric or hybrid. So ready for a family adventure? 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