Pride and Prejudice Part 18

Hi there, it's Jay Cumpfrey here and our podcast, High Performance, is currently brought to you by Volvo and the fully electric EX90. The Volvo EX90 is a large fully electric SUV perfect for the family with seven seats as loads of room for everyone. And with up to 378 miles of range, it's great to keep the journey going. It's also reassuring to know the EX90 is designed with the safest Volvo car ever made, so you know you and your loved ones are protected. And the fast infotainment system is perfect for seamless connectivity. So you can keep the music playing the whole time. What more would you want? Search Volvo EX90 to find out more. Electric range may vary based on driving behaviour and conditions. This is a lad from BetterHelp. Am I forgetting something? Did I reply to that email? What am I doing? Ever feel like your mind has an inbox that never stops filling? Don't forget to reply. Some days it's not just messages. It's pressure. Did I say the wrong thing? It's doubt. Do you think they like me? It's everything or once. Therapy with BetterHelp can give you space to unpack what's weighing on you. One message at a time. Get matched with the qualified therapist and start clearing your mental inbox today at BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com slash random podcast for 10% of your first month of online therapy. Welcome to Jane Austen Stories. I'm Julie Andrews. And from the Noise of Podcast Network, this is Pride and Prejudice Part 18. Last time, Elizabeth explored Mr. Darcy's home and uncovered surprising things as she went. While wandering through the opulent rooms and picturesque grounds of the Pembley Estate, Lizzie found her mind wandering too. She began to imagine what it would be like to be the lady of such a place. Her meeting with the housekeeper was particularly revealing. She had nothing but kind things to say about her master, Mr. Darcy, a man of good character and generosity. And when the man himself arrived home, he continued to charm, making Elizabeth's aunt and uncle feel welcome and at ease and spending time with Lizzie walking around the estate's stunning scenery. It seems she really did misjudge him. But what do these new feelings mean for Elizabeth? Does Mr. Darcy still long for her? And why is he so eager for her to meet his sister? Now we rejoin Lizzie at the local inn where she's staying with her aunt and uncle. They're about to receive some visitors they did not expect. From the Noisabh Podcast Network, this is Pride and Prejudice. Chapter 40 form Elizabeth had settled it that Mr. Darcy would bring his sister to visit her the very day after her reaching Pimbley and was consequently resolved not to be out of sight of the inn the whole of that morning. But her conclusion was false. For on the very morning after their own arrival at Lampedun, these visitors came. They had been walking about the place with some of their new friends and were just returned to the inn to dress themselves for dining with the same family, when the sound of the carriage drew them to a window and they saw a gentleman and lady in a caricle driving up the street. Elizabeth immediately recognized the delivery, guessed what it meant, and imparted no small degree of surprise to her relations by quainting them with the honour which she expected. Her uncle and aunt were all amazement and the embarrassment of her manner as she spoke, joined to the circumstances itself and many of the circumstances of the preceding day opened to them a new idea on the business. Nothing had suggested it before, but they now felt that there was no other way of accounting for such attentions from such a quarter than by supposing a partiality for their niece. While these newly born notions were passing in their heads, the perturbation of Elizabeth's feelings was every moment increasing. She was quite amazed at her own discomposure, but amongst other causes of disquiet, she dreaded less the partiality of the brother should have said too much in her favour and more than commonly anxious to please, she naturally suspected that every power of pleasing would fail her. She retreated from the window, fearful of being seen, and as she walked up and down the room, endeavouring to compose herself, saw such looks of inquiring surprise in her uncle and aunt as made everything worse. Miss Darcy and her brother appeared and this formidable introduction took place. With astonishment did Elizabeth see that her new acquaintance was at least as much embarrassed as herself. Since her being at Lampton, she had heard that Miss Darcy was exceedingly proud, but the observation of a very few minutes convinced her that she was only exceedingly shy. She found it difficult to obtain even a word from her beyond a monosilable. Miss Darcy was tall and on a larger scale than Elizabeth, and though little more than sixteen, her figure was formed and her appearance womanly and graceful. She was less handsome than her brother, but there was sense and good humour in her face, and her manners were perfectly unassuming and gentle. Elizabeth, who had expected to find in her as a cuten unembarrassed observer as ever Mr Darcy had been, was much relieved by discerning such different feelings. They had not been long together before Darcy told her that Mr Bingley was also coming to wait on her, and she had barely time to express her satisfaction and prepare for such a visitor when Bingley's quick step was heard on the stairs, and in a moment he entered the room. All Elizabeth's anger against him had been long done away, but had she still felt any, it could hardly have stood its ground against the unaffected cordiality with which he expressed himself on seeing her again. He inquired in a friendly, though, general way after her family, and looked and spoke with the same good, humid ease that he had ever done. To Mr and Mrs Gardner, he was scarcely a less interesting personage than to herself. They had long wished to see him. The whole party before them, indeed, excited a lively attention. The suspicions which had just arisen of Mr Darcy and their niece, directed their observation towards each, with an earnest, though guarded inquiry, and they soon drew from these inquiries the full conviction that one of them at least knew what it was to love. Of Elizabeth's sensations, they remained a little in doubt, but that the gentleman was overflowing with admiration was evident enough. Elizabeth, on her side, had much to do. She wanted to ascertain the feelings of each of her visitors, she wanted to compose her own, and to make herself agreeable to all, and in the latter object where she feared most to fail, she was most sure of success, for those to whom she endeavored to give pleasure, were pre-possessed in her favour. Bingley was ready, Georgiano was eager, and Darcy determined to be pleased. In seeing Bingley, her thoughts naturally flew to her sister, and oh how ardently did she long to know whether any of his would record in a like manner. Sometimes she could fancy that he talked less than on former occasions, and once or twice pleased herself with the notion that, as he looked at her, he was trying to trace a resemblance. But though this might be imaginary, she could not be deceived as to his behaviour to Mr Darcy, who had been set up as a rival to Jane. No look appeared on either side that spoke particular regard, nothing occurred between them that could justify the hopes of his sister. On this point she was soon satisfied, and two or three little circumstances occurred where they parted, which in her anxious interpretation, denoted a recollection of Jane, not untinctured by tenderness, and a wish of saying more that might lead to the mention of her had he dared. He observed to her at a moment when the others were talking together, and in a tone which had something of real regret that it was a very long time since he had the pleasure of seeing her. And before she could reply, he added, it is above eight months. We have not met since the 26th of November when we were all dancing together at Neverfield. Elizabeth was pleased to find his memory so exact, and he afterwards took occasion to ask her when unattended to by any of the rest, whether all her sisters were at longborn. There was not much in the question, nor in the proceeding remark, but there was a look, and a manner which gave them looming. It was not often that she could turn her eyes on Mr Darcy himself, but whenever she did catch a glimpse she saw an expression of general complacence, and in all that he said she heard an accent so far removed. He was convinced that the improvement of manners that she had yesterday witnessed, however temporary its existence might prove, had at least outlived one day. When she saw him thus seeking the acquaintance and courting the good opinion of people with whom any intercourse a few months ago would have been at his grace when she saw him thus civil, not only to herself, but to the very relations whom he had openly disdained, and recollected their last lively scene in Huntsford Passanage, the difference the change was so great and struck so forcibly on her mind that she would not have been able to see her face. She could hardly restrain her astonishment from being visible. Never even in the company of his dear friends at Netherfield or his dignified relations at Rosings had she seen him so desirous to please, so free from self-consequence or unbending reserve as now, when no importance could result from the success of his endeavors, and when even the acquaintance of those to whom his attentions were addressed would draw down the ridicule and censure of the ladies both of Netherfield and Rosings. 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 one and wet knee in the 80s to take that and the spice girls in the 90s, or pink and kelly Clarkson in the noughties and Adele and Bruno Mars in the tans, right through to today with artists like Benson Boone, Teddy Swims and Miles Smith. And with Magic's no repeat workday, you won't hear the same song twice between 9 and 5. Magic Radio has had a real glow up. 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There visitors stayed with them above half an hour. And when they arose to depart, Mr. Darcy called on his sister to join him in expressing their wish of seeing Mr. and Mrs. Gardner and Miss Bennett to dinner at Pemberley before they left the country. Miss Darcy, though with a dividends which marked her little in the habit of giving invitations, readily obeyed. Mrs. Gardner looked at her niece, deserous of knowing how she, whom the invitation most concerned, felt disposed as to its acceptance, but Elizabeth had turned away her head. Presuming, however, that this studded avoidance spoke rather a momentary embarrassment than any dislike of the proposal and seeing in her husband who was fond of society a perfect willingness to accept it, she ventured to engage for her attendance and the day after the next was agreed on. Mr. Bingley expressed great pleasure in the certainty of seeing Elizabeth again, having still a great deal to say to her and many inquiries to make after all their heart-fetched friends. Elizabeth, construing all this into a wish of hearing her speak of her sister, was pleased. And on this account, as well as some others, found herself when their visitors left them capable of considering the last half hour with some satisfaction, though while it was passing the enjoyment of it had been little. Eager to be alone and fearful of inquiries or hints from her uncle and aunt, she stayed with them only long enough to hear their favourable opinion of Bingley and then hurried away to dress. She had no reason to fear Mr. and Mrs. Gardner's curiosity, it was not their wish to force her communication, it was evident that she was much better acquainted with Mr. Darcy than they had before any idea of. It was evident that he was very much in love with her, they saw much to interest but nothing to justify inquiry. Of Mr. Darcy, it was now a matter of anxiety to think well, and as far as their acquaintance reached, there was no fault to find. They could not be untouched by his politeness and had they drawn his character from their own feelings and his servants' report without any reference to any other account, the circle in heart-fetched to which he was known would not have recognised it for Mr. Darcy. There was now an interest, however, in believing the Housekeeper and they soon became sensible that the authority of a servant who had known him since he was four years old and whose own manners, indicated respectability, was not to be hastily rejected. Neither had anything occurred in the intelligence of their lampend friends that could materially lessen its weight. They had nothing to accuse him of but pride, pride he probably had, and if not, it was certain to be imputed by the inhabitants of a small market town where the family did not visit. It was acknowledged, however, that he was a liberal man and did much good among the poor. With respect to Wickham, the travellers soon found that he was not held there in much estimation, for though the chief of his concerns with Darcy were imperfectly understood, it was yet a well-known fact that on his quitting Darbyshire, he had left many debts behind him which Mr. Darcy afterwards discharged. As for Elizabeth, her thoughts were at pemberly this evening more than the last, and the evening, though as it passed it seemed long, was not long enough to determine her feelings toward one in that mansion, and she lay awake two whole hours endeavouring to make them out. She certainly did not hate him, no, hatred had vanished long ago, and she had almost as long been ashamed of ever feeling a dislike against him that could be so cold. The respect created by the conviction of his valuable qualities, though at first unwillingly admitted, had for sometimes ceased to be repugnant to her feelings, and it was now heightened into somewhat of a friendlier nature, by the testimony so highly in his favour and bringing forward his disposition in so amiable a light which yesterday had produced. But above all, above respect and esteem, there was a motive within her of good will which could not be overlooked. It was gratitude, gratitude not merely for having once loved her, but for loving her still well enough to forgive all the petulence and acrimony of her manner in rejecting him, and all the unjust accusations accompanying her rejection. He who, she had been persuaded would avoid her as his greatest enemy, seen on this accidental meeting, most eager to preserve the acquaintance, and without any indelicate display of regard or any peculiarity of manner where their two selves only were concerned, was soliciting the good opinion of her friends and bent on making her known to his sister. Such a change in a man of so much pride excited not only astonishment but gratitude for, to love, ardent love, it must be attributed, and as such its impression on her was of a sort to be encouraged as by no means unpleasing, though it could not be exactly defined. She respected, she esteemed, she was grateful to him, she felt of real interest in his welfare, and she only wanted to know how far she wished that welfare to depend upon herself, and how far it would be for the happiness of both that she should employ the power which her fancy told her she still possessed of ringing on the renewal of his addresses. It had been settled in the evening between the aunt and niece that such a striking civility as Miss Darce's, in coming to them on the very day of her arrival at Pembley, for she had reached it only to a late breakfast, or to be imitated, though it could not be equaled by some exertion of politeness on their side, and consequently that it would be highly expedient to wait on her at Pembley the following morning, they were therefore to go. Elizabeth was pleased, though when she asked herself the reason she had very little to say in reply. Mr. Gardner left them soon after breakfast, the fishing scheme had been renewed the day before, and a positive engagement made of his meeting some of the gentlemen at Pembley by noon. Chapter 45 Convince, as Elizabeth now was, that Miss Bingley's dislike of her had originated in jealousy. She could not help feeling how very unwelcome her appearance at Pembley must be to her, and was curious to know with how much civility on that lady's side the acquaintance would now be renewed. On reaching the house, they were shown through the hall into the saloon, whose northern aspect rendered it delightful for summer. Its windows opening to the ground, admitted a most refreshing view of the high wooded hills behind the house, and of the beautiful oaks and Spanish chestnuts which were scattered over the intermediate lawn. In this room they were received by Miss Darcy, who was sitting there with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, and the lady with whom Miss Darcy lived in London, a Mrs. Anzley. Georgiana's reception of them was very civil, but attended with all that embarrassment which, though proceeding from shyness and the fear of doing wrong, would easily give to those who felt themselves inferior the belief of her being proud and reserved. Mrs. Gardner and her niece, however, did her justice and pitted her. By Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, they were noticed only by a curtsy, and on their being seated, a pause awkward as such pauses must always be succeeded for a few moments. It was first broken by Mrs. Anzley, a gentile, agreeable looking woman, whose endeavour to introduce some kind of discourse proved her to be more truly well-bred than either of the others, and between her and Mrs. Gardner, with occasional help from Elizabeth, the conversation was carried on. Miss Darcy looked as if she wished for courage enough to join in it, and sometimes did venture a short sentence when there was least danger of its being heard. Elizabeth's soon saw that she was herself closely watched by Miss Bingley, and that she could not speak a word especially to Miss Darcy, without calling her attention. This observation would not have prevented her from trying to talk to the latter had they not been seated at an inconvenient distance, but she was not sorry to be spared the necessity of saying much, her own thoughts were employing her. She expected every moment that some of the gentlemen would enter the room, she wished she feared that the master of the house might be amongst them, and whether she wished or feared it most, she could scarcely determine. After sitting in this manner a quarter of an hour without hearing Miss Bingley's voice, Elizabeth was roused by receiving from her a cold inquiry about the health of her family. She answered with equal indifference and brevity, and the other said no more. The next variation which their visit afforded was produced by the entrance of servants with cold meat, cake, and a variety of all the finest fruits in season. But this did not take place till after many a significant look and smile from Mrs. Anzli to Miss Darcy had been given to remind her of her post. There was now employment for the whole party, although they could not all talk, they could all eat, and the beautiful pyramids of grapes, nectarines and peaches soon collected them around the table. While thus engaged, Elizabeth had a fair opportunity of deciding whether she most feared or wished for the appearance of Mr. Darcy by the feelings which prevailed on his entering the room, and then, though but a moment before she had believed her wishes to predominate, she began to regret that he came. He had been some time with Mr. Gardner who, with two or three other gentlemen from the house, was engaged by the river and had left them only on learning that the ladies of the family intended to visit to Georgiana that morning. No sooner did he appear than Elizabeth wisely resolved to be perfectly easy and unembarassed, a resolution the more necessary to be made but perhaps not the more easily kept, because she saw that the suspicions of the whole party were awakened against them and that there was scarcely an eye which did not watch his behavior when he first came into the room. Hello, it's Dan Snow here from Dan Snow's history. We are currently sponsored by Volvo and the fully electric EX90. The Volvo EX90 is a luxury fully electric SUV perfect for the family with seven seats as plenty of room for everyone, even my family, and up to 378 miles range, which is great to keep the journey going. It's also reassuring to know that the EX90 is designed to be the safest Volvo car ever made and the fast infotainment system is perfect for seamless connectivity so you can keep the music playing the whole time or the history podcast. What more could you want? Search Volvo EX90 to find out more electric range may vary based on driving behavior and conditions. With Woop, you can focus on living better for longer, understand your sleep, optimize your training and build habits that support your wellbeing. Woop gives you personalized insights into your sleep, your recovery, your strain, and the patterns that may influence how you feel. With more clarity and consistency, you can create routines that support you throughout the year. Add more life to every moment. Discover Woop at Woop.com. In no countenance was attentive curiosity so strongly marked as in Miss Bingley's. In spite of the smiles which overspread her face whenever she spoke to one of its objects, the jealousy had not yet made her desperate and her intentions to Mr. Darcy were by no means over. Miss Darcy on her brother's entrance exerted herself much more to talk and Elizabeth saw that he was anxious for his sister and herself to get acquainted and forwarded as much as possible every attempt at conversation on either side. Miss Bingley saw all this likewise and in the imprudence of anger took the first opportunity of saying with sneering civility, pretty Miss Elizabeth are not the militia removed from Meriton, they must be a great loss to your family. In Darcy's presence she dared not mention Wickham's name but Elizabeth instantly comprehended that he was, uppermost in her thoughts and the various recollections connected with him gave her a moment's distress, but exerting herself vigorously to repel the ill-natured attack she presently answered the question in a tolerably disengaged tone. While she spoke and in voluntary glance showed her Darcy with a heightened complexion earnestly looking at her and his sister overcome with confusion and unable to lift up her eyes. Had Miss Bingley known what pain she was then giving her beloved friend, she undoubtedly would have refrained from the hint, but she had merely intended to discompose Elizabeth by bringing forward the idea of a man to whom she believed her a partial, to make her betray a sensibility which might injure her in Darcy's opinion and perhaps to remind the latter of all the tholies and absurdities by which some part of her family, were connected to the militia. Not a syllable had ever reached her of Miss Darcy's meditated elopement, to no creature had it been revealed where secrecy was possible except to Elizabeth, and from all Bingley's connections her brother was particularly anxious to conceal it from that very wish which Elizabeth had long ago attributed to him, of there becoming hereafter her own. He had certainly formed such a plan and without meaning that it should affect his endeavor to separate him from Miss Bennett, it is probable that it might add something to his lively concern for the welfare of his friend. Elizabeth's collected behavior however soon quieted his emotion and as Miss Bingley, Dexton, disappointed, dared not approach Nierro to Wickham, Georgiana also recovered in time, though not enough to be able to speak anymore. Her brother, whose eye she feared to meet scarcely recollected her interest in the affair and the very circumstance which had been designed to turn his thoughts from Elizabeth seemed to her fix them on her more and more cheerfully. Their visit did not continue long after the question and answer above mentioned, and while Miss Darcy was attending them to their carriage, Miss Bingley was venting her feelings in criticisms on Elizabeth's person, behavior and dress, but Georgiana would not join her. Her brother's recommendation was enough to ensure her favor, his judgment could not err and he had spoken in such terms of Elizabeth as to leave Georgiana without the power of finding her otherwise than lovely and amiable. When Darcy returned to the saloon, Miss Bingley could not help repeating to him some part of what she had been saying to his sister. How very ill Elizabeth when it looks this morning, Mr Darcy, she cried, I never in my life saw anyone so much altered as she is since the winter. She's grown so brown and coarse. Louisa and I were agreeing that we should not have known her again. However little Mr Darcy might have liked such an address, he contented himself with coolly replying that he perceived no other alteration than her being rather tanned, no miraculous consequence of traveling in the summer. For my own part, she rejoined, I must confess that I never could see any beauty in her. Her face is too thin, her complexion has no brilliancy and her features are not at all handsome. Her nose wants character, there's nothing marked in its lines. Her teeth are tolerable but not out of the common way, and as for her eyes, which have sometimes been called so fine, I never could perceive anything extraordinary in them. They have a sharp, shrewish look which I do not like at all and in her air altogether, there is a self-sufficiency without fashion which is intolerable. Persuaded as Miss Bingley was that Darcy admired Elizabeth, this was not the best method of recommending herself, but angry people are not always wise. And in seeing him at last look, somewhat nettle, she had all the success she expected. He was resolutely silent however and from a determination of making him speak, she continued. I remember when we first knew her in heart for sure, her mazed we all were to find that she was a reputed beauty, and I particularly recollect your saying one night, after they had been dining at Netherfield, she a beauty, I should assume call her mother a wit. But afterwards she seemed to improve on you and I believe you sought her rather pretty at the time. Yes, replied Darcy, who could contain himself no longer, but that was only when I first knew her for it is many months since I have considered her as one of the handsomeest women of my acquaintance. He then went away and Miss Bingley was left to all the satisfaction of having forced him to say what gave no one any pain but herself. As they returned, Mrs Gardner and Elizabeth talked of all that had occurred during their visit except what had particularly interested them both. The looks and behavior of everybody they had seen were discussed except the person who had mostly engaged their attention. They talked of his sister, his friends, his house, his fruit of everything but himself. Yet Elizabeth was longing to know what Mrs Gardner thought of him and Mrs Gardner would have been highly gratified by her nieces beginning the subject. In the next episode, Elizabeth's stay in Darbyshire ends abruptly. A tear stained letter from Jane brings shocking news. Mr Darcy reveals his tender side when he comforts a distraught Lizzie and the Bennets must fall together when a scandal threatens to tear the family apart. That's next time on Jane Austen's stories, pride and prejudice. You can listen to the next two episodes of Pride and Prejudice right now without waiting by subscribing to Noiser Plus. Head to www.noiser.com slash subscriptions for more information or click the link in the episode description. Hello, it's Dan Snow here from Dan Snow's History. We are currently sponsored by Volvo and the fully electric EX90. The Volvo EX90 is a luxury fully electric SUV perfect for the family with seven seats as plenty of room for everyone, even my family, and up to 378 miles range, which is great to keep the journey going. It's also reassuring through the EX90 designed to be the safest Volvo car ever made, and the fast infotainment system is perfect for seamless connectivity so you can keep the music playing the whole time or the history podcast. What more could you want? Search Volvo EX90 to find out more. Electric range may vary based on driving, behavior and conditions. With Woop, you can focus on living better for longer, understand your sleep, optimize your training and build habits that support your wellbeing. Woop gives you personalized insights into your sleep, your recovery, your strain, and the patterns that may influence how you feel. With more clarity and consistency, you can create routines that support you throughout the year. Add more life to every moment. Discover Woop at Woop.com. 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