Chapter 8
Elizabeth dines at Netherfield with the Bingley’s and Darcy. Her hosts inquire about Jane, but for Mr. Bingley, the sister’s shallow concern confirmed Elizabeth’s dislike of them. Elizabeth feels an intruder. As soon as Elizabeth returned to Jane, Miss Bingley began abusing her. “Her manners were pronounced to be very bad indeed, a mixture of pride and impertinence; she had no conversation, no style, no taste, no beauty.” Nothing to recommend herself, but being an excellent walker. Nonsensical to be scampering about the countryside arriving with her petticoat three inches in mud. Bingley did not notice. Caroline thinks her walking the distance alone reveals a conceited independence. Bingley disagrees. Caroline asks Mr. Darcy if this adventure had affected his admiration of her fine eyes. “Not at all,” he replied; “they were brightened by the exercise.” Louisa has a regard for Jane and wishes her well settled even though her chances are slim because of her low connections of an uncle in Meryton is an attorney and another in Cheapside. Darcy agrees that it will lessen their chance of marrying any man of consideration in the world. Elizabeth re-joins
the party who invite her to playing cards. She declines to read a book. Caroline chides her pronouncing to all she “despises card and is a great reader and no pleasure in anything”. On the contrary, she takes pleasure in many things. Bingley complements her on her attention to her sister. Bingley offers her the use of his books, but apologizes for the selection. Caroline praises the Pemberley library a work of generations. She wants Charles to build a house as noble as Pemberley. She asks Darcy about his sister Georgiana who she feels is accomplished. Bingley is amazed that young ladies have the patience to be accomplished. Caroline does not think all young ladies accomplished. Mr. Darcy agrees. He does not know half a dozen ladies that are really accomplished. Caroline proclaims that “no one can be really esteemed accomplished who does not greatly surpass what is usually met with. A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half deserved.” Darcy adds they must also improve their mind with extensive reading. Elizabeth is surprised at them knowing anyone to fill that list. She has never seen such a woman. The Bingley sisters protest knowing many who answer the description. Elizabeth departs, and Caroline claims that Elizabeth is one of those young ladies who “seek to recommend themselves to the other sex by undervaluing their own; and with many men, I dare say, it succeeds. But, in my opinion, it is a paltry device, a very mean art.” Darcy agrees adding that there is a meanness in all the arts ladies use to captivate men. Elizabeth returns to tell them her sister was worse. Sending for a doctor in Town is discussed, but the local apothecary will be sent for in the morning.
