You asked: Those who stray from such, bring criticism upon themselves, do they not? If this be the case, why is the one who notices the errant behavior often singled out as the one causing offense? Here again, I believe natural temperament and personalities come into play. It has been my observation that when a gathering of people takes place, it is usually for the sake of merriment, is it not? A dance, a wedding, an assembly. People who attend such are inclined to be delighted by all that the occasion brings. They are willing to overlook minor indiscretions of others for the sake of their own pleasure not being trampled upon. When someone intrudes on such, by a look or outright acknowledgement of the aforementioned indiscretion, it is usually not appreciated. It takes others out of the element of cordiality, which they want to be in for a time.
Who is right and who is wrong? Many would take one side and many would take the other. Interestingly, when we become aware of an action causing offense, it becomes our decision on how to proceed. Some choose to quietly ignore the folly and go about their business. Others insist upon bringing the offenders back within their boundaries or being shamed for not behaving appropriately. Our perception can make a world of difference to any situation.
I consider myself a good judge of character, and yet I have begun to wonder if that assessment is always correct. Certainly, there was a friend who had been wronged by another and for whom I cannot help but feel sympathy. It is their later actions which now have me puzzled. My friend must have been desperate to act in such a manner as was recently done. Yet, the recent actions contradict what I had concluded previously. I only know that I would not have acted in such a manner under the same circumstances. No, I would never have done it.
I am determined that nothing but the deepest love can tempt me, and I would not let it go for all the riches and comforts of the world. If ever the one I want does not return those same affections, then perhaps his was not the love I thought it was. Perhaps I only saw in his character what I wanted to see. This is an observation to which I will give further thought.
Changing course - Do you like to read? It was once remarked about myself that I am a great reader and take pleasure in only that. I had to protest against the statement, for in truth, when compared to some (such as my father), I am not a great reader. While I certainly do find delight in reading, it is because I gain such enjoyment from other pursuits that I often neglect the very thing I was praised for. If spending a beautiful day out of doors, with a cool wind blowing is its competition, my latest book would almost absolutely meet with defeat. Though if given the choice, my usual custom would be to take up a book over a game of loo, still, nature draws me to her like a sailor to the sea.
Currently I am reading The Pillow Book. My father recommended it to me on seeing my gloomy mood. I must admit it is bringing out mirth that a fortnight ago I thought was gone forever. Books can do much in helping the healing process. For one, I cannot help but release tears when reading Romeo and Juliet, or become angry when the unsuspecting Julius Caesar meets his end. I am finding now that reading the stories and most trivial material presented by this court lady from centuries past, while sitting in the garden enjoying a nice cup of tea and listening as one of my sisters plays a lovely piano piece…. has improved some of my melancholy. (As have your letters) I shall continue on this course. I sincerely recommend it for anyone looking to replace a downcast spirit with a smile.
A Friend
After breakfast the next morning, Mr. Bingley had to meet with his steward, providing an opportunity for his sisters to approach Mr. Darcy.
“Sir, may we speak with you privately?” asked Caroline.
“Certainly, Miss Bingley. Shall we adjourn to the library, perhaps?”
“Yes, thank you. That would work very nicely for our discussion, Mr. Darcy. Come, Louisa.”
Once the party was settled comfortably, Mr. Darcy asked what was on the ladies’ minds.
“You may have noticed, as Louisa and I have, that our brother appears to have set his mind on Miss Jane Bennet. His interest was never so clearly demonstrated as at the Netherfield ball. We have concerns on that score.”
“Yes, I can understand why you might. Please elaborate, if you care to, on your misgivings about the connection.”
“Where to begin? Perhaps you are aware of the offensiveness of the family in general. Oh, Jane Bennet is a sweet girl, to be sure, but the rest of her family is ill-mannered and, well, border on vulgarity. Can you begin to imagine having such an ill-bred family in our midst on an intimate basis? The mother alone is enough to drive one mad, but there seems to be a never-ending supply of impertinent members of the Bennet family to aggravate every nerve! Charles would be ruining his life if he were to make such a connection.”
“I see. Yes, I could not escape noticing the conduct you speak of. However, it may be that if your brother chose a well-mannered lady, as Miss Bennet does appear to be, they might move away and distance themselves from the family. Would that not be a solution to the problem?”
“Well, that may help a little, but our brother looks to be immune to their horrid behavior. I would not wonder at his wanting to stay in this country for a long duration. I dare say, he will ruin our family’s name!” cried Caroline.
Louisa took over with, “And how is it that Jane Bennet is immune to her family’s shortcomings? Moreover, on closer examination, I do not see much to indicate that she has a heart easily touched. I may go so far as to suggest she is devoid of all feelings. Her countenance is so evenly displayed and her manners somewhat methodical that it does make one wonder if she is merely playing the role of a lady in the hopes of securing our gentlemanly brother.”
“Rest assured, ladies, I have shared some of these same concerns, the greatest of which being her lack of regard for your brother. But I gladly report that on closer inspection, I truly believe Miss Jane Bennet to be as she represents herself. She is a lady of good sense and judgment, though I wholeheartedly agree, how she came to have it is a wonder. And I believe she does have strong affection for your brother, though her reserved manners do not put those feelings on exhibition. As far as her family goes, on more than one occasion I have detected Bingley’s awareness of their unseemliness. He may very well tire of being in such close proximity and take measures to distance himself, if he indeed does decide to join himself to the family. In any event, I do not see that there is much to be done in the matter.”
“Do you not think, sir, that intervention on the part of family and friends is called for under the circumstance?” asked Miss Bingley, stunned at the proud gentleman’s acceptance of the situation.
“No, I see no cause for interference from myself. If, as his sisters, you wish to take the matter up with your brother, that is your prerogative. I will, however, continue my observations and apprise my friend of anything he may inquire about himself. If that is all, ladies, I take my leave.” He said as he bowed and left them.
Chapter Seven
“What! Engaged to Mr. Collins? That Charlotte Lucas did not waste a moment, I see! She is quite determined to sneak behind our backs to become the next Mistress of Longbourn!” cried Mrs. Bennet.
“Mama, I would never have accepted him if he had made me an offer. Nor would any of my sisters, for that matter. I only wonder at his being able to gain Charlotte’s affections so easily. Though she did explain she has never been the romantic type, it still does not seem sensible for her to be accepting such a man!”
“Oh, yes, it does! She set her sights on him as soon as he came into the neighborhood with the intention of tricking him into matrimony in case things became unsettled between you and Mr. Wickham!”
“Mama, she had no idea of any such thing! I must go and speak with her again. She cannot understand what she is getting herself into.”
“Oh, Lizzy, do not be so naive! She knew from their first meeting that she must act quickly to secure him. And act quickly she certainly did! At least it looks like we will have Mr. Bingley to help us when your fat
her is gone. The new Mrs. Collins will turn us out of our own home before Mr. Bennet is cold in the grave, I dare say!”
“Mama! Please do not forget that the Lucases are our very dear friends! We should be happy for their family’s good fortune, as I am sure they will be for ours, if a certain event takes place.”
“You are right, of course, Lizzy. But if only you would be Mistress of Longbourn when your father dies, I could have stayed here comfortably for the rest of my days! Change is very hard on older people, you know.”
“And would you have enjoyed retiring to one of your daughter’s rooms? You cannot imagine that you would have kept your same quarters once the new owners had settled. And if any children were born, I dare say, you might even end up in the smallest of those rooms until the end of your days. ”
“Lizzy! You seemed to have it all planned out! Perhaps you would have me stay in the servant’s quarters?”
“I had not thought of it. Yes, that might work out even better. It would afford you more privacy when your nerves were acting up from the commotion the children would no doubt cause on a daily basis.”
“In the servant’s quarters!”
On realizing her daughter was laughing at her, she said, “Oh, you are your father’s daughter! You like to vex me, do you! Well, I think it might just be a good thing that you are not to be the next Mrs. Collins after all! Servant’s quarters, indeed!” she said as she walked away.
Lizzy laughed for the first time in weeks. She would have to beg her mother’s forgiveness for teasing her so. But it was nice to be able to laugh again.
She began to think that her heart had not been so broken as she first thought. On reflection, her conversations with Mr. Wickham had either been of a frivolous nature or about his sad lot in life. For one who claimed to see the best in the world, he did talk quite a lot about the wrongs of it, especially with regard to himself. In hindsight, she realized that most of their conversations had revolved around him. She was in an anxious state during the months of socializing with him. She left him, more often than not, angry at the world. Now that his influence was removed, she felt that her anxiety was diminishing daily. How very peculiar, she thought.
Good day!
Yes, I am a confessed book lover and have read The Pillow Book. I heartily agree with you; it is most enjoyable! The author certainly does not dwell on things that go wrong. She seems to have an unfailing optimism. It was a very good recommendation of your father’s for lifting your spirits!
Your choice of location and surroundings for reading sound most conducive to an immersive experience. Perhaps if you could get your sister to play a Japanese melody, it would be more fitting than Bach! However, any music which brings joy is a very good thing indeed.
What did you think about the author’s lists and her short stories? She has a real love of nature that comes through in her work, does she not? Nature has always been a large part of my life. Do you find that weather affects your mood? I ask because it certainly always has affected mine, although perhaps not in the way I notice it does others. You see, a wet and foggy day may bring out the gloom in some, but I look at it as a unique and wondrous event. I want to go out and explore on just those sorts of days and view nature from a different perspective.
I find reading expands my knowledge and understanding of the world, and it produces within me a desire to be a better person. Do you find the people you have the closest connections with are also ones who love literature? It is not always the case with me. I do also have good friends who find more enjoyment in other pursuits.
Your words have given me much to seriously consider. I have seen much in the world of men who presented themselves with the appearance of goodness, when I knew for a fact that they were not honorable. You have made an observation about yourself in questioning your good judgment. Of course, if one is hiding what he truly is, that accounts for your mistaken judgment, does it not? Most assuredly it does. We are, none of us, perfect. In situations of this kind, that is when we need our trusted confidants most. The advice of one known to be of steady good sense is invaluable.
I will make this confession: As a child, my good parents taught me what was right. But I cannot deny that I was spoiled and did think others’ sense and worth was not as valuable as my own. I can see that I allowed no room for any variables to account for differences in what is considered within the acceptable boundaries of propriety. But I now see things differently. Good sense and character come in all forms of society and all walks of life. The same can be said for bad character. The measure of a person is not as easily appraised as I once considered. I needed direction to recognize what lies beneath the surface and not allow myself to be prejudiced by mere appearances. I owe you for that enlightenment. Your correspondences have meant much to me. Thank you.
As a token of my appreciation, I have accompanied my letter with a book I think you will find very diverting. It was a gift so I do ask that it be returned when you have finished it but please take your time and enjoy it.
Yours Truly
As Elizabeth read the letter she began to think about what others had said concerning Mr. Wickham. It reminded her of Miss Bingley’s warning about Mr. Wickham at the Netherfield Ball. What she herself knew of him he had, in effect, presented to her and others was only a limited knowledge of himself, and he was always favorably represented. She could not recall a single instance when he asked about her interest. And what did they really have in common, besides attraction?
Lizzie looked at the book. In the front she noticed where a label had been but was removed. In the back of the book she saw a small inscription: To F from G. He said it had been a gift. So who is Mr. F.? she wondered. She also thought about his suggestion and decided she would like to talk to her best friend and confidant tonight.
“Hill has made us up some cocoa,” Lizzy said as she handed one of the cups to Jane.
“Thank you, Lizzy. It is just the thing before bedtime.”
“Yes, it certainly is. Jane, I have been doing a good deal of thinking recently. I want to admit to you that my excellent opinion of Mr. Wickham is starting to falter. In retrospect, I am starting to think perhaps he might have put on a false front to elicit my compassion and get my emotions involved. I honestly do not think bitterness over the situation is behind my altered view. I have been weighing the evidence of spoken words and deeds. As you pointed out, what kind of man would say all he did to me and then, without explanation, and just a few days later, do what he did? He would have had to already have formed some kind of relationship with Miss King, would he not? She is not in a desperate situation to need to take just anyone who asked her. And what words did he use in the proposal? Surely, he would have to declare some feelings for her. How did he manage it if he is an honest man?”
“Oh, Lizzy, I have been thinking these same thoughts! I do not want to think ill of him, but I cannot seem to reconcile his words to you with his engagement to Miss King so soon after. I do not know how to answer you. I do, however, think it shows good sense and judgement on your part to be allowing yourself to be rational on the subject of that gentleman.”
“Thank you for the complement, Jane. While I was so often in his company, I really believed all he presented himself to be. But, this time away from him has opened my eyes to the possibility of my own judgment being clouded over by nothing more than a mere appearance of goodness. I do not know yet. I will reserve my final judgment until I can understand more clearly his true character.”
“Perhaps you might speak with our Aunt Gardiner when her family arrives in two days’ time. She may have some insights that we had not thought of,” suggested Jane.
“That is an excellent idea. She is a woman of such steady good sense; I would dearly like to have her perceptions on the matter. You have made me feel better already, Jane, as you always do! If nothing else comes from this experience, it may be that I learn patience instead of impulsiveness. I am beginning to see that I may be too quick in developing my
estimations of characters.”
Chapter Eight
“You are up early, Bingley,” Darcy said as he drank his tea. “Do you have plans for the day?”
“Yes, actually, I do. Miss Bennet’s aunt and uncle are visiting Longbourn, and I thought I might pay them a call.”
“Oh, I see. And which aunt and uncle are these?”
“Mr. Gardiner is Mrs. Bennet’s brother. He lives in London.”
“He would be the one Miss Bennet has spoken of that lives in Cheapside, I believe? He is in trade there?”
“Yes, that is so,” Bingley answered nervously. “Listen, Darcy, I am in no mood to hear the family criticized because of their connections. I have heard quite enough from my sisters on that topic. I mean to pay them a visit this morning, and pay them a visit I shall.”
“You will get no objection from me, I assure you. In fact, I might join you, if you would not mind.”
“You wish to join me? Well, yes, that would be, certainly, yes,” Bingley replied before downing his tea. “Darcy, I do not mean to be rude, but I do not believe you have made the best impression on the lady of the house. Are you certain you want to spend your morning there? Jane has the highest regard for her aunt and uncle but they are still Mrs. Bennet’s relations, you know.”
Yours truly, Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Page 4