Pride and Prejudice — Chapter Eighteen

Till Elizabeth entered the drawing-room at Netherfield, and looked in vain for Mr. Wickham among the cluster of red coats there assembled, a doubt of his being present had never occurred to her.

The certainty of meeting him had not been checked by any of those recollections that might not unreasonably have alarmed her. She had dressed with more than usual care, and prepared in the highest spirits for the conquest of all that remained unsubdued of his heart.

But in an instant arose the dreadful suspicion of his being purposely omitted for Mr. Darcy’s pleasure in the Bingleys’ invitation to the officers; and though this was not exactly the case, the absolute fact of his absence was pronounced by his friend Mr. Denny.

Mr. Denny told Lydia that Wickham had been obliged to go to town on business the day before, and had not yet returned. He added, with a significant smile, that Wickham did not imagine his business would have called him away just then if he had not wished to avoid a certain gentleman.

This part of his intelligence, though unheard by Lydia, was caught by Elizabeth, and as it assured her that Darcy was not less answerable for Wickham’s absence than if her first guess had been true, every feeling of displeasure against the former was sharpened.

She was resolved against any sort of conversation with Darcy, and turned away with a degree of ill-humour which she could not wholly overcome even in speaking to Mr. Bingley.

But Elizabeth was not formed for ill-humour. After some time, she began to recover, especially after hearing that Jane was greatly admired by Mr. Bingley. She was soon able to enjoy the ball, though her first two dances with Mr. Collins were a painful trial.

Mr. Collins was awkward, solemn, and often wrong in his movements. He gave all the shame and misery which a disagreeable partner for a couple of dances can give. Elizabeth was heartily glad when they were over.

Afterwards, she was surprised by Mr. Darcy, who asked her to dance. She accepted before she had time to think. Charlotte Lucas, standing nearby, encouraged her not to be foolish and lose the chance of pleasing him.

When the dance began, Elizabeth and Darcy were silent for a while. At last Elizabeth said that it was usual to say something while dancing, and Darcy replied with politeness. Their conversation soon became pointed and playful.

Elizabeth mentioned Mr. Wickham. Darcy appeared disturbed, but answered that Mr. Wickham was blessed with happy manners which enabled him to make friends, though he was less certain of keeping them.

Elizabeth replied that Wickham had been unfortunate in losing Darcy’s friendship in a way that would probably make him suffer all his life. Darcy made no answer, and seemed desirous of changing the subject.

Sir William Lucas soon interrupted them, praising their dancing and hinting at the possibility of another happy event involving Jane and Mr. Bingley. Darcy looked serious, and Elizabeth felt uncomfortable.

When Sir William left, Darcy asked Elizabeth whether she and her sisters often walked to Meryton. Elizabeth answered yes, and again mentioned meeting Mr. Wickham there. Darcy was silent.

After the dance, Miss Bingley approached Elizabeth and warned her not to believe Mr. Wickham’s account of Darcy. She said Wickham had treated Darcy shamefully, and that Darcy had always been kind and honorable.

Elizabeth was not convinced. She believed Miss Bingley was defending Darcy only because she admired him. Jane, however, later told Elizabeth that Mr. Bingley had also heard Darcy’s account and believed Wickham to be at fault.

Elizabeth still remained doubtful. She trusted Wickham’s pleasing manner and was unwilling to believe he could have invented such a story.

During supper, Mrs. Bennet spoke loudly of her hopes that Jane would soon marry Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth was embarrassed and tried to make her mother speak more quietly, but Mrs. Bennet continued.

Darcy, sitting nearby, could hear almost everything. Elizabeth was deeply ashamed, especially because her mother’s confidence and lack of delicacy were so obvious.

Mary then performed at the piano. Her singing was long and not especially pleasing. Elizabeth suffered as she watched the company grow tired. At last Mr. Bennet gently stopped Mary from continuing.

Mr. Collins also added to Elizabeth’s embarrassment. He insisted on introducing himself to Mr. Darcy after discovering that Darcy was Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s nephew. Elizabeth begged him not to do so, but he refused to listen.

Mr. Collins spoke to Darcy with great formality and self-importance. Darcy received him with distant politeness, while Elizabeth felt mortified by the whole scene.

The evening, which Elizabeth had expected to be delightful, became more and more uncomfortable. Her family’s behaviour exposed them to ridicule, and she feared Darcy’s opinion of them would become even worse.

At last the ball ended. Mrs. Bennet was slow to leave and continued talking proudly of Jane and Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth was relieved when they finally returned to Longbourn.

Although Jane had enjoyed the evening, Elizabeth went home disappointed. Wickham had been absent, Darcy had danced with her, and her own family had behaved in ways that caused her great embarrassment.