Pride and Prejudice — Chapter Nine (Abridged)

Elizabeth passed the night in her sister’s room, and in the morning had the satisfaction of being able to send a tolerable account of Jane’s health to Mr. Bingley. Still, she thought it best to request her mother’s presence; and Mrs. Bennet soon arrived at Netherfield with her two youngest daughters.

Mrs. Bennet, though concerned, was far from wishing Jane’s immediate recovery, for she saw clearly that her staying at Netherfield might promote her happiness. She therefore opposed every proposal for her removal, and was well pleased when the apothecary declared that Jane must not be moved. Mr. Bingley expressed great concern and insisted that she remain, while his sisters offered civil, though not very warm, attentions.

Mrs. Bennet was profuse in her thanks, praising Jane’s sweetness of temper and speaking warmly of the beauty of Netherfield. She hinted that she hoped Mr. Bingley would not soon leave it, and admired everything she saw. Elizabeth listened with some embarrassment, while Bingley answered with easy good humour.

The conversation soon turned to character. Elizabeth observed that intricate characters were the most amusing to study, while Mr. Darcy maintained that in the country there was little variety to engage such attention. Mrs. Bennet, taking this as an insult to her neighbourhood, insisted that there was quite as much society in the country as in town. Elizabeth attempted to explain Darcy’s meaning, but her mother continued in her own opinion.

To change the subject, Elizabeth mentioned Charlotte Lucas, and Mrs. Bennet began speaking of her with mixed praise and criticism, declaring her pleasant but plain, and comparing her unfavourably with Jane. She then recounted a former admirer of Jane’s, who had written verses in her praise. Elizabeth, with playful irony, suggested that poetry might sometimes destroy love rather than strengthen it. Darcy replied that poetry was the food of love, though Elizabeth insisted that it might only nourish a strong affection and starve a weaker one.

At length Mrs. Bennet renewed her thanks to Mr. Bingley and prepared to leave. Lydia, however, could not quit the house without reminding him of his promise to give a ball. She spoke with great boldness, and Bingley readily assured her that he would fulfil his engagement as soon as Jane was recovered. Lydia was delighted, and spoke eagerly of future dances and officers.

When Mrs. Bennet and her daughters had departed, Elizabeth returned immediately to Jane. Meanwhile, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst indulged in criticism of the Bennet family; but Mr. Darcy, though he saw their improprieties, could not entirely join in their censure. He found himself increasingly attentive to Elizabeth, whose liveliness and intelligence continued to engage his admiration.