Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 152 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 152

JANE AUSTEN

The prospect of the Netherfield ball was extremely

agreeable to every female of the family. Mrs. Bennet

chose to consider it as given in compliment to her eldest

daughter, and was particularly flattered by receiving

the invitation from Mr. Bingley himself, instead of a

ceremonious card. Jane pictured to herself a happy

evening in the society of her two friends, and the

attentions of their brother; and Elizabeth thought with

pleasure of dancing a great deal with Mr. Wickham, and

of seeing a confirmation of everything in Mr. Darcy’s

look and behaviour. The happiness anticipated by

Catherine and Lydia depended less on any single

event, or any particular person, for though they each,

like Elizabeth, meant to dance half the evening with

Mr. Wickham, he was by no means the only partner

who could satisfy them, and a ball was, at any rate, a

ball. And even Mary could assure her family that she

had no disinclination for it.

“While I can have my mornings to myself,” said she,

“it is enoughI think it is no sacrifice to join occasion -

ally in evening engagements. Society has claims on us

all; and I profess myself one of those who consider

intervals of recreation and amusement as desirable for

everybody.”

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