(no subject)
Title: Protection and Tutelage
Fandom: Austen - P&P
Pairings: Darcy/Lizzy (natch), Bingley/Jane (pretty standard), others
Category: Romance, social commentary (hey, this is Austen, it has to be social commentary)
Disclaimer: I don't own P&P, but since it's out of copyright, no one cares anyway
Rating: PG-13 (for occasional language)
Acknowledgements: Much thanks to my sharp-eyed betas, Bambu and Dickie.
Summary: In which Elizabeth is unimpressed with Lady Eleanor and Darcy dances.
The ladies of Longbourn soon waited on those of Netherfield. The visit was returned in due form. Miss Bennet's pleasing manners grew on the good will of Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley; the latter in particular most concerned to provide Lady Eleanor with company suitable to one of such elevated rank. That their guest did not scruple to speak with admiration of the second Miss Bennet could only improve that lady in their own estimations. Though Mrs. Bennet was found to be intolerable, and the younger sisters not worth speaking to, a wish of being better acquainted with them was expressed towards the two eldest.
Elizabeth could not like Mr. Bingley’s sisters, but saw that their kindness to Jane, such as it was, had a value as arising in all probability from the influence of their brother's admiration. To Elizabeth it was evident that Jane was yielding to the preference which she had begun to entertain for Mr. Bingley from the first; but she considered with pleasure that it was not likely to be discovered by the world in general. She mentioned this to her friend Miss Lucas.
“It may perhaps be pleasant,” replied Charlotte, “to be able to impose on the public in such a case; but it is sometimes a disadvantage to be so very guarded. If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him; and it will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally in the dark.”
“Then you would have the lady court the gentleman instead of the other way round,” said Lady Eleanor, having been stood near enough to overhear their conversation.
“It is my belief that, in nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels. Bingley likes Miss Bennet undoubtedly; but he may never do more than like her, if she does not help him on.”
“But how would you have Miss Bennet behave? Surely you would not wish her to indulge in vulgar flirtation.”
“Only that Jane should make the most of every half-hour in which she can command his attention. Though they meet tolerably often, it is never for many hours together; and as they always see each other in large mixed parties, it is impossible that every moment should be employed in conversing together. When she is secure of him, there will be leisure for falling in love as much as she chooses.”
“Your plan is a good one,” replied Elizabeth, “where nothing is in question but the desire of being well married; and if I were determined to get a rich husband, or any husband, I dare say I should adopt it. But these are not Jane's feelings; she is not acting by design.”
“I quite agree,” said Lady Eleanor. “Having only known him a fortnight she cannot know him well enough to make her understand his character. Though they appear well-matched in temperament, marriage is too important a decision for a woman to make lightly.”
“Then how should it be made? If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other, or ever so similar before-hand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation. Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.”
“I cannot agree with you, Miss Lucas. Our habits may change, but our natures do not. Miss Bennet will always be modest and Mr. Bingley always amiable. What else Mr. Bingley may be and what flaws are hidden beneath his friendly manner are what she must determine; and whether such a man would continue to be acceptable to her when the delights of courtship have passed. As women, we are far more disadvantaged in marriage than men; it is better to know as much as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.”
“I cannot say which is worse,” said Elizabeth, smiling. “To willingly enter into a union without ascertaining more than that both like Vingt-un better than Commerce or to judge a man solely on his defects with little hope for felicity.”
“And how would you manage it?” asked Lady Eleanor.
“Expectations of happiness in marriage may be rationally founded when they are based on mutual esteem and true affection, but most importantly excellent understanding. That she would know him better before engaging her heart is credit to her good sense.”
“There is so much of gratitude or vanity in almost every attachment, that it is not safe to leave any to itself,” said Miss Lucas. “We can all begin freely -- a slight preference is natural enough; but there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement.”
“And yet, a man who gives such encouragement without a genuine attachment is called a rake. You would make of Miss Bennet a dishonest woman.”
Elizabeth was thus confirmed in her opinion of Lady Eleanor’s disagreeable nature and determination to find fault with everyone. She was less certain of the character of Mr. Darcy. His silence did not encourage greater study, but Elizabeth was determined to learn something of the man. An opportunity arose when she spied him standing nearby the group she was speaking with, so close as to be suspected of eavesdropping.
“Did not you think, Mr. Darcy, that I expressed myself uncommonly well just now, when I was teasing Colonel Forster to give us a ball at Meryton?”
“With great energy; but it is a subject which always makes a lady energetic.”
“You are severe on us.”
“It will be her turn soon to be teased,” said Miss Lucas. “I am going to open the instrument, Eliza, and you know what follows.”
“You are a very strange creature by way of a friend! -- always wanting me to play and sing before anybody and everybody! If my vanity had taken a musical turn, you would have been invaluable; but as it is, I would really rather not sit down before those who must be in the habit of hearing the very best performers.” When they were far enough not to be heard, she whispered, “Why did you take me away from there? I had only just managed to engage Mr. Darcy in conversation.”
“I was afraid you would frighten him off. He is a shy creature, in need of gentle converse, not impudent teasing.”
“And how, pray tell, have you developed this insight into his character? We have heard no more than one sentence from him all evening.”
“That is precisely why I think him shy. He was listening, but not speaking. How else do you explain it?”
“Perhaps he thinks our company beneath him.”
“Then he could have stayed at Netherfield, or at least kept to a corner of the room. No, I am quite certain that he was interested.”
By then the pianoforte was opened and the performer seated, necessitating an end to conversation in that part of the room. Miss Lucas, however, took the opportunity to approach Mr. Darcy on her own. “I hope you are not too disappointed in the performance. We do not have the benefit of London masters hereabout.”
“Not at all, Miss Lucas. I find Miss Elizabeth’s style of playing quite pleasant. She has a natural feel for the music that cannot be taught.”
Charlotte was well pleased to discover that the gentleman knew both her and her friend’s names. He could not have learnt so much had he truly been a disinterested observer.
Lady Eleanor approached the two. “Has my cousin deigned to speak, Miss Lucas?”
“He has indeed; and most civilly, too.”
Darcy merely smiled, until Miss Bingley appeared and took his arm. “Mr. Darcy, there is the most terrible dispute, something about the war. We simply must have your opinion to settle the matter, for there is no one else of such sound judgment to be found.” She nodded to Lady Eleanor and led him away, making no acknowledgement of Miss Lucas.
“Does that happen to him often?”
“Constantly. The poor man is positively hounded.”
“Perhaps that is why he is so hesitant to make new acquaintances. He seems amiable enough once he makes a start.”
Eleanor very nearly contradicted her host’s eldest daughter before deciding that Darcy might be less difficult if he could avoid the dislike of the neighbourhood. “How very insightful. Tell me, are you a great studier of characters?”
“Oh no. My friend Eliza, Miss Elizabeth Bennet that is,” she nodded towards the instrument, “is far more adept at the art in general. It is the quiet characters that attract my attention. I feel that those who are reticent must be at a severe disadvantage compared to the rest of us, no matter what their station in life.”
“Really? In what way?”
“Only this, that so long as others cannot discern their true thoughts or feelings, they must constantly be misunderstood.”
Elizabeth was eagerly succeeded at the instrument by her sister Mary, who having, in consequence of being the only plain one in the family, worked hard for knowledge and accomplishments, was always impatient for display. Mary had neither genius nor taste, though vanity had given her application; and she was glad to purchase praise and gratitude by Scotch and Irish airs, at the request of her younger sisters, who, with some of the Lucases, and two or three officers, joined eagerly in dancing at one end of the room.
Mr. Darcy stood near them in silent indignation at such a mode of passing the evening, to the exclusion of all conversation, and was too much engrossed by his own thoughts to perceive that Sir William Lucas was his neighbour, till Sir William thus began --
“What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Darcy! There is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished societies.”
“Certainly, sir; and it has the advantage also of being in vogue amongst the less polished societies of the world. Every savage can dance.”
“Thus proving that a gentleman is little more than a savage with a better tailor,” said Lady Eleanor, joining the gentlemen. “Come, Darcy, I wish to dance. Surely your Fitzwilliam blood cannot resist the temptation of a reel.”2
With a nod to his host, that gentleman escorted his cousin to the dance. He danced the next with Miss Lucas and another with Miss Bingley before pleading exhaustion. “Have I redeemed myself, Ellie?”
“You have made a start.”
2 - While the Fitzwilliam fortune was originally made (in trade!) in London, the family came from Ireland and their first titles were granted there. The Earl Fitzwilliam in the Peerage of England was also Earl Fitzwilliam, county Tyrone, Viscount Miltown, county Westmeath, and Baron Fitzwilliam of Lilford, county Donegal, in the Peerage of Ireland. My (somewhat longwinded) reasons for using the historical Fitzwilliams instead of the fanfic trope of the fictional Matlocks are described here if anyone is interested.
Fandom: Austen - P&P
Pairings: Darcy/Lizzy (natch), Bingley/Jane (pretty standard), others
Category: Romance, social commentary (hey, this is Austen, it has to be social commentary)
Disclaimer: I don't own P&P, but since it's out of copyright, no one cares anyway
Rating: PG-13 (for occasional language)
Acknowledgements: Much thanks to my sharp-eyed betas, Bambu and Dickie.
Summary: In which Elizabeth is unimpressed with Lady Eleanor and Darcy dances.
The ladies of Longbourn soon waited on those of Netherfield. The visit was returned in due form. Miss Bennet's pleasing manners grew on the good will of Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley; the latter in particular most concerned to provide Lady Eleanor with company suitable to one of such elevated rank. That their guest did not scruple to speak with admiration of the second Miss Bennet could only improve that lady in their own estimations. Though Mrs. Bennet was found to be intolerable, and the younger sisters not worth speaking to, a wish of being better acquainted with them was expressed towards the two eldest.
Elizabeth could not like Mr. Bingley’s sisters, but saw that their kindness to Jane, such as it was, had a value as arising in all probability from the influence of their brother's admiration. To Elizabeth it was evident that Jane was yielding to the preference which she had begun to entertain for Mr. Bingley from the first; but she considered with pleasure that it was not likely to be discovered by the world in general. She mentioned this to her friend Miss Lucas.
“It may perhaps be pleasant,” replied Charlotte, “to be able to impose on the public in such a case; but it is sometimes a disadvantage to be so very guarded. If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him; and it will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally in the dark.”
“Then you would have the lady court the gentleman instead of the other way round,” said Lady Eleanor, having been stood near enough to overhear their conversation.
“It is my belief that, in nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels. Bingley likes Miss Bennet undoubtedly; but he may never do more than like her, if she does not help him on.”
“But how would you have Miss Bennet behave? Surely you would not wish her to indulge in vulgar flirtation.”
“Only that Jane should make the most of every half-hour in which she can command his attention. Though they meet tolerably often, it is never for many hours together; and as they always see each other in large mixed parties, it is impossible that every moment should be employed in conversing together. When she is secure of him, there will be leisure for falling in love as much as she chooses.”
“Your plan is a good one,” replied Elizabeth, “where nothing is in question but the desire of being well married; and if I were determined to get a rich husband, or any husband, I dare say I should adopt it. But these are not Jane's feelings; she is not acting by design.”
“I quite agree,” said Lady Eleanor. “Having only known him a fortnight she cannot know him well enough to make her understand his character. Though they appear well-matched in temperament, marriage is too important a decision for a woman to make lightly.”
“Then how should it be made? If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other, or ever so similar before-hand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation. Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.”
“I cannot agree with you, Miss Lucas. Our habits may change, but our natures do not. Miss Bennet will always be modest and Mr. Bingley always amiable. What else Mr. Bingley may be and what flaws are hidden beneath his friendly manner are what she must determine; and whether such a man would continue to be acceptable to her when the delights of courtship have passed. As women, we are far more disadvantaged in marriage than men; it is better to know as much as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.”
“I cannot say which is worse,” said Elizabeth, smiling. “To willingly enter into a union without ascertaining more than that both like Vingt-un better than Commerce or to judge a man solely on his defects with little hope for felicity.”
“And how would you manage it?” asked Lady Eleanor.
“Expectations of happiness in marriage may be rationally founded when they are based on mutual esteem and true affection, but most importantly excellent understanding. That she would know him better before engaging her heart is credit to her good sense.”
“There is so much of gratitude or vanity in almost every attachment, that it is not safe to leave any to itself,” said Miss Lucas. “We can all begin freely -- a slight preference is natural enough; but there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement.”
“And yet, a man who gives such encouragement without a genuine attachment is called a rake. You would make of Miss Bennet a dishonest woman.”
Elizabeth was thus confirmed in her opinion of Lady Eleanor’s disagreeable nature and determination to find fault with everyone. She was less certain of the character of Mr. Darcy. His silence did not encourage greater study, but Elizabeth was determined to learn something of the man. An opportunity arose when she spied him standing nearby the group she was speaking with, so close as to be suspected of eavesdropping.
“Did not you think, Mr. Darcy, that I expressed myself uncommonly well just now, when I was teasing Colonel Forster to give us a ball at Meryton?”
“With great energy; but it is a subject which always makes a lady energetic.”
“You are severe on us.”
“It will be her turn soon to be teased,” said Miss Lucas. “I am going to open the instrument, Eliza, and you know what follows.”
“You are a very strange creature by way of a friend! -- always wanting me to play and sing before anybody and everybody! If my vanity had taken a musical turn, you would have been invaluable; but as it is, I would really rather not sit down before those who must be in the habit of hearing the very best performers.” When they were far enough not to be heard, she whispered, “Why did you take me away from there? I had only just managed to engage Mr. Darcy in conversation.”
“I was afraid you would frighten him off. He is a shy creature, in need of gentle converse, not impudent teasing.”
“And how, pray tell, have you developed this insight into his character? We have heard no more than one sentence from him all evening.”
“That is precisely why I think him shy. He was listening, but not speaking. How else do you explain it?”
“Perhaps he thinks our company beneath him.”
“Then he could have stayed at Netherfield, or at least kept to a corner of the room. No, I am quite certain that he was interested.”
By then the pianoforte was opened and the performer seated, necessitating an end to conversation in that part of the room. Miss Lucas, however, took the opportunity to approach Mr. Darcy on her own. “I hope you are not too disappointed in the performance. We do not have the benefit of London masters hereabout.”
“Not at all, Miss Lucas. I find Miss Elizabeth’s style of playing quite pleasant. She has a natural feel for the music that cannot be taught.”
Charlotte was well pleased to discover that the gentleman knew both her and her friend’s names. He could not have learnt so much had he truly been a disinterested observer.
Lady Eleanor approached the two. “Has my cousin deigned to speak, Miss Lucas?”
“He has indeed; and most civilly, too.”
Darcy merely smiled, until Miss Bingley appeared and took his arm. “Mr. Darcy, there is the most terrible dispute, something about the war. We simply must have your opinion to settle the matter, for there is no one else of such sound judgment to be found.” She nodded to Lady Eleanor and led him away, making no acknowledgement of Miss Lucas.
“Does that happen to him often?”
“Constantly. The poor man is positively hounded.”
“Perhaps that is why he is so hesitant to make new acquaintances. He seems amiable enough once he makes a start.”
Eleanor very nearly contradicted her host’s eldest daughter before deciding that Darcy might be less difficult if he could avoid the dislike of the neighbourhood. “How very insightful. Tell me, are you a great studier of characters?”
“Oh no. My friend Eliza, Miss Elizabeth Bennet that is,” she nodded towards the instrument, “is far more adept at the art in general. It is the quiet characters that attract my attention. I feel that those who are reticent must be at a severe disadvantage compared to the rest of us, no matter what their station in life.”
“Really? In what way?”
“Only this, that so long as others cannot discern their true thoughts or feelings, they must constantly be misunderstood.”
Elizabeth was eagerly succeeded at the instrument by her sister Mary, who having, in consequence of being the only plain one in the family, worked hard for knowledge and accomplishments, was always impatient for display. Mary had neither genius nor taste, though vanity had given her application; and she was glad to purchase praise and gratitude by Scotch and Irish airs, at the request of her younger sisters, who, with some of the Lucases, and two or three officers, joined eagerly in dancing at one end of the room.
Mr. Darcy stood near them in silent indignation at such a mode of passing the evening, to the exclusion of all conversation, and was too much engrossed by his own thoughts to perceive that Sir William Lucas was his neighbour, till Sir William thus began --
“What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Darcy! There is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished societies.”
“Certainly, sir; and it has the advantage also of being in vogue amongst the less polished societies of the world. Every savage can dance.”
“Thus proving that a gentleman is little more than a savage with a better tailor,” said Lady Eleanor, joining the gentlemen. “Come, Darcy, I wish to dance. Surely your Fitzwilliam blood cannot resist the temptation of a reel.”2
With a nod to his host, that gentleman escorted his cousin to the dance. He danced the next with Miss Lucas and another with Miss Bingley before pleading exhaustion. “Have I redeemed myself, Ellie?”
“You have made a start.”
2 - While the Fitzwilliam fortune was originally made (in trade!) in London, the family came from Ireland and their first titles were granted there. The Earl Fitzwilliam in the Peerage of England was also Earl Fitzwilliam, county Tyrone, Viscount Miltown, county Westmeath, and Baron Fitzwilliam of Lilford, county Donegal, in the Peerage of Ireland. My (somewhat longwinded) reasons for using the historical Fitzwilliams instead of the fanfic trope of the fictional Matlocks are described here if anyone is interested.