PRIDE & PREJUDICE: Chapters 31-45
How things have turned around in this section of reading!
Lizzy seemed independent and smart-thinking at first. Now she doesn't seem to get past her grudge against Mr Darcy for being involved in obstructing her sister's friendship with Mr Bingley. I can see why she was so shocked at being proposed to by Darcy because his small-talk is so awkward Lizzy didn't even realise that's what he was doing! Darcy's proposal was clumsy at best!
I am warming towards Mr Darcy who, despite his social clumsiness is obviously doing what he thinks is right, and he clearly has the best interests of his sister at heart. It amazed me that he would propose to Lizzy when she obviously showed no warmth towards him.
Darcy comes across as much more pleasant when he meets Lizzy & the Gardiners at Pemberley.
Mr Wickham who seemed to be charming and hard done-by is actually turning out to be a complete cad!
Miss Bingley is a rude, jealous and spiteful woman, but that's no surprise.
It is interesting to see how much time people in those days would spend away from home visiting relations or touring - months at a time, not just weeks!
I also think that it is strange that Lizzy & the Gardiner's were shown around Pemberley when Darcy wasn't there. It seems odd that the housekeeper would just show anyone around the house!
Roll on the next installment!
You're right, I thought it was odd that Lizzy & the Gardiners could just wander round the estate and then be shown round the house, but I went back & checked. Mrs G said she would like to see the place "again" and was clearly familiar with it, having lived 5 miles away for some years. Going back to ch.25, it mentions that she was familiar with old Mr Darcy & had been to Pemberley.
ReplyDeleteOh, I do think Mr. Darcy will turn out to be the best character of them all...charming and caring...but that's just this dog's opinion.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, Twig is correct that Mrs. G had visited Pemberley before and so they were re-visiting, but it did still seem a bit odd...EXCEPT if maybe Mr. Darcy knew they were in town (but it never tells you that)!
Just wait until you read the last chapters!
Cairn Cuddles,
Oz
I did realise that Mrs G had known Pemberley, but hadn't realised she had been inside. I still think it's odd visiting when Darcy wasn't there (Lizzy had made sure he wasn't there before she agreed to visit so she wouldn't bump into him).
ReplyDeleteBetter make sure my crate & toys are tidy in case people visit our house when we're not there!