Elizabeth Bennet

By Eliza Gordon

A retelling of the well-known novel from the sole perspective of Elizabeth Bennet. 

With only minor changes to the original story, this book retains the witty dialogue, the style and language of Jane Austen. 

While written using Austen's text and vocabulary in current use in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Eliza Gordon has endeavoured to ensure the story will be easy to read by a modern audience. It is the version she wished she'd read when in school. 

Ideal for English literature students who want a slightly more accessible version of the English classic.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eliza Gordon
• Release date: Mar 28, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386165248

Book preview

Chapter 1

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.

Suddenly, Mr. Bennet addressed her directly. I hope Mr. Bingley will like it, Lizzy. He referred to the hat she was employed in trimming.

We are not in a way to know what Mr. Bingley likes, since we are not to visit him at Netherfield. Mrs. Bennet sounded resentful.

Kitty coughed. Mamma, Mrs. Long promised to introduce him.

I do not believe Mrs. Long will do any such thing. She has two nieces of her own. She is a selfish, hypocritical woman, and I have no opinion of her. The sharp severe tone to Mrs Bennet return shook Elizabeth.

No more have I, and I am glad to find that you do not depend on her serving you. Mr. Bennet said whilst nodding in agreement.

Mrs. Bennet did not reply. Instead, she scolded one of her daughters. Do not keep coughing so, Kitty, for Heaven's sake! Have a little compassion on my nerves. You tear them to pieces.

Kitty has no discretion in her coughs, she times them ill. Mr. Bennet complained.

I do not cough for my own amusement, replied Kitty fretfully. When is your next ball to be, Lizzy?

Elizabeth was aware of their gaze upon her.

In two weeks tomorrow, Mrs. Bennet answered when Elizabeth did not. And Mrs. Long will not know him herself. She does not come back till the day before; so it will be impossible for her to introduce him.

Then, my dear, you may have the advantage of your friend, and introduce Mr. Bingley to her.

Impossible, Mr. Bennet, impossible. I cannot do the introductions when I am not acquainted with him myself. How can you be so teasing?

Indeed, two week's acquaintance is certainly very little. One needs to know a man longer than that if one is to know him at all. Reclining backwards, Mr. Bennet stretched his arms open wide and smiled. And if we do not venture to know him, somebody else will. All of the mothers are seeking the best marriage for their daughters.

All the Bennet women in the room stared at the man. There must be some point for him to state as a matter of fact that which they all knew. Every mother was indeed seeking the very best match for their daughters, and eligible gentlemen seemed in short supply.

After a minute of suspense, Mr. Bennet leaned forward. What do you say, young Mary? For you are a young lady of deep reflection, I know, I'd like to hear your thoughts.

At eighteen years, in order of age, Mary was the middle of the five Bennet daughters. Seemingly struck silent, she wished to say something sensible but knew not how.

While Mary collects her ideas let us return to Mr. Bingley, Mr. Bennet continued.

I am sick of Mr. Bingley. Mrs. Bennet sighed with a shrug of her shoulders.

I am sorry to hear that; but why did not you tell me that before? If I had known as much this morning, I certainly would not have called on him. It is very unlucky; but as I have actually paid the visit, we cannot escape the acquaintance now.

The take of breath was audible, the astonishment, palpable.

It took a good minute or two before anyone spoke and Mrs. Bennet did so with a smile. I knew it. I had expected it all the while. I was sure you loved your girls too well to neglect such an important acquaintance. Well, how pleased I am. And it is such a good joke, too, that you should have gone this morning and never said a word about it till now.

Elizabeth thought she detected a hint of insincerity in Mrs. Bennet's words. The mother wanted to be in control of the daughters' fates. Mrs. Bennet did not appear content to leave their fates in the hands of her husband.

With a broad smile on his face, Mr. Bennet rose from his chair and walked towards the door. Now, Kitty, you may cough as much as you choose, he said as he left the room.

What an excellent father you have, girls! For your sakes, girls, your father and I would do anything. Lydia, my love, though you are the youngest, I dare say Mr. Bingley will dance with you at the next ball.

Oh! said Lydia stoutly, I am not afraid; for though I am the youngest, I am the tallest. Lydia was a proper fearless fifteen-year-old.

They spent the rest of the evening in conjecture. How soon would Mr. Bingley return Mr. Bennet's visit? When should they ask him to join them for dinner at their home in the village of Longbourn?

Every woman and girl joined in this conversation.

Chapter 2

Over the coming days, Mr. Bennet said nothing about Mr. Bingley. No matter how much his wife and daughters asked, they could not draw further comment from him.

According to the second-hand intelligence of their neighbour, Lady Lucas, they heard Mr. Bingley was quite young, wonderfully handsome, and extremely agreeable. To crown the whole, he intended to be at the next assembly with a group of friends.

All the ladies agreed that to be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love. They entertained very lively hopes of Mr. Bingley's heart.

If I can but see one of my daughters happily settled at Netherfield with Mr. Bingley, and all the others equally well married, I shall have nothing to wish for, Mrs. Bennet often said to the girls.

After a few days, Mr. Bingley visited the Bennet's household.

From an upper window, the curious ladies caught a glimpse of him. He wore a blue coat and rode a black horse. That was all they saw of him as he disappeared into Mr. Bennet's library.

A meeting of minds between father and prospective groom were the way things were done in these parts.

Clearly unhappy leaving her daughters' fates in the hands of men, Mrs. Bennet seemed constantly engaged with plans to assure a secure future for the girls. Elizabeth could understand a respect that even though she wanted to marry for love.

When Mr. Bingley was obliged to be in town and so declined the first invitation to dinner, Mrs. Bennet was beside herself with disappointment. It would have been the first opportunity for him to meet her daughters.

Muttering for all her daughter to hear, Mrs. Bennet complained that he might always be flying about from one place to another, and never settle at Netherfield as he ought. She could not imagine what business he could have in town so soon after his arrival in Hertfordshire.

In time for the local society gathering, the handsome Mr. Bingley returned from London with four others. The two ladies turned out to be his sisters, Mrs. Louisa Hurst and Miss Caroline Bingley. As for the gentlemen, one was Louisa's husband, the other was a dashingly handsome Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

They made their entrance at the ball. Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room. The details of his wealth emerged and circulated swiftly among all in society. The gentlemen pronounced him to be a fine figure of a man. The ladies declared he was much more handsome than the younger Mr. Bingley.

For about half the evening Mr. Darcy was greatly admired. For the second half of the evening, his local standing fell into decline.

The reserved Mr. Darcy spoke only with those in his own party. He danced only twice, and that was with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. And worse, he declined introductions to any other lady. His ill manners turned the tide of his popularity. He was proud, but not in a good way. He apparently thought himself above his company, and above being pleased by the local people.

He may have had wealth and good looks and a large estate in Derbyshire, but the man lacked common curtsey. He had no class.

There was a great contrast between Mr. Darcy and the lively and unreserved Charles Bingley. The latter soon made himself acquainted with all the principal people in the room. He danced every dance. He mentioned throwing a ball at his Netherfield home.

Elizabeth heard the muttering around the room indicating the shifting consensus of opinion on Mr. Darcy.

Due to the scarcity of gentlemen, Elizabeth had been obliged to sit down for two dances, and during part of that time, Mr. Darcy stood near her.

Seeing Darcy on the edge of things, Mr. Bingley left the dance for a few minutes, to press his friend to join it. Come, Darcy, I must have you dance. I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You would do better joining the dance.

I certainly shall not. You know how I detest dancing unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner. Your sisters are engaged, and it would be a punishment to me to stand up with another woman in the room.

I would not be so critical as you are. Mr. Bingley threw his hands up in obvious despair of his friend. I do not understand you. I've never met with so many pleasant girls in my life as I have this evening. Many of them are exceedingly pretty.

You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room, said Mr. Darcy, looking at Jane the eldest of the Bennet sisters.

Oh! She is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld! Mr. Bingley said with a cheerful smile. But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you; she is very pretty, and I dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my Jane Bennet to introduce you.

Elizabeth heard all of this, of course. She was careful to observe the men from the corner of her eye, least they noticed her eavesdropping.

Which do you mean? Turning around, he looked for a moment at Elizabeth. Upon catching her eye, he withdrew his own. He coldly said, She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me. I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.

Mr. Bingley followed his advice.

As if unaware that Elizabeth had heard all he said, Mr. Darcy walked off. Or perhaps he did not care.

Holding no warm feelings towards him, Elizabeth glanced around. She could at once tell that Mrs. Bennet had also overheard the conversation. The mother's dislike of his general behaviour was undoubtedly sharpened into particular resentment when he slighted one of her daughters.

The evening altogether passed off pleasantly to the whole family. They returned in good spirits to the village of Longbourn. On the journey, Mrs. Bennet and her daughters recounted the best parts of the evening, to Elizabeth's great amusement.

Jane was so admired. Everybody said how well she looked, and Mr. Bingley thought her quite beautiful, and danced with her twice!

And they found energy flavoured with bitterness, to comment on Mr. Darcy. He is a most disagreeable, horrid man, not at all worth pleasing. So high and so conceited that there was no enduring him! He walked here, and he walked there, fancying himself so very great! Not handsome enough to dance with!

Later when they were alone and talking about Mr. Bingley, Jane said to Elizabeth, He is just what a young man ought to be. He's sensible, good-humoured, lively; and I never saw such happy manners—so much ease, with such perfect good breeding.

Elizabeth winked at her sister. He is also handsome, which goes well with a man of his standing.

A pink flush rose on Jane's cheeks as she smiled a little more broadly. I was very much flattered by his asking me to dance a second time. I did not expect such a compliment.

You did not expect a second dance? I did. What could be more natural? He has two eyes. He must have seen that you were about five times as pretty as every other woman in the room.

Dear Lizzy!

I speak my mind.

I know you do, and it is that which makes the wonder. With your good sense, do you like this man's sisters, too? Their manners are not equal to his. And should I marry him, I will marry into his family.

I spoke with them, and they are very pleasant women.

They were rather attractive and had been educated in one of the first private seminaries in town. They also had a fortune, which permitted frivolous spending. They had mixed with the top echelons of society. They could too easily think well of themselves, and meanly of others.

Miss Bingley was willing to preside at her brother's table.

Mrs. Hurst had married a man of more fashion than fortune. She was also disposed to consider her brother's house as her home when it suited her.

Chapter 3

The eldest of Sir William Lucas and Lady Lucas's children, Charlotte, was a sensible, intelligent young woman. The Lucas family were close neighbours of the Bennet's. 

It was absolutely necessary that the

Miss Lucases and the Miss Bennets should meet after a social occasion to discuss it in fine detail. The morning after the assembly the Lucas ladies visited Longbourn to chatter.

You began the evening well, Charlotte. You were Mr. Bingley's first choice, said Mrs. Bennet.

Yes; but he seemed to like his second better.

Oh! you mean Jane, I suppose, because he danced with her twice.

Mr. Robinson asked him how he liked our Meryton assemblies, and whether he did not think there were a great many pretty women in the room, and which he thought the prettiest?  Lady Lucas said. He immediately answered the last question: 'Oh! the eldest Miss Bennet, beyond a doubt; there cannot be two opinions on that point.' 

Gushing with pride at hearing such words about her eldest daughter, Mrs. Bennet said, Upon my word! Well, that is very decided indeed—that does seem as if—however, it may all come to nothing, you know. Elizabeth could see the excitement on her face.

My, what I over heard. That despicable Mr. Darcy. There is a man not worth listening to, said Charlotte. She placed her hand over Elizabeth's. To be only just tolerable.

I beg you do not put it into Lizzy's head that she should be vexed by his ill-treatment. He is such a disagreeable man, that to be liked by him would be quite a misfortune. Mrs. Long told me last night that he sat close to her for half-an-hour without once opening his lips.

Are you quite sure, ma'am?—is not there a little mistake? I certainly saw Mr. Darcy speaking to her, said Jane. 

He only spoke when he had to. She asked him at last how he liked Netherfield. He could not help answering, but she said he seemed quite angry at being spoken to.

Miss Bingley told me that he never speaks much, unless among his intimate acquaintances. With them, he is remarkably agreeable, said Jane.

That could be a sign of shyness, Elizabeth thought; yet, Mr. Darcy did not seem shy. Perhaps he was discerning about the company he kept.

I do not believe a word of it, my dear. If he had been so very agreeable, he would have talked to Mrs. Long.

Squeezing Elizabeth's hand, Charlotte said, I do not mind his not talking to Mrs. Long, but I wish he had danced with Eliza.

Lady Lucas shook her head. Another time, Lizzy, I would not dance with him if I were you.

Elizabeth agreed with that. She had not liked him any more than the other women. I believe, ma'am, I may safely promise you that I will never dance with him.

His pride does not offend me so much as pride often does because there is an excuse for it, said Charlotte. One cannot wonder that so very fine a young man should think highly of himself. Such a high opinion must follow from his family, fortune, and everything in his favour. If I may so express it, he has a right to be proud.

That is very true, and I could easily forgive his pride. His lack of consideration for others, but. no. Elizabeth shook her head. I would be fine with his pride if he had, in turn, respected my sense of pride.

Pride is a very common failing, observed Mary, who piqued herself upon the solidity of her reflections. I believe, human nature is particularly prone to it. Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used as if interchangeable. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.

Impressed, Elizabeth thought about the young woman's wise words.

If I were as rich as Mr. Darcy I should not care how proud I was. I would keep a pack of foxhounds, and drink a bottle of wine a day, cried a young Lucas, who came with his sisters.

Then you would drink a great deal more than you ought, said Mrs. Bennet. If I were to see you at it, I should take away your bottle directly.

The boy protested that she should not. She continued to declare that she would.

The argument ended only with the visit.

Chapter 4

A round of social meeting ensued involving the Bingley family and the Bennets. It was as if one family courted another rather than two individuals considering dating. Jane received attention with great pleasure.

Mr Binley's sisters, Louisa and Caroline, were always polite, up to a point. Elizabeth saw haughty arrogance in the sister's treatment of everybody. Elizabeth could not like them; even though they were kind to Jane. Elizabeth felt they were only kind to Jane because she had their brother's admiration.

It was generally evident whenever they met, that Mr. Bingley greatly admired Jane.

To Elizabeth, Jane's increasing interested in the man was equally evident, to the extent that she seemed very much in love. A love that was unlikely to be discovered by the world in general.

With composure and a uniform cheerful manner, Jane concealed her great strength of feeling. Her temperament would guard her against the suspicions of the impertinent.

Elizabeth mentioned this to her friend Charlotte Lucas.

It may be pleasant to deny the public a glimpse of your heart, but it is sometimes a disadvantage to be so very guarded, replied Charlotte.

She explained, If a woman conceals her affection with skill from the man who is the object of her affections, she may lose her opportunity with him. It will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally in the dark about her feelings. There is so much of gratitude or vanity in almost every attachment, such that it is not safe to leave any to itself. 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. In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels. Bingley likes your sister undoubtedly, but he may never do more than like her if she does not help him on.

But she does help him on, as much as her nature will allow. If I can perceive her regard for him, he must be aware of it too.

Remember, Eliza, that he does not know Jane's disposition as you do.

But if a woman is partial to a man, and does not endeavour to conceal it, he will find out.

Yes, he must if he sees enough of her. But, though Bingley and Jane meet tolerably often, it is never for many hours together. They always see each other in large mixed parties; it is impossible that every moment is employed in conversing together. Jane should make the most of every half-hour in which she can command his attention. When she is secure of him, there will be more leisure for falling in love as much as she chooses.

Your plan is a good one where nothing is in question but the desire of being well married, replied Elizabeth. "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.

She cannot even be certain of her own feelings for him, or whether what feelings she has are reasonable. She has known him only weeks. She danced four dances with him at Meryton. She saw him one morning at his own house and has since dined with him in company four times. This is not quite enough to make her understand his character."

Not as you represent it. If she merely dined with him, she might only have discovered whether he had a good appetite. You must remember that they spent four evenings together—and in four evenings a couple may do a great deal.

Yes; these four evenings have enabled them to find out what they have in common. They both prefer one certain card game over another, but I do not imagine that much has unfolded about any other thing of importance.

Well, I wish Jane success with all my heart, said Charlotte. If she married to him tomorrow, I should think she would have as good a chance of matrimonial bliss as any. If she studied his character for a full year, it would not improve her chance at happiness. Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the parties are similar and their dispositions known to each other beforehand, it does not advance their joy in the least. They can grow unalike over the years ahead. It is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.

You make me laugh, Charlotte; but it is not sound. You know it is not sound, and that you would never act in this way yourself. For Charlotte's views always seemed too advanced for the time.

A few days later at Sir William Lucas's, a large party assembled.

Sensing Mr. Darcy listening to her conversation with others. She turned her attention to him. Did you think when I was teasing Colonel Forster to give us a ball at Meryton that I expressed myself well just now?

With great energy; but it is always a subject which makes a lady energetic, he replied.

You are severe on us.

It will be her turn soon to be teased, said her friend Charlotte 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. As it is, I would rather not sit down before those who must be in the habit of hearing the very best performers.

Miss Lucas persevered until Elizabeth relented.

Very well, if it must be so, it must. She glanced at Mr. Darcy. There is a fine old saying, which everybody here is familiar with, 'Keep your breath to cool your porridge', and I will keep mine to swell my song.

Her performance was pleasing, though by no means capital. After a song or two, and before she could reply to the entreaties of several that she would sing again, she was eagerly succeeded at the instrument by her sister Mary. Mary seemed always impatient for display.

The girls had joined in dancing at one end of the room with some of the Lucases, and two or three officers. Mr. Darcy stood near them.

When he saw her not dancing, Sir William Lucas said, My dear Miss Eliza, why are you not dancing? Mr. Darcy, you must allow me to present this young lady to you as a very desirable partner. You cannot refuse to dance; I am sure when so much beauty is before you.

Taking her hand, he obviously would have offered it to Mr. Darcy who, though extremely surprised, appeared not unwilling to receive it.

She instantly drew back. With some discomposure, she said to Sir William, Indeed, sir, I have not the least intention of dancing. I did not move in this direction to beg for a partner.

Mr. Darcy, with grave propriety, requested the honour of her hand, but in vain. Elizabeth was determined.

Sir William attempted persuasion. You excel so much in the dance, Miss Eliza, that it is cruel to deny me the happiness of seeing you. And though this gentleman dislikes the amusement in general, he can have no objection, to oblige us for one half-hour.

He failed to shake her purpose.

Mr. Darcy is all politeness, said Elizabeth, smiling.

He is, indeed. My dear Miss Eliza, we cannot wonder at his willingness to do things. Consider the inducement, who would object to you as a partner?

Elizabeth looked archly and turned away.

Chapter 5

The village of Longbourn was only a short walk to Meryton, one mile away.

The young ladies were usually tempted thither three or four times a week. They would visit their aunt, Mrs. Phillips, and go to a milliner's shop just over the way.

The local gossip about the comings and goings within the vicinity made a significant contribution to what passed for entertainment.

At present, indeed, they were well supplied both with news and happiness by the recent arrival of a militia regiment in the neighbourhood. It was to remain the whole winter, and Meryton was the headquarters.

Their visits to Mrs. Phillips were now productive of the most interesting intelligence. Every day added something to their knowledge of the officers' names and connections. Their lodgings were not long a secret, and at length, they began to know the officers themselves.

Mr. Phillips visited them all, and this opened to his nieces a store of previously unknown joy. Talk of officers and Mr. Bingley's large fortune made the content of most conversations.

While the mention of a fortune gave animation to Mrs. Bennet,  it was worthless in the girl's eyes when next to the military uniform.

After listening one morning to the youngest daughter's effusions on this subject, Mr. Bennet coolly observed, From all that I can collect by your manner of talking, you must be two of the silliest girls in the country. I have suspected it some time, but I am now convinced.

Catherine was disconcerted and made no answer.

With perfect indifference, Lydia continued to express her admiration of Captain Carter. She hoped to see him in the course of the day, as he was going the next morning to London.

I am astonished, that you should be so ready to think your own children as silly, said Mrs. Bennet. If I wished to think slightingly of anybody's children, it should not be of my own.

If my children are silly, I must hope that I am always sensible enough to know it, replied Mr. Bennet.

Yes, I can agree with you on that—but as it happens, they are all very clever.

This is the only point on which we do not agree. I had hoped that our sentiments coincided in every particular, but I think our two youngest daughters uncommonly foolish, and so must differ from you.

Elizabeth was most disheartened to hear the Bennets speak of their daughters this way. The young girls were no more juvenile or silly than was right for their age. Elizabeth was highly aware of the pressure to find a secure future for a young woman. But still, they were young girls indulging in flights of fancy.

My dear Mr. Bennet, you must not expect such girls to have the sense of their father and mother. When they get to our age, I dare say they will not think about officers any more than we do. I remember the time when I liked a red coat myself very well. Indeed, so I do still at my heart. If a smart young colonel should want one of my girls, I will not say nay to him if he has a solid income. And I thought Colonel Forster looked very becoming in his regimentals the other night at Sir William's.

Elizabeth giggled. A man with money and income was desirable, and a uniform was a bonus, she thought.

Mamma, cried Lydia, my aunt says that Colonel Forster and Captain Carter do not go so often to Miss Watson's as they did when they first came. She sees them now very often standing in Clarke's library.

The entrance of the footman prevented Mrs. Bennet from replying. He brought a note for Miss Bennet; it came from Netherfield, and the servant waited for an answer.

While her daughter read to herself, Mrs. Bennet's eyes sparkled with pleasure. Well, Jane, who is it from? What is it about? What does he say?

It is from Miss Bingley, said Jane, and then read it aloud.

"MY DEAR FRIEND,—

"If you are not so compassionate as to dine to-day with Louisa and me, we shall be in danger of hating each other for the rest of our lives. A whole day's tete-a-tete between two women can never end without a quarrel. Come as soon as you can on receipt of this. My brother and the gentlemen are to dine with the officers.—Yours ever,

CAROLINE BINGLEY

With the officers! cried Lydia. I wonder my aunt did not tell us of that.

Dining out, said Mrs. Bennet, that is very unlucky.

Can I have the carriage? said Jane.

No, my dear, you had better go on horseback, because it seems likely to rain; and then you must stay all night.

"That would be a good scheme if you were sure that