Food for Thought Anyone ever wonder how it would affect the characters of Pride and Prejudice if Mrs. Phillips was more like Mr. Gardiner than Mrs. Bennet?https://dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?4,114331,114331#msg-114331Fri, 01 May 2026 12:06:16 +0100 Phorum 5.2.22 https://dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?4,114331,114342#msg-114342 Re: Food for Thoughthttps://dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?4,114331,114342#msg-114342
I agree with Sandy; if Mrs. Phillips was as sensible as her brother the Bennet's girls would likely be somewhat different. Jane and Elizabeth would have another relative of action and sense. Rather than yelling out the window to invite Wickham and co. into her home, a more sensible woman would have kept quiet and admonished her neices for their forward behavior when they came inside. Then again, Lydia may be less inclined to visit her aunt if she had more rules!

Mrs. Bennet would likely still be the silly Mrs. Bennet but with one less conspirator in her ridiculousness. A sensible Mrs. Phillips would have done her best to keep her sister and the rest of the household quiet about Lydia's elopement (if she was still inclined to do so) rather than wailing with her sister.]]> MichelleA (not signe in) Tea RoomThu, 29 Jan 2015 23:28:07 +0000 https://dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?4,114331,114337#msg-114337 Re: Food for Thoughthttps://dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?4,114331,114337#msg-114337
First, who would then be Mrs Bennet's gossip buddy?
Next, would she be able to see through Wickham more quickly? Mr Gardiner didn't in the original, but then, he didn't spend so much time with Wickham as Mrs Phillips did?
Would she be stop Kitty and Lydia from flirting so much when attending gatherings in her home?
Would she notice the attention Darcy paid to Elizabeth?
and the list could go on....

That would make for a really interesting 'what if'! Hope someone writes it!
Great idea!]]> Sandy C Tea RoomThu, 29 Jan 2015 11:17:38 +0000 https://dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?4,114331,114331#msg-114331 Food for Thoughthttps://dwiggie.com/phorum/read.php?4,114331,114331#msg-114331 Steph's Tea RoomThu, 29 Jan 2015 04:59:35 +0000