Agnes Beatrix Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> As for Elizabeth and Darcy respecting Bingley, I'm
> sure they did not think he was a "wishy-washy
> wimp" but towards the ending, after the
> reconciliation with Darcy, Elizabeth has some less
> than respectful thoughts about how Bingley could
> still be influenced by Darcy - which she keeps to
> herself because she doesn't feel Darcy would be
> comfortable with her teasing. him about it.
I do not read the Austen text in the same way you do, Agnes. "Less than respectful thoughts about Bingley"? Would you also characterize Elizabeth as having less than respectful thoughts about Darcy? I would say no to both questions, but I am inserting Austen's words below so that readers of this thread can judge for themselves. Darcy is the first speaker:
Quote
".... Bingley is most unaffectedly modest. His diffidence had prevented his depending on his own judgment in so anxious a case, but his reliance on mine made every thing easy. I was obliged to confess one thing, which for a time, and not unjustly, offended him. I could not allow myself to conceal that your sister had been in town three months last winter, that I had known it, and purposely kept it from him. He was angry. But his anger, I am persuaded, lasted no longer than he emained in any doubt of your sister's sentiments. He has heartily forgiven me now."
Elizabeth longed to observe that Mr. Bingley had been a most delightful friend; so easily guided that his worth was invaluable; but she checked herself. She remembered that he had yet to learn to be laughed at, and it was rather too early to begin. In anticipating the happiness of Bingley, which of course was to be inferior only to his own, he continued the conversation till they reached the house.
If anything, Elizabeth is reluctant to tease Darcy about manipulating his friend, which Darcy should rightly feel some qualms about, imo. But it is clear Darcy speaks of Bingley with respect and affection, and I doubt that Elizabeth feels less for her new brother-to-be.
Later, when Elizabeth is in a more playful mood, she says to Darcy about her own tendency to have been close to impertinent with him:
Quote
Had you not been really amiable, you would have hated me for it; but in spite of the pains you took to disguise yourself, your feelings were always noble and just; and in your heart, you thoroughly despised the persons who so assiduously courted you. There -- I have saved you the trouble of accounting for it; and really, all things considered, I begin to think it perfectly reasonable. To be sure, you knew no actual good of me -- but nobody thinks of that when they fall in love."
"Was there no good in your affectionate behaviour to Jane while she was ill at Netherfield?"
"Dearest Jane! who could have done less for her? But make a virtue of it by all means. My good qualities are under your protection, and you are to exaggerate them as much as possible;
For sure, Jane is still one of Elizabeth's favorite people in the world. And Elizabeth shows no concern at putting Jane's happiness into Bingley's hands.
