Читать книгу Гордость и предубеждение / Pride and Prejudice - Джейн Остин, Сет Грэм-Смит - Страница 7

The ladies of Longbourn soon visited Netherfield. The visit was soon returned. Miss Bennet’s pleasing manners made good impressions; and though the mother was found to be intolerable,[17] and the younger sisters not worth speaking to,[18] the two eldest were very nice and well-behaved. By Jane, this attention was received with the greatest pleasure, but could not like them.

Occupied in observing Mr. Bingley’s attentions to her sister, Elizabeth was far from suspect-ing that she was herself becoming an object of some interest in the eyes of his friend. Mr. Darcy was caught by her playfulness. But Elizabeth did not know anything. To her he was only the man who had not thought her handsome enough to dance with.[19]

He began to wish to know more of her. Once at Sir William Lucas’s a large party was assembled.

Sir William began: “What a charming amusement for young people the balls are, Mr. Darcy! There is nothing like dancing after all.”

“Certainly, sir; every savage can dance.”

Sir William only smiled. “Your friend performs delightfully,” he continued after a pause; “Do you often dance?”

“Never, sir.”

He paused in hopes of an answer; and Elizabeth at that instant moved towards them. Sir William called out to her:

“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.” And, taking her hand, he gave it to Mr. Darcy. But Elizabeth instantly drew back, and said to Sir William:

“Indeed, sir, I have not the least intention of dancing.”

Mr. Darcy requested to be allowed the honour of her hand, but in vain. Elizabeth was determined.

“You dance so well, Miss Eliza, that it is cruel to deny me the happiness of seeing you.”

“Mr. Darcy is all politeness,[20]” said Elizabeth, smiling. She looked archly, and turned away.