Chapter 2
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Chapter 2It is a universally accepted truth that a single man in possession of good wealth must need a wife.
As little known as the feelings or views of such a man may be when he first enters a neighborhood, this truth is so entrenched in the minds of surrounding families that he is considered the rightful property of one or the other of their daughters.
"My dear Mr. Mitchell," his lady said to him one day, "have you heard that Netherfield Park is finally rented?"
Mr. Mitchell replied that he had not done so.
'But it is,' she replied; 'because Mrs. Long was just here, and she told me all about it.'
Mr. Mitchell did not answer.
"Don't you want to know who took it?" his wife shouted impatiently.
"YOU want to tell me, and I don't mind hearing it."
That was invitation enough.
"Well, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield was taken over by a young man of great fortune from the north of England; that on Monday he came down in a carriage and four to see the house, and was so pleased that he immediately agreed with Mr. Morris; that he should take possession of Michaeli and that some of his servants should be in the house by the end of next week.'
'What's his name?'
'Forest.'
'Is he married or single?'
'Oh! Single, my love to be sure! A single man with a great fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a beautiful thing for our girls!'
'Why is that? How can it affect them?'
"My dear Mr. Mitchell," his wife replied, "how can you be so tiring! You have to know that I'm thinking of him marrying one of them."
"Is this his plan to settle here?"
'Design! Nonsense, how can you talk like that! But it's very likely that he'll fall in love with one of them, and that's why you'll have to visit him as soon as he comes.'
"I don't see any reason to do so. You and the girls can go, or you can send them alone, which may be even better, because since you look just as good as everyone else, Mr. Woodland may like you most from society."
"My dear, you flatter me. I'VE certainly had my share of beauty, but I'm not pretending to be something extraordinary now. If a woman has five adult daughters, she should stop thinking about her own beauty.'
"In such cases, a woman often does not have much beautiful to think about."
"But, my dear, you really have to visit Mr. Woodland when he comes to the neighborhood."
"That's more than I'm advocating for it, I assure you."
"But think of your daughters. Just think what kind of facility it would be for one of them. Sir William and Lady Lucas are determined to leave, just because in general they do not visit newcomers. In fact, you have to go, because it will be impossible for us to visit him if you don't.'
"You're certainly over-scrupulous. I dare say Mr. Woodland will be very happy to see you; and I will send a few lines from you to assure him of my warm approval of his marriage, which he chooses from the girls; although I have to throw in a good word for my little Lizzy."
"I wish you didn't do that. Lizzy is not a bit better than the others; and I'm sure she's not half as pretty as Jane, half as good as Linda. But you always give her preference."
'They don't have much of them to recommend,' he replied; "they are all stupid and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has a little more speed than her sisters.'
'Lord. Mitchell, how can you a***e your own children like that? You enjoy annoying me. You have no pity for my poor nerves.'
"You are confusing me, my dear. I have great respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I've heard you mention them wisely for at least the last twenty years."
Mr. Mitchell was such a strange mix of quick moves, sarcastic humor, restraint, and capriciousness that the experience of twenty-three years had not been enough to make his wife understand his character. HER mind was less difficult to develop. She was a woman with little understanding, little information and an insecure temperament. When she was dissatisfied, she imagined nervously. The business of a lifetime was to marry off their daughters; his consolation was visits and news.
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