(Mr. Darcy) wisely resolved to be particularly careful that no sign of admiration should now escape him, nothing that could elevate her with the hope of influencing his felicity (Chap 12, pg. 59).
When dinner was over, (Elizabeth) returned directly to Jane, and Miss Bingley began abusing her as soon as she was out of the room (Chap 8, pg. 35).
Mr. Bingley and Jane were standing together, a little detached from the rest, and talked only to each other (Chap 18, pg. 100).
As we read Pride and Prejudice, I'm sure we would all like to separate ourselves from the pettiness and the gossip of the characters, writing them off as normal for a time when communication what much less open, especially between men and women. Are we so different, however, from those who either hide their affection by ignoring the one for which they have feelings, or by waiting until someone is gone before talking badly about him, or by noticing that those who are in love talk are perfectly happy being in discussion only with each other? Other than rejecting the incessant use of formal titles, are things today really that different?
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