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Empathic Writing(Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen) ??? It is the morning after the Meryton Assembly. You are Lizzy/Darcy. Write your thoughts. What choice do I have, but to be simply incapable of putting last night’s Meryton Assembly into words? Such a vast array of different characters and finery. There was hardly any doubt that Jane had caught the eye of more than one potential suitor. Rosy cheeks and doe eyes tended to give a high opinion, especially with Mr. Bingley, whom she danced with twice. A rare occurrence indeed, with my dear sister being the only exception I have ever known.
Mama was not the only approving figure. The evening started off with a tentative atmosphere in the room. However, this applied not to Mama, who made no hesitation in getting down to a hearty gossip with the neighbours. Scheming and planning on various introductions to the Bingley entourage, I am sure. Their entrance was similar to the royal kind, might I say. All hushed voices and jostling for a good view of Mrs. Hurst’s fine lace. Fine spirits soon kicked in, as Lydia and Kitty did not find themselves once without partners. As for myself, I preferred to stay out of it, and enjoyed the bird’s-eye view.
There was hardly any question that Jane and Mr. Bingley were the main attraction in the room. As soon as Mama breathlessly introduced them, Bingley’s eyes clapped on Jane, and let us say that he was irredeemably smitten. Perhaps I understate myself, but there were plenty of envious witnesses behind fluttering fans to verify that. Meanwhile, I found myself in more intriguing company. Mr. Bingley’s companion chose the option to sport an expression that can only be described as being arrogantly aloof. Mama had initially been impressed by his handsome countenance, the ten thousand a year and half of Derbyshire.
However, then came the repellent ??? the combination of the arrogant refusal to dance and the unsmiling mask. My dear mother’s conclusion turned to one of disgust and a thoroughly familiar scorn. However, I dare say that the same cannot be said for me. I had my own personal encounter with the high and mighty Darcy, which consisted of sitting close to his stiff form in utter silence for an entire half hour. He turned his nose up at every female he encountered, myself included. Please, mistake it not that I harbour envy. I had been watching the dancers, when I overheard voices a few paces away.
Bingley and Darcy, engrossed in their conversation. Bingley thought the ladies in the room were simply magnificent, and Darcy thought the complete opposite – declaring that his friend was dancing with the only handsome girl in the room. My heart certainly swelled with pride for my dear Jane at that moment. When I caught sight of Darcy’s scowl as he and Bingley exchanged glances, looking in my direction. “… Not handsome enough to tempt me. ” The inflated income and glory of his mansion had evidently led to the inevitable inflation of his ego.
Alas, I found this remotely amusing, and permitted myself a chuckle as I swept past them to share my latest experience of Mr. Darcy’s lordship with a group of friends. However, I cannot resist indulging in my thoughts. He is the most solitary, socially-repellent man I have ever laid eyes on. Perhaps he is in turn repelled by us. Well, I cannot blame him, considering that the common eye only sees him as a walking purse, and not much else. From what I saw last night, I found myself sympathising. Forgive me that I forget my social status, but I cannot help it.
He betrays himself with this inability of expression, hence missing the substantial point in human existence. I have never approved of abiding by such a culture. Why suppress emotions and opinions, when their purpose is for others to take notice of them? He would pace the perimeter of the room keeping himself to himself. As someone walked over in pursuit of a dance partner, he would suddenly find the ceiling or the floor very interesting, and his eyes would linger with his object of feigned interest for a while, and finally stray when company had gone.
Alas, you may think me inappropriate, as a girl, to be expressing such opinions. However, as Papa tells me often, opinions are the essence of our selves. Last night had been most intriguing, and sufficiently satisfying for the likes of Mr. Bingley and Jane, not to mention Mama and her social circle. Well, who knows? We may have the honourable opportunity to meet the enchanting Mr. Darcy again, If Mr. Bingley takes sufficient interest in Jane. Do I look forward to such an encounter? Well, my curiosity takes precedence over all else, and I dare say that I do. -The End-