Pride and Prejudice - Chapters 5-6

In this episode, we engage with the socially amiable Sir William Lucas and his family, who live in all their knightly pride and ample entitlement at Lucas Lodge. Despite the pomp, there is an understated charm to Sir William, a product of humility gently carved by his past as a tradesman. His family forms a pleasant foil to our Bennets, with a particular focus on the Lucases' eldest daughter Charlotte, a sensible friend and confidante for Elizabeth Bennet.<br/><br/>There is much talk about a recently held ball with the central topic being perhaps the most deciding factor of our story, Mr. Bingley's preference of Jane Bennet. The nuances of Mr. Bingley and Jane Bennet's budding affection are speculated and scrutinised, with the notably infamous Mr. Darcy, despite his disregard for social pleasantries, begins to trickle into the canvas of our primary concern. <br/><br/>The initial impressions and opinions regarding the family of Netherfield give way to deeper interactions and recurring visits. Bingley's admiration for the eldest Bennet becomes increasingly obvious, though not to the eyes of society at large - Jane’s strength of feeling and composed manner skilfully disguises her burgeoning affections.<br/><br/>We are also privy to a rather candid discussion between Elizabeth and Charlotte concerning the strengths and pitfalls of concealing one's affections in the game of love and courtship. Little do they suspect the unexpected turn of events they are about to encounter.<br/><br/>For, indeed, Elizabeth unknowingly begins to occupy a corner of Mr. Darcy’s mind, a place she presently shares with unaesthetic opinions of her appearance and manners. Yet, entirely unbeknown to her, the aspects that were once subjects of criticism become, oddly enough, sources of attraction for our leading man.