Chapter 1
Netherfield is let at last
English edition
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1 Longbourn sits quietly among hedged fields on an early-autumn afternoon.
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2 Hertfordshire families stroll home from church, daughters glancing toward Netherfield Park
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3 Netherfield stands shuttered and silent above its carefully kept park.
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4 Mrs. Bennet steps into the quiet drawing-room with news of Netherfield.
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5 Mr. Bennet finishes his brief reply with his eyes still on his book.
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6 Mrs. Bennet leans forward over the chair, searching her husband's face for a response.
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7 Mrs. Bennet draws a quick breath, taking her husband's dry reply as permission to release her news.
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8 Mrs. Bennet eagerly pours out the Netherfield news to her husband across the hearth
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9 Mr. Bennet lowers his book a fraction and asks the question that will unleash his wife's hopes.
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10 Mrs. Bennet clasps her hands beneath her chin, radiant with triumph.
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11 Mrs. Bennet explains her marriage scheme as Mr. Bennet meets her impatience with amusement
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12 Mr. Bennet asks his question with perfect solemnity.
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13 Mrs. Bennet waves aside her husband's teasing question and insists that he visit the newcomer.
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14 Mr. Bennet answers his wife's demand with a small mock bow and a flattering compliment.
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15 Mrs. Bennet adjusts a curl and glances at the looking-glass, pleased by the compliment
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16 Mr. Bennet turns a page as his dry remark settles into the quiet.
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17 Mrs. Bennet leans forward to press her case while Mr. Bennet reclines with his open book.
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18 Mrs. Bennet leans over her husband's chair, pleading that he visit their new neighbour.
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19 Mr. Bennet lazily writes an imaginary note in the air as Mrs. Bennet leans over his chair
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20 Mrs. Bennet bristles at her husband's preference for Lizzy and champions Jane and Lydia
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21 Mr. Bennet finishes his dry assessment of his daughters with a private smile.
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22 Mrs. Bennet sinks into the faded chintz sofa, her eyes shut and her hand pressed to her chest.
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23 Mr. Bennet regards his wife with mock-solemn courtesy.
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24 Mrs. Bennet plucks at the lace at her throat, sunk into the chintz sofa.
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25 Mrs. Bennet turns her shoulder against her husband and complains toward the fire.
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26 Mr. Bennet presses a hand to his heart and promises to visit every eligible young man.
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27 Mr. Bennet returns to his book after the exchange, settled beside the hearth.
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28 The drawing-room has emptied after the Bennets’ argument.
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