Not all that Mrs. Bennet, however, with the assistance of her five daughters, could ask for in any particular form, for the accomplishment of her son-in-law, was to be obtained at the same moment; for Mr. Bennet, like all men, was not to be impressed by any of the stratagems employed by his lady; and she was consequently obliged to yield to his judgment, and let him have his own way.
She was in the greatest agitation at the prospect of her daughter's marriage; and though she was very fond of Mr. Bingley, and very desirous of his connexion, she could not help thinking that he was by no means an eligible match for her daughter. His income was not large enough to support her in the style to which she had been accustomed; and she was very apprehensive that he would not be able to keep her in comfort.
"I do not know what to do," she exclaimed, wringing her hands. "I know not how to prevent it. I know not what to do."
Mr. Bennet, who was sitting by the fire, reading the newspaper, looked up at her with a smile. "My dear," said he, "you must not give way to these feelings. You must try to be more composed. You must remember that you have daughters to provide for, and that you must not let your own feelings interfere with their prospects."
"But, my dear," she cried, "what am I to do? I do not know how to prevent it. I know not what to do."
"You must try to be more cheerful," said Mr. Bennet. "You must try to be more contented. You must remember that you have daughters to provide for, and that you must not let your own feelings interfere with their prospects."
Mrs. Bennet, however, could not be comforted. She sat down and began to cry. Mr. Bennet, however, took no notice of her tears. He went on with his newspaper, as if nothing had happened.
The next day, however, Mrs. Bennet was in a much better humour. She had received a letter from her sister, in which she informed her that she had been invited to a ball at Netherfield, and that she had no doubt that her daughters would be very welcome. This news put Mrs. Bennet in such a good humour that she could not help but sing.
"I will go and tell the girls," she cried, as soon as she had finished her breakfast. "I will go and tell them that they are invited to a ball at Netherfield."