Jane Austen Stories

Pride and Prejudice, Part 2

Host & Narrator: Dame Julie Andrews
Date: October 2, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode, narrated by Dame Julie Andrews, continues the beloved tale of Pride and Prejudice in its original form. Picking up after the Bennet family has met the eligible Mr. Bingley at a ball, the story explores the growing relationships between the Bennet sisters and the new arrivals at Netherfield. The episode weaves through themes of love, social standing, familial pressure, and the art of courtship, highlighting the sharp wit and keen observations of Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates judgments, flirtations, and misunderstandings.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Bennet Sisters and the Netherfield Household

[00:39 - 05:35]

• The Bennets return Mr. Bingley’s family’s social call; Jane and Elizabeth stand out positively, but Mrs. Bennet is found “intolerable”, and the younger sisters dismissed.
• The Bingley sisters’ interest in Jane is attributed to their brother’s admiration.
• Jane’s growing affection for Bingley is carefully observed—and carefully concealed.

Notable Quote:

“…it is sometimes a disadvantage to be so very guarded. If a woman conceals her affection… she may lose the opportunity of fixing him…”
— Charlotte Lucas [04:50]

2. Debating Courtship and Affection

[04:50 - 08:30]

• Elizabeth and Charlotte Lucas debate the wisdom of women showing their affection. Elizabeth values natural feeling and authenticity, while Charlotte is more pragmatic about securing advantageous matches.
• The conversation discusses whether happiness in marriage stems from deep knowledge of each other or “a matter of chance.”

Notable Quote:

“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance… it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.”
— Charlotte Lucas [08:00]

• Elizabeth counters Charlotte's cynicism with humor and skepticism.

3. Mr. Darcy’s Growing Interest in Elizabeth

[08:30 - 13:40]

• Darcy, at first dismissive of Elizabeth's looks, begins to admire her intelligence and spirit.
• Elizabeth remains unaware of Darcy’s changing feelings; to her, he’s still the aloof, smug man who snubbed her at the ball.
• At a social gathering, Darcy listens in on her conversation, arousing her suspicion and teasing.

Notable Quote:

“He began to wish to know more of her, and, as a step towards conversing with her, himself attended to her conversation with others.”
— Julie Andrews, narration [10:20]

• Playful banter ensues as Lizzie is coaxed to play the piano and sing; she resists with wit but eventually performs.

4. Music, Dancing, and Social Intrigue

[13:40 - 18:50]

• The group is entertained by Elizabeth and Mary at the piano; Mary's self-importance and lack of talent are gently mocked.
• Mr. Darcy expresses silent disdain for the noisy, boisterous way the evening is spent.
• Sir William Lucas attempts to broker a dance between Darcy and Elizabeth; Elizabeth pointedly refuses.

Notable Quote:

“Indeed, sir, I have not the least intention of dancing.”
— Elizabeth Bennet [16:45]

• Miss Bingley teases Darcy about his distraction; he reveals he was thinking about “a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman,” openly identifying Elizabeth as their owner, to Miss Bingley’s surprise.

Notable Quote:

“My mind was more agreeably engaged. I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.”
— Mr. Darcy [18:20]

5. Family Fortunes and the Arrival of the Regiment

[19:47 - 24:10]

• The Bennet family’s financial vulnerability is explained: the estate is entailed away from the daughters.
• Lydia and Catherine Bennet become obsessed with the recently-arrived militia officers, to their father’s amusement and dismay.

Notable Quote:

“From all that I can collect by your manner of talking, you must be two of the silliest girls in the country. I have suspected it some time, but I am now convinced.”
— Mr. Bennet [22:25]

6. Jane Falls Ill at Netherfield

[24:10 - 31:50]

• Jane is invited to dine at Netherfield and, at Mrs. Bennet’s urging, goes on horseback in bad weather, ensuring she must stay overnight.
• Jane falls seriously ill with a cold after being caught in the rain.
• Elizabeth, deeply concerned, disregards her mother’s protests and walks three miles to Netherfield to tend to her sister.

Notable Quote:

“The distance is nothing when one has a motive. Only three miles. I shall be back by dinner.”
— Elizabeth Bennet [29:50]

• Her arrival, “with weary ankles, dirty stockings, and a face glowing with the warmth of exercise,” shocks the Bingley sisters but impresses Mr. Bingley and makes Darcy reconsider his prejudices.

7. Jane Recuperates and Elizabeth Stays at Netherfield

[31:50 - 33:52]

• Jane’s illness intensifies; Elizabeth's care draws grudging respect from Miss Bingley.
• When Elizabeth prepares to leave, Jane insists she stay, and Miss Bingley grudgingly extends the invitation.
• Episode closes with the promise of further social tension as the sisters remain at Netherfield, and hints of an upcoming ball.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Charlotte’s Cynicism on Marriage:
  “In nine cases out of 10, a woman had better show more affection than she feels.” [05:10]

• Elizabeth’s Retort to Social Pressures:
  “If my vanity had taken a musical tone, you would have been invaluable. But as it is, I would really rather not sit down before those who must be in the habit of hearing the very best performers.” [12:10]

• Darcy’s Remark on Dancing:
  "Every savage can dance." [15:00] (A dry, sardonic comment on the universal appeal of dancing.)

• Elizabeth’s Unfazed Devotion:
  “I shall be very fit to see Jane, which is all I want.” [29:55]

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Content Description | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:39 | Episode introduction and recap of Part 1 | | 03:00 | The Bennet sisters’ visit to Netherfield; social judgments established | | 04:50 | Elizabeth and Charlotte Lucas debate courtship | | 08:30 | Darcy’s changing opinion of Elizabeth unfolds | | 11:30 | Social interaction: music, dancing, and witty banter | | 16:45 | Sir William tries to pair Darcy and Elizabeth for a dance—she declines pointedly | | 18:20 | Darcy openly declares his admiration for Elizabeth’s “fine eyes” | | 19:47 | Shift to family fortunes and the excitement of the militia’s arrival | | 22:25 | Mr. Bennet’s sardonic remarks about his daughters’ silliness | | 24:10 | Jane’s invitation to Netherfield, falls ill | | 29:55 | Elizabeth’s determined walk to care for Jane | | 31:50 | Jane’s illness, Elizabeth’s extended stay at Netherfield | | 33:52 | Transition to what to expect in the next episode |

Summary and Tone

Dame Julie Andrews’ narration preserves Austen’s sharp wit, subtle social commentary, and warm humor. The episode is rich in dialogue, with Elizabeth and Charlotte’s discussion on courtship, Darcy’s dry observations, and the Bennet family’s lively repartee all providing insight into 19th-century English society and the personal dilemmas faced by young women of the time. The tone gracefully moves between the comedic, the earnest, and the romantic, highlighting the timeless charm of Austen’s work.

Next Episode Preview:
The story promises further awkwardness at Netherfield as Jane recuperates, tension between Lizzie and Darcy escalates, and anticipation mounts for the Netherfield ball.

(End of summary)