Jane Austen Stories: Pride and Prejudice Part 7

Host: Julie Andrews (Narrator)
Podcast Network: NOISER
Episode Date: October 20, 2025

Episode Overview

In this installment of "Jane Austen Stories," Dame Julie Andrews continues her masterful reading of "Pride and Prejudice" (Chapter 18 and beyond), plunging listeners into the social whirl of the Netherfield Ball. As Elizabeth Bennet navigates awkward dances, fraught encounters, and escalating family embarrassments, listeners are treated to both the comedy and pathos that makes Austen's classic so enduring. Key relationships shift, tensions are heightened, and misunderstandings abound—setting the stage for consequential events to follow.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Netherfield Ball Begins (00:42–04:12)

• Expectations and Disappointment: Elizabeth arrives at the ball anticipating an encounter with Mr. Wickham, only to discover he is absent. Mr. Denny explains that Wickham had urgent business in town, but implies Wickham chose to avoid Mr. Darcy specifically.
  • “I do not imagine his business would have called him away just now, if he had not wished to avoid a certain gentleman here.” (Mr. Denny, 02:45)
• The realization sharpens Elizabeth's resentment toward Darcy, suspecting him of orchestrating Wickham’s absence.

2. Mr. Collins as Dance Partner (04:13–07:02)

• Social Misery: Elizabeth suffers through two dances with her awkward, oblivious cousin Mr. Collins, culminating in a sense of only relief at their conclusion.
  • “[He] gave her all the shame and misery which a disagreeable partner for a couple of dances can give. The moment of her release from him was ecstasy.” (Narrator, 05:11)

3. The Dance with Mr. Darcy (07:03–14:35)

• Unexpected Invitation: In a surprise to herself, Elizabeth accepts Darcy’s impromptu invitation to dance.
  • “Heaven forbid. That would be the greatest misfortune of all, to find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate.” (Elizabeth to Charlotte, 08:45)
• Tense Banter and Thinly-Veiled Barbs: The conversation between Elizabeth and Darcy is marked by irony, cleverness, and underlying tension. They exchange remarks about social conventions, personalities, and even touch on the controversy surrounding Wickham.
  • “Sometimes one must speak a little, you know... it would look odd to be entirely silent for half an hour together.” (Elizabeth, 10:03)
  • “I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly.” (Elizabeth, 13:30)
  • “I could wish, Ms. Bennet, that you were not to sketch my character at the present moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance would reflect no credit on either.” (Darcy, 13:52)
• Darcy’s grave demeanor and Elizabeth’s sharp wit create a dynamic that is at once comic and revealing.

4. Gossip, Rebukes, & Social Standing (17:32–21:30)

• Miss Bingley's Attempt to Discredit Wickham: Miss Bingley sows doubt about Wickham's character and background, evoking Elizabeth's ire.
  • “His guilt and his descent appear by your account to be the same, for I have heard you accuse him of nothing worse than of being the son of Mr. Darcy’s steward.” (Elizabeth, 19:41)
• Jane’s Gentle Optimism: Jane’s conversation with Elizabeth is filled with blissful hope for her future with Mr. Bingley, offsetting Elizabeth’s cynicism.

5. Mr. Collins and Social Pettiness (21:31–26:20)

• Collins’ Introduction to Darcy: Ignoring Elizabeth’s warnings, Mr. Collins insists on formally introducing himself to Darcy, believing his clerical rank entitles him to equal social footing.
  • “There must be a wide difference between the established forms of ceremony amongst the laity and those which regulate the clergy… I consider the clerical office as equal in point of dignity with the highest rank in the kingdom.” (Mr. Collins, 24:03)
• The ensuing conversation is stilted and awkward, causing visible discomfort for Darcy and mortification for Elizabeth.

6. Mrs. Bennet’s Matchmaking & Family Embarrassments (29:30–35:44)

• Public Speculation: Mrs. Bennet cannot contain her excitement about Jane’s potential engagement to Bingley, speaking loudly enough for Darcy and others to overhear.
  • “For heaven’s sake, madame, speak lower. What advantage can it be to you to offend Mr. Darcy?” (Elizabeth, 32:20)
• Elizabeth is mortified as her mother fails to heed her pleas for discretion.

7. Mary’s Musical Interlude (35:45–38:10)

• Cringe-Worthy Song: Mary Bennet gives two lackluster performances, missing social cues and causing discomfort for her family.
  • “That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit.” (Mr. Bennet, 37:48)

8. Mr. Collins’ Unsolicited Virtues (38:11–39:20)

• Self-Important Speech: Mr. Collins pontificates about the virtues of music and the rectorship, speaking so loudly as to draw the attention—and ridicule—of the room.

9. The Ball’s Awkward Ending (39:21–44:45)

• Lingering Discomfort: The Bennet party is the last to leave, forced to wait for their carriage and endure coldness from the Bingley sisters. Mrs. Bennet continues to angle for invitations, oblivious to her own lack of tact.
• Looking Forward: Mrs. Bennet envisions Jane settled at Netherfield, Elizabeth with Mr. Collins—blissfully untroubled by her daughters’ preferences.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Elizabeth’s Reluctance:
  • “Heaven forbid. That would be the greatest misfortune of all, to find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate.” (08:45)
• Darcy on Reports About Himself:
  • “I could wish, Ms. Bennet, that you were not to sketch my character at the present moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance would reflect no credit on either.” (13:52)
• Elizabeth Challenges Miss Bingley:
  • “His guilt and his descent appear by your account to be the same, for I have heard you accuse him of nothing worse than of being the son of Mr. Darcy’s steward.” (19:41)
• Mr. Collins’ Self-Importance:
  • “I consider the clerical office as equal in point of dignity with the highest rank in the kingdom.” (24:03)
• Mr. Bennet’s Understated Wit:
  • “That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit.” (37:48)
• Elizabeth Mortified by Her Mother:
  • “For heaven’s sake, madame, speak lower. What advantage can it be to you to offend Mr. Darcy?” (32:20)

Timeline of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Event | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:42 | Julie Andrews’ introduction, Elizabeth’s anticipation, Wickham’s absence | | 04:13 | Elizabeth’s mortification with Mr. Collins as her dance partner | | 07:03 | The tense, witty dance and conversation between Elizabeth and Darcy | | 17:32 | Miss Bingley’s attempt to sway Elizabeth against Wickham | | 21:31 | Mr. Collins forcefully introduces himself to Darcy | | 29:30 | Mrs. Bennet’s loud matchmaking and embarrassment for Elizabeth | | 35:45 | Mary’s awkward singing performances | | 38:11 | Mr. Collins’ soliloquy on the importance of music and rectory | | 39:21 | Waiting for the carriage; the Bennets’ final awkward moments at Netherfield |

Episode’s Tone & Language

Julie Andrews retains Austen's sharp wit and keen social observation, narrating with warmth but not shying from the cringeworthy or mortifying. Much of the episode is delivered in direct dialogue, preserving Austen’s original literary voice.

Looking Ahead

The episode closes with hints of major coming events:

• A sudden, unexpected proposal for Elizabeth
• Jane’s heartbreak as Mr. Bingley departs Netherfield
• The beginnings of deeper tensions within the Bennet family

For listeners, this episode offers a lively tapestry of social maneuvering and missteps, highlighting the tension and comedy central to "Pride and Prejudice’s" enduring appeal.