Commentary on Chapter 6
with Peaches, Biscuit, and Mary
Peaches (The Cat): Okay, Chapter 6 is where the psychological thriller aspects of this book really start kicking in. Mr. Darcy spent the whole chapter starring at Elizabeth like a cat stalking a reflection on the ceiling. He went from "she's not pretty enough to dance with" to "oh wait, her dark eyes are actually kind of mesmerizing." The hypocrisy is delicious.
Mary: It's the classic romance trope—he tried to be aloof, but he's secretly completely intrigued by her quick wit. Meanwhile, Elizabeth is totally oblivious and assumes he’s just lurking around to judge her.
Biscuit (The Corgi): Wait, Mary, why is he staring? Is he doing the scary, unblinking eye thing that Rusty does right before he pounces on my tail? Because if someone looked at me like that for a whole party, I would hide under the couch cushions immediately.
Peaches: It's exactly like that, Biscuit. Pure tactical observation. But the real voice of wisdom in this chapter is Charlotte Lucas again. She gives Elizabeth some solid relationship advice about Jane and Bingley. She basically says Jane needs to stop being so shy and actually show Bingley how much she likes him, otherwise he might lose interest. Charlotte says you should secure a guy first, and then you can take all the time you want to fall in love later.
Mary: Charlotte is definitely a realist. She knows that in their world, financial security has to come before romance. Elizabeth thinks that's way too clinical, though. She believes Jane should just let things happen naturally.
Biscuit: I agree with Charlotte! If you like someone, you have to show them immediately! Like how when the delivery guy comes, I lean my whole body against his legs so he knows we are best friends! If Jane doesn't lean on Mr. Bingley, how will he know she wants to share his treats?
Peaches: Because humans have complicated rules, Biscuit. They can't just sniff each other's ears and call it a day. But the absolute highlight of the chapter is at the end of the party. Sir William Lucas tries to force Elizabeth and Darcy to dance together, and Elizabeth straight up tells him no. She looked Darcy right in the eyes and basically said, "I'd rather walk on hot coals."
Mary: And the funny thing is, her turning him down just made Darcy want her even more. When Miss Bingley walked over to tease Darcy about how miserable the party was, he shocked her by saying he was actually having a great time thinking about Elizabeth’s "fine eyes."
Biscuit: Ooh! Fine eyes! That's a very nice compliment. Mary, do I have fine eyes? Or are they just regular eyes that look at cheese?
Mary: You have the finest eyes in the world, Biscuit. Let's see what happens next in Chapter 7!