In chapter six, Bingley’s courtship of Jane begins to be noticed and commented on by many people. Elizabeth perceives that Jane receives his courtship with pleasure, but Jane remains guarded, which protects her from impertinent comments. Charlotte Lucus warns Elizabeth that perhaps Jane should not be so guarded. “If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him.” Charlotte recommends that a woman should show the man more affection than she actually feels in order to secure a marriage.
It turns out this is the exact argument that Darcy uses for separating Bingley from Jane. He claims that although Jane received Bingley's attentions with pleasure, she appeared to have no particular regard for him.
This instance displays one of the many timeless issues addressed by Austin in her novels. Current day American girls often receive instructions from mothers, sisters, and friends on how to let a man know that you are interested without appearing too interested and thus avoid receiving a “bad reputation.”
Have you been instructed or have you instructed others on how to walk this fine line when it comes to flirting? Will the world of dating forever be filled with games and deception?
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