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Mrs Gardiner (Joanna David) writing Elizabeth (1995 BBC/WBGH P&P, scripted Andrew Davies)

A Calendar for Pride and Prejudice

Sense of time is at least as important as sense of place, and probably the harder to communicate. Percy Lubbock refers disparagingly to 'the order of story-tellers who imagine that time may be expressed by the mere statement of its length'; and certainly for the novelist the representation of time is a problem which, in virtue both of its difficulty an d importance, lies very near the centre of his art. In this kind of fiction, the narrator must convey a sense of two sorts of time-the time of clocks and almanacs, and the time so to speak of human impulses.

Mary Lascelles: "According to calendar- time (if I may use some such convenient nick-name) Tues- day follows Monday at the same pace that Monday followed Sunday, and they differ from one another no more than days of the week should--they are not of different colours, do not smell different. According to what I must call personal time (since it is not identical for any two people) Monday may bustle after Sunday, Tuesday lag after Monday, and if they are surveyed in retrospect Wednesday may seem no farther away than Thursday. A story conducted by the time of clocks and calendars alone would be a story not of human beings but of mechanical toys. Such may be a satirist's intention; the clock that governs the day of Crabbe's prude 'clicks from prayer to prayer, from meal to meal'; but this impression must not be conveyed, unless designedly.

Yet these irregularities of 'personal time' proper to a story of human beings are only perceptible as deviations from the norm of clock tlme-derive their value as do the variations in verse, from the presence of a pattern --" Mary Lascelles, Jane Austen and her art (185-86)

Steophan Zweig: "Only in semblance are the outward and inward seasons of a life identical; in verity, wealth of experience is the sole measure of living, and the spirit is timed by another clock than that of the calendar. Under the intoxication of destiny, the mind may traverse lengthy periods in a few days; whereas long years may count for nothing when life is void of momentous spiritual happenings." ---Stephan Zweig, Mary Queen of Scots (Prologue)

We have it on Cassandra's authority that Pride and Prejudice as First Impressions was "begun in Oct 1796" and "Finished in Aug 1797." It was "Published afterwards with alterations and contractions under the title of Pride and Prejudice." We assume that the novel about the length of Evelina (3 "manuscript volumes"), so described by Austen's father, George Austen. was FI. In Novembr 1797 Mr Austen wrote to Thomas Cadell in London in November 1797 to see if Cadell would publish it at the author's expense. The citation of Evelina has aroused suspicions that FI was epistolary. Alas FI was "Declined by return of Post."

The advertisement Chapman cites the actual first publication of P&P is for 27-28 January 1813. Austen was correcting proofs for Sense and Sensibility in 1811 and it was published 31 October 1811. So it's a fair assumption that Austen did her alterations and contractions between 1811 and end of 1812. The calendar worked out for it in Chapman's edition presupposes a 1811 grid, beginning in September just as our extant S&S begins. Chapman hints at extensive revisions because the present calendar presents "so intrincate a chronological scheme" and it "cannot have been patched on to an existing work without extensive revision." Maybe, but we ought to note that in Cassandra's note Austen is said to have "begun" Mansfield Park "sometime around" Feb 1811 and finished it "soon after June 1813"; Jane recorded these dates too in a separate memorandum. Can one be writing two novels at a time? More likely she revised P&P by cuts and additions and extensively wrote or rewrote from a tiny small draft or drafts MP.

A brief summary of the scholarship: Frank MacKinnon and, after him, R. W. Chapman constructed detailed calendars for Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and Northanger Abbey. Despite a dissenting (and equally detailed) exposition of the chronology of Pride and Prejudice by P. B. S. Andrews in which he felt that he demonstrated the three "complete" dates extant in the present text argue equally for an original time-scheme based on the almanac of 1799 and a revision which used the almanac for 1802/3, the thoroughness and consistency of Chapman's calendar has led most scholars to assume the action of Pride and Prejudice is dovetailed into one year, 1811-12--and also that it was in this year Austen wrote a thorough-going revision of what had been First Impressions. Lascelles, for example, accepted Chapman and MacKinnon and spoke of the use of the almanacs as a gratifying game. and also a way to construct a real imitation of the continuity of time. Jo Modert seems to agree with Lascelles on how the calendars were used by Austen and she only modifies the internal dates Chapman and MacKinnon came up with and adds yet more interesting details.

My calendar below, drawn from the extant text of P&P, suggests that the novel went through a number of revisions. The 1796-97 First Impressions was a far more leisurely affair with many more conversations between Darcy and Elizabeth, with something of the pace of MP, and of the didactic outlining of conversations at the close of the extant Sense and Sensibility which recall those of Rasselas and periodical fiction of the period. It was probably epistolary, and the journey into Derbyshire reveals "lopping and chopping".

The reader is invited to study the following with care: A number of the dates and days are given by Austen herself either in letters or by characters who remember back to some previous incident. Time is indeterminate in the first eight weeks of the extant novel where we are told about all sorts of events (dances, dinners, meetings) that we have no record for, and time becomes indeterminate during Jane's visit to the Gardiners and at turning points during Elizabeth's visit to Rosings. Inconsistencies or contradictions occur during Elizabeth's time travelling and the sequence leading up to and culminating in Lydia's running away with Wickham. The reader should notice the one strikingly inconsistent date (August 2nd for Mr Gardiner's letter to Mr Bennet); it would not be inconsistent were we to switch the calendar for just this last climax to 1802.

I suggest that much has been lost because just before publication and after the relative and unexpected success of Sense and Sensibility Austen was so eager that her book should be accepted and sell. The taste of popularity and self-respect made so eager to do anything to get her beloved text in print; she worried about how much the publication of S&S had cost her brother, Henry. So she "lopped and chopped" ruthlessly and sold the copyright to Egerton.

This lopping and chopping may have made the book have its shapely structure, and lack of deviations from its paradigmatic romance, but it robbed the final product of its original seriousness by its omissions. These may have included Jane and Bingley's early love affair during September/October; more on the rivalry of Darcy and Wickham, on boyhoods which would show Wickham not altogether wrong to say that Darcy was jealous of him; more on the local militia. Austen only half-joked when she demurred it was too "light, bright and sparkling". I suggest originally it was more like the other five famous books, which have not reached the fantastical sales and distribution of the icons in this story. By her having hollowed her book out Austen made it available for widespread cult appropriation. Like Chapman I like to think the present P&P is a very different book in feel and gravity and thematic application than FI; my sense is what was left out and what was hurried up was enough to do this.

This calendar also demonstrates was originally epistolary:

see P&P originally epistolary; curious pattern of Tuesdays and An Epistolary Ur-P&P, the Tuesday pattern and incessant clocking of time
The present text has a number of vestigial epistolary features, especially in its sections of indeterminate time. There are a remarkable number of mentions of letters (D. W. Harding counted 52 but I shall recount), of whole correspondences: between Mrs Gardiner and her two nieces. Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth, Elizabeth and Jane, Charlotte and Elizabeth (first when she is Miss Lucas and then as Charlotte Collins. Mr Gardiner and Mr Bennet write to one another; it seems that Colonel Forster wrote some neutral matter to either Mr Bennet or Mr Gardiner There are the pivotal turning points in the novel brought on by letters given whole or in part. More occasional correspondents include Jane and Miss Bingley. There are chapters which are made up of summaries of letters, narrative connectives with climactic letters from the original novel (First Impressions underwent enough changes that one could refer to the drafts as an ur- Pride and Prejudice) placed at their close. The use of ironic juxtapostion in the original had Elizabeth coming to Pemberly, seeing the house, meeting Darcy for the first time on the day Jane is writing the second portion of her letter about Lydia's elopement. This is the sort of thing that epistolary narrative does naturally and is so hard to pull off in omniscient without seeming melodramatic.

I put in quotations all mentions of time intervals recorded in Austen's words, and italicize all specific number of years, days of the week, months, dates.

Past before novel opens made internally consistent with what is to come

  • Wickham's father "many years the management of the Pemberley estates".
  • Darcy born 1783, tells Elizabeth he is 28 when he proposes the second time. (Longman III:16, 313, Ch 58)
  • Wickman born 1784: they are "nearly the same age" (Longman II:12, 173 ch 35); also Charlotte Lucas; she is said to be 27 when we meet her
  • 1786: "five and twenty years ago" Mrs Bennet "cried for two days together when Colonel Millar's regiment went away ... "
  • 1787: Housekeeper says: "Never a "cross word" from him, and "I have known him since he was four years old." (Longman III:1, 212, Ch 43; also III:2, 225, Ch 44))
  • Sometime in 1788 Mr and Mrs Bennet married: narrator tells us "the experience of "three and twenty years" had been "insufficient to make his wife understand his character"(Longmans I:1, 7)
  • 1788: late in year: Jane is "almost three and twenty" in May 1811 (Longman II:16,191, Ch 39)
  • 1789: Bingley born. He is not yet 23 when he rents Netherfield (Longman I:5, 20-21)
  • 1790s: Darcy pere supported Wickman fils "at school and afterwards at Cambridge"; for "many many years" young Darcy knew of young Wickham's "vicious propensities" &c (Longman II:12, 173 ch 35)
  • 1791: Elizabeth born; in March 1811 she is "not one and twenty" (Longman II:6, 147, Ch 29); year that Darcy mentions; he was eight and from that age arrogant, proud, narrow (Longman III:16, 313, Ch 58)
  • 1793: Kitty born: in May 1812 she says she is "two years older than Lydia" (Longman II:18, 198, Ch 41).
  • 1794 Georgiana Darcy born: "more than ten years younger than Darcy" (Longman II:12, 175 ch 35)
  • 1796: Lydia Bennet born in June: she is "not sixteen" in March 1811 (Longman III:7, 260, Ch 49)
  • 1800-2: Mrs Gardiner: "About ten or a dozen years ago, before her marriage" Mrs Gardiner "had spent a considerable time in that very part of Derbyshire" to which Wickham belonged; "many acquaintances in common (Longman II:2, 127, Ch 25)
  • 1804: when miniatures of Wickham and Darcy now at Pemberley were drawn: "drawn at the same time as the other -- about eight years ago" (Longman III:1, 211, Ch 43)
  • 1804: Miniature of Georgiana then "eight years old" (Longman III:1, 212, Ch 43)
  • 1805: Jane at 15 a gentleman "so much in love with her" at Mr Gardiner's in town," Mrs Gardiner ("sister-in-law") thought he'd make an offer ... he did not ... perhaps he thought her too young ... he wrote some ["very pretty"] verses on her" (Longmans I:10, 46)
  • 1806: Wickham left Pemberley when Darcy's father died; Darcy confirmed the father's death was "five years ago" in letter to Elizabeth (Longman II:12, 175, Ch 35): "Wickham had been little there since the death of Darcy's father, five years before" (Longman II:2, 127, Ch 25) Mr Wickham also died in this year or near to it: "His own father did not long survive mine" (Longman II:12, 174, Ch 35)
  • 1807-08: "Half a year" after these deaths, Wickham accepts legacy of 1000£ and 3000£ as equivalent of living: (Longman II:12, 174, Ch 35)
  • 1808-09: "two years ago" when Wickham of "age to hold it", the living meant for him from Darcy's father (his "godfather") became "vacant" and "given to another." Wickham "spoke freely to and of" Darcy; has "an open unguarded temper," said on evening of Nov 20th (Longman I:16, 77)
  • 1810: "Three years later when incumbent [of living given in 1806-7 died, he came to ask for it. Wickham "spoke freely to and of" Darcy; has "an open unguarded temper" (he might believe this of himself); said on evening of Nov 20th (Longman I:16, 77)

    1811, April: Georgiana Darcy taken from school, establishment formed in London

  • 1811, summer: Georgiana taken to Ramsgate by Mrs Young; "thither" when Mr Wickham; Wickham obtrudes himself upon Darcy's notice by attempting to run away with Georgiana (II:12, 175, Ch 35)

    Darcy joined Mrs Young and Geogiana "a day or two before intended elopement" and Georgiana told him; "I wrote to Mr Wickham who left the place immediately, Mrs Young fired

  • 1811, April 22nd: Mr Collins receives ordination "at Easter", almost immediately preferred (later summer 1811) to rectory of Lady Catherine de Bourgh's parish (Longman I:12, 61-62)

1811
Monday, Sept 9: Bingley came down from on "Monday in a chaise and four" the north to look at Netherfield Park, took it immediately
During week of Sept 9: Mrs Bennet: "he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some servants to be "in the house by the end of next week" (Longman I:1, 5-6); Mrs Bennet complaining of headache "these twenty years at least" (I:1, 7)
Sept 18th-20: Bingley's servants take possession before him
"End of next week would be the week of the 16th and before the week of the 29th
Sun, Sept 29th or Michaelmas: Mr Bingley there by this time
A period of time where Mr Bennet assures his wife "he should not go" (Longman I:2, 8)
Tues, Oct 1st (conjectural, say week of Sept 30th-Oct 4th): ""Mr Bennet was among the earliest"
Wed, Oct 3rd or Thurs, Oct 4th: "The evening after the visit was paid" Mr Bennet tell his family he went (Longman I:2, 8) "Such a good joke" (says Mrs Bennet; was it?) he should have gone "this morning" "Rest of evening" they conjecture when Mr Bingley will return call
Mon, Oct 7th: "In a few days Mr Bingley returned Mr Bennet's visit." Few in Austen a highly flexible term, sometimes 3 but again sometimes as much as a week. (Longman I:3, 11)
Mr Bingley returns Mr Bennet's call; stayed "ten minutes in library"; they see him coming from upper window; he had hoped to see them
Tues, Oct 8th; He was obliged to be in town "the following day" (LongmansI:3, 11)
Report that he brings back "a large party" "for the ball" (Longman II::3, 13)
Tuesday, 15th October, from Hunsford, near Westerham, Kent Mr Collins writes his letter, (Longman Ch 13:I, 61)
Mr Bennet reads it in November 18th saying it came "more than a month ago" in the present novel (Longman I:13, 60-61). This Tuesday arrived by dating back from the "fortnight" (arrived at by the conversation in I:2) and using 1811 calendar. First important Tuesday, though it's Monday that is named. Mr Collins plans to stay until "Saturday se'night" (7 days and nights) or till after Sunday, hence Monday (Lady Catherine does not object to his absence on Sunday. (Longman I:13, 62)
Thursday, October 17th: Mrs Long "does not come back till the day before" (Longman I:2, 9)
So she will not be able to introduce anyone; they also learn "the day before" that the party of ladies and gentlemen are "six", "five sisters and a cousin" (I:3, 14)
Friday, October 18th: Night of ball. Lizzie's "next ball" to be "tomorrow fortnight" (Longman I:2, 9)
Reckoning from the evening of Sept 4th or 5th; Mrs Long says Mr Bingley "meant to be at the next assembly with a large party" (Longman, I:3, 10). Within "five minutes" report he has 10,000£ a year; admired for "half the evening"; Bingley "angry the ball closed so early"; Elizabeth openly snubbed during "part of the time" she "sits down for two dances". Mr Bingley dances "twice" with Jane at this ball, Mary heard herself mentioned as "the most accomplished girl" in the neighborhood to "Miss Bingley;" Lydia & Kitty never w/o partners. Mr Bennet had sat and read: "With a book he was regardless of time" Later that night Elizabeth & Jane's first conversation; narrator tells us Bingley 23: "not ... of age two years when tempted ... to look at Netherfield House". Darcy sat next to Mrs Lucas for "half an hour" wihout once "opening lips." Narrator tells us Charlotte Lucas "about 27" is Elizabeth's "intimate friend". (I:3, 14-15; 4, 19-20;5, 22, 23);\ we are told the conversation at Netherfeld that night, and narrator fills in that Bingley inherited 100,000£ but like his father did not has not yet bought an estate; we learn he is not yet 23 ("not of age two years") when Netherfeld recommended (Longman I:5, 20-21)
Sat, Oct 19th: Charlotte Lucas "the morning after the assembly" comes to "hear and "communicate. We learn about Sir William and Lady Lucas, Charlotte "sensible, intelligent, about 27 Elizabeth's intimatte friend"
First large scene at Longbourne with Charlotte, Mrs Bennet, Miss Lucases & Bennets (Longman I:5, 22)

First phase of Indeterminate time, some may be approximated: "lopping and chopping" original epistolary FI into the present P&P:6 and I:7

"Ladies of Longbourn soon waited on those of Netherfeld .." Longman I:6:24

Monday, Nov 4th: Mr Bennet replied to Mr Collins. On November 18th Mr Bennet tells his family he answered Mr Collins a fortnight ago (Longman, I:13, 60)

"The visit was returned in due form" (does not mean immediately; the Longbourn group hesitated a bit): Elizabeth sees "superciliousness in their treatment of every body hardly even excepting her sister". It had become: "generally evident whenever they did meet, that he did admire her, and to her [Elizabeth] it was evident that Jane was yielding ..." Longmans I:6, 24-25.

Wed or Thurs, Oct 30th - 31st: Unmoored conversation where Charlotte warns Elizabeth that Jane is not showing enough emotion. But if we take the dates of Monday, Nov 18th, Mr Collins's arrival and Mrs Bennet's insistence they cannot come home before previous Tuesday, and Elizabeth's information that Jane has known Bingley a "fortnight" and count from October 18th: this is the time time frame for Elizabeth & Charlotte's conversation and William Lucas's assembly ball.

In this conversation we are told that "Bingley and Jane meet tolerably often ... never for many hours together .... in mixed parties." Charlotte: Jane "should make the most of every half hour." Elizabeth's that has known him "only fortnight ... danced four dances at Meryton" [this may or not not include October 18th]; then saw him "one morning at his own house"; and "dined in company with him four times" (the "four evenings spent together"). It was during these times ("when they next met") he had gone from critizing to being attracted (Longman I:6, 27) All cut. All occurred between Oct 20th and (in present novel) evening of assembly ball which is all we are given and of it only the scenes between Darcy and Elizabeth.

Fri, Nov 1st or afterwards: Sir William Lucas's unmoored assembly party (Longman I:6, 27): here is where Darcy listens to Elizabeth's conversation; shows he is attracted; Miss Lucas Charlotte gets Elizabeth to play for group, one or two songs after telling Darcy "There is a fine old saying ... 'Keep your breath to cool your porridge,' -- and I shall keep mine to swell my song" (Longman I:6, 28); Sir William intervenes, Darcy's "Every savage can dance" and yet his pride in the way he dances ("You saw me dance at Meryton ..." -- did he?) to insist Darcy dance with Elizabeth ("he can have no objections ... to oblige us for one half hour") and Elizabeth refuses with an ironic "Mr Darcy is all politeness" (just what he is not); Miss Bingley's jealousy aroused.

No sense that Jane and Bingley there; whatever was there was cut. This cannot haved been one of the five occasions Jane and Bingley met as they were four dinners and evenings and one morning

Narrator tells us that Longbourn "only one mile from Meryton"; "convenient distance" "young ladies" "tempted thither three and four times a week" to pay "duty to aunt and to a milliner's shop just over the way". "Recent arrival of militia" to stay "the whole winter," Meryton "headquarters." "Every day" adds "intelligence". "Mr Philips visited them [the officers'] all" .

This is back-story, previous time and it is with this we are filled in with information about Mr Bennet's property (income of 2000£ a year), to go to a male, and Mrs Bennet's father "an attorney in Meryton who left her 4000£; siblings: "sister married to Mr Philips," a "clerk to their father" who "succeeded him in the business," and "a brother settled in London in a respectable line of trade"(Longman I:7, 31-32)

 1811
Mon, Nov 11th: Undated note early morning note from Miss Bingley to Jane inviting her "to-day" "for a whole day's tête-à-tête." Jane to "come upon receipt of this" (Longmas I:7:33) An unmoored "one morning" disdain of Mr Bennet turns out to be this day. Lydia hopes to see "Captain Carter in the course of the day as he was "going the next morning" to London. We learn Bingley, Darcy, Hurst to dine with officers that day. Jane wants "coach;" likelihood of "rain" so Mrs Bennet says no. Elizabeth gets father to say horses "engaged that day". (Longman I:7, 32).
Mon, Nov 11th, second phase, same day as note: Jane on horseback; it 'rained hard"; "rain continued all evening without intermission". Same date a second note, written in the evening, Jane to Elizabeth she is unwell and "cannot return until I am better" (Longman I:7, 34)
Tuesday, Nov 12th: "The next morning" Mrs Bennet's "felicity of contrivance": "breakfast" "scarcely over" when Elizabeth receives Jane's evening note, and insists on instantly walking "only three miles" so she can be back by "dinner." Elizabeth sets out with younger sisters who proceed to Meryton, haste to reach "Captain Carter" before he goes; while she goes to Netherfeld; at "breakfast parlour" they "surprised" at such "early morning" exertion "in such dirty weather"(Longman I:7, 35)
A series of brilliant scenes presented before the mention of the important Tuesday before which day they cannot leave: present P&P: I:8-11;these are tied closely to clock time.
Tuesday, Nov 5th, second phase: Elizabeth up to Jane's room; she feverish, cannot go down; sisters come as no one else about; "Elizabeth did not quit her room for a moment". "Clock stuck three, Elizabeth very unwilling to go; invited to "remain at Netherfeld for the present"(Longman I:8-36-37).
Tuesday, Nov 12th, third phase: "five o'clock the two ladies retired to dress;" "at half past six Elizabeth summoned to dinner". Sisters 3 or 4 times "how grieved ... shocked" and then "think no more about it"; Mr Bingley cares; "dinner over" "She returns to Jane" and Miss Bingley "abusing" her behavior, "low connections" they go up to Jane "on leaving dining-parlour" until "summoned to coffee;" Elizabeth "would not quit" ... "till late in the evening;" goes down because she feels it's right to do so; they are playing loo, Elizabeth says she'd rather read; Miss Bingley's sneer, Elizabeth's denial of great reading; subjects include libraries, buying Pemberley; accomplishments. Elizabeth leaves upon Mr Hurst's calling them back to loo; Mr Darcy on "meanness" in cunning arts; Elizabeth back to say sister worse, it's decided to send for Mr Jones "in the morning" if Jane "not decidedly better". Sisters sing "duets after supper" and Bingley sends directions to housekeeper" Elizabeth "passes chief of night in sister's room" (Longman I:8, 41-43) We learn from Mrs Bennet on Day 2 that Charlotte and her father visited Longbourn "yesterday" and Charlotte "did not dine with them" "wanted about mince pies" (Mrs B condescends).Longmans I:89, 45)
Wed, Nov 13th: "In the morning" Elizabeth answers inquiries she "very early" received from Mr Bingley "by a housemaid"; and "two elegant ladies" who wait on his sister. She requests a "note" sent to Mrs Bennet "immediately dispatched;" "complied with."
Wed, Nov 13th, second phase: Mrs Bennet arrives with "two youngest daughters "soon after the family breakfast"; "apothecary" not "advisable to remove" and when invited by Miss Bingley Mrs Bennet & girls leave Jane & talk with Bingley (boasts of doing things in a hurry, "off in five minutes;" rudeness of Mrs Bennet to Darcy. Whether "music be the food of love." Lydia nervy "15" reminds Mr Bingley of "promise to have a ball" "on his first coming into the country" (Longman I:9:43-44)
Thurs, Nov 14th: "passed much as the day before." Mrs Hurst & Miss Bingley "some hours of the morning with invalid".
Thurs, Nov 14th, second phase: That "evening Elizabeth joins party in drawing-room"; Mr Darcy writes, Miss Bingley observes; Mr Bingley and Mr Hurst at piquet" while Mrs Hurst watches. Elizabeth "at needlework" observes Miss B's sycophany and Darcy's exposures; Miss Bingley says she'll see his sister "in January"; Bingley's needling on Darcy's studied writing, Darcy exposes him; his and Elizabeth's argument over how he'd follow a friend automatically "stay a week" and "at another word might stay a month; she demands circumstances and Bingley sharply rude But irony is that in fact Mr Bingley is persuaded away quickly from Jane & by Darcy. Then music by Miss Bingley; Darcy's flirting ("do you not feel a great inclination ... [to] danc[e] a reel", Elizabeth's rebuff; Darcy bewitched and Miss Bingley more aroused. (Longman I:10, 48-50)
Fri, Nov 15th "The next day" Miss Bingley and Darcy "walking together in the shrubbery"; she needles Mr Darcy about his coming "mother-in-law", the sisters who run after officers, the Philipses; Mrs Hurst & Elizabeth out too, Mrs H snubs Elizabeth, Darcy "felt their rudeness," but Elizabeth relieved to be "released" and "rejoicing gaily" in the hope of home "in a day or two'"
Jane better, intends to leave room "for a couple of hours" (Longman I:11:55); after "dinner" Elizabeth sees Jane "well-guarded from cold" to "drawing-room"; an "hour" of lively "conversation;"
Saturday, Nov 16th: In consequence of agreement with Jane, Elizabeth writes mother begging carriage might be sent for in course of day; upon receipt of the mother's letter that the carriage cannot be supplied before Tuesday Elizabeth applies to Jane to ask Mr Bingley to supply his carriage, and she urges Jane to ask Mr Bingley. Sense of consideration discussion (Longmas I:12, 58)
"It is settled their original design of leaving Netherfeld that morning" is presented; but it excites "professions of concern" and Netherfeld household "wishes them to stay till the following day to work on Jane." Darcy "scarcely speaks two words to Elizabeth" though at one time they "are left to themselves for half an hour"; he "adhered most conscientiously to his book and would not even look at her". (Longman I:12, 58-59). It is was the Saturday night before Collins left Hunsford, between pools at quadrille that Lady Catherine advises Mr Collins to marry (Longmans I:19, 99) to her house to make up enough people for quadrille (Longmans I:14, 65)
Sunday, Nov 17th: Elizabeth and Jane come home (Longmans I:12, 59)
Mrs Bennet not cordial; Mr Bennet glad to see them; "evening conversation had lost much of its animation". Between previous "Wednesday" (Nov 14th) and this Sunday, Lydia and Kitty: "officers had dined with uncle, someone flogged, Colonel Forster to be married." (Longmans I:12, 59) Was it on this evening at Quadrille it was Lady Catherine advised Collins to marry?
Monday, November 18th: "At breakfast the next morning," Mr Bennet expects "an addition to our family party". Mrs Bennet mentions how Charlotte often "happens to call." Mr Bennet says he got letter "over a month ago" and answered it a "fortnight ago." (Longman I:13, 62-63) Mr C plans to stay until Monday, November 25th (will be stay past Sunday) For "now some weeks since" younger 2 daughters had been interested in men in uniform only.
At "four in afternoon": Mr Collins arrives (day, date, time given), tout Tall, heavy, "five and twenty." He apologizes "for quarter of an hour" after initial apology for having supposed his cousins cooked the dinner. After dinner he tells them he has been asked "twice" to Rosings, this past Saturday for quadrille She has approved of "both the discourses" he has preached before her. Miss de Bourgh her daughter (ill) and heiress to extensive property. By "tea-time" dose enough, and Mr Bennet takes Mr Collins into "drawing-room" to read aloud. He never reads novels from "circulating library;" Fordyce's Sermons produced and he reads "three pages" "with monotonous solemnity"; Lydia interrupts, so Mr Collins "offers himself" as "antagonist" at "backgammon."
Tuesday, Nov 19th (Longman I:15, 69) "The next morning" "a quarter of an hour's tête-à-tête with Mrs Bennet "before breakfast" she tells him Jane soon to be engaged; he plans on Elizabeth. The next day" Lydia's plan enacted: the girls simply take Mr Collins with them to Meryton and Elizabeth sees encounter of Darcy and Wickham. She "could not bear to speak of him "the day before" (Nov 17th); Mr Bennet relieved to get rid of this man with his talk and "large [unread] book". Longman I:15, 69 Also the day the mother had said "they cannot possibly have the carriage before Tuesday which would "exactly finish Jane's week" (Longman I:12, 58). Since Mr Collins's letter is Monday. This Tuesday enables us to see the day of Elizabeth's coming to Netherfeld and Jane's illness is "an important Tuesday."
It's a third important Tuesday in itself for intelligence Elizabeth gets in seeing strain: it is included in all the transposition P&Ps. Denny introduces Mr Wickham who had accepted "a commission" "the day before" and returned with him (November 18th); he's handsome, ready to converse. (Longman I:15, 70). Mr Darcy white when he sees him and forgets to try to ignore Elizabeth, "in another minute" Mr Bingley ... took leave and rode on with his friend" (71). Two officers make their bows despite Mrs Philips's throwing up window, and Lydia's "pressing entreaties." Her "surprise at older niece's "sudden return home." She repeats what's known abuot Wickham; she had been watching him from her window "the last hour" but he does not return. Mrs Philips promises to make her husband call on Mr Wickham and invite him" "if Longbourn" family would "come in the evening" (too?). "Lottery tickets;" "a little bit of hot supper" afterwards
Wed, Nov 20th: Dining at the Philipses "the next day:" Mr Collins's "scruples" at leaving the Mr and Mrs B "for a single evening" "resisted," "coach" conveys him and 5 cousins "at a suitable hour," and Mr Wickham "in the house." Mr Collins's insulting compliments about Mrs Philips's "apartment" like "small summer breakfast parlour at Rosings." "An interval of waiting" felt "very long"; rest of gentlemen come in.
Wickham handsomest and turns to Elizabeth; talk of "its being a wet night," and "probability of a rainy season;" Mr Collins sits down to "whist" under cover of Lydia and others playing for "lottery tickets" he tells Elizabeth his story of his childhood (Longman I:16, 74-79). He starts conversation. Filled with references to time; "the living became vacant two years ago, exactly as I was of an age to hold it;" Darcy "irritated very early in life" by his "father's uncommon attachment" to Wickham. "A few minutes reflection" and she replies, "His disposition must be dreadful"; "after a time" exclaims ... "his own companion from childhood ..." He: "born in the same parish, within the same park, the greatest part of our youth passed together" Darcy's father "immediately before my father's death" promised to provide for Wickham. "I have devoted hours and hours to [Georgiana's] amusement ... handsome girl, about fifteen or sixteen ... home in London". Mr Collins lost "five shillings" Lady Catherine "very lately given" Collins a living. Wickham not seen Lady C "for many years" (Longmans 1:16:77-80) Could be a letter cut up, condensed, transposed?
Thurs, Nov 21st: "the next day" "in the shrubbery" Elizabeth "related to Jane" what "passed" between Eliza and Wickham
Mr Bingley and sisters invite them for "long-expected ball at Netherfeld ... fixed for following Tuesday (Longman 17:82)
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Nov 22, 23, 24, 25: "a succession rain"
Austen thus accounts for nothing happening and them going nowhere: "nothing less than a dance on Tuesday " could make these days "endurable to Kitty and Lydia" (Longman I:17, 84)
Mon, Nov 25th: Denny: he "was obliged to go to town on business the day before, and not yet returned"
Denny: he "wished to avoid a certain gentleman here"(Longman I:18, 85)
Tuesday, "the 26th of November (day & date given several times)
Pivotal highly thoroughly developed scene (Longmas I:18): Elizabeth "told all her griefs ... had not seen Charlotte for a week" 2 dances with Mr Collins, 1 with officer, then Darcy interrupts the two girls and two famous dances with Darcy "pause of some minutes" between their talk .. odd to be entirely silent for half an hour altogether" "silent until gone down the dance". Did they not "very often" walk to Meryton; "the other day" "forming new acquaintance" "went down othe dance and parted in silence" (Longman I:18, 86-89) Jane: Mr Bingley "never saw [Wickham] until the other morning at Meryton" (I:18, 90). Collins says he can tell Darcy "her ladyship ... quite well yesterday se'night" (I:18, 91) Mrs Bennet: Jane's marital advantages: Netherfeld "but three miles from them". Later Darcy "often standing within a short distance of her". Mrs Bennet maoeuvres the crragie "a quarter of an hour after everybody else gone." Mr Bingley declines invitation to family dinner: "after his return from London; "obliged to get the next day for a short time" (Longmans I:18, 96)
Wednesday, Nov 27th: Mr Bingley goes to London; "The next day" a "new scene: Mr Collins's proposal "soon after breakfast"(Longman I:19, 97). His leave now extends to "the following Saturday" (another week minus Sunday). Wednesday specified as part of Mr Collins's painful memories (Longman I:22, 111)
Phrases like "a moment's consideration ... the short pause ..." "One thousand pounds in the 4 per cents" after her mother's death is Elizabeth's fortune (Longmans I:19, 990; He expects "refusal ... a second or even a third time."Elizabeth "in silence withdrew." Mrs Bennet "Hurrying instantly to her husband," Charlotte "came to spend the day", listens by a window; his attentions for "rest of day" to Miiss Lucas (I:21, 106). )
Thurs, Nov 28th: "the morrow produced no abatement:" "Resentment" does not "shorten his visit:" always to have gone on Saturday, and to Saturday he meant to stay" (Longman, 2:21, 206)
"After breakfast" the girls walk to Meryton, Wickham joins them upon entering town and goes with them to Mrs Philips (I:21, 106); he found "so many hours together" more than he could bear and goes with girls to Longbourn; they come back to find Miss Bingley's letter to Jane announcing she, Mr and Mrs Hurst and Darcy have followed Bingley to London and mean to stay for at least "six months"; "none will return ... this winter." Bingley had thought his business would take "three or four days" (Longman I:21, 108) partial text (I:21, 107). Upstairs bedroom conference: Elizabeth he is "no less sensible of your merit than when he took leave of you on Tuesday. Overdetermined Tuesday. If he returns no more this "winter," "a thousand things may happen in six months"(Longmans I:21, 109)
Fri, Nov 29th: Bennets to dine with Lucases; "again during the chief of the day" Charlotte listens to Mr Collins (Longmans I:22, 111).
Appearances seem favorable to Charlotte that "when they parted at Night, she would have felt secure if "he had not been to leave Hertfordshire so very soon" (Longman 22:111)
Sat, Nov 30th: "the next morning" he escapes Longbourn House for Lucas Lodge; he is diffident since the adventure of Wednesday In "as short a time" as his "long speeches" would allow Charlotte and Mr Collins are engaged (Longman I:22, 111). Jane had "sent early answer" to Miss Bingley's "letter" (Longmans I: 23,117)
Sir William and Lady Lucas: she calculates how many years Mr Bennet likely to live; younger girls could come out a year or so sooner; boys of an "old maid." Age of "27" "without ever being handsome" Charlotte "tolerably composed" Mr Collins "promises secrecy"; "curiosity" "excited" by "long absence;" goodbyes said "for the night"; Mrs Bennet "politeness" "cordiality," he should come "whenever his other engagements" might "allow"; Collins says "avail" himself "as soon as possible": Mr Bennet does not want "so speecy a return" Mr Collins promises "you will speedily receive from me a letter of thanks for" Mrs B's invitation and Mr B's solicitude (Longmas I:22, 113-14)
Sun, Dec 1st: "On the following morning" Miss Lucas calls "soon after breakfast" & tells of her engagement to Mr Collins;
Charlotte "did not stay much longer;" Elizabeth "left to reflect:" two offers of marriage within three days"; Sir William comes, sent by daughter (Longmans I:23, 114). Mrs Bennet "that day did not wear out her [very vocal obvious resentment]; counts off Mrs Bennet's vent; "a week elapsed" before she stopped scolding Elizabeth; "a month passed away" before could stop rudeness to Sir Wm & Lucas; "many months" before she "could forgive Charlotte (Longmans I:23, 116). Mr Collins presumably gone
Tuesday, Dec 3rd: "Bingley now gone a week"; Collins's letter of thanks arrives on Tuesday; solemnity of a 12 month abode.
Collins tells of "rapturous" engagement and that he means to return Monday fortnight, or Monday, Dec 16th. Elizabeth grows "daily more anxious." (Longman I:23, 117)
Wed, Dec 4th - Sun, Dec 15th: "Day after day passed away" without bringing any tidings of Mr Bingley (Longman I:23, 117)
Elizabeth "thought frequently recurring" of Bingley's sisters; Jane "her anxiety" more "painful;" mother exacerbating: "an hour seldom passed" "in which she did not talk of": "impatience," "if he did not come back" she "should think herself ill used" (Longman I:24, 118)
Monday, [Dec 16th] "fortnight" Mr Collins "punctually returns" (Longman I:24, 118)
Mr Collins returns: "chief of every day at Lucas Lodge"; he returns only in time to apologize "before family went to bed" (Longman I:24:118).

Second phase of basically indeterminate time is brief and some may be approximated: remnants of FI made to form last part of last chapter of Volume I and whole of first chapter of Volume II: Much is condensed; Miss Bingley's letter the pivotal action, the turning point, which is what epistolary novels do

Mr and Mrs Bennet: an unmoored conversation: Mrs Bennet "pitiable state": whenever "Charlotte comes to house" Mrs B imagines her "anticipating the hour of possession"; Mr Bennet advises her to "not give away to such gloomy thoughts;" perhaps he'll predecease her ("Let us flatter ourselves ... ") (Longman I:23, 118-19)

Between December 17th and 21st Miss Bingley's cruel letter (not dated) arrives, and instead of text we've redaction and paraphrase: "assurance of their all being settled in London for the winter;" "her brother's regret ... no having had time to pay respects ...". Then two readers' (Jane and Elizabeth's) responses; a left over of epistolarity from the standpoint of reading/conversation about a letter (in this case painful and untruthful)? Elizabeth "could not think without anger, hardly without contempt [of Bingley's nature] had his happiness been the only sacrifice ... but her own sister was involved ... her peace ... wounded" (Longman II:1, 120, Ch 24)

Thurs, Dec 19th?: A day or two passed and after a "longer irritation" than usual of Mrs Bennet's [tormenting] lamentations "about Netherfield and its owner" "Jane had courage to speak of her feelings to Elizabeth:" a long conversation.

Mrs Bennet: "the pain she gives me by her continual reflections on [Bingley]; ... I have nothing to hope or fear ... nothing to reproach him with ... A little time therefore. -- I certainly shall try to get the better ..." Elizabeth's deep disillusion over Charlotte's choice. Elizabeth's arguments about Bingley's relatives and friends' motives and how they "may wish many things bsdies his happiness ... " Jane so "distressed" "by the ideas" Elizabeth puts forward (though she doesn't deny possiblity), is intent on "taking it in the best light" (they love Miss Darcy, "they would not try to part us") that Elizabeth "could not oppose" and "from this time Mr Bingley's name was scarcely ever mentioned ... " (Longman II:1, Ch 24)

Elizabeth tries to get mother to believe Bingley had "been merely the effect of common and transient liking"; but Mrs Bennet "had the same story to repeat every day"; her "best comfort:" "Mr BIngley must be down again in the summer" (Longman II:1, 123, Ch 24)

Unmoored dialogue: Mr Bennet equally unkind witticisms at Jane's painful expense, and suggestion that Wickham will jilt her "creditably" (Longman II:1, 123-4, Ch 24)

During this interval they "saw him [Wickham] often." Did he visit daily? or the sisters go to Meryton and see the officers there? With Netherfield family gone, "general unreserve" makes everyone talk of Mr Wickham's suffering, and how they "had always disliked Mr Darcy" (Longman II:1, 123-4, Ch 24)

A little embedded interlude


1811
Saturday, ["a week spent in professions ...."] Dec 21st: Mr Collins returns to Hunsford
"Next return to Hertfordshire" will make him "the happiest"&c, he & Charlotte will "fix the day"
Monday, ["the following Monday"] December 23rd: Mr and Mrs Gardiner to spend Xmas at Longbourn
Mrs Gardiner "several years younger than Mrs Bennet and Mrs Philips;" "amiable intelligent elegant woman;" great favorite with nieces; "very particular regard" between her and two eldest," "frequently staying with her in town" (Longman II2, 125, Ch 25) Mrs Gardiner knows this news from "the course of Jane and Elizabeth's correspondence with her" (Longman II:2, 125, Ch 25) Mrs Gardiner: Bingley fell in love with Jane "for a few weeks;" words made to apply to "a half-hour's acquaintance". Invites Jane (respite from mother) to go to London with them. Elizabeth speaks in more scornful way about how the Netherfield Party utterly alien to Gracechurch Street ("a month's ablution" not enough). Mrs Gardiner: "does not Jane correspond with the sister ... She will drop the acquaintance entirely" Jane accepts Mrs Gardiner's invitation, supposes "by Caroline's not living in the same house with her brother, she might "occasionally spend a morning with her, without any danger of seeing him" (Longman II:2, 127, Ch 25)
Monday-Tuesday, Dec 23rd - 31st: "the Gardiners staid a week at Longbourn"
A general account and another conversation between Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner: with Philips, Lucases, and the officers... "not a day without its engagement," "Wickham sure to be one," Elizabeth and his preference for one another" Elizabeth promises "not to be in a hurry;" Aunt: she should not invite "so very often," not remind mother, Elizabeth: "on your account ... so frequently invited this week"(Longman II:3, 128-30, Ch 26) 30, Chs 25-26)

1812
Thurs-Sat, Jan 2nd-4th: Mr Collins "returned to Hertfordshire soon after it had been quitted by the Gardiners and Jane." Jane "had written to announce their safe arrival in London". Jane also wrote her first letter to Miss Bingley informing Miss Bingley she is there that day (Longman II:3, 130, Ch 26)
Mr Collins "took up his abode" at Lucas Lodge; Elizabeth "hopes" in next it will have been in Jane's "power" to say something of the Bingleys (Longman II:3, 129-30, Ch 26)
Wednesday, Jan 8th: Miss Lucas "paid her farewell visit"
A correspondence between Elizabeth and Charlotte: Elizabeth "sincerely affected"; Charlotte demands frequent letters: "I shall depend upon hearing from you very often, Eliza. That you certainly shall" The "promise" to come in "March" extracted."Elizabeth soon heard from her friend; and their correspondence was as regular and frequent as it ever had been"; impossible to be as "unreserved;" but "determined not to slacken as a correspondent. (Longman II:3, 130, Ch 26)
Thursday, Jan 9th: "the wedding day" of Charlotte and Mr Collins; "wedding took place"; also the day day Jane wrote her "second letter;" "had been a week in town, without hearing from or seeing Caroline."
Jane supposes the letter she had written to inform Miss Bingley she was there was "lost".Longman II:3, 130, Ch 26)
Friday, Jan 10th: Jane calls on Caroline Bingley. The aunt "going to that part of town to-morrow" and Jane goes with her, "calls in Grosvenor Street". Then writes .
Quotation from Jane's letter written right afterward ("when the visit was paid"): "I did not think Caroline in spirits ... reproached me for giving her no notice of my coming ... I was right, therefore; myh last letter had never reached her ..." Miss B claims "they scarcely ever saw" brother; much with Mr Darcy; Miss Darcy "expected to dinner;" her visit therefore could not "be long"; sisters "going out." Jane assumes still "I shall see them soon here" (like Marianne keeps believing in person's friendship, affection, trusts (Longman II:3, 130, Ch 26)
Friday, Jan 24th: Miss Bingley paid her return visit; "a fortnight" of "waiting at home every morning, and inventing every evening a fresh excuse". We are told "four weeks had passed away" from Jane's first coming to London.
Imagine how she felt all day afterward(Longman I:3, 131, Ch 26)
Saturday, Jan 25th: Jane's full letter describing visit and justifying herself for having kept her faith in Miss Bingley (Longman II:3, 131-32)
"Caroline did not return my visit till yesterday; and not a line, not a line, did I receive in the meantime." Repulsion put down to fears for brother, but "if he had at all cared about me, we must have met long, long ago. He knows of my being in town, I am certain, from something she said herself .... Let me hear from you very soon ... Miss Bingley said something of his never returning to Netherfield again ... Pray go to see ["our friends at Hunsford ..." ]

Third return to indeterminate time done by gradually by inserting an abridged correspondence, and in part approximated, but also includes a time ot brief:

"About this time:" the correspondence between Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth is brought into play, and we are given a sample

Mon-Tues, Jan 27th-28th: "about this time" (Jane's letter acknowledging her painful awakening) Mrs Gardiner writes to Elizabeth and "reminds Elizabeth of her promise concerning that gentleman [Wickham] and requires information" (Longman II:3, 132, Ch 27)

Tues-Wed, Jan 27th-28th: Elizabeth in response to Mrs Gardiner: begins with a narrativemix in third person free indirect discourse (a voice somewhere inbetween Elizabeth and our implied author) explaining what happened (Wickham now "the admirer" of "a young lady" with sudden "acquisition of ten thousand pounds." Narrative voice (understated) says Elizabeth "less clear-sighted thanin Charlotte's case which leaves us to suggest (if we infer this) Elizabeth was emotionally blinded.

Then a letter quoted from, but it's hard to tell if we are to see Elizabeth as misunderstanding her own self-innoculation against rejection, or her lack of intense passion as it's plucked out of context; understandable that Weldon in 1979 P&P should have scenes dramatizing Wickham as really a first love in the novel, with Elizabeth then rejected by Colonel Fitzwilliam

"With no greater events than these" did January and February pass away "sometimes dirty and sometimes cold." In FI while Jane suffering in London from Miss Bingley, Elizabeth suffering in Hertfordshire from Mr Wickham (Longman II:3, 132-33, Ch 27)

Sometime in February Colonel Forster marries; we are told he is to marry on Sunday, November 17th when Jane and Elizabeth come home from Netherfield; in May we are told Lydia and Mrs Forster knew each other for "three months' acquaintance", "intimate for two (Longman II:18, 198, Ch 41)


1812
Sat, Mar 7th: A farewell between Elizabeth and Wickham (at a gathering?), the pain of leaving her father
Unmoored, reckoned back from Mar 9th. Father "so little likes her going, that he told her to write to him, and almost promised to answer her letter" (Longman II:4, 134, Ch 27)
Sun, Mar 8th: "The next day" Elizabeth, Maria and Sir William leave "early" to travel 24 miles to reach "Gracechurch-street by noon".
Before dinner ("the morning") was "bustle and shopping"; after dinner ("evening"), the theater. Elizabeth sits near her aunt (in the intermission) and they talk "before they were separated by the conclusion of the play." Invitation to join uncle and aunt on trip into Lake District (Longman II:5, 134-37, Ch 28)
Mon, Mar 9th: "The next day's journey" (II:5, 134-37, Ch 28) Elizabeth, Maria and Sir William arrive,
The day week may be reckoned this way: Easter in 1812 fell on March 29th; "the week preceding it" (week of Sun-Mon, Mar 22nd-23rd) was to bring Mr Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. A "fortnight" had "passed away before this week; so counting three weeks back, we have the party arriving Mar 9th (a Monday rather than a Sunday for traveling). We are also told "Elizabeth had heard soon after her arrival, that Mr Darcy was expected there in the course of a few weeks." Few in Austen usually means 3. (Longman II:8, 150, Ch 31)

Shown house and would have seen "two meadows", "but the ladies not having shoes to encounter the remains of a white frost" turned back. At "dinner" Elizabeth told she will see Lady Catherine de Bourgh "on the ensuing Sunday at church; that they "dine at Rosings twice every week". "Evening" "talking" over Hertfordshire "news," "telling again what had already been written" (Longman III:5, 138-39, Ch 28)

"two months intimacy of Lydia and Mrs Forster starts. (Longman II:18, 198, Ch 41)

Tues, Mar 10th: "The middle of the next day" intense excitement upon Miss Anne de Bourgh and Mrs Jenkinson; Elizabeth thought at least the "pigs had gotten into the garden;" "abominably rude to keep Charlotte out of doors in all this wind" (Longman II:5, 140, Ch 28)
Mr Collins "compliments on good fortune;" Charlotte explains "whole party asked to dine at Rosings the next day". Lady Catherine does inite them "on Sunday to drink tea and spend the evening at Rosings." "Scarcely anything was talked of the whole day or the next morning" but this visit. (Longman II:6, 141, Ch 29)
Wed, Mar 11th: Collinses & Elizabeth dine at Rosings
First lengthy visit scene: Mr Collins's hints "two or three times" while they are dressing; "pleasant walk about half a mile across the park"; "observation of day altogether" confirms what Wickham had described; Lady Catherine's "countenance and deportment" "some resemblance to Mr Darcy". "Sitting a few minutes" told to "admire the view"; Lady Catherine domineering minute talk, "intervals" addresses Elizabeth who feels her "impertinence" Mother should have taken them to "town every spring" but father "hates London;" governess talk; who's out, Elizabeth "not one and twenty." When Lady C and daughter "had played as long as they chose," tables broken up, carriage ordered and all gather "round the fire" for Lady C "to determine what weather they were to have on the morrow"
Mon, Mar 16th: Sir Williams returns home: "staid only a week at Hunsford"
When there, Mr Collins "devotes mornings" to driving him out in his gig (Longman II:7, 148, Ch 6).

Fourth move into indeterminate interval. These cross over chapters.

Mr Collins returns to "breakfast to dinner" "chief of time ... at work in the garden, or in reading and writing, and looking out of the window in his own book room." Elizabeth and Charlotte sit in room facing the back. Miss de Bourgh "passes almost every day;" not infrequently "a few minutes' conversation" with Charlotte; "scarcely prevailed upon to get out."

"Very few days" pass without Mr or Mrs Collins "walking to Rosings;" "now and then" a "call from her Ladyship (detailed bullying), an "active magistrate" interfering "in minutest concerns" taken her by Mr Collins; they "dine at Rosings "twice a week" ("one card table"), & have "few other engagements."

"Half hours of pleasant conversation with Charlotte;" weather "fine this time of year: so Eliza has a "favourite walk" while others "call" on Lady C; "nice sheltered path, which no one seemed to value but herself ... beyond the reach of Lady [C's] "curiosity."

"In this quiet way, the first fortnight of her visit passed away ... Easter was approaching" (Longman II:7, 149-50, Ch 7).


1812
Mon, Mar 23rd: Mr Collins "walking whole morning within view of lodges ..."; as "carriage turns into Park" makes bows and hurries home with "great intelligence"
"The week preceding" Easter to bring "addition" (Longman II:7, 150, Ch 30)
Tues, Mar 24th: "Following morning" Mr Collins hastens; brings back Darcy & Fitzwilliam; Charlotte not much different: sees them "from husband's room, crossing the road, immediately running into the other" room
"Colonel Fitzwilliam, younger son of Darcy's uncle, Lord --- ["an Earl"]; same near silent reserve in Darcy contrasts to Fitzwilliam's pleasant talk; "usual" interaction of Darcy & Elizabeth (mime); "after moment's pause," she ask: "eldest sister has neen in town these three months" he looks "a little confused,' never "so fortunate as to meet" Jane (Longman II:7, 151; Ch 30)
Wed-Sat, Mar 25th-28th: "Some days . . . before they receive an invitation (=4)
"Visitors" made them "not necessary"; "Colonel ... had called at Parsonage;" they saw Darcy "only at church" (that Sunday morning) "For the last week" seen very little of Lady C or her daughter.
Sunday, March 29th: "Not till Easter-day, almost a week after the gentlemen's arrival"; "merely asked on leaving church to come in the evening." So Evening of Easter-day
First famous long scene, crucial (in all film adaptations): Join at "proper hour;" Lady C "engrossed by her nephews". Colonel Fitzwilliam "really glad:" agreeable talk (Kent, Hertfordshire, traveling, staying at home, new books, music), "spirit and flow;" Lady C rudely demands to "know what you are saying" to Fitzwilliam. Georgiana Darcy said to "practice "very constantly;" Lady C will write to "charge her not to neglect it;" insulting offer of piano in "nobody's way" (Charlotte "no instrument"). Fitzwilliam reminds Elizabeth of promise to play; she does "half a song;" his chair nearby & gradually Darcy escapes Lady C and stations himself to watch (common ploy for men in Austen); rivalrous banter; he is attempting to intimidate; he says she "professes opinions not her own", her accusing description of his behavior at a Netherfield ball: "he danced only 4 dances"). (Longman II:8, 152-54, Ch 32

Problem: he says he knew no one so this must be the first, the 18th of Oct and yet then he did not dance; he is refused by her at Sir William Lucas & we do not see him dance otherwise; we see him dance only at November 26th ball and there he knew many people. Is Elizabeth referring to a ball or dance scene after first assembly that was cut? It would have been part of that section of indeterminate time where Jane and Bingley met 5 times. Lady C "after listening" to Elizabeth "for a few minutes" says Elizabeth would "not play at all amiss, if she practiced more". Darcy indifferent to Miss de Bourgh.

Monday, March 30th: "the next morning" Eliza "writing to Jane" while Maria & Mrs Collins gone to village; "no carriage" so Elizabeth thinks it's "not unlikely to be Lady Catherine" (is she a walker?) & is "putting away half- finished letter;" Darcy alone, "astonished"; expected others there
Conversation scene memorable, not crucial (elided in films): "How very suddenly you all quitted Netherfield last November"; Bingley "went but day before" She "after short pause," has Mr Bingley "not much idea of ever returning ..."; Darcy Bingley will "spend very little of his time there" & "should give up place entirely". Then, is "fifty miles" Charlotte "settled within distance of family and friends" "an easy distance?" Darcy: "Little more than half a day's journey ... very easy distance"; "far and near relative"; Collins not income to "allow of frequent journeys"; Charlotte would not "call herself near her family unless less than half the present distance." His wish that she not have "such very strong local attachment" ... Colder. (Longman II:9, 156-57, ch 32) Mrs Collins comes; "after sitting a few minutes" without saying much, he departs. Charlotte: he must "love you," but his "silence" makes that seem "not likely." The "difficulty of finding anything to do ... this time of year. All field sports over; "within doors, Lady C, books and billiard table.

Slide into sheer indeterminate time: "from this period" "two cousins" walked to Parsonage "almost every day," called "various times of day" (together, separate, or with aunt). (Longman II:9, 158, Ch 32)

Fitzwilliam brings Wickham but has "best informed mind;" Darcy came "so often," sat there "ten minutes together without opening his lips;" Ftizwilliam "laughing at" Darcy makes Charlotte think him "generally different" (does he love Eliza?), "once or twice" suggests idea to Elizabeth who laughs. (Longman II:9, 158, Ch 32)

"More than once did Elizabeth in her Ramble within the Park, unexpectedly meet Darcy" She tells him "it was a favorite", yet " ... a second time ... and even a third! ... in course of third rencontre ... he is asking [real questions about her, her opinions]. "His words" imply "whenever she came into Kent" she "would be staying at Rosings [is he thinking of Fitzwilliam for her?] ... distressed her a little." (Longman II:10, 159, Ch 33)


1812
Thurs, Apr 14th: Elizabeth "engaged one day ... in re-perusing Jane's last letter." We slide back into determinate time, time which is slowly dovetailed and accounted for. The date is confirmed by reckoning back from the day that Darcy hands Elizabeth his letter when we are told she had been "five weeks in Kent," Fitzwilliam's comment he must leave that "Saturday", and Elizabeth thinking that Darcy's visit to Rosings to end "the day after next."
Fitzwilliam comes upon Elizabeth walk, she "putting away the letter immediately" ... he makes the tour of the Park "every year", she "should have turned in a moment." "Do you certainly leave Kent on Saturday?" "If Darcy does not put it off again." Darcy has been putting it off. Crucial scene for any faithful P&P, for in it Fitzwilliam reveals that Darcy stopped Bingley from marrying Jane. Bingley "the kind of man to get into a scrape of that sort ... [they ere] together the whole of last summer." Back at Parsonage, "agitation and tears" "brought on a headache;" she cannot drink tea at Rosings; Charlotte does not press.

Elizabeth sits perusing all Jane's letters; "noticed every sentence ... with an attention [the idea of uneasiness] had hardly received in the first perusal;" "his visit to Rosings to end the day after next"; "in less than a fortnight she should be with Jane again." (Longman II:11, 164, Ch 34). She does not mean "to be unhappy" about Fitzwilliam, door bell, Fitzwilliam had "once before called late in the evening." Darcy comes in anxious about her, sits "for a few minutes," "walked about the room," and blurts out tactless proposal and her hard reply. He "struggles for composure," "pause" to her "feelings dreadful." Darcy changes color but "emotion short." Jane: "ruining perhaps forever ... "happiness of most beloved sister" "The recital" she had "many months ago" from Wickham; "deprived the best years of his life." 'from the very beginning, the very first moment" ... [the] succeeding events ... I had not know you a month before I felt you were the last man ..." "Forgive me ... so much of your time ... " "The next moment open the front door ... quit the house" Sat down and cried "for half an hour." " ... in love with her for so many months" (Longman II:11,34, 164, 67-68, Ch 34)

Fri, April 17th: "the next morning to the same thoughts ...." "Soon after breakfast ... directly to her favourite walk ... turned up the lane ... further from turnpike road ... passed one of the gates ... two or three times along that part of the lane ... the five weeks ... passed Kent ... verdure of early trees ... " "glimpses .. directingly retreat .. [he] stepping forward ... [she] moved towards gate. He had by that time reached" it, "holding out letter" (Longman II:12, 35, 169-70)
"Dated Rosings, 8 o'clock in the morning. Two sheets of letter paper, written quite through, in a very close hand -- envelope itself ... likewise full." "Two offences" "last night" (repeats this phrase 4 times) he stands accused. First not taken that seriously: "affection ... the growth of only a few weeks", "evening of the dance at Netherfield" he became "aware"; "evening's scrutiny" Bingley's "partiality" "beyond what seen before;" "her heart not likely to be touched;" but "from what passed that night" (behavior of her family) "confirmed" him to "preserve his friend," Bingley left "the day following;" "persuaded" Bingley "of your sister's indifference", "work of a moment". Story of Wickham. Father "many years the management" of Pemberley estates;" Wickman's on Mr Darcy's "god-son; "supported at school & afterward at Cambridge"; "nearly the same age" as young Darcy; old Mr Darcy died "five years ago;" "his own father did not long survive mine." "A legacy of 1000£, "valuable family living;" Wickham askes for legacy and cash equivalent, given 3000£. "for about three years I heard little of him;" incumbent dies, and Wickham applies, is refused. "Last summer" "obtrudes" Georgiana now not quite 17 ("more than ten years my junior." "About a year ago" (April 1811) Georgiana Darcy then 15 taken from school, establishment formed in London, summer: Georgiana taken to Ramsgate by Mrs Young; "thither" when Mr Wickham; Wickham attempts to run away with Georgiana for money and revenge. Darcy joined Mrs Young and Geogiana "a day or two before intended elopement" and Georgiana told him; "I wrote to Mr Wickham who left the place immediately, Mrs Young fired. Sister has fortune of 30,000£. Determined to give her letter "in the course of the morning" that she may ask Fitzwilliam to confirm. (Longman II:12, 35, 173-75, ch 35)

Very long letter with many features of true epistolarity: Elizabeth's changing reaction part of this: time words include: "she perfectly remembered ... their first evening at Mrs Philips's" ... "he had avoided the Netherfield ball the very next week" It is a week between Wed, Nov 20th and Tues, Nov 26th Her strong mortification thinking about that Tues, Nov 26th Netherfield Ball(Longman II:13, 179, Ch 36). She "wandered along the lane for more than two hours". Darcy had called "only for a few minutes" to take leave; Colonel Fitzwilliam "sitting with them at least an hour" hoping for her return, resolving to walk after her

Saturday, Apr 18th: Collins "hastens to console Lady Catherine" and comes back with an invitation for dinner. (Longman II:10, 160, Ch 33)
Conversation where Lady Catherine sees "Miss Bennet out of spirits;" attempts to bully Elizabeth into staying until "early in June" Elizabeth says she "must be in town next Saturday." "You will have been here only 'six weeks. I expected you to stay 'two months'". "Mrs Bennet can certainly spare you for 'another fortnight'" Mr Benent "wrote 'last week' to hurry my return". "If you will stay 'another month' complete, "early in June" Lady Catherine going to London and will take her in barouche. Her soliticitude against public transportation; how she sent (we know to no use) "two men servants to go with her". "Uncle is to send a servant for us." Sneer a her uncle: "keeps a man servant" ... (Longman II:14, 182; Ch 37)
Sun Apr 19th - Thurs, April Apr 23rd: "Not a day went by without a solitary walk"; Mr Darcy's "letter she was in a fair way of soon knowing by heart" (Longman II:14, 183-84, Ch 37)
I feel all her revolution in feeling too quick, too implicit; she does not take at all into account Darcy's jealousy; it doesn't matter since he's upper class?. I don't think it "restores" Bingley; he is what he was, but that is weak insofar as taking responsibility for his actions is concerned. Austen makes fun of Elizabeth a little ("all the delight of unplesant recollections" but does present seriously if from a socially normative standpoint: almost impossible for her to apppear tolerably cheerful." Nothing left to suggest that in a previous draft she had given Wickham some credit, made him less black. Their "engagements at Rosings ... as frequent during last week .. as they had been at first" (Longman II:14, 185, Ch 37)
Fri, Apr 24th: "Very last evening" spent at Rosings; Lady C "enquired minutely into particulars of journey ... direction as to best method of packing" (Longman II:14, 185, Ch 38)
She "invited them to come to Hunsford again next year" w/great condescension
Saturday, Apr 25th: "Saturday morning" Mr Collins "met for breakfast a few minutes before the others appeared." "She had spent six weeks with great enjoyment ..." "melancholy to leave Charlotte to such society ... " "At length the chaise arrived ..." "Affectionate parting between two friends"
Maria: "We have dined nine times at Rosings ... drinking tea there twice ... Within four hours" they are at Mr Gardiner's house (Longman II:15, 187, Ch 38)' where they "were to remain a few days."
Sunday, April 27th-Sunday, May 3rd: this fits time scheme though it's more than three days
Filled with "various engagements which the kindness of her aunt had reserved for them"
Mon, May 4th: "It was the second week in May": "three young ladies: Jane, Elizabeth, Maria
Lydia and Kitty "looking out of dining room up stairs ... above an hour in the place"; an "inn" where Mr Bennet's carriage was to meet them; the militia "are going in a fortnight", "encamped near Brighton ... do so want papa to take us there for the summer" Elizabeth thinks of overset by "monthly balls at Meryton" "Mary King gone down to her uncle at Liverpool" Whole party with everything in carriage "crammed in ... " Jane now said to be "almost three and twenty" (Longman II:16, 188, Ch 39)

Home: "more than once during dinner" Mr Bennet said "voluntarily" to Elizabeth he's "glad you are come back, Lizzy." Lucases there. Lydia "enumeating the various pleasures of the morning ..." [she & Kitty] "treated the other three ... any body might have heard us ten miles off! ... seldom listened to any more for more than half a minute ..." "In the afternoon" Elizabeth opposes Lydia's scheme to walk to Meryton; not to be said "Miss Bennets could not be home half a day before ..." "In a fortnight the regiment to be gone ..."

Tuesday, May 5th: "The next day ... in the morning"
Elizabeth tells Jane about proposal; "the very next day" Darcy's letter, tells about Wickham portion (Longman II:17, 193, Ch 40).

    Fifth return: indeterminate time whose weekly turn of dates allow approximation

  • "One day" (unmoored) Mrs Bennet questions Elizabeth "on this sad business of Jane's ... no talk of [Bingley] coming to Netherfield again in the summer" (Longman II:17, 196, Ch 40)
  • [Say] Mon, May 11th: "First week of their return soon gone. The second began. It was the last of the regiments's stay in Meryton ... five and twenty years ago" Mrs Bennet "cried for two days together when Colonel Millar's regiment went away ... " (Longman II:18, 197, Ch 41)
  • During second week: Lydia receives invitation from "Mrs Forster, the wife of the Colonel of the Regiment": "a very young woman and very lately married". Kitty complains she has "as much right ... for I am two years older ... (18). Accepts.
  • During second week: (unmoored) conversation where Elizabeth advises her father not to let Lydia go; she will be "yet more imprudent" with Mrs Forster; "temptations greater than at home". Lydia declared to be "sixteen" (Longman II:18, 199, Ch 41). Lydia imagines "tens and scores" of officers; "at least six" surrounding her while she tenderly "flirts" (Longman II:18, 200, Ch 41) "Raptures with little intermission to very day of Lydia's leaving home"
  • [Say] Mon, May 18th (?): Second week gone and regiment leaving. Elizabeth to see Wickham "for the last time." He "dined with others of the officers at Longbourn" and she has so little "good humor" towards him she tells of Darcy and Fitzwilliam spending "three weeks at Rosings" (Longman II:18 201, Ch 41): over"nearly three weeks" "saw [Fitzwillliam] almost every day"; "for a few minutes" Wickham silent, brief enigmatic but pointed interchange with "possibly mutual desire of never meeting again." "Lydia returns with Mrs Forster to Meryton from whence they were to set out early the next morning" .... The parting scene in the book is at the close of this Longbourn party (Longman II:18, 203, Ch 40)
  • [Then, conjectural] Tues, May 19th: Morning Lydia leaves for Brighton; we are told on August 31 that Lydia had been away from home three months" ("only think of its being three months since I went away" (Longman III:9, 268, Ch 51 )
  • From this third week of May on: Lydia "promised to write very often and very minutely to her mother and Kitty ... always long expected and always very short ... "to her mother": "they were just returned from ... but was obliged to leave off in a violent hurry ... her letters to Kitty ... rather longer ... were much too full of lines under the words" (Longman II:19, 205, Ch 42)
  • [Say] Mon, June 8th (?): "After the first fortnight or three weeks of [Lydia's] absence ... "health, good humor, cheerfulness" begin to re-appear; "families in town for winter came back ... summer finery and summer engagements arose ..."
  • Mon, June 15th: "by the middle of June, Kitty so much recovered" enters Meryton w/o crying ... by following Christmas," she might not ... "mention an officer above once a day" (Longman II:19, 205, Ch 42) "Time fixed for the beginning of their Northern tour ... now fast approaching ... a fortnight only was wanting of it ... a letter from Mrs Gardiner ... delayed its commencement and curtailed its extent ... "a fortnight later in July, and must be in London again within the month ..." "no farther than Derbyshire ... occupy chief of their three weeks ..." Mrs Gardiner "had passed some years of her life", "now to spend a few days".
  • Mon, July 20th (?): "Four weeks were to pass away before her uncle and aunt's arrival." "Later July."
  • Tues, July 21st -: Gardiners come with "four children, two girls of sex and eight years old, and two younger boys ... to be left under the particular care of their cousin Jane." They "staid only one night and set off the next morning with Elizabeth ..." [to return within the month]. "Oxford, Blenheim, Warwick, Kenelworth, Birmingham ... A small part of Derbyshire is all the present concern ... to the little town of Lambton, the scene of Mrs Gardiner's former residence ..." (Longman II, 19, 207, Ch 42)

1812
Saturday night, August 1st, "an express" "at twelve just as we were all gone to bed." First half usual "little parties and engagements," "latter half written a day later" agitated. I've dated the letters by the day Lydia is said to have eloped and reckoning from the time intervals at Pemberley and Mr Gardiners's letter below (along with Chapman and MacKinnon I set it later; even in 1802 [P.B.S. Andrews's account) Mr Gardiner's letter cannot be written August 2nd (Longman III:7, 246-57, Ch 49). The Gardiners and Elizabeth begin their trip in later July and go four places before Lambton.
Saturday, August 1st: early evening: Lydia leaves a letter for Harriet, given Elizabeth by Jane on Saturday August 8th: short, salacious (Longman III:5, 247-48, Ch 47): imagines Harriet's "surprise tomorrow morning" "need not send word" ... it will make the surprise greater ... when I write to them, and sign my name Lydia Wickham. Will not "keep my engagement" with Pratt and "dance with him to night" (Saturday night) ... "the next ball they meet" "great slit ... "

"They were off Saturday night "about twelve, as is conjectured," "not missed till yesterday morning at eight." (Longman III:4, 232-33, Ch 46) they come first to Edward-Street, boarding house of Mrs Younge, but she had no room (Longman III:10, 274, Ch 52) Elizabeth calls it Sunday night'; but Jane says "Saturday night about twelve" and "passed within ten miles" of Longbourn.

Sunday, August 2nd: Colonel Forster upon hearing from Denny that Wickham did not intend marriage, he traced them to "Clapham" but no further". They then "removed into a hackney coach," "dismissed the chaise ... from Epsom," "they were seen to continue the London Road" (this on the Sat/Sun). He made "every possible inquiry," "came ... into Hertfordshire, anxiously renewing [enquiries] at all the turnpikes ... inns in Barnet and Hatfield ... no such people passed through" (Longman III:4, 233-4, Ch 46).
He tells this to the family at Longbourn on Monday: called "yesterday" in the second half of Jane's letter written Tuesday.
Monday, August 3rd? "... "within five miles of Lambton" Pemberley was situated ... a mile or two out of" their road. Jane writes her first more hopeful letter.
Evening before they arrive at Lambton, within 5 miles of Pemberley Mrs G expresses a wish to see Pemberley. Elizabeth when retired "at night" asks chambermaid about Pemberley and "were the family down for the summer," "A most welcome negative ..." It was on this day, Aug 3rd, a Monday, that Jane wrote first part of her letter to Elizabeth; the young couple first missed on this morning--for muster. On this day Colonel Forster arrived with his "bad news."
Tuesday, August 4th: "The next morning, the subject revived ... To Pemberley, therefore, they were to go. This day also is day Mr Bennet went to London in quest of Lydia. It is not conjectured but stated by Jane: "Yes he went on Tuesday as I wrote you word" (Longman III:5, 243, Ch 47). It is Tuesday that Jane writes the second letter.
Sense of really large grounds: "they drove for some time through a beautiful wood ... a large handsome stone building, standing well on rising ground ... high woody hills ... a stream of some natural importance ... " descended hill, crossed bridge, drove to door ... " Housekeeper: "we expect him to-morrow, with a large party of friends." Georgiana "comes here tomorrow with him." "[Elizabeth] Rejoice[s] ... [not] delayed a day ... " Miniatures of Darcy and Wickham "drawn at the same time as the other -- about eight years ago." Miniature of Georgiana then "eight years old" (1804) "Late master's room." Darcy "may spend half his time here ... Miss Darcy is always down for the summer months." Never a "cross word" from him, and "I have known him since he was four years old." Dimensions of rooms, price of furniture. For his sister "done in a moment." Miss Darcy's pictures "interesting ... intelligible." "Several minutes before picture ... taken in his father's lifetime". Outside uncle "conjecturing date of building," Darcy is "twenty yards" from them. "Few minutes in which they continued [to talk] the most uncomfortable of her life;" "his enquiries as to the time of her having left Longbourn" (Longman III:1, 215, Ch 43) Darcy: "standing a few moments without saying a word ... recollected himself, took his leave." She: "Had they only been ten minute sooner." Elizabeth and Gardiners walk on, told Park "ten miles round"; picturesque labyrinth felt, "then the sight of Mr Darcy approaching them and at no great distance ... For a few moments ... " but no he is coming to them ..." Offers to uncle "to fish there as often as he chose ..." Mrs G "fatigued by exercise of the morning," Mr Gardiner offers his arm and Darcy and Elizabeth "walked on together." She tells him they were told at "Bakewell you certainly would not be here to-morrow" ... Walk faster & when reach the carriage, "Mr and Mrs Gardiner were half a quarter of a mile behind." "Time and her aunt moved slowly ... " Uncle "fears he might change his mind another day" and order him off the grounds ... " After dinner Mrs G "in quest of a former acquaintance and evening spent ... " Darcy has asked if he can introduce his sister (Longman III:1, 211, Ch 43)

Tuesday August 4th, Offstage: dated by second part of Jane's letter, Mr Bennet now alarmed, left for London that day as per postscript (Longman III:4, 233, Ch 4)

Wednesday, Aug 5th: Elizabeth assumes Darcy will bring his sister "the very day after her reaching Pemberley (that is Thursday) but he brings Georgiana "the very morning of their own arrival at Lambton"
She had planned the next day (Thursday) "not to be out of sight of the whole of that morning"; this Wednesday they walked about with "some of their new friends," about return to dress "for dinner" with the same family, sound of carriage "drew them to a window." Uncle & aunt considering "circumstances of previous day" and now this conclude Darcy partial to niece. Observation of a "very few minutes" Miss Darcy is shy, "tall, larger scale," "little more than sixteen." Darcy cordial "people he thought any intercourse a few months ago" a "disgrace. Bingley's "quick step ... two or three circumstances ... "very long time," "above 8 months ago" that they met "on 26th of November." Invitation to Pemberley, "the day after next," so Friday, August 7th (Longman III:2, 225, Ch 44) They staid with them above half an hour." she considers "last half hour" with "some satisfaction," though while it as passing enjoyment ... little." Elizabeth "lay awake two whole hours" "endeavouring to" understand her feelings. Thinks of what she heard and saw "yesterday." She feels respect, esteem, gratitude (that he is so willing to forget). They decide so striking a "civility" as Miss Darcy to come after arriving only for "late breakfast," the morning she arrived deserves a reciprocal call; so "next morning" they will go to Pemberley again.

Wednesday, August 5th: Offstage: This day Mr Bennet sent Jane a few lines (Longman III:4, Ch 46, p 291, III:5 Ch 47). Paraphrased by Jane: he "had arrived in safety," gave "his directions, which I particularly begged him to do," that he should not write again, till he had something of importance to mention." (III:5, 243, Ch 47)

Thurs, Aug 6th: the long morning's visit to Pemberley; "Mr Gardiner leaves them after breakfast" this day; the "fishing scheme had been renewed the day before (Wednesday) and has a "positive engagement" this day before "noon."
The room with "northern aspect ... quarter of an hour" Miss Bingley inquires after family ... Darcy comes from "river" where he was with Mr Gardiner and "two or three other gentlemen" fishing; Miss Bingley destructive: Georgiana "recovered in time." He: "it is many months" since he thought her "one of the handsomest women ... 1995 P&P has an evening concert (not in the book)
Fri, Aug 7th: Elizabeth disappointed at no letter from Jane upon "first arrival;" "renewed each morning;" this "third" day her "repining [is] over." "Two letters at once, one missent," direction written "remarkably ill." This is day they were to dine at Pemberley; it's the day after the next (they spoke of on Wednesday) that's fixed upon; this is third morning of Elizabeth and Gardiner's stay at Lambton Inn
The first part was sent "five days ago" we are told (I can make out only 4 as it's the Monday, the 3rd, and dated Monday, and the second part a day later, but many people might count 5 between Friday and Monday and perhaps Austen is thinking back to Sat/Sun when the courrier came). So: first part (Monday) Colonel Forster makes them expect the couple will come to Longbourn" soon, Lydia "left a few lines for his wife"; "to Mrs F ... they were doing to Gretna Green." Second part (Tuesday) "bad news"; "reason to fear they are not gone to Scotland," Colonel Forster came yesterday", having left Brighton the day before, not many hours after the express", again got into a "hackney coach ... seen " going to London (this on the Sat/Sun). Begs Elizabeth to return and needs uncle: "Father is going to Lond with Colonel Forster instantly" (Tuesday), Forster must be in Brighton "following evening" (Wednesday) (Longman III:4, 233-34, Ch 46)

Darcy comes in; she "has not a moment to lose", the intense conversation ("this moment ... not an instant to lose ... Good God! what is the matter!" will not detain you "a minute". She "bursts into tears" and "For a few minutes" could not speak another word." This is where she says "they left Brighton on Sunday night ... traced almost to London ... not gone to Scotland." Her hope they'll be off "in half an hour." She thinks this "the deepest disgrace ... soon lost to everything ... a pause of several minutes ... " This will of course prevent "my sister's having the pleasure of seenig you at Pemberley to-day" ... "one serious parting look" (Longman III:4, 235-37). Not "since reading Jane's second letter" had she "entertained a hope" ... To uncle and aunt: "reading two letters aloud ... the postscript of the last." "Hurry and confusion of the following hour ..." "Notes to be written to all their friends in Lambton ... with false excuses ..." "An hour saw the whole completed" ... "after all the misery of the morning" Elizabeth and Gardiners on the road ... (Longman III:4, 236-37)

During ride "Elizabeth brightening up for a moment" at uncle & aunt's reasoning; Elizabeth: "no traces of them ... on the Barnet road ... Uncle: they could be "married in London." "For last year ... a twelvemonth ... dispose of her time in the most frivolous manner ... " Elizabeth hectically condemnatory ... he was to "leave Meryton in week or fortnight's time ... Every girl ... out of her senses for him for the first two months ... " "travel expeditiously ... sleeping one night" (Longman III:5, 240-41, Ch 47)

Saturday, Aug 8th: They reach Longbourn "by dinner-time the next day". Darcy set out from Derbyshire this day to hunt for Wickham and Lydia (Mrs G's letter (III: ); father gone "he went on Tuesday as I wrote you word. Wrote a few lines on Wednesday
Jane "not wearied by long expectation" (what Austen knew); Elizabeth "lost not a moment" to ask for news. They have "heard only once" from Mr Bennet (see above, Wed, Aug 5th). Jane expects "every morning would bring a letter", to explain coming marriage. "Few minutes conversation" they repair" to Mrs Bennet upstairs. Uncle says he means to "be in London the next day." "Not quite a week since they left Brighton;" "a few days more" they may "gain some news;" he will bring Mr Bennet to Grace-church street. She: "I can get no rest by night nor by day". (Longman III:5, 244-45, Ch 47) "In the afternoon" 2 elder Miss Bennets "half an hour by themselves," Elizabeth "instantly" asks for "particulars" and this is where Davies inserted his flashback. Kitty had "owned" that "Lydia's last letter (see Saturday August 1st above) ... prepared her for such a step ... known ... of their being in love ... many weeks.". "What a letter ... at such a moment". Mr Bennet "could not speak a word for full ten minutes" (Longman III:5, 248, ch 47) ... "Before the end of day" ... at such a time ... [not one servant didn't know] ... Mary [needs] her hours of repose." On the Tuesday "father went away" aunt Philips came ... stayed "till Thursday." Lady Lucas walked here "Wednesday morning" to condole ... offers daughers [shades of Mrs Austen offering hers to Aunt Leigh-Perrot]. Father intended to go to Epsom, discover number of hackney coach, had a far from London, where it set them down, inquire there. "In such a hurry."
Saturday Aug 8th until Saturday, August 15th: Mrs Gardiner's letter (below) tells of how Darcy left the day after Elizabeth and the Gardiners (so Sat, Aug 8) and searched and found them.
Darcy came to Mr Gardiner on the day Mrs Gardiner came from Longbourn; as she stayed a few days but was there to receive Ms Gardiner's Tuesday letter yet arrived after Mr Bennet left. (Longman III:10, 273, Ch 52)
Sunday, Aug 9th: "the next morning" "hopes of a letter from Mr Bennet .... post came without bringing a single line ... at such a time they had hoped for exertion ... Mr Gardiner had waited only for the letters before he set off." Longman III:6, 248-49, Ch 48)
Mr Gardiner left "Longbourn on Sunday," will send "constant information"; Mrs Gardiner stays "a few days longer" to help nieces.
Mon, Aug 10th: Aunt Philips with "fresh instances of Wickham's" debts, irregularities.
"Three months before" Wickham "angel of light." Paragraph gives feel of time passing. "Every day" at Longbourn "a day of anxiety ... most anxious ... post was expected ... arrival of letters" ... object "of every morning's impatience" (Longman III:6, 251, Ch 48)
Tuesday, Aug 11th: Mrs Gardiner receives a letter from Mr Gardiner: he had "found out" Mr Bennet "immediately," bought him to Gracechurch; Mr B had gone to "Epsom, Clapham, wants to enquire "all principle hotels" in London, perhaps couple went there 1st ... Mr Bennet "wholly disinclined at present to leave London."
Postscript: Mr Gardiner's writing to Colonel Foster ... young man's connections, who would be likely to know ... a clue ... perhaps Lizzy could tell." (Longman III: 6, 251, Ch 48)
Wed-Thurs, Aug 12th-13th: Mr Collins's letter. She kept it to expose him & his kind; it's in the vein of hard caricature (Longman III:6, 552, Ch 48); at "so early an age;" he relates affair to Lady Catherine and her daughter; his "augmented satisfactino on a certain event of last November
We learn someone wrote "by letter" to tell them (Lucases?) yesterday (so Tuesday!)
Thurs, August 13th: Letter from Colonel Forster to Mr Gardiner: gloomy; Wickham's bills owed tradesmen "more than a thousband:" his "gaming debts" "still more formidable", not a "single relation with whom he kept up any connection;" "former acquaintance numerous," but no particular friendship in militia (Longman III:6, 253, Ch 48)
Friday, Aug 14th: Letter from Mr Gardiner to Mrs Gardiner "nothing of pleasant nature;" telling dismal news from Colonel Forster & that Mr Bennet to come home on "the following day, which was Saturday
Mrs Gardiner begins to wish to be home (feels for husband); this Friday evening Darcy calls, but finds Mr Bennet there until "next morning," and does not want to see him, only Mr Gardiner, did not leave his name, only a gentleman called (Longman III:10, 275, Ch 52)
Saturday, Aug 15th: Mrs Gardiner leaves Longbourn for London; the coach which took Gardiners "first stage of their journey" turned over to Mr Bennet on his way home (Longman III:6, 253, Ch 48). Mr Darcy "came again" and "several hours" with Mr Gardiner: Darcy's "obstinacy" he was to pay for it all (Longman III:10. 275, ch 52)
While at Longbourn, Mrs Gardiner "all perplexity" about Darcy and Elizabeth: had expected "their being followed by a letter from him," but no such event. Elizabeth knows her feeling and w/o them she would have had "one sleepless night out of two". Mr Bennet arrives; "afternoon ... joined them at tea;" "let me once in my life feel ... it will pass away soon enough ... [Lydia's] residence there will ... be of some duration" Lizzy "justified [advice ... last May ... Another day [he will do as his wife] ... [to Kiity] must spend "ten minutes of every day in a rational manner ... for next ten years" (Longman III:6, 254-5, Ch 48)

Mr Darcy "shut up with Mr G ... for several hours ... "; seen Wickham "repeatedly," Lydia "once"; "some days in town" before discovering them; he went to Mrs Younge "immediately," but "two or three days" before a bribe did it; she had not had room in her lodgings

Sunday, Aug 16th: Darcy comes again and this time meets Mrs Gardiner ("I saw him too") (III: 10, 273, Ch 52)
Mrs Gardiner now retells the back-history which Davies dramatized through pantomime & epitomizing dialogue. It is a gap not to have it in the 1979 BBC P&P
Monday, Aug 17th: Mr Darcy and Mr Gardiner "settle it." "Two days" after Mr Bennet's return, Mr Gardiner's "express letter ... this half hour." No "time" for speech; Austen takes us zigzagging at every turn of their "instant" running Dated the 2nd by Austen); corrected according to Chapman, MacKinnon, Andrews, also from study of calendar extant within novel novel undergoing revision in the year 1802. Mr Gardiner's at last satisfactory news. Darcy returns to Pemberley this day or the next until the day of the wedding and "all money matters were to receive the last finish" (Longman III:10, 276, Ch 52)
Mr Bennet must "assure ... her equal share of the 5000£ ... during your life 100£ per annum" ... "express ... that no time may be lost ..." Mr G'll give directions to "Haggerston" for "proper settlement;" "stay quietly" at Longbourn," "write explicitly," Lydia "comes to us today". "Lose no time ... write immediately ... consider how important [Jane] "Let me write ... " "100 a year during my life and 50 after I am gone ... a fool if he takes her with a farthing less than 10,000£ ..." Jane that Wickham must have "regard" as she cannot believe the 1000£; how could he spare half ... "; father "writing" and they take uncle's letter to mother; her "married at sixteen! ... how much will [Mr Bennet] give her [wedding clothes] ... in a short time ... she was only sixteen last June ... " Jane urges "one day's delay" Mrs Hill "instantly to express her joy" ... Elizabeth looks back to what "only two hours ago ... (Longman III:7, 256-57, 60-61 Ch 49)

Mr Bennet writes Mr Gardiner back. Narrator intervenes with back history, e.g., "many years after Lydia's brith ... [Mrs B] certain that [a son] would [come]. 5000£ on Mrs B & children. His letter summarized "expressed most concisely" "scarcely 10£ the loser"

August 17th, Monday: Lydia goes to live with Gardiners for a "fortnight".
They do not permit her to go out, to the theater, "not one party ..." (Longman III:9, 271, Ch 51)
Mon-Tues, Aug 18th-19th: It's "a fortnight" since Mrs B went upstairs (August 3r-4th) (Longman III:8, 263, ch 50)
At unspecified meal, Mrs Bennet "spirits oppressively high ... marriage of a daughter ... first object ... since Jane was sixteen ... " going over places young couple can rent ... Ashworth ... 10 miles off ... [he] would not advance a guinea to buy clothes" More shame about lack of clothes than "eloping and living with Wickham ... a fortnight before [nuptials] took place" (Longman III:8, 262-3, Ch 50).

Slide into indeterminate time again as Austen takes letters and turns them into 1) third person indirect reflections (Elizabeth's), 2) inserts a whole letter with its references to another and its results (Mr Gardiner to Mr Bennet, and Colonel Forster, Colonel Forster's reply), and 3) a summary and quotation of another (Mr Bennet's to Mr Gardiner):

(Say between) Wed, Aug 20th - Sun, August 30th: Elizabeth's depressed reflections/sentiments; "proposals she spurned ... only four months ago ... " (Longman III:8, 264-65, Ch 50). A letter from Elizabeth to Mrs Gardiner (?)

An undated letter: Mr Gardiner "soon wrote again to" Mr Bennet. Darcy purchased an "ensigncy" in the "regulars" "quartered in the North". He forwards "a list" of Wickham's debts in Meryton, he has written to Colonel Forster for Wickham's debts "in and near Brighton". (Longman III:8, 265-66, Ch 50).

Colonel Foster's reply. "All completed in a week." They will "join regiment" unless "1st invited to Longbourn"

Mr Bennet's letter to Mr Gardiner sending "permission" for Wickham and Lydia to visit her family before proceeding North (Longman III:8, 267, Ch 51).


1812
Monday, August 31st (day given, date conjectured but accurate): Lydia's wedding day, married in the morning, carriage sent and they arrive "dinner-time." Lydia tells details including it was Monday morning, "breakfasted at ten as usual," before 11 o'clock at the church. "I did not hear one word in ten ... "(Longman III:9, 270, Ch 51). Mr Haggerston becomes Mr Stone; Lydia frightened they would talk "beyond the hour ... and not be married; came back within ten minutes ... " But if Mr Gardiner not there, Mr Darcy could have given her away ... Darcy came back for wedding.
Family assembled in breakfast room: Lydia: "Only think of its being three months since I went away ... seems but a fortnight .... I am married to-day (displayed ring to show this) Lydia's displacing Jane "as eldest sister" not married. Visitors not to remain "above ten days". Wickham had to "join regiment ... at the end of a fortnight" Visits to others, "very frequent parties at home"(Longman III:9, 269,Ch Ch 51)
Tues, Sept 1st: Lydia sure that Wickham "will kill more birds on the first of September than any body else in the country" (Longman III:9, 270, Ch 51)
Darcy dines with Gardiners (Mrs Gardiner's letter)
Wednesday, September 2nd: Jane writes Mrs Gardiner. Mrs Gardiner's Sept 6 letter she writes: "If I had not perceived, by Jane's letter last Wednesday that [Lydia's] conduct on coming home was exactly of a piece with it ..." Darcy leaves town this or the next day once again (Longman III:10, 276)
Perhaps Jane supplied description of the behavior of Wickham and Lydia on Aug 31st: We have so few letters by Jane we are not aware what range her tones can have; Susannah Harker was encouraged in the 1995 P&P to look irritated, barely patient, grated upon by Mrs Bennet during the ordeal of Lydia's elopement and Mrs Bennet's ridiculous stubborn ecstasies (Longman III:10, 275, Ch 52)
Wed-Thurs, Sept 3rd to 4th:"One morning" Lydia's account of her wedding: Elizabeth "not by" when she told Mrs Bennet and the other about it. Elizabeth writes to Mrs Gardiner: "hastily seizing a sheet of paper ... short letter to aunt" for explanation of Lydia's reference
Portion of letter quoted from (Longman III:9, 272, Ch 51)
Sun, September 6th (date given): Mrs Gardiner's arduous reply (Longman III:10, 272-76, Ch 52)
Mrs Gardiner wrote it "as soon as she possibly could," so it's not quite immediate, and then it has to be sent to Elizabeth. This too becomes back-story; in an epistolary novel it would not read that way; Darcy met Wickham "several times ... scheme to marry elsewhere ... he wanted more than he could get". Elizabeth's letter "this morning" gave uncle pleasure and relief to tell who did it all: his debts, over 1000£ paid, another 1000£ settled on her, his commission purchased". He returned to friends at Pemberley (see above, Mon Aug 17th or Tues Aug 18th), to return on wedding day, "all money matters to receive last finish". Wickham "constant admission" to Gardiners'. Children "wanting her this half-hour".

Wickham overtakes her: "Darcy in town last month ... passed each other several times ... " "Particular [to take him there] this time of year ... " Georgiana improved "within last year or two" "... most trying age"

Wed, Sept 9th: One day less than 10 days. Lydia not to meet mother "these two or three years perhaps"
Wickhams going north (Longman III:11, 280, Ch 53). "Write often ... my sisters may write to me ... " 52, 341

Indeterminate time as novel moves into last phase, a coda repeating opening, like a dance

Thurs, Sept 10th-Tues, Sept 15th: Mr Bingley coming "in a day or two, to shoot ... several weeks" Mrs Nicolls told Mrs Philips: "on Thursday at the latest, very likely on Wednesday" Mrs B very dull for "several days" Ch 53, 341.

"Twelvemonth" ago & repeat quarrel about Mr Bennet visiting ... not spend my hours running after neighbors every time ... " She will inite him to dine: "thirteen with ourselves so room ... " (Longman III:11, 252, Ch 53)

Paragraphs giving a sense of about a week's time passing, conversations between Jane and Elizabeth. "many months" since Jane had mentioned Bingley's name


1812
Wednesday, Sept 23rd-Thursday, Sept 24th: This is the Wednesday and Thursday after Sept 15th, for September shooting (Longman III:11, 281, Ch 53)
Seeking symmetry?
Saturday-Sunday, Sept 26th-27th: Bingley and Darcy come to call on "third morning" after arrival (Longman III:11, 282, Ch 53).
Invitation for coming Tuesday Jane assumes Lizzy seeing Darcy for "the first time after receiving his explanatory letter." Elizabeth glows over such a "space of time" for Darcy to maintain his "affection and wishes". But "one glance" at him, "ashamed," "hurt and distressed" on this day at Mrs B's behavior. "several minutes lapsed without bringing the sound of his voice ... " "a long time ... since you went away ... " "Newcastle ... there will they stay" Mr Bingley will stay "a few weeks" he believes .. "as a year ago ..." Mocking "misery ... years of happiness offer no compensation ... [Bingley] every five minutes ... giving her more of his attention ... last year ... to die at Longbourn in a few days' time ..." Outside after they left Jane "he dines her on Tuesday (Longman III:11, 284-85, 287 ch 53) Bingley styaed "half an hour"(Longman III:12, 287, Ch 54)
Tuesday, September 29th: The word Tuesday mentioned three times. Bingley invited to dine (Longman III:12, 287, Ch 54) This Tuesday assumes significance because it's a named day in a sequence of days one can use for reckoning. Elizabeth has not shewn Jane "Mrs Gardiner's letter ..." These day built up as important in text overshadowed by Nov 26th ball, visit to Pemberley, Lydia's story and first visit (just above), Lady Catherine's clash with Elizabeth.
Bingley sits next to Jane, Darcy and Elizabeth "almost as far ... as the table could divide them," thwarted in attempts to talk: "the men shan't part us ... " then interchange: "[Georgiana] at Pemberly till Christman ... others have gone to Scarborough ... these "three weeks"; "some minutes in silence." Mrs B wanted to detain them "to supper.", expects him "the next day" to propose. It's fully dramatized in Weldon's 79 BBC P&P That night (Tuesday) Darcy confesses his intervention & dishonesty to Bingley
Wed, Sept 30: Darcy leaves for London "that morning" to "return in ten days;" the evening before he told of how he had interfered (Longman III:16, 314, Ch 59)
Tells Elizabeth on the walk where she accepted his second proposal; he says he "owned your sister had been in town three months last winter ... I had known .. kept it ... He was angry ..."
Fri, Oct 2nd: "A few days after this visit," Bingley alone. (Longman III:13, 291, Ch 55)
He does not go back to Bennets immediately.
Sat, Oct 3rd: This "to-morrow" is after the "few days" and Bingley now comes "in very good time" (early); Kitty "upstairs half an hour ago"
After dinner, Mr Bennet to his library, Mary upstairs to her instrument. "Five minutes" and Mrs Bennet gets up and takes Kitty; "in a few minutes" "half-opens door" and forces Lizzy to go. Nothing happens; he stays "supper", coming "next morning" to shoot with Mr Bennet. After this Jane says no more of indifference (Longman III:13, 293, Ch 55)
Sun, Oct 4th: Bingley proposes this day: "punctual to his appointment ... morning together; "returns with him to dinner," "in evening" Mrs Bennet getting every one away.
Elizabeth "had a letter to write" in "breakfast room after tea"; comes into "drawing-room, and sees the properly happy Bingley and Jane; Jane goes "instantly" to mother. In "few minutes" Elizabeth and Bingley saying pleasantries to one another ... Mrs Bennet for "half an hour" for her approbation. Mrs Bennet: Mr Bennet "really happy" if silent. Mrs B that he has 4 or 5000£ a year and maybe more.
Fri, Oct 9th: "From this time Bingley a daily visitor ... before breakfast till after supper;" one invitation; they attach themselves to Elizabeth to have someone to talk with (relief) to.
"Little time for conversation with Jane; he "ignorant of Jane in London "last spring"; Jane's unforgiving speech, "last November he really loved me," Elizabeth's mild rejoinders; now "luckiest," "a few weeks before" marked out (Longman III: 13, 296-97).
The report of double engagement reached Lady Catherine on the night before Mr Collins wrote the letter where he mentioned the report to Lady Catherine
Sat, Oct 10: Mr Collins's letter written the night before Lady Catherine comes, and is delivered day after Lady Catherine leaves. Inserted place discomforts Elizabeth.
Letter summarized, described main body quoted by Mr Bennet (Longman III:15, 307-8, Ch 57)
Sun, Oct 11th: "One morning about a week after Bingley's engagement", all in dressing room, "too early in the morning for visitors," Bingley "instantly" prevails on Jane to go into shrubbery; Mrs B "Kitty "my youngest girl but one"; sitting room has "windows full west" Lady Catherine saw the Collinses "the night before last." "No letter" from Charlotte?
"A report of an alarming nature" reached her "two days ago." Lady Catherine de Bourgh's visit (Longman III, 14, 297-304); she called or will call on Darcy on her return through London. She "instantly resolved on setting off ... " "in their cradles" the union planned. Nor "could she for many hours ... think of it lss than incessantly" She surmises the Lucases told Mr Collins. Lady Catherine might go see him ... "his engagement ... of coming again to Netherield" might give way. If his excuse comes "within a few days," she'll give over ... Note the sense of communication by letters (Longman III:15, 306, Ch 57) her attentions to Eliza "last spring" Ch 58, 375
Mon, Oct 12th: "the next morning" her father comes out of library (after Lady Catherine's visit) with a letter in his hand. She thought it a letter from the aunt. "a letter this morning ... astonished me ... two daughters on the brink ..." Now she thinks "the nephew"; from Mr Collins! Mr Darcy!. He told Lady C: "so disgraceful" "speediest intelligence ... not run hastily ... " For Lydia: "never admit them in sight or ... name be mentioned"
Elizabeth "I am excessively diverted" (Longman III:15, 307-8, Ch 57) Mr B would not give up Mr Colins "correspondence"
Fri, Oct 16th: "No letter of excuse," but "Before many days had passed" Bingley brings Darcy to Longbourn
Gentlemen "arrived early." All to walk, Mary "could never spare time." "Moment for her resolution ... feelings what they were last April, tell me so at once ... " the engagement, "aunt did call ... return through London ... "recollection ... has been many months, inexpressibly painful ... " "his letter ... " "feelings of the person who wrote and the person who received it now so widely different ... " "an only son, for many years an only child ... " his family circle ... meanly of all the rest .... from eight to eight and twenty ... " She: hated me after that evening" [At Pemberley] she "deserved no extraordinary politeness ... He wanted: to "shew I was not so mean as to resent the past ... other wishes .. about half an hour after I had seen you..." [They were] "walking several miles in a leisurely manner ... they found on examing their watches, that it was time to go home." "Evening before returning to London he confessed ..." so Darcy told Bingley Tuesday, the night of the dinner party, Sept 29th. He assured Bingley that Jane loved him: from "two visits" - that is that "third morning after their arrival and then the Tuesday dinner party. Bingley has forgiven him "now" (Longman III:16, 309-15)

"The evening passed quietly ... At night she opened her heart to Jane ... a good memory unpardonable ... the last time I shall remember [when she did not love him so well as now] ... half the night spent in conversation" (Longman III:17, 317, Ch 59)

Sat Oct 17th: "the next morning" Mrs Bennet if it isn't ... Darcy ... always coming here ... Lizzy ... must walk out with him again ... Bingley: "lanes [for] Lizzy to lose he way ... to-day? they decide evening Darcy tells Mr Bennet & Elizabeth Mrs Bennet
"In the evening soon after ... " Lizzy: "his affection not the work of a day ... many months suspense ... evening of wonders ... made up the match ... the money ... the commission ... offer to pay to-morrow ... [recollects] a few days before ... Mr Collins's letter " she has "half an hour's quiet reflection ... [then her mother told] "first hearing ... sat still, & unable to utter a word ... under many many minutes ... comprehend ... 3 daughters married 10,000£ a year" "before three minutes in her own room ... what dish ... to-morrow ... "(Longman III:17, 317-21, Ch 59)
Sun-Mon, Oct 18th-19th: "the morrow" Mrs Bennet in awe ... father taking pains to get to know him ... " Moralizing conversation of Darcy and Elizabeth
Presumably a long walk; equivalent to Edward Ferrars and Elinor Dashwood's conversation at the close of S&S. Elizabeth asks how could Darcy begin ... " He: "I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words ... too long ago ... " Darcy says he "wants time rather than courage" [to write his aunt]but give him "a sheet of paper" and it will be "done directly" [forthright]. She has ... a letter to write ... myself [to her aunt]
Tues, Oct 20th: "Her uncle and aunt had already lost three days of happiness"
Three letters inserted, described, quoted from: Elizabeth to her aunt, a letter from Darcy to his, a letter from Mr Bennet to Mr Collins given whole. Four more mentioned, all unmoored, briefly described: Miss Bingley to her brother, Miss Bingley to Jane and Jane back to Miss Bingley; Georgiana sends "four sides of a paper" Look foward to "time" they retreat into Pemberley (III:18, 324-25, Ch 60)

Closes in indeterminate time, projecting into the future:

"The day" Mrs Bennet "got rid of her two most deserving daughters" not specified (Longman III:19, Ch 61)

A "twelvemonth later" Bingley and Jane can't tolerate "such a vicinity to her mother or "Meryton relations"; and he buys an estate in "a neighboring county to Derbyshire"; Elizabeth and Jane within "thirty miles" of one another -- Darcy had declared 50 to be an easy distance, and Elizabeth disagreed; here is a compromise plus money (Longman III:19, 326, ch 61)

Undated: Lydia's congratulatory letter to Elizabeth upon Elizabeth's marriage; we see Lydia and Wickham not invited. Already asking for "any place" worth "three or four hundred a year" would do". We are not given Lizzy's answer. Always "moving from place to place in quest of a cheap situation". Occasionally a visitor at Pemberley when Wickham gone to Bath or London; they overstayed their time at Bingleys (Longman III:19, 327)

Mary moralizes over "every morning visit" she has to submit to (Longman III:19, 326, Ch 61)

Miss Bingley "retained the right of visiting at Pemberley" (Longman III:19, 328, ch 61)

Letter from Lady Catherine so "language so very abusive, especially of Elizabeth" "for some time all intercourse at an end". "At length" Elizabeth persuades Darcy to "overlook offence," reconcile, and Lady Catherine did eventually "once condescend to wait on them at Pemberley (Longman III:19, 328-29, ch 61)

They welcomed visits of aunt and uncle who had brought them together "by bringing her into Derbyshire" (Longman III:19, 329, Ch 61)


Conjectures

Nash suggests the original novel contained the longer tour of Mr and Mrs Gardiner; he infers from the confusion of dates and how we cannot align them that Austen did not revise that thoroughly and we have substantially her original texts with cuts (and alterations to enable these cuts).

P. B. S. Andrews argues that Austen revised First Impressions in 1799 (why we have references to it and Martha Lloyd getting it by heart) and 1802 (the date of August 2nd fits and the "peace of Amiens" would be the peace referred to. When she moved the whole thing onto an 1811-2 grid, we have parts of the left-over scheme from 1795-96 and this is patched into as best she can 1811-12.

Bibliography:

  • Breihan, John and Clive Caplan, JA and the Militia, Persuasions 14 (1992):16-27 The actual specifics of local militia in those areas Jane Austen's P&P is set in suggests central parts of the matter were written around the time or just after 1794-95 (including a connection of Derbyshire militia with Hampshire). One paragraph suggests that the detail and plot turn in Emma that introduced Captain Weston to Miss Churchill (much to her relatives' chagrin) is based on events of 1792 found in local documents about the militia.
  • Chapman, P&P 400-8; MP 554-7; NA & P 297-302.
  • Ralph Nash, "The Time Scheme for Pride and Prejudice," English Language Notes 4 (1966-7): 194-8;
  • P. B. S. Andrews, "The Date of pride and Prejudice" Notes and Queries 213 (1968): 338-42;
  • A. Walton Litz, "Chronology of Composition" and Jo Modert, "Chronology Within the Novels," The Jane Austen Companion, edd. J. David Grey, A. Walton Litz, and Brian Southam (New York: Macmillan, 1986), 51, 54-5.
  • D. W. Harding, "The Supposed Letter Form of Sense and Sensibility, Notes and Queries, 1993, n.s. (December):464-66. Hostile account: it is as much about P&P as S&S: if anything was epistolary, it was First Impressions.
  • Kathryn Sutherland. "Chronology of Composition and publication," in Jane Austen in Context, ed Janet Todd. Cambridge UP, 2005. 33-22.

The reader is invited to look at my essay-posting originally sent to Austen-l and C18-l on how Tuesday is repeatedly a pivotal day in Austen's novels, a day on which some embarrassing or mortifying incident or series of incidents occurs (at a ball, a change of home) which sets off an important change in the plot.

Another interesting element one finds across the novels is the use of September or Michaelmas for the beginning of the action: this is strictly true of P&P, S&S, and Emma. Persuasion begins in the middle of August, but the action picks up in detail and becomes intense in September, Michaelmas, when Anne moves to Uppercross, the Crofts come to rent Kellynch, and Captain Wentworth comes home during an interlude in the Napoleonic wars. The Watsons opens Tuesday, October 13th, so it too opens in the fall. I believe on this list Eugene McDonnell presented an argument for Emma as not only seasonal but centering on the imagery of summer, but like P&P and S&S, the action ends in marriages which occur across the fall or in one fall and then the fall of the following year. Autumn is a beautiful time of year and its imagery dominates Persuasion.

Darcy (Colin Firth) writing his letter of explanation
(1995 BBC/WBGH Pride and Prejudice, scripted Andrew Davies)

Elizabeth (Jennifer Ehle) considering what she has just read
(1995 BBC/WBGH Pride and Prejudice, scripted Andrew Davies)

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