Darcy, on the other hand, was much stricter. He even put down his pen to discuss the definition of "versatility" with Bentley.

"This set of extremely ordinary so-called talents of yours is absolutely true."

As soon as he said that, Circe almost doubted that he was not beaten to death by the girls. Or was this harshness a special bonus?

"How many women can easily enjoy the reputation of versatility just because they can decorate screens and weave purses?

But I can't agree with your assessment of women in general. "He paused, obviously not done with his poisonous tongue." I dare not boast.

I know a lot of women, but there are only half a dozen who are truly versatile. "His speech was finally over.

If he wasn't really handsome and rich, it was impossible to believe that the girls would be infatuated with him anywhere else.

Circe inwardly clicked her tongue in wonder.

Miss Bentley, however, did not hesitate to say, "I dare not boast." She was Darcy's echo.

Circy could not help but be curious about this strict man's definition of "versatility." She said that almost any girl of this era who had received a relatively formal family education would be considered versatile in modern times.

She didn't even need that decorative screen Bentley was talking about!

A girl who could dance, sing, draw, and at least play a musical instrument would be a good fit for a member of the entertainment committee.

She thought so, and asked, "Then what do you think a truly versatile woman should have?" She asked with great humility, and the curiosity in her eyes was undisguised.

Miss Bentley, of course, did not give Circy and Darcy a chance to speak alone. She answered first, "A woman cannot be considered versatile if she cannot exceed the average person.

A woman must be proficient in music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern language to be worthy of the title.

In addition, her appearance and gait, her tone of voice, her speech, and her expression must be quite humorous. Otherwise, she is not qualified. "

That was not all. Darcy quickly added, "In addition to these conditions, she should also read more books, broaden her horizons, and have real talent."

Circy quietly shrank back. Sorry to disturb.

She could barely be considered proficient in the modern language, but perhaps too modern?

If she had real talent, did magic count?

The rest had nothing to do with her at all.

It was not easy to marry into a rich family. Did such a perfect woman really exist?

The girl's eyes widened and she raised her hand to cover her mouth. Darcy thought her expression was a little cute.

Y'lisabet could not understand such a theory. She could not help but mock, "I have never seen such a woman before.

I've never seen anyone as talented, as interesting, as studious, as elegant as you say. "Circy nodded approvingly. This girl was an angel.

Mrs. Hurstwood and Miss Bingley were not amused; they cried out that she ought not to have doubted it, and fell over each other to give examples of such women as they knew themselves, in order to convince her of the unfairness of such a doubt.

As if this could prove that the two of them were one of the talented girls.

Elizabeth did not bother to argue with them on such matters. It was too boring.

But it was torturous for her to be left alone, and she soon made up her mind to go upstairs.

Before she left, she saw that Circy was engrossed in her book. She told her to read as much as she wanted, and that Jane could rest assured with her watching over her.

— — —

Elizabeth sent a letter to Mrs. Bennett, explaining Jane's current situation in detail.

Mrs. Bennet, therefore, called on him that morning, with her two little daughters.

She completely ignored Elizabeth's proposal to move back. She did not even want to hear it.

When she saw that Jane's condition was not so serious, even the last bit of worry in her heart disappeared completely!

She only felt that her previous proposal was extremely brilliant, and her heart was immensely pleased with herself.

She first thanked the Bentley siblings for taking care of Jane, and then put on a distressed look, "Oh, I didn't expect Jane to be so ill that she can't be moved at all.

We'll have to ask you to take care of her for a few more days. "

Bentley naturally did not make any sense. He wished that his sweetheart could stay for a long time.

Miss Bentley also said coldly and politely that they would take good care of her.

So Mrs. Bennett naturally said a lot of thanks again, and praised her eldest daughter.

Then Mrs. Bennett turned her eyes to Circy.

In her heart, she was very fond of this young girl, but this fondness was nothing compared to the feelings she had for her own daughter.

She exclaimed a little hurriedly, "Circy, good girl!

Your sister even asked about you yesterday!

I wanted her to stay for dinner, but she insisted on going home. "She was almost telling Circy to hurry home too.

This made Y'lisabet feel very embarrassed. She felt guilty and blushed for her mother's unseemly thoughts.

She looked apologetically at Circy, and turned to Mrs. Bennett. "Circy has been a great help!

You know how effective her decoctions are.

I can rest easy if Circy is here to help me keep an eye on Jane! "

Mrs. Bennett gave her daughter a reproachful look, wondering why she was so insensible. She muttered, "My good girl, you don't know how much her sister misses her." But she knew that since Elizabeth had said so, she could not insist.

Thus, she reluctantly changed the topic and continued to praise her daughter.

She was always able to talk endlessly on this subject.

As she spoke, she could not help stressing her gratitude to the Bentleys, and praising them for their good natured and faithful friendships.

When Mrs. Bennet's harangue had come to an end, Lydia could not wait to ask Mr. Bingley for a ball, and bluntly remind him of his promise.

It would be the most disgraceful thing in the world if he did not keep his promise.

Mr. Bentley readily agreed.

Lydia was very satisfied now.

Mrs. Bennet took her two daughters and went away.

Elizabeth's face was burning, and she turned to go upstairs to keep Jane company, as if to leave the imaginable sarcasm of the Bentley sisters behind her.

Circy was used to Mrs. Bennett's character. She just shook her head helplessly as usual and followed Elizabeth upstairs.