"I must not speak for my sister, even to you who have been all goodness and kindness throughout this awkward situation. Only know," and here she broke off, suddenly shy, "that even though I must deny myself the privilege of being your wife for love of my sister, I should very dearly like to have you for a brother!"
Elizabeth Bennet does not set out to manipulate people; it is merely that the correct choice of words, accompanied by an engaging smile or a beseeching look, yields the most satisfactory results. The morning after the Netherfield ball, Lizzy dispenses with one unwelcome suitor to her hand so amicably and successfully that she sees no reason why she should not make use of her talent for tactful speeches and deal with other unwelcome suitors in the same deft manner.
Unfortunately, not all young men are quite so obligingly obtuse as her poor foolish cousin, and Elizabeth finds that one particular gentleman from Derbyshire proves annoyingly impervious to her cunning.
