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CHAPTER XLV . CONVINCED as Elizabeth now was that Miss Bingley’s dislike of her had originated in jealousy , she could not help feeling how very unwelcome her appearance at Pemberley must be to her , and was curious to know with how much civility on that lady’s side the acquaintance would now be renewed . On reaching the house , they were shown through the hall into the saloon , whose northern aspect rendered it delightful for summer . Its windows , opening to the ground , admitted a most refreshing view of the high woody hills behind the house , and of the beautiful oaks and Spanish chestnuts which were scattered over the intermediate lawn . In this room they were received by Miss Darcy , who was sitting there with Mrs . Hurst and Miss Bingley , and the lady with whom she lived in London . Georgiana’s reception of them was very civil , but attended with all that embarrassment which , though proceeding from shyness and the fear of doing wrong , would easily give to those who felt themselves inferior the belief of her being proud and reserved . Mrs . Gardiner and her niece , however , did her justice , and pitied her . By Mrs . Hurst and Miss Bingley they were noticed only by a courtesy ; and on their being seated , a pause , awkward as such pauses must always be , succeeded for a few moments . It was first broken by Mrs . Annesley , a genteel , agreeable - looking woman , whose endeavour to introduce some kind of discourse proved her to be more truly well - bred than either of the others ; and between her and Mrs . Gardiner , with occasional help from Elizabeth , the conversation was carried on . Miss Darcy looked as if she wished for courage enough to join in it ; and sometimes did venture a short sentence , when there was least danger of its being heard . Elizabeth soon saw that she was herself closely watched by Miss Bingley , and that she could not speak a word , especially to Miss Darcy , without calling her attention . This observation would not have prevented her from trying to talk to the latter , had they not been seated at an inconvenient distance ; but she was not sorry to be spared the necessity of saying much : her own thoughts were employing her . She expected every moment that some of the gentlemen would enter the room : she wished , she feared , that the master of the house might be amongst them ; and whether she wished or feared it most , she could scarcely determine . After sitting in this manner a quarter of an hour , without hearing Miss Bingley’s voice , Elizabeth was roused by receiving from her a cold inquiry after the health of her family . She answered with equal indifference and brevity , and the other said no more .
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