ネザーフィールドの舞踏会（네더필드의 무도회）

プライドと偏見 - 第2章

Pride and Prejudice - Chapter 2

ベネット氏は妻を喜ばせるためにビングリー氏を訪ねるが、詳細は秘密にして家族をからかう。

Mr. Bennet was among the earliest of those who waited on Mr. Bingley. He had always intended to visit him, though to the last always assuring his wife that he should not go; and till the evening after the visit was paid, she had no knowledge of it.

数日後、ビングリー氏がベネット家を訪問する。彼は若く、ハンサムで、魅力的だ。ベネット家の娘たちは、次のメリトンの舞踏会で彼に会うことを楽しみにしている。

When he did go, however, he was accompanied by his second daughter, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was the second eldest of the Bennet sisters, and she possessed a quickness of mind and a sharp wit that made her the favorite of her father.

娘たちがドレスを準備し、将来の社交生活を想像する中、ベネット家の興奮は高まる。

She was not as beautiful as her eldest sister, Jane, who was generally considered the most beautiful of the family, but Elizabeth's eyes were bright and intelligent, and she had a way of looking at the world that was both critical and amused.

"I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Mr. Bingley," her father said, as they were shown into the drawing room.

Bingley was a handsome, good-natured young man, with an open countenance and an easy manner. He greeted them warmly, introducing them to his sisters and his friend, Mr. Darcy.

Darcy was a tall, fine-looking man, with noble features and an air of aristocratic superiority. He was silent for most of the visit, observing the newcomers with what appeared to be disdain.

When the party was introduced to the ball at Netherfield, Darcy refused to dance with Elizabeth, saying she was "tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me."

Elizabeth was not offended. Instead, she laughed about it with her friends, finding Darcy's pride ridiculous. But the remark planted a seed of dislike that would grow over time.

As for Jane, she and Bingley danced together several times, and it was clear to all that they were attracted to each other. Jane's gentle beauty and quiet sweetness had won Bingley's heart, and he seemed unable to take his eyes off her.

When the Bennets returned home that night, the conversation was entirely about the ball. Mrs. Bennet was delighted with the success of her daughters, and she had already decided that Jane would marry Bingley.

But Elizabeth was more cautious. She had seen the pride in Darcy's eyes, and she wondered what kind of man he really was.