Meaning questions--it's driving me nuts!

[Julianaruthh]

I'm reading Pride and Prejudice and I'm having a hard time figuring some things out. Firstly, why does Mrs. Bennet reaxt the way she does in this scene?

"Is that his design in settling here?"
"Design! Nonsense, how can you talk so!"

Also, what does Jane mean when she says that Mr. Bingley has "such perfect food breeding?

And for the Bingley sisters, what does it mean that Jane "grew on their goodwill?"

This has been driving me nuts! I haven't been able to move on farther in the book trying to figure it out

[kev67]

I'm reading Pride and Prejudice and I'm having a hard time figuring some things out. Firstly, why does Mrs. Bennet reaxt the way she does in this scene?

"Is that his design in settling here?"
"Design! Nonsense, how can you talk so!"



Mr Bennet is teasing his wife. She thinks he is being silly.



Also, what does Jane mean when she says that Mr. Bingley has "such perfect food breeding?


Not sure, it might mean that he has very good table manners.



And for the Bingley sisters, what does it mean that Jane "grew on their goodwill?"


The Bingley sisters started liking Jane.

[Gladys]

The wonderful humour in Pride and Prejudice derives in large part from double entendres such as these. I only saw the light half-way through the novel.