e's prudent judgement and utmost caution are apparent from the beginning of their relationship, and it is this factor which proves most damaging to any blissful future prospects, whilst Elizabeth is pleased that Jane displays caution and "united with great strength of feeling, a composure of temper ... which would guard her from the suspicious or the impertinent.", Charlotte Lucas is surprising accurate in her declaration that less prudent judgement is required and that "he (Bingley) may never do more than like her (Jane), if she does not help him on."It is Jane's guardedness which is the sole reason for Bingley and the Netherfield party leaving the country, as he is so "modest" that her apparent lack of affection had led him to trust in Darcy's advice and to leave. [Caroline & Darcy share the blame, at least] Jane has completely hidden her inclinations of affection for Bingley beneath her prudent judgement and distance, such that his affection is not encouraged, but is crushed, and any prospect of marriage seems an impossibility. It is only after Elizabeth has revealed to Darcy her sister's feelings that Jane realizes her own fault in his leaving her: "he really loved me, and nothing but a persuasion of my being indifferent, would have prevented his coming down again." Thus, Jane's excessive prudence and caution would have ruined her lasting happiness had not Elizabeth revealed her affection.Bingley, on the other hand, is not hampered by excessive prudent judgement in his following his inclinations and courting Jane, and it is his active approach in wooing Jane which eventually precipitates a joyous marriage.In her portrayal of Jane and Bingley's relationship, Austen provides a counterpoint to Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship by showing that an excessive amount of prudent judgement and caution can so much temper inclinations, such that with so little encouragement offered, prospects of lasting happiness can be endangered and lost.T...
