When the Bingleys came to stay at the estate of Netherfield Park, Mrs. Bennet urged her husband to call on Mr. Bingley, the eligible bachelor, to whom she could introduce their marriageable daughters. At least one of the five daughters would have to be married; otherwise, the Bennet home and property would have gone in favour of Mr. Collins, as per the law of entailment. Mr. Bennet, rather cynical and aloof by temperament, was unwilling to visit the Bingleys on a purpose of husband-hunting for the daughters. Mrs. Bennet despaired because it was indecent on her part to initiate the proceedings except through the socialising bid of the father.
Mr. Bennet then decided to call on the Bingleys, and his visit surprised as well as excited his wife and other members of the family. Mr. Bennet anticipated this reaction, and his wife opined that she had expected this action of her husband. However, Mr. Bennet's visit set the ball rolling: the Bennet girls met the Bingleys and their friend, Darcy, at the ball; the elder daughter, Jane, and Mr. Bingley fell into a love at first sight; the love-hate relationship between the second daughter, Elizabeth, and the young aristocrat, Darcy, also got underway.
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