[ An evening at the theater is standard for the Gardiners and though Kitty experienced no such things while in Derbyshire, there were still social engagements and activity aplenty to stimulate her interests in being seen and listened in. Tonight, Kitty watches the performance with excitement, turning to her aunt to whisper her thoughts every few minutes once it became clear Mary wasn't listening. And indeed, Mary finds she would greatly prefer being at the Gardiner residence, perhaps seated at the pianoforte or retiring early to read. This place simply is not to her taste. The jokes do not land with her and with every rumble of laughter or astonishment from the crowd she is reminded that her tastes are quite different.

By the time the performance ends she is more than ready to leave and walks out into the lobby with a blank face that has experienced no enjoyment. The press of people here concerns her, so as her uncle goes to inquire after the carriage, the ladies try and find refuge in a less crowded corner, which just so happens to put them in the path of Mr. Cartwright. The ladies curtsy to him and right away Kitty asks how he liked the play, adding in that most of their party enjoyed it while smiling at Mary. Thinking she must defend herself, she states: ]

It was a perfectly serviceable performance from all involved and the physical demands of their roles must be commended - especially in the last act. But I confess beyond that I found little in it to recommend it.