Conventional wisdom tells us that there are five love languages: gifts, acts of service, quality time, physical touch and words of affirmation. But, as fans of Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice well know, there is a secret sixth: the hand flex. Those three words refer to a brief, narratively insignificant moment never described in Jane Austen’s 1813 masterwork. Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley), the second-eldest of five sisters all out on the marriage circuit, has arrived at Netherfield Park to visit her sibling Jane (Rosamund Pike), who’s been incapacitated by a cold caught while riding out in the rain to see the handsome and wealthy Charles Bingley (Simon Woods) – exactly as their artful mother (Brenda Blethyn) has planned it.
Bingley’s closest confidante, Mr Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), is there. Elizabeth finds him haughty and sullen. They trade subtle barbs while they await Jane’s recovery. Finally, the sisters bid the residents of Netherfield Park farewell and mount their carriage home. Only this iteration suddenly cuts close in on Elizabeth’s expression. She looks down in shock – Darcy’s palm has cradled hers, guiding her gently up to her seat. He doesn’t speak. He turns away with barely a moment’s eye contact.
