You have all been very helpful by sharing your views of Carolines actions.

Mandy N: ...Miss Bingley is becoming desperately impatient that Darcy has not shown any interest in her personally?
Yes. That was what I meant. Miss Bingley is jealous of the attention Lizzy recieves and is desperate to turn that attention towards herself.
Kathi: I can't see these acts as being desperate. In spite of Darcy's fine eyes remark, I cannot believe that Miss Bingley sees Lizzy as a serious rival (she is not likely to be unaware that Darcy would feel he was degrading himself to marry into the Bennet family) -- and certainly at Netherfield Lizzy isn't.
You are right. Miss Bingley donīt think of Lizzy as a serious rival.
Kathi: Miss Bingley can't stand to have Darcy attending anything but her -- not his letter, not his book. It is just a way of getting Darcy's attention.
This is what desperate means to me. A person that canīt stand that what they want is neglected, and will do anything to put themselves in the center of attention.
Line: I think Mrs. Hurst was just using overstatement to make a joke (and maybe, I admit, complain a little at the same time).
Thank you for reminding me that not everything is what it seems.:)