I think I'd have to disagree. Even now half a day's journey is a pretty good stint, and back then it was enough trouble to travel that they're staying at Netherfield for a couple of months rather than a long weekend. I didn't mean to imply that it's distant from London like Pemberley, though. The backwater I spent some time in was a populous town and a hub of trade, but it's all in the attitude.
Nor did I really mean that Meryton was a backwater, but I think Caroline Bingley has some reason to see it that way. The sophisticated entertainments she would expect in London (large parties of the at-least-supposedly-well-educated, as well as things like operas and music parties) would be entirely lacking. The best of Meryton was clearly at the Netherfield party, and we're left with the impression that she herself was the best musical performer there.
Now she's still an idiot to dismiss the locals and fail to appreciate what they can offer. And she's still unpleasant, deceptive, and mercenary in her affections. But I sympathize with the culture shock of a small town when she was used to either London or Pemberley, where (despite its distance from London) it's clear that only the best of everything was always to be expected (viz. the peaches and nectarines, which would demand a good hothouse).
Nor did I really mean that Meryton was a backwater, but I think Caroline Bingley has some reason to see it that way. The sophisticated entertainments she would expect in London (large parties of the at-least-supposedly-well-educated, as well as things like operas and music parties) would be entirely lacking. The best of Meryton was clearly at the Netherfield party, and we're left with the impression that she herself was the best musical performer there.
Now she's still an idiot to dismiss the locals and fail to appreciate what they can offer. And she's still unpleasant, deceptive, and mercenary in her affections. But I sympathize with the culture shock of a small town when she was used to either London or Pemberley, where (despite its distance from London) it's clear that only the best of everything was always to be expected (viz. the peaches and nectarines, which would demand a good hothouse).