Just as some people enjoy knitting in front of the television, Mrs. Bennet was fond of perusing housewares catalogs; indeed, the sound of pages turning, that quick flap when no item caught her eye and the pauses when something did, the occasional businesslike lick of the index finger, was one of the essential sounds of Liz's childhood. This habit was also, apparently, what allowed Mrs. Bennet to maintain a belief that she had not actually "watched" a wide variety of shows even though she had been in the room for the duration of entire episodes and, in some cases, entire seasons. They
Mrs. Bennet had a distinct habit of browsing housewares catalogs, reminiscent of others who enjoy relaxing pastimes like knitting while watching TV. The rhythmic sounds of flipping pages formed a soundtrack to Liz's childhood, marking moments of her mother's engagement with these catalogs, whether out of indifference or fascination. Each sound detail, from quick page flips to thoughtful pauses, created a comforting and familiar atmosphere at home.
This routine allowed Mrs. Bennet to believe that she hadn't truly "watched" many television shows, despite being physically present during the entire episodes and even seasons. This contradiction highlights her selective perception of involvement, a theme that adds depth to her character and reflects on how people can compartmentalize their experiences.
