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$Title{Works of Jane Austen
Pride And Prejudice: Chapters 14 - 34}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{Austen, Jane}
$Affiliation{Instructor Of English, Rutgers University}
$Subject{elizabeth
darcy
collins
wickham
jane
bingley
chapter
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mrs
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$Date{}
$Log{See Mr. Denny Introduces Mr. Wickham*0124301.scf
See Mr. Collins Speaks With Darcy*0124302.scf
See Mr. Collins Proposes to Elizabeth*0124303.scf
See Mr. Collins Proposes to Charlotte*0124304.scf
See Elizabeth Visits the Gardiners*0124305.scf
See Her Ladyship Sets Things Straight*0124306.scf
See Elizabeth Plays the Piano*0124307.scf
See Darcy Proposes to Elizabeth*0124308.scf
}
Title:       Works of Jane Austen
Book:        Pride and Prejudice
Author:      Austen, Jane
Critic:      Fitzpatrick, William J.
Affiliation: Instructor Of English, Rutgers University

Pride And Prejudice: Chapters 14 - 34

Chapter XIV

     After dinner, Mr. Collins discourses at length about his great good
luck in having Lady Catherine de Bourgh for a patron and about his
determination to comply exactly with her wishes. He is flattered at her
having advised him to marry soon. He tells of Lady Catherine's sickly
daughter, Miss de Bourgh, and of his own adept flattery.

     Mr. Bennet is greatly amused by Collins's pompous, solemn air of
self-importance and his obsequious praise of the proud Lady Catherine de
Bourgh.

Chapter XV

     Mr. Collins is a man of unsubtle understanding who has been fortunate
enough to have Lady Catherine recommend him to the good "living" of the parish
of Hunsford. He has come to Longbourn House with the idea of marrying one of
Mr. Bennet's daughters. His desire for a wife would thus at the same time
help to make amends for his inheriting Mr. Bennet's estate. At first he
settles on Jane, the eldest, but Mrs. Bennet quickly hints that he transfer
his attention to one of her younger daughters, for Jane is about to be
engaged; whereupon, Mr. Collins easily switches his interest to Elizabeth.

     The next morning, at the urging Mr. Bennet who wanted to be rid of him,
Mr. Collins walks to Meryton with Jane, Elizabeth, Catherine, and Lydia.
There, the ladies are struck by the handsome and gentlemanly appearance
of a stranger walking with Mr. Denny (an officer in whom Lydia is interested).
Mr. Denny introduces his friend, Mr. Wickham, who has just received a
commission in the regiment. While they are all talking on the street, Darcy
and Bingley ride up and exchange greetings. Elizabeth notices how Darcy and
Wickham are visibly surprised, shocked, and embarrassed to see each other.
She is curious about the reason for this. The girls and Mr. Collins then go
to visit Mrs. Philips, their aunt.

[See Mr. Denny Introduces Mr. Wickham: Mr. Denny: 'May I introduce my friend
Mr. Wickham?']

     Mrs. Philips invites them all to return the next evening when several
officers are coming to dine. She promises the girls that Mr. Wickham will
also be asked.

Comment:

     Collins's subservience is the obverse of the imperious pride of Lady
Catherine and Darcy. By justifying in their obsequiousness the snobbery of
others, people like Collins and Sir William Lucas actually share it: Collins
is perhaps the most self-important, pompous, overbearing snob in the book.

Chapter XVI

     The next evening the five sisters and Mr. Collins arrive at the Philipses
in Meryton. In the presence of the officers, the girls completely ignore
Collins. Elizabeth notices how superior in person and manners Mr. Wickham
appears. He singles her out for his attentions and proceeds to tell her about
his relations with Mr. Darcy. He confirms her disgust with Darcy's pride and
air of superiority. He says Darcy's father had been his godfather, and out
of gratitude and friendship for Wickham's father had informally bequeathed a
very fine parish to Wickham, who was to enter the church. Darcy, however, out
of pride and jealousy, disregarded his father's wishes, and thus it is that
Wickham has come to enter on a military life. Therefore, it is Darcy who has
reason to avoid Wickham, rather than the contrary. However, Wickham resists
Elizabeth's suggestion that Darcy be publicly disgraced by saying that he
would never expose him out of respect for his father. Wickham informs
Elizabeth that Darcy's young sister is also disagreeably proud. Through all
this, Elizabeth finds herself very much attracted to Wickham and commiserates
with him for the unjust way Darcy has used him.

     Wickham goes on to observe that Mr. Collins's patron, the "arrogant
and conceited" Lady Catherine de Bourgh, is Mr. Darcy's aunt, whose daughter
is expected to marry her nephew.

     Elizabeth thinks how vain must be Caroline Bingley's headlong pursuit of
Darcy. She leaves the supper party at her aunt's with her head full of the
captivating charm and good looks of Mr. Wickham.

Comment:

     Although we do not see much of the Philipses, their association with
Lydia and Kitty (Elizabeth and Jane plainly prefer their other aunt) establish
them as of the same vulgar stock as Mrs. Bennet.

Chapter XVII

     The next day, when Elizabeth tells Jane what Mr. Wickham told her about
Darcy, Jane, as usual, cannot believe evil of anyone. Elizabeth replies that
she believes Wickham. "There was truth in his looks."

Comment:

     Underlying the action and other themes of the book (see Chapter III) is
the fundamental subject of appearance and reality. The reader will notice that
Elizabeth's knowledge of Wickham's and Darcy's characters is superficial -
based on appearances merely (mainly, on Darcy's bearing and initial insult to
her and on Wickham's good looks and charming attentiveness). It is perfectly
natural that a young woman would form her opinions on this basis without
attempting a closer scrutiny. That is why the author emphasizes the impression
Wickham makes on all the young ladies. In the course of the plot, Elizabeth is
educated to the deceptiveness of appearances. (See Chapter XXXVI.)

     This theme (the irony of, the discrepancy between, appearance and
reality) has other ramifications. For example, it would appear to the
superficial standards of class snobbery (e.g., those of Mr. Collins) that
persons engaged in trade are inevitably inferior in manners and sensibility.
But, Elizabeth's aunt and uncle in London (see Chapters XLIII and XLIV) are
morally and (from the point of view of good manners) socially superior to
such as Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

     Mr. Bingley and his sisters arrive to invite the Bennet family to a ball
at Netherfield. All of the girls are excited by the event. Elizabeth eagerly
looks forward to dancing with Wickham. Mr. Collins - much to her
disappointment - claims the first dances with Elizabeth. She begins to suspect
that Mr. Collins has selected her to be the mistress of Hunsford Parsonage.

Chapter XVIII

     At the ball, Mr. Denny announces that Wickham is not attending because he
wishes to avoid Darcy. This only increases Elizabeth's dislike of Darcy. When
he suddenly asks her for a dance, she is too surprised to refuse him. While
dancing, Elizabeth mentions to Darcy that she has just met Wickham, but,
beyond saying that Wickham cannot keep friends as easily as he makes them, he
is reluctant to talk about him. Elizabeth recalls to Darcy that he admitted
never forgiving offenses against him. She suggests that he may permit himself
to be blinded by prejudice. Darcy, nevertheless, still feels a growing desire
for her.

Comment:

     Elizabeth accuses Darcy of prejudice; but why is she so quick to believe
evil of him? Although she is trying to annoy Darcy, she succeeds only in
making him like her more.

     Later, Miss Bingley informs Elizabeth that Wickham's father was the
late Mr. Darcy's steward and that young George Wickham is to blame for
whatever has passed between him and Darcy. Jane has heard the same from
Bingley. But Elizabeth, who thinks Miss Bingley snobbishly prejudiced against
Wickham, puts no stock in their account.

     When Mr. Collins finds out that Lady Catherine's nephew is present, he
resolves to address Darcy - much against Elizabeth's advice. Darcy is visibly
affronted at Mr. Collins's attentions (though the parson does not notice
this).

[See Mr. Collins Speaks With Darcy: Mr. Collins prefaced his speech with a
solemn bow.]

     Elizabeth considers with pleasure the thought of the marriage of Jane and
Bingley - "a marriage of true affection." But she is vexed and embarrassed to
hear her mother brag vulgarly to Lady Lucas about her expectations of marriage
for her daughter, Jane, in the hearing of Darcy. Mrs. Bennet's remarks leave
Darcy angry, indignant, and thoughtful. Mary, as usual, gives an affected and
boring singing performance and is finally prevailed upon by her father to
yield to another. The rest of the evening Elizabeth is obliged to put up with
Mr. Collins, though she is occasionally relieved by her friend, Charlotte
Lucas. Mrs. Bennet contrives to have her family the last to leave, and she
invites Mr. Bingley to dinner as soon as he gets back from his trip to London.
Not noticing how impatient Bingley's sisters are to be rid of her, she leaves
with the happy thought that she will shortly see two daughters married.

     Elizabeth thinks of how ridiculous and crude the Bennet family has been
made to look by Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Collins, and Mary.

Comment:

     Throughout the first part of the book two influences compete for Darcy's
decision: (1) the attraction of Elizabeth's beauty, charm, and wit and (2) the
inferiority of her "connections" as exhibited in the tasteless conduct of her
family. The story of Darcy is the story of the struggle in his mind between
the demands of his heart and those of his pride and sense of family position.

Chapter XIX

     The next day, Mr. Collins asks to see Elizabeth alone and her mother
forces her to accommodate him. He then proposes marriage to her because it is
suitable for a clergyman, because he personally desires it, and because, most
importantly, Lady Catherine has recommended it to him. He has come to
Longbourn in order to make up for the sad fact that he is inheriting the
estate of the girls' father. Elizabeth hastily declines, but Mr. Collins
thinks that this is a mere formal refusal usual with young ladies, and says
that he knows she really means to accept him. Although Elizabeth insists
again and again that she is serious, Mr. Collins persists in his
self-deception and even says that the refusal is merely meant to encourage
him. He cannot imagine that any one could refuse one with his connections
with the family of de Bourgh, and he reminds Elizabeth that because of her
slight dowry, she might not have another offer of marriage. Elizabeth then
decides to go to her father, whose refusal would not be mistaken for the
"affectation and coquetry of an elegant female."

[See Mr. Collins Proposes to Elizabeth: Mr. Collins: 'Almost as soon as I
entered the house I singled you out as the companion of my future life."]

Comment:

     This scene is one of the comic highpoints of the book. First, Elizabeth
tries to get away, but is trapped by her mother. Then, Mr. Collins delivers
the most pompous and unromantic proposal a girl ever heard. He is too proud to
believe that Elizabeth could possibly turn him down. Pride (and prejudice)
manifests itself in various forms in the novel. Here it has the effect of
blinding Collins to the actuality in front of him: Pride punishes itself.

Chapter XX

     Mrs. Bennet rushes in to congratulate Collins, but is startled to hear
him say that he does not take Elizabeth's coy refusal seriously. Alarmed, she
resolves to force her "headstrong" daughter to accept him. Collins now
questions the wisdom of this, but Mrs. Bennet runs to her husband to get him
to make Lizzy marry Mr. Collins. Her father tells Elizabeth that although her
mother will never see her again if she does not marry Mr. Collins, he will
never see her again if she does. Elizabeth steadfastly resists all her
mother's coaxing. Charlotte Lucas then arrives, and Mrs. Bennet asks her to
prevail on Elizabeth to accept Collins. But Mr. Collins joins them. Suspecting
that so strong-willed a girl would not be especially to his liking and perhaps
at last realizing that he has been turned down, he announces to Mrs. Bennet
(in Charlotte's hearing) that he withdraws his request for her daughter's
hand.

Comment:

     As hilarious as this scene is, the reader will nonetheless notice what a
gulf of sensitivity separates Elizabeth from her mother.

Chapter XXI

     Mr. Collins spends the rest of the day talking to Charlotte. The next
day, the girls off to their aunt's at Meryton, where they encounter Wickham.
He admits to Elizabeth that he absented himself from the ball to avoid Darcy.
She approves his decision to avoid scenes that might cause unpleasantness to
others not involved.

     After they return home, Jane receives a letter from Caroline Bingley, who
tells her that the whole party at Netherfield is moving to London to join her
brother. She writes that they hope that Bingley will marry Georgiana Darcy.
Elizabeth interprets the letter to mean that Miss Bingley is following her
brother to London in order to keep him from coming back and marrying Jane.
The Bennets are too inferior for her, and if her brother marries Georgiana,
she may have a better chance with Darcy. Characteristically, Jane will not
believe that Caroline has malicious intent and thinks that Bingley has lost
interest in her. Elizabeth, however, fully expects Bingley to return to
Netherfield.

Chapter XXII

     Elizabeth is grateful to Charlotte for keeping Mr. Collins occupied in
conversation. She is little aware that Charlotte is interested in obtaining
Mr. Collins for herself. Charlotte is mindful of Collin's shortcomings of
character and mind. But, in her circumstances, though she does not think
highly of men or expect happiness from marriage, she considers marriage her
only hope of security.

     On the morning of his departure, Collins goes to Charlotte to declare his
love for her. Miss Lucas readily accepts. Sir William and Lady Lucas are
overjoyed. Lady Lucas even anticipates Collins's inheritance of Mr. Bennet's
estate. Mr. Collins then returns to Longbourn and takes his leave of the
Bennets, saying that he expects to require their hospitality again soon.

[See Mr. Collins Proposes to Charlotte: Little had Charlotte dared to hope
that so much love and eloquence awaited her in the lane.]

     The next morning Charlotte calls on Elizabeth to tell her the news.
Elizabeth expresses her shock and disbelief. But Charlotte replies that since
she is not romantic and is looking only for a comfortable life, she considers
that she has made a satisfactory bargain. Elizabeth reflects that she,
herself, could not have so sacrificed feeling to material welfare. Charlotte
has greatly disappointed her.

Comment

     In the marriage of Charlotte Lucas and Collins, the author examines one
solution to the problem of marriage - one type of marriage in the marriage
market. (See Chapter VI.) Charlotte takes Collins "solely from the pure and
disinterested desire of an establishment." Although more perceptive than Mrs.
Bennet, her view of marriage is rather like hers. For most - and especially
for the middle class - being well married means making a good business
transaction, improving one's fortune. Charlotte's previous attentions to
Collins will now take on different light (see XXI, XX, XVIII).

     Collins's decision is equally untouched by affection; rather, it is
inspired by what he regards as fitting for his position in society and by Lady
Catherine's promptings. The reader will notice how quickly he moves from Jane
to Elizabeth to Charlotte - making two proposals in three days.

Chapter XXIII

     Sir William Lucas arrives to announce his daughter's engagement to the
Bennets, who react first in disbelief. Mrs. Bennet blames Elizabeth bitterly.
Mr. Bennet, on the other hand, is amused at Charlotte's foolishness. Now it
is Lady Lucas's turn to boast of a forthcoming marriage (and she has more
substantial grounds than her friend, Mrs. Bennet). Elizabeth can no longer
have the same high regard for her friend.

     Mr. Collins writes to thank Mr. Bennet for his hospitality and to express
his desire to return in a couple of weeks to see his fiancee (Lady Catherine
approves, and has urged him not to delay the marriage). Mr. Collins's second
visit is not at all welcome to Mrs. Bennet. She can talk of nothing but the
insidious entail that will keep her husband's estate from her daughters and
eventually make Charlotte Lucas the mistress of her home.

     Jane and Elizabeth are impatiently awaiting a reply to the answer sent
to Caroline's letter. Elizabeth begins to fear that Bingley's sisters are
successfully keeping Bingley away.

Chapter XXIV

     Jane finally receives another letter from Miss Bingley who writes that
they expect to stay in London for the winter. Her letter is again full of
praise for Darcy's sister and hope for her marriage to Bingley. Elizabeth
does not believe that Bingley is in love with Georgiana Darcy; rather is she
indignantly angry that he has allowed himself to be influenced to give up
Jane. Elizabeth expresses her dissatisfaction with people in general, and
remarks of her recent disappointment in the characters of Charlotte and
Bingley. Appearance is no guide to merit or sense.

Comment:

     Elizabeth has yet to learn just how true this is, (XXXVI, XLVI).

     Jane replies that Charlotte's decision to marry Collins was only prudent.
But Elizabeth retorts that to marry such a pompous, narrow-minded person out
of desire for material security is not at all reasonable; it is, in fact, a
perversion of prudence. She further accuses Bingley of weakness of will and
blames his sisters for wanting their brother to marry into "superior"
connections. But she does not pursue the subject for fear of offending her
sister. Unlike his wife, Mr. Bennet treats Bingley's continued absence with
his customary irony, and asks Elizabeth when her turn will come to be crossed
in love.

     Elizabeth continues to enjoy the company of Wickham, who has freely
spread his story about the injury he has suffered at the hands of Mr. Darcy.
Everyone in the neighborhood is happy to have another reason for disliking Mr.
Darcy.

Comment:

     In criticizing Charlotte's marriage, Elizabeth gives us a standard by
which to judge marriage-making. Natural affection and material needs must both
be considered, and the harmony of these two elements is the mark of prudent
conduct in choosing a mate. (See Chapters VI and XXII.)

Chapter XXV

     Mr. Collins returns to Hunsford. The next week Mrs. Bennet's brother and
his wife come to spend Christmas with the Bennets. Mr. Gardiner is a
well-bred, gentlemanly businessman, and he and his wife are far superior to
his sister. Mrs. Gardiner is the special friend of Jane and Elizabeth. She
suggests to Elizabeth that she take Jane back to London with her for a visit
in order to cheer her up. Jane agrees. Although Elizabeth thinks it just
possible that Jane's presence in London might prove irresistible to Bingley,
she remarks to her aunt that Mr. Darcy, of course, would never think of
permitting his friend to venture to so "inferior" a neighborhood as
Gracechurch Street where the Gardiners live. (The Gardiners probably live in a
very respectable and good-sized house in a neighborhood of businessmen's
homes.)

     Mrs. Gardiner had lived in Derbyshire and enjoys hearing news of it from
Wickham, who with other officers is a frequent guest at the Bennet home. She
knows Pemberley, Darcy's estate, and knew of his father. However, upon
noticing Elizabeth's and Wickham's interest in each other, she resolves to
warn Elizabeth of the imprudence of an attachment between them.

Comment:

     The author unobtrusively plants some information about Mrs. Gardiner,
which will become very important later (XLII).

Chapter XXVI

     Mrs. Gardiner tells Elizabeth that Wickham's lack of fortune would make a
match between them imprudent. She recommends that he be discouraged from
coming to visit so often. Elizabeth replies that she will try to be wise.

     Soon after the Gardiners and Jane leave for London, Mr. Collins arrives
for his marriage with Charlotte. This time he stays at Lucas Lodge. Charlotte
makes Elizabeth promise to visit her in March, and right after the wedding,
she and her husband leave for Hunsford Parsonage. She and Elizabeth correspond
regularly, though Elizabeth cannot feel the same warmth for her as formerly.

     Elizabeth also hears from Jane, who writes that though she has written
Miss Bingley of her trip to London, Caroline has not yet called on her. She
writes again that she herself called on Miss Bingley, who claimed not to have
received her letter. After four weeks' time, Miss Bingley finally repays
Jane's visit. But her manner and the brevity of her stay indicate to Jane that
she had been mistaken in believing in Caroline Bingley's friendship for her.
Jane now sees that Elizabeth was right about Bingley's sister. She also
concludes that Bingley never really cared for her.

     Mrs. Gardiner writes to ask if Elizabeth is taking her advice about
Wickham. Her niece replies that Wickham no longer pays her any attention. A
certain Miss King has just acquired 10,000 pounds, which has suddenly given
her remarkable charm in Wickham's eyes, so he transfers his affections to her.
Elizabeth writes that she is still well-disposed to Wickham and that she
thinks that his action was only sensible. She considers her lack of anger as
proof that she could not have been in love.

Comment:

     Wickham appears to have the same idea of marriage as Charlotte.

Chapter XXVII

     January and February pass without event, and Elizabeth looks forward to
visiting Charlotte at Hunsford - especially, as she will pass through London
and have a chance to see Jane. In March, she leaves with Sir William Lucas and
his daughter, Maria. They arrive at the Gardiners. Mrs. Gardiner proceeds to
question and tease her niece about Wickham. She calls him mercenary because
the only attraction he saw in Miss King was her inheritance. But Elizabeth
vigorously defends his prudence. She then remarks that she is sick of men. Her
aunt delights Elizabeth with an invitation to take a trip through the country
with them next summer.

[See Elizabeth Visits the Gardiners: On her arrival, Elizabeth was greeted by
a troop of little boys and girls, eager to see their cousin.]

Comment:

     The reader might compare Elizabeth's criticism of her friend, Charlotte,
for sacrificing affection for the sake of fortune and her ready excuse for
Wickham's doing the same thing. (See Chapter XXIV.) Elizabeth's strenuous
effort to convince her aunt that she was not in love with Wickham and her
saying that she is sick of men probably reveals a greater disappointment in
Wickham's abandoning her for Miss King than she wants to admit.

Chapter XXVIII

     The next day, Elizabeth, Sir William Lucas, and his daughter, Maria,
arrive at Hunsford. Elizabeth finds Mr. Collins ridiculous as ever, as he
pretentiously guides them around his home and the neighborhood, discoursing
on the beauty of Rosings (Lady Catherine's estate) and the importance and
generosity of his patron. He boasts that they dine at Rosings twice each
week. Then he predicts that they will all have the good luck of seeing Lady
Catherine at church and of being invited to dine with her. The following day
the frail Miss de Bourgh and her governess, Mrs. Jenkinson, greatly excite
Maria and her father by stopping at the garden gate to convey Lady Catherine's
invitation to dinner on the morrow. Elizabeth, amused by Sir William Lucas's
deference, gets a look at the "sickly and cross" looking girl who, Mr.
Collins had informed her, is expected to be the future Mrs. Darcy.

Chapter XXIX

     Mr. Collins and his father-in-law, Sir William, are very much impressed
by this quick invitation. Everyone seems awed and intimidated by this great
personage except, of course, the independent Elizabeth. At dinner, she finds
Lady Catherine dictatorial, supercilious, and snobbish. She thinks of the
justice of what Wickham had said of her pride. Miss de Bourgh, pale and
sickly, says very little and seems insignificant in the company. Lady
Catherine rudely inquires into and attempts to regulate Charlotte's management
of her household, even talking about her cows and chickens. She also freely
questions Elizabeth about herself and her family, about her education and her
sisters. She expresses her disapproval at discovering that the Bennets had no
governess. Elizabeth, who resents Lady Catherine's impertinence and
condescension, shows her independence and annoys her Ladyship by
lightheartedly refusing to give her age. After dinner, they pass a dull
evening playing cards.

Comment:

     Pride and good breeding, two of the themes of this book, are treated
ironically in the portrayal of the Lady Catherine de Bourgh. We see that this
high-born lady has really very poor manners, and her treatment of others is
inhumane. The reader will recall the objections of Darcy and Bingley's
sisters to Elizabeth's and Jane's "low connections," and he will now see the
irony in Elizabeth's having objections to Darcy's "superior" connections. The
lesson, of course, is that good breeding is not the exclusive property of the
high born and well-to-do. The Bennet family includes the Gardiners as well as
the Philipses, and Darcy's aunt and Bingley's sisters are crude, impertinent,
and offensive. (See Chapter VIII).

     When Lady Catherine tells of how she got four of Mrs. Jenkinson's nieces
"most delightfully situated" as governesses, the reader should perhaps be
aware of the implied assumption that this is the proper fate for
Elizabeth - who, with her "connections," cannot expect to marry well. The
position of governess was considered a respectable vocation for a gentlewoman
without fortune, who would not marry beneath her but who could not expect to
attract a "man of consideration." (See Chapter VIII).

Chapter XXX

     Sir William leaves Hunsford after a week, but his daughter and Elizabeth
stay on. From time to time, her Ladyship pays a visit to the Collinses and
inspects and criticizes the arrangement of the furniture and various other
small matters of Charlotte's household. Lady Catherine appears to be a general
busybody, poking her nose into the affairs of everyone in the parish. The
party at Hunsford dine at Rosings a few times a week.

[See Her Ladyship Sets Things Straight: Her Ladyship sallied forth into the
village to scold them into harmony and plenty.]

     The week before Easter, Lady Catherine's two nephews, Mr. Darcy and his
cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, arrive at Rosings for a visit. Mr. Collins calls
at Rosings to pay his respects, and Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam accompany
him back to Hunsford. The ladies find Colonel Fitzwilliam charming - though
not handsome. Elizabeth asks Darcy if he had occasion to see her sister Jane
while he was in London. He replies that he did not, but seems slightly
disturbed at the question.

Chapter XXXI

     The next week, the Collinses and their guests are invited to Rosings.
Colonel Fitzwilliam is very pleased to see Elizabeth and devotedly engages
her in conversation. Lady Catherine says that Elizabeth would be welcome to
practice on the piano in Mrs. Jenkinson's room at any time, since she "would
be in nobody's way in that part of the house." Mr. Darcy looks ashamed at
his aunt's ill-breeding (see Chapter XXIX). Later, while entertaining at the
piano, Elizabeth notices Darcy staring at her. In the course of conversation,
she playfully tells Colonel Fitzwilliam of Darcy's reluctance to dance at the
first ball in Meryton. (She evidently remembers vividly the slight Darcy
paid her at their first meeting, and perhaps wishes to rebuke him for it
now.) Darcy explains apologetically that he does not feel at home with
strangers. But Elizabeth indicates that his excuse is unacceptable.

[See Elizabeth Plays the Piano: Elizabeth: 'You mean to frighten me, Mr.
Darcy, by coming in all this state to hear me.']

     Elizabeth is unable to notice that Darcy has any special interest in
Miss de Bourgh.

Comment:

     As so frequently before, Elizabeth engages Darcy in a verbal duel only
to succeed (unwittingly) in increasing her attraction for him. Perhaps the
fact that he can see her now away from the Meryton community helps to make
him forget her undesirable relations.

Chapter XXXII

     The next morning, while sitting alone writing to Jane, Elizabeth is
surprised to see Mr. Darcy paying a call. He says that he expected that the
other ladies would also be there. The two of them sit down in embarrassing
silence. Then Elizabeth raises the subject of Bingley's departure from
Netherfield. Darcy says that Bingley does not expect ever to return. They
talk of Mr. and Mrs. Collins, and Elizabeth hints at her regret at her
friend's match. Mr. Darcy remarks that he could not believe that Elizabeth
could be very much attached to Longbourn. (Apparently he wishes
significantly to acknowledge that he distinguishes Elizabeth from her "low
connections" at Longbourn.)

     Charlotte and her sister soon enter, and after Darcy leaves, Charlotte
suggests that Darcy's visit shows his love for her. But Elizabeth quickly
discounts this suggestion. In the days that follow, Mr. Darcy and his cousin
call frequently at the parsonage. Elizabeth takes pleasure in the Colonel's
company. Though less handsome than Wickham, he seems better informed. But
Elizabeth is puzzled at Darcy's accompanying Colonel Fitzwilliam to Hunsford
and at his long silences. Charlotte notices that Darcy gazes frequently at
Elizabeth and she contemplates the possibility of his marrying her (and
perhaps getting a better parish for her husband in the bargain).

Chapter XXXIII

     Several times in the course of her solitary walks, Elizabeth
unexpectedly encounters Darcy who accompanies her back to the parsonage.
Once it seems to her that he indirectly suggests that the next time she is
in Kent, she will be staying at Rosings. She wonders if he is thinking of a
link between her and Colonel Fitzwilliam. One day, on one of her walks, she
meets the Colonel. He indicates that since he is a younger son (and,
therefore, does not come into the prime family inheritance) he must consider
money when he marries. Elizabeth wonders if this is meant for her as an
explanation of why he cannot let his affection for her culminate in marriage.
He reveals that he is co-guardian with Darcy of Georgiana. They talk of Mr.
Darcy's independent spirit and willfulness. He indicates vaguely that
Georgiana may give them cause for uneasiness. Then he innocently mentions
that Bingley is much indebted to Darcy for having saved him from a most
imprudent marriage. Elizabeth replies indignantly that Mr. Darcy had no right
to take it upon himself to decide such a question.

     Elizabeth had believed that Miss Bingley was the leader in dissuading her
brother from returning to Netherfield and Jane. Now, she is doubly angry to
learn that the work was primarily that of Darcy. She concludes that the
objections against Jane were not because of her immediate family, but because
she had one uncle who was a country attorney (Mr. Philips) and another who
was a London businessman (Mr. Gardiner). In addition to Darcy's proud disdain
at his friend's marrying into such low connections, she adds the motive of
his wishing to retain Mr. Bingley for his own sister. The agitation brings
on a headache, and Elizabeth, unwilling to see Darcy, decides not to
accompany her friends to Rosings that afternoon.

Chapter XXXIV

     While sitting alone in the parsonage, Elizabeth looks over Jane's letters
and considers how heartbroken she still is. She is suddenly shocked to find
Mr. Darcy (who had heard that she was not well) calling on her to inquire
after her health. After a long silence, he suddenly acknowledges his love for
her and requests her hand in marriage. He explains that because of her
inferiority, because of its being a degradation for his family to be linked
with hers, his pride had long fought with his feelings for her. However, in
spite of everything, he finally gave in to his desire. Although somewhat
complimented at this confession of love, Elizabeth is furious at the insulting
notion that because of her social inferiority, Darcy's love for her was such a
blow to his pride. Further, Darcy obviously expects that she will accept. She
replies that she had never desired Darcy's affection, which, she hastens to
add, he has bestowed most unwillingly. Darcy is surprised and angry at this
refusal. He asks for an explanation. Elizabeth replies heatedly that she has
no feeling for him and that she has been insulted at his telling her that he
liked her against his will, his reason, and his character. Further, she
accuses him of having ruined her sister's chance for happiness. Darcy admits
that he is glad he did everything he could to separate Bingley from Jane.
Elizabeth goes on to charge him with injustice to Mr. Wickham. Darcy retorts
that it is because her pride has been hurt by his admission of his hesitancy
with her that she has turned him down, and not because of anything else he
has done. But Elizabeth assures him that no matter how Darcy had requested her
hand, she would not possibly have been tempted to accept him. She explains her
dislike from the first of his arrogance and pride. Stunned, Darcy hastily
leaves.

[See Darcy Proposes to Elizabeth: Darcy: 'You must allow me to tell you how
ardently I admire and love you.']

     Elizabeth cries for half an hour. The shock of discovering that Mr. Darcy
had been in love with her for many months and that he wished to marry her even
though he had prevented Bingley from marrying her sister gives her some
gratification. But she remains resentful and angry.

Comment:

     This is the second unexpected, unwanted, and unromantic proposal
Elizabeth has received - though the two are very different in substance.

     Darcy's pride is so great that though he wishes to marry Elizabeth, he
feels compelled to assuage his pride by telling her of the great sacrifice he
is making. Here, Darcy's pride encounters that of Elizabeth (see Chapter V)
who shows that she is worthy of Darcy by having the self-esteem to reject him.
Considering Darcy's advantages of person, wealth, and family, most women in
this book would have suffered his insult for the sake of his offer.