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$Title{Works of Jane Austen
Pride And Prejudice: Chapters 48 - 61}
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$Author{Austen, Jane}
$Affiliation{Instructor Of English, Rutgers University}
$Subject{elizabeth
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$Date{}
$Log{See Elizabeth and Wickham Part*0124501.scf
See Elizabeth Interrupts a Proposal*0124502.scf
See Mrs. Bennet Spreads the News*0124503.scf
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See Darcy Listens to Sir William Lucas*0124505.scf
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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 48 - 61

Chapter XLVIII

     The next morning Mr. Gardiner is off to London. His wife and children
remain to comfort the Bennets. Every time Mrs. Bennet's sister, Mrs. Philips,
comes from Meryton, she brings with her another story of Wickham's debts.
There are dark rumors of his "seductions." He owes money to every tradesman
in town. Elizabeth is more certain than ever that Lydia will never be
married.

     Mr. Gardiner writes that Mr. Bennet has not yet found Wickham, but is
still inquiring at the hotels in London. Mr. Gardiner says that he is writing
Colonel Forster to attempt to discover any of Wickham's relations or
connections who might be able to help. He asks Elizabeth if she knows if
Wickham has any living relations. Elizabeth knows of none.

     Soon a letter from Mr. Collins to their father arrives. Jane, who had
beth read it. Mr. Collins expresses his sympathies with the Bennet family.
He says that Lydia's death would be a blessing as compared to what actually
happened, and he laments that (as Charlotte has informed him) Lydia's
behavior is a result of indulgence by her parents. He says that Lady
Catherine and her daughter, whom he has told of the affair, also pity the
Bennet family. This mistake by one daughter will affect all; for who, said
Lady Catherine, would "connect themselves with such a family. "Mr. Collins
concludes with an expression of his great satisfaction that things happened
as they did last November (Elizabeth had turned him down); otherwise, he
himself might now be involved in the Bennet disgrace. He advises Mr. Bennet
to turn his back completely on his unworthy daughter.

     Mr. Gardiner writes again to report that Colonel Forster could discover
no relations or special friends of Wickham. It turns out, furthermore, that
Wickham has also large gambling debts at Brighton, perhaps more than a
thousand pounds. He says that he has persuaded Mr. Bennet to return home,
leaving it to him to continue looking for Lydia and Wickham. Although Mrs.
Bennet had expressed fears for her husband's life, she now expresses her
dissatisfaction at his return without Lydia and without fighting Wickham to
make him marry her. Mrs. Gardiner leaves for London the same day that Mr.
Bennet arrives.

     When Mr. Bennet returns he tells Elizabeth that he is responsible for
what has happened. He recalls that last May she advised him not to permit
Lydia's going to Brighton. When Kitty says that she would behave better
should she go to Brighton, Mr. Bennet answers that he has learned his lesson,
that no officer shall set foot in this house again.

Comment:

     Although the wit, humor, and intelligence of Elizabeth's father make him
one of the more attractive characters in the book, it will be noted that,
having made an imprudent marriage, he has failed in his obligations as a
father. (See Chapters XXXVII and XLII.) In this chapter, he, like Elizabeth
and Darcy, arrives at a moment of self-knowledge -when he must recognize and
confess his faults of character.

Chapter XLIX

     Two days later, Jane and Elizabeth are informed that a special delivery
letter has come from Mr. Gardiner. The girls find their father walking on the
lawn. He gives the letter to Elizabeth to read aloud.

     Mr. Gardiner writes that he has found Lydia and Wickham in London, that
they are not married, and that Wickham had had no intention of marrying. But
Mr. Gardiner arranged a settlement. Wickham will marry Lydia on the condition
that she be willed one thousand of the five thousand pounds that will be
divided among the five girls on Mr. Bennet's death, and that he agree to give
Lydia 100 pounds per year while he lives. There is money available that will
pay Wickham's debts, plus some left over. If Mr. Bennet sends Mr. Gardiner
full authority to act in his name, the matter will be quickly settled. Lydia
is coming to stay with the Gardiners until she is married. Since Lydia must
marry, Mr. Bennet agrees with his daughters that there is nothing else to do
but agree to the terms. He wonders, however, how much money Mr. Gardiner has
already spent, for he cannot believe that Wickham is marrying Lydia merely for
the sums mentioned. Mr. Bennet says that he would not want his prospective
son-in-law to take his daughter for so little. He worries about how he can
repay Mr. Gardiner for what he has spent out of his own pocket in order to
induce Wickham to agree to a settlement.

     Elizabeth wonders at the strange position that they are all in: they must
be grateful that Lydia is to enter upon such a marriage with so small a chance
of happiness. Jane, of course, is beginning to think somewhat better of
Wickham already. But Elizabeth (more sensibly) replies that no one can ever
forget the way Lydia and Wickham have acted. Their father goes off to write a
reply to Mr. Gardiner, and the girls go to tell their mother the news.

     Mrs. Bennet is delighted to hear that Lydia will be married. All feelings
of disgrace have vanished. She can talk only of "dear Wickham" and Lydia's
wedding clothes. When she is told that Mr. Gardiner probably has promised to
help Wickham with money, her mother replies that this is only right. She says
that she must be off to Meryton to see her sister, Mrs. Philips, and to spread
the news among Lady Lucas and other neighbors.

     Upset at the sight of her mother's behavior, Elizabeth retires to her
room. She sees no chance of rational happiness for her sister, who has made
a bad bargain, which could have turned out much worse.

Comment:

     Today's reader might wonder at the Bennets's conceiving no sensible
alternative for Lydia but to marry the man with whom she has run away. But
to Jane Austen's readers, this was the only respectable outcome. A worthwhile
gentleman of the middle class would not consider marrying a girl who had run
off with another man. The only way she can in some measure be restored to
good society is by marrying the man who seduced her. Otherwise, she will end
up an old maid, or marry someone beneath her. (See the comment about
"irremediable infamy" in Chapter XLIII.)

Chapter L

     Mr. Bennet regrets that he has not saved some of his annual income for
his children. When first married, he expected a son who would inherit his
estate. But now (as settled in the marriage agreement) he will leave only
five thousand pounds to Mrs. Bennet and her daughters. Mr. Bennet writes to
his brother-in-law expressing his approval of the arrangements. He is
relieved that he has not had to bother very much with the arrangements.

     Mrs. Bennet continues triumphantly and shamelessly to think of her
daughter's coming marriage, and - without thought to what they would be able
to afford - she searches through the neighborhood for a house for Lydia and
Wickham. Her enthusiasm is soon dampened, however, by Mr. Bennet's declaration
that he will never receive his daughter and son-in-law into his house and that
he will not give Lydia any money to buy clothes.

     Elizabeth is sorry that she told Mr. Darcy about what happened to
Lydia - although, under any conditions, she reflects, Mr. Darcy would never
marry into a family that included Wickham, for whom he had just enmity.
Thus, Elizabeth could not hope that the interest in her that Darcy had begun
to show in Derbyshire could possibly survive. She now sees that Darcy's
personality is exactly suited to hers. Theirs would have been a model
marriage. But the marriage between Lydia and Wickham is the final blow.

     Mr. Gardiner writes to Mr. Bennet not to mention again what has been
spent for Lydia and Wickham. He says that Wickham is quitting the militia and
obtaining a commission in the regular army in a regiment now quartered in the
North of England. His creditors in Brighton have been promised satisfaction
and those in Meryton will receive the same speedy payment. He says that Lydia
would like to visit her family before going on to Newcastle.

     Mr. Bennet and his daughters are glad that Wickham is going to a part of
the country where he is unknown. But Mrs. Bennet is sorry to see her daughter
so far removed. Jane and Elizabeth prevail on their father to agree to receive
Lydia and Wickham into his home before they depart for the North. Mrs. Bennet
looks forward to showing off her married daughter in the neighborhood.

Chapter LI

     Lydia and Wickham are married. The same evening they arrive for dinner
at Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet rapturously welcomes her daughter and son-in-law.
But Mr. Bennet receives them coolly. Elizabeth and Jane are shocked at the
unashamed demeanor of the married pair.

     Lydia asks if everyone in the vicinity knows that she was married that
day. Later she says she is sure that all her sisters envy her. They must all
go to Brighton: "that is the place to get husbands." She promises to get
husbands for her sisters before the winter is over. Disgusted, Elizabeth
replies that she does not like Lydia's way of getting husbands. Lydia does
not hesitate to talk in detail about her marriage. Elizabeth notices that
Wickham's affection for Lydia is less than hers for him. Mrs. Bennet (thrilled
that she has a daughter married and without a thought of the disgrace) goes
visiting with her daughter.

     Lydia happens to mention that Mr. Darcy was in London with Wickham. When
questioned by Elizabeth and Jane, she hastily says she was not supposed to
reveal this secret. Elizabeth is overcome with curiosity that Darcy had been
at her sister's wedding. This was the last thing that could have been
expected. She writes hastily to her aunt requesting an explanation of what
happened. She adds that she is determined to find out the truth one way or
another.

Chapter LII

     Mrs. Gardiner replies to her niece's letter right away. She writes that
she and Mr. Gardiner had fully believed that Elizabeth knew what Darcy was
doing. (The Gardiners probably suspected that Elizabeth and Darcy were very
close and that they had planned what Mr. Darcy would do in London.) Otherwise,
Mr. Gardiner would not have permitted Mr. Darcy to have done what he did.
Nevertheless, she goes on to explain to Elizabeth what had happened. After Mr.
Gardiner arrived in London, Darcy called and informed him that he had found
and talked to Lydia and Wickham. Apparently, he had left Derbyshire for
London, only the day after Elizabeth and the Gardiners. Darcy explained that
he felt that it was because of him that Wickham's worthlessness had not been
made known. His mistaken pride had made him reluctant to have his own affairs
known. Therefore, he considered it his duty to remedy what had happened. Mr.
Darcy had found out from Mrs. Younge, who had been Miss Darcy's governess (see
Chapter XXXV) and who knew Wickham well, where he was staying. He tried to get
Lydia to leave Wickham immediately, but she refused. Darcy then tried to get
them married as quickly as possible. Wickham had not intended to marry a girl
of such poor fortune. But, by promising to pay his debts (well more than a
thousand pounds), by giving him another thousand, and by purchasing for him a
commission in the regular army, Darcy was able to persuade Wickham to agree to
the marriage. Darcy next insisted to Mr. Gardiner that he (Darcy) bear all the
expenses himself - though the Bennet family was not supposed to know. Finally,
Darcy returned to London for the wedding and the final settlement of the money
matters.

     Mrs. Gardiner doubts that Darcy did all this only because he thought it
his fault that Wickham's character had not been properly understood. She
asserts that her husband would never have agreed to have him take charge of
everything if they had not suspected that he had another motive. She writes
how much she likes Mr. Darcy, who has continued to treat the Gardiners with
cordial respect. She looks forward to his marrying "prudently" and jokingly
asks her niece not to exclude her from Pemberley.

     Her aunt's letter confuses Elizabeth. Since hearing from Lydia that
Darcy had been at her wedding, she dimly suspected something like the truth.
She painfully thinks of Darcy's humiliation at having to meet and bargain
with a man whom he despises. But the hope that he had done it for her is soon
checked by the thought of how abhorrent it would be for Darcy to become the
brother-in-law of Wickham! She deeply regrets every harsh thought she had for
Darcy, and is proud that out of compassion and a sense of responsibility he
has gotten the better of his own pride.

     Wickham now comes upon Elizabeth and asks her if she saw the housekeeper,
Mrs. Reynolds, when she was at Pemberley. Elizabeth answers that she had told
her that Wickham had not turned out well. He asks Elizabeth if she liked
Darcy's sister and she replies that she does very much. When Wickham raises
the subject of his "lost" career, she says she has heard the truth about old
Darcy's will and Wickham's renouncing the opportunity to enter the church. As
they part, Elizabeth generously asks that now that they are in the one family,
they forget about the past.

[See Elizabeth and Wickham Part: Elizabeth: 'Come, Mr. Wickham, we are brother
and sister, you know.' She held out her hand: he kissed it with affectionate
gallantry.]

Comment:

     The Gardiners can believe that Darcy intends to marry their niece because
Elizabeth has told them nothing of what happened at Hunsford (Chapter XXXIV),
nor of Wickham's near-elopement with Georgiana. Thus, they do not see how
Darcy (who believes that Elizabeth kept silent about Wickham out of
consideration for his sister's reputation) can hold himself responsible.
However, their interpretation of Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth proves
accurate.

Chapter LIII

     Happy to accept Elizabeth's offer, Wickham never again mentions this
subject to Elizabeth. He and Lydia soon depart for his reginment in Newcastle.

     Mr. Bennet says that Wickham is a fine fellow and that he is extremely
proud of such a valuable son-in-law.

(There have been students who failed to
see the irony in Mr. Bennet's remarks.)

     The Bennets hear that Mr. Bingley is to arrive at Netherfield in a day or
two. Mrs. Bennet immediately resumes the plans she laid when our story opened.
This time, however, Mr. Bennet denies her request to call on Bingley. Annoyed
by her mother's talk about ensnaring Bingley, Jane tells Elizabeth that no one
can know "how much I suffer from what she says." (Jane's remark is more
significant than she thinks. Elizabeth and the reader realize, as Jane cannot,
how much her mother's brash vulgarity has cost her.)

     Jane is obviously excited by the news. Elizabeth wonders if Mr. Darcy has
given Bingley permission to come. On the third morning after his arrival,
Bingley, accompanied by Darcy, comes to call on the Bennets. Although everyone
but Elizabesh is annoyed that Darcy is with him, they all are excited that
Bingley should take the initiative in calling. Elizabeth is astonished and
happy at Darcy's coming to see her at Longbourn, but resolves to observe his
behavior before encouraging her own hopes. She notices how pleased Jane and
Bingley are to be in each other's company. But Darcy says scarcely anything to
Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet embarrasses her daughters by asking Bingley if he had
seen notice of Lydia's marriage. Her cool reception of Darcy, to whom she
unknowingly owes "the preservation of her favorite daughter from irremediable
infamy," and her exaggerated attentions to Bingley, pain Elizabeth. The
gentlemen leave after accepting an invitation to dine with the Bennets in a
few days.

Chapter LIV

     Elizabeth is surprised and annoyed at Darcy's silence, his apparent
indifference during the visit. Does he care for her or does he not? She
resolves to think no more about that "teasing" man.

     Bingley and Darcy come to dine with the Bennets at Longbourn. Bingley
takes his seat beside Jane. But Darcy does not sit anywhere near Elizabeth.
Disturbed at Darcy's avoiding her all evening, she concludes that since she
had once refused him, he will never suffer the indignity of making another
proposal.

     Elizabeth observes - that Bingley is evidently very much attracted to her
sister. Although Jane claims that she has no romantic interest in him,
Elizabeth shows that she does not believe her. And Mrs. Bennet is convinced
that she will get Bingley at last.

Chapter LV

     With Darcy in London, Bingley comes alone to dine with the Bennets. In
the evening, Mrs. Bennet exerts herself to keep Jane and Bingley by
themselves. At one point, misunderstanding her mother's crude signals, Kitty
innocently asks why she keeps winking at her. Elizabeth and Jane try to resist
their mother's stupid and obvious efforts, but though she at last succeeds in
isolating the pair, Bingley disappoints her. However, Elizabeth is now sure
that Bingley is going to propose.

     The next morning he comes to hunt game birds with Mr. Bennet on his
property. Mr. Bennet enjoys Bingley's company that day. After dinner, when
Elizabeth comes upon Bingley and Jane standing together talking earnestly,
they both look embarrassed. Bingley suddenly leaves the room whereupon Jane
tells, her sister that Bingley has proposed. He has gone to ask her father for
her hand. Elizabeth smiles at the ease with which this romance, which has been
in suspense almost a year, is finally settled. The whole family is aglow with
happiness. Mr. Bennet teases them about their amiable dispositions by saying
that every servant will cheat them.

[See Elizabeth Interrupts a Proposal: Elizabeth perceived her sister and
Bingley standing together.]

     Bingley is now a daily visitor. He tells Jane that he was ignorant of her
being in London last Spring. It must have been his sisters' doing, she says to
Elizabeth. Jane also finds out that when Bingley left Netherfield for London
last November, he really loved her; but because he thought that she was
indifferent, he did not return. Jane wishes that Elizabeth could be as happy
as she is. Lizzy replies that she may be lucky enough to meet another Mr.
Collins in time. Mrs. Bennet proudly announces the news to her sister, Mrs.
Philips, who spreads the word all over Meryton. Jane's good fortune makes the
townspeople forget Lydia's disgrace.

[See Mrs. Bennet Spreads the News: Mrs. Bennet was privileged to whisper it to
Mrs. Philips.]

Comment:

     Mrs. Bennet's reactions to the news of Jane's engagement and Lydia's are
not substantially different. Her moral and intellectual dullness, her almost
willful superficiality, are nowhere more clearly manifest.

Chapter LVI

     About a week after Jane's engagement, the Bennets are amazed to see Lady
Catherine de Bourgh at their door. Despite the fact that Mrs. Bennet is much
impressed at her high importance, Lady Catherine is "more than usually
ungracious." She abruptly asks Elizabeth to walk out with her alone on the
lawn. Speaking to her rudely and in angry tones, Lady Catherine tells
Elizabeth that she has heard that she is to marry her nephew, Mr. Darcy.
Although she claims to disbelieve this report, Lady Catherine demands that
Elizabeth tell her that it is not true. Offended by her abusive remarks,
Elizabeth answers her sharply and ambiguously. When Lady Catherine asks if her
nephew has made her an offer of marriage, Elizabeth says, "Your Ladyship has
declared it to be impossible." When lady Catherine says that she is entitled
to know all of Darcy's concerns, Elizabeth retorts that she is not entitled to
know hers. When Lady Catherine announces that Darcy is engaged to her
daughter, Elizabeth comments that she has no reason, then, to fear that he
will make an offer to her. Lady Catherine explains that Darcy has made no
proposal; rather, her daughter and he are "intended" for each other. Their
marriage will not be prevented by a "young woman of inferior birth, of no
importance in the world." Elizabeth defiantly replies that she is a
gentleman's daughter. But Lady Catherine rebuts her with objections to her
mother's side of the family (Lizzy's uncles and aunt's in trade). Elizabeth
says that Lady Catherine de Bourgh's intentions for her daughter do not
interest her. Lady Catherine then accuses Elizabeth of being ungrateful for
her attentions last spring. Although Elizabeth finally admits that she is not
engaged to Darcy, she refuses to make Lady Catherine a promise never to become
so. And she tells her that she has no right to concern herself with her
affairs. Lady Catherine says that Pemberley would be "polluted" if Darcy were
to have such a girl as Lydia for his sister-in-law. Furious at her insults,
Elizabeth tells Lady Catherine that there is nothing more to say. Lady
Catherine goes directly to her carriage. Elizabeth returns to the house to
hear her mother say how polite it was for Lady Catherine to call. "I suppose
she had nothing particular to say to you, Lizzy?" Elizabeth admits that she
did not.

Comment:

     We see in Lady Catherine's crude assault on Elizabeth an extreme form
of the very same objections that once were so important to Darcy (see Chapter
XXXIV). Her ugly pride strips her arguments of whatever merit they might
(under other conditions) possess (see Chapter XXXV). The reader will recall
that his aunt's rudeness helps to teach Darcy to make allowance for
individual differences (see Chapters XXIX and XXXI). Elizabeth's personal
merit comes to outweigh the liabilities of her objectionable relations; and
all of Lady Catherine's wealth and rank are unable to atone for her "poor
breeding."

     Of course, the loss to her daughter may be Lady Catherine's underlying
concern. And Elizabeth's hopes for Darcy may help to account for her initially
ambiguous responses.

Chapter LVII

     For many hours afterward Elizabeth continues to think of Lady Catherine's
visit. The sole purpose of her journey from Rosings appears to have been to
break off her supposed engagement with Darcy. Elizabeth thinks that the
announcement of Jane's engagement to Bingley was enough to suggest that she
would soon marry his friend. She fears that Lady Catherine's arguments would
certainly appeal to Darcy's sense of pride and dignity. Elizabeth decides
that if Darcy does not keep his promise to return to Bingley at Netherfield,
then she must give up hope for him. If he gives her up now when he can have
her, she thinks, "I shall soon cease to regret him at all."

     The next morning Mr. Bennet tells Elizabeth that he has received a letter
revealing her engagement. Elizabeth thinks that the letter may be from Darcy,
but it is from Mr. Collins. In it he wishes to warn against what Lady
Catherine de Bourgh called a "disgraceful match." He urges caution in a
marriage that has not been "properly sanctioned." Collins goes on to say that
although he is glad that Lydia's affair has been resolved, he disapproves of
Mr. Bennet's having received the couple into his home. This was an
encouragement of vice!

     Her father remarks that Darcy is the least probable of men for
Elizabeth, who, as everyone knows, dislikes him very much. Mr. Bennet
enjoys his cousin's mistaken notions and says that he values him even more
than his impudent and hypocritical son-in-law. Elizabeth is confused,
embarrassed, and annoyed.

Comment:

     Once Elizabeth gains insight into her own pride and prejudice (see
Chapter XXXVI) the reader no longer can enjoy the ironic suspense of the
discrepancy between her mistaken interpretations of Darcy and Wickham and
the true order of emotions and events. Elizabeth is no longer really an
ironic figure after her moment of self-revelation. There remains only the
"mechanical" problem of adjusting her relations with Darcy to her new honesty
and insight. The author manages to maintain dramatic suspense, however, by
means of new obstacles to their romance (Lydia's elopement, Lady Catherine,
Elizabeth's various doubts about what Darcy will do, etc.). This scene (and a
later one) with her father continues ironically to juxtapose Elizabeth's
desires and expectations with her father's: she would be engaged; others think
she is engaged; her father thinks she does not want this suitor; and in fact,
she is not engaged.

Chapter LVIII

     In a few days, Darcy is back at Netherfield and accompanies Bingley on a
visit to the Bennets. Elizabeth, Jane, and Kitty go for a walk with the
gentlemen. Darcy and Elizabeth soon find themselves alone, and Elizabeth,
explaining that the secret was revealed by Lydia, takes the opportunity
of thanking Darcy for his kindness to her. Darcy replies that he did
everything for Elizabeth. He says that his affections and wishes are still
what they were when he proposed last April. Elizabeth replies that her
feelings have undergone a great change, and she now is happy to accept him.
They go on to make mutual declarations of love.

     Darcy explains that they are indebted to his aunt who called on him in
London, after she saw Elizabeth, in order to make him give her the
satisfaction (which she had failed to get from Elizabeth) that there would be
no engagement between them. Because Darcy knew that Elizabeth would have
forthrightly acknowledged it if her feelings were the same as at the time of
his proposal at Hunsford, this allowed him to hope for her affection.

     Each of the lovers acknowledges to the other his regret for past
abuses. Darcy confesses how just were Elizabeth's charges against his manners
and conduct, and how he was wounded by her first refusal. He recounts how,
spoiled by his parents, he grew in pride and conceit. "You showed me how
insufficient were all my pretentions to please a woman worthy of being
pleased." Elizabeth explains how she gradually shed her former prejudices
against him. They go on eagerly reviewing every detail of their relations.

     Darcy says that he had decided to help Lydia when he first heard the news
in the Lambton Inn. He explains that during his and Bingley's two visits to
the Bennets, he carefully observed Jane and became convinced of her regard for
Bingley (that explains, perhaps, his ignoring Elizabeth). He tells how he then
apologized to Bingley for his interference in his affairs and convinced
him that he had been mistaken in supposing that Jane was indifferent to him.
Elizabeth checks the impulse to tease Darcy about the ease with which he
governs his friend. He has not yet learned to be laughed at.

Chapter LIX

     That afternoon Elizabeth worries about how her family will receive the
news that she is engaged to a man they all dislike. (How can she doubt her
mother's reaction!) Jane is incredulous when she hears the news from her
sister. (Elizabeth had never confided her change of heart to Jane). "Oh,
Lizzy! Do anything rather than marry without affection." Finally Elizabeth
convinces Jane of her love and receives her earnest congratulations.

[See The Sisters Talk Through the Night: All was acknowledged, and half the
night spent in conversation.]

     The next morning, when the men come to call, Mrs. Bennet tells
Elizabeth to take Mr. Darcy "out of the way." She apologizes for having forced
her to take a walk with that "disagreeable man," but it is necessary to get
him out of Bingley's way. Darcy and Elizabeth decide that he will apply
to her father for his consent and that she will inform her mother.

     That evening, Elizabeth fears that the news will make her father unhappy.
Darcy returns from him and tells her to go to her father in his library. Mr.
Bennet asks Elizabeth why she has accepted a man whom she has always hated
(see Chapter XLVII). Now Elizabeth regrets that her earlier opinions had not
been more reasonable and her explanations more moderate. Her father warns
Elizabeth against marrying a man whom she does not respect and esteem, for she
could never be happy with a man unless she looked up to him as a superior (he
does not want his favorite daughter to make a mistake in life as he once did).
Elizabeth takes pains to convince her father that her affection is not the
"work of a day," but of many months. And he is at last happily reconciled to
the match. Then Elizabeth explains what Darcy did for Lydia. Her father
replies in his witty way that this will save him a great deal. If Mr. Gardiner
had been responsible, Mr. Bennet would have paid him back, but Mr. Bennet is
sure that a "violent young lover" will not accept repayment from him. As
Elizabeth leaves the library, he tells her that if any young men come for Mary
or Kitty, he is quite ready to receive them.

     Later, she breaks the news to her mother. After some initial confusion,
Mrs. Bennet runs on happily about how rich Elizabeth will be. "Three
daughters married! Ten thousand a year! Tis as good as a Lord." The next
day, Elizabeth is pleased to observe that her father is getting acquainted
with Darcy and that her mother is too much in awe to speak much to him.

Chapter LX

     Elizabeth playfully tries to make Darcy tell how he came to fall in
love with her. She says that he was disgusted with women who were always
"courting" him. She interested him because she was impertinent and uncivil
to him. He replies that he admired her liveliness of mind. Elizabeth asks
Darcy why he was so silent when he and Bingley came to call at the Bennets
(see Chapters LIII and LIV). He says he was embarrassed and saw no
encouragement from Elizabeth. She wonders if he would ever have spoken if
he had been left to himself - if she had not thanked him for his kindness
to Lydia. He asserts that what he had learned from Lady Catherine had given
him hope and he at once resolved to declare himself to Elizabeth. Elizabeth
comments that Lady Catherine should be happy because she has been so
useful - "for she loves to be of use." Darcy and Elizabeth now go off to write
their aunts of the news.

     Elizabeth writes to tell her aunt, who had supposed more than the truth,
that now she is indeed going to marry Darcy. She invites the Gardiners
to come to Pemberley for Christmas.

     Mr. Bennet answers Mr. Collins's letter by requesting congratulations on
Elizabeth's engagement and recommending that Collins stand by Darcy rather
than his aunt, for "he has more to give." Miss Bingley writes to Jane to offer
her insincere congratulations. But Miss Darcy's letter is full of delight that
Elizabeth is going to be her sister.

     Because Lady Catherine is so angry at her nephew's letter, the Collinses
come to Lucas Lodge until the storm blows over. Charlotte is quite pleased
about the match. Through all this, Darcy patiently bears the company of the
obsequious Collins, the pretentious Sir William Lucas, the vulgar Mrs.
Philips, and Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth looks forward eagerly to the time when
she will be at Pemberley amid company of her own choosing.

[See Darcy Listens to Sir William Lucas: He could even listen to Sir William
Lucas, when he complimented him on carrying away the brightest jewel of the
country.]

Chapter LXI

     The two sisters are married. Mrs. Bennet is proud to be able to talk
to her friends about "Mrs. Bingley" and "Mrs. Darcy." Mr. Bennet misses
Elizabeth very much but finds delight in visiting her often at Pemberley.

     After a year, Jane and Bingley escape from Mrs. Bennet and Meryton
by buying an estate not thirty miles from Pemberley. The two sisters are
frequently together. For the sake of Kitty's training and education, she
spends most of her time with her two older sisters. Mary is the only
daughter who remains at home.

     Lydia writes Mrs. Darcy for help in finding a better position for
Wickham. Elizabeth does what she can to relieve the extravagant Wickhams out
of her own private allowance. Although Darcy will never receive Wickham at
Pemberley, he does assist him in his Army career. The Wickhams' marital
affection does not last long.

     In order to retain visiting rights at Pemberley, Miss Bingley keeps up
cordial relations with Elizabeth. Georgiana comes to live with her brother
and sister-in-law, and she gets along very well with Elizabeth. After an
angry rupture in their relations, Darcy and Lady Catherine are reconciled.

     "With the Gardiners, they were on the most intimate terms. Darcy, as
well as Elizabeth, really loved them; and they were both ever sensible of the
warmest gratitude toward the persons who, by bringing her into Derbyshire,
had been the means of uniting them."

Comment:

     Thus, the book ends with the portrait of a marriage far different from
the one we saw in Chapter 1.