Chapters 31–35

The parsonage ladies are again invited to Rosings for dinner where Colonel Fitzwilliam pays particular attention to Elizabeth. Mr Darcy notices and joins the pair when Elizabeth plays the pianoforte for the Colonel after dinner. Elizabeth and Mr Darcy tease each other, with Elizabeth relating to the Colonel Mr Darcy’s refusal to dance with her at the Meryton ball. True to form, Lady Catherine interjects with advice on how Elizabeth’s performance could be improved.

The following day, Mr Darcy visits the parsonage and expresses surprise at finding only Elizabeth home. An awkward conversation proceeds in which Mr Darcy indicates that Mr Bingley may never return to Netherfield park. Charlotte returns and, after Mr Darcy departs, concludes to Elizabeth that Mr Darcy’s manner of calling indicates that he must be in love with her. Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam continue to make frequent visits to the parsonage, with Charlotte suspecting the latter’s interest in Elizabeth to be the motivation.

Elizabeth unexpectedly encounters Mr Darcy in her frequent walks in the countryside, having indicated to him the first time that this was a favourite trail of hers. On one occasion, she meets Colonel Fitzwilliam who mentions in conversation that Mr Darcy recently saved a friend from an ‘imprudent marriage’ with a lady against whom ‘there were some very strong objections’, with Mr Bingley being the friend alluded to. As Elizabeth questions him on the matter further, her indignance towards Mr Darcy, whom she now believes to be responsible for her sister’s unhappiness rather than Miss Bingley, increases. She surmises Mr Darcy’s actions to be motivated by self-pride and his goal of having Mr Bingley marry his sister. Elizabeth’s head begins to ache and she decides against accompanying her cousins to Rosings for tea.

Austen’s turning point in the novel arrives when, home alone, Elizabeth receives a surprise visit from Mr Darcy who confesses his love for her and, in a speech riddled by class-consciousness, proposes marriage. Elizabeth rejects his marriage proposal, declaring it offensive and insulting, and informs him that her feelings towards him have already been decided. As well as accusing Mr Darcy of interfering in her sister’s relationship with Mr Bingley, which he does not deny, she outlines the other reasons for her prejudice against him being his arrogance and the disadvantage he had caused to Wickham. With much of the civility between them now gone, a genuinely astonished Mr Darcy departs the parsonage and Elizabeth cries for half an hour.

The following day, Elizabeth takes a walk and again runs into Mr Darcy, who gives her a letter before walking away. In the letter, Mr Darcy again admits to dissuading Mr Bingley’s interest in Jane, giving as his reasons that Jane did not appear explicit in her interest in Mr Bingley and, similar to his own concerns in proposing to Elizabeth, that he wished to spare Mr Bingley from marrying into a family lacking wealth and propriety. Regarding Wickham, Mr Darcy states that he did in fact provide for him after his father’s death and that their falling out came when Wickham attempted to elope with Mr Darcy’s sister, who was fifteen at the time, in an attempt to gain her fortune.

Chapters 31–35 Quotes

‘…I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance long enough to know that you find great enjoyment in occasionally professing opinions which in fact are not your own.’ (Mr Darcy to Elizabeth) Chapter 31

More than once did Elizabeth, in her ramble within the park, unexpectedly meet Mr Darcy. Chapter 33

‘In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.’ (Mr Darcy to Elizabeth) Chapter 34

‘I might as well inquire … why with so evident a desire of offending and insulting me, you chose to tell me that you liked me against your will, against your reason, and even against your character? Was not this some excuse for incivility, if I was uncivil?’ (Elizabeth to Mr Darcy) Chapter 34

Chapters 36–40

Elizabeth is astounded by the letter’s contents and, prejudiced in her initial reading, wished to discredit the assertions. However, with an attempt at impartiality, her subsequent readings of the circumstances around Wickham unveil a likelihood that Mr Darcy’s account may be true. Austen shows that Elizabeth and Mr Darcy appear to be maturing in their attitudes to one another; Mr Darcy’s hurt pride has prompted him to write a considered letter addressing Elizabeth’s concerns, the contents of which give Elizabeth insight into her mistaken prejudice and humble her into revising her opinion of Mr Darcy.

Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam depart Rosings and, a week later, Elizabeth leaves despite the insistence of Lady Catherine that she stay an additional two weeks. Her six-week stay with Charlotte leaves her sorrowful at her friend’s chosen life with the pompous Mr Collins and his subservience to Lady Catherine. On the trip home, Elizabeth and Charlotte’s sister stay a few days at the Gardiners where it takes all of Elizabeth’s effort not to reveal to Jane that Mr Darcy had proposed.

Elizabeth and Jane travel to Hertfordshire and are met by Kitty and Lydia, who talk incessantly about the soldiers as they all ride home together in their father’s coach. The regiment is to be sent to Brighton for the summer and Kitty and Lydia hope to convince their father to take the family there for summer. Lydia mentions in conversation that Wickham is no longer interested in Miss King, who has gone to stay with her uncle in Liverpool. The knowledge that Miss King is safe from Wickham pleases Elizabeth, and she decides against going to Meryton in order to avoid seeing him.

Elizabeth tells Jane about what transpired with Mr Darcy and of the truth about Wickham. They contemplate exposing Wickham’s deeds but decide against ruining his high regard in the community since they expect he will be leaving soon. Elizabeth leaves out telling Jane about the part of Mr Darcy’s letter that related to Mr Bingley.

Chapters 36–40 Quotes

With a strong prejudice against everything he might say, she began his account of what had happened at Netherfield. (Elizabeth, reading Mr Darcy’s letter) Chapter 36

She remembered that he had boasted of having no fear of seeing Mr Darcy— that Mr Darcy might leave the country, but that he should stand his ground; yet he had avoided the Netherfield ball the very next week. (Elizabeth, about Wickham) Chapter 36

…he had then no reserves, no scruples in sinking Mr Darcy’s character, though he had assured her that respect for the father would always prevent his exposing the son. (Elizabeth, about Wickham) Chapter 36

Reflection must be reserved for solitary hours; whenever she was alone, she gave way to it as the greatest relief; and not a day went by without a solitary walk, in which she might indulge in all the delight of unpleasant recollections. (Elizabeth) Chapter 37

Mr Darcy’s letter she was in a fair way of soon knowing by heart. She studied every sentence; and her feelings towards its writer were at times widely different. (Elizabeth) Chapter 37

Her father, contented with laughing at them, would never exert himself to restrain the wild giddiness of his youngest daughters; and her mother, with manners so far from right herself, was entirely insensible of the evil. Chapter 37

Elizabeth had frequently united with Jane in an endeavour to check the imprudence of Catherine and Lydia; but while they were supported by their mother’s indulgence, what chance could there be of improvement? Chapter 37

Catherine, weak-spirited, irritable, and completely under Lydia’s guidance, had been always affronted by their advice; Lydia, self-willed and careless, would scarcely give them a hearing. Chapter 37

They were ignorant, idle, and vain. While there was an officer in Meryton, they would flirt with him; and while Meryton was within a walk of Longbourn, they would be going there forever. (Lydia and Kitty) Chapter 37

How grievous then was the thought that, of a situation so desirable in every respect, so replete with advantage, so promising for happiness, Jane had been deprived, by the folly and indecorum of her own family! Chapter 37

In her own past behaviour, there was a constant source of vexation and regret; and in the unhappy defects of her family, a constant source of vexation and regret; … (Elizabeth) Chapter 37

Poor Charlotte! it was melancholy to leave her to such society! But she had chosen it with her eyes open; and though evidently regretting that her visitors were to go, she did not seem to ask for compassion. Her home and her housekeeping, her parish and her poultry, and all their dependent concerns, had not yet lost their charms. (Elizabeth) Chapter 38

‘How unfortunate that you should have used such very strong expressions in speaking of Wickham to Mr Darcy, for now they do appear wholly undeserved.’
‘Certainly. But the misfortune of speaking with bitterness is a most natural consequence of the prejudices I had been encouraging.’ (Jane to Elizabeth) Chapter 40

Chapters 41–45

The regiment prepares to depart Meryton and Mrs Forster, the wife of Colonel Foster, invites Lydia to accompany them to Brighton. Elizabeth, perhaps primed by Mr Darcy’s recent criticism of the impropriety of her family, tries to persuade her father to forbid Lydia going as she fears Lydia’s flirtations will bring disadvantage to the family and, in particular, to herself and Jane’s prospects of securing good marriages. However, Mr Bennet disappoints his daughter by relinquishing paternal responsibility and risks her future welfare for the sake of his present comfort. Elizabeth encounters Wickham at a final dinner for the leaving officers, and causes him surprise, displease and alarm when she tells him she had spent time with Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam at Rosings. Wickham unsuccessfully tries to engage her on his old grievances but Elizabeth now sees through him.

Elizabeth reflects on her parent’s marriage and the disadvantages it has brought her and her siblings. In having chosen beauty over intelligence, Mr Bennet now lives in his library and ridicules his wife and, as a consequence, has failed to be a responsible husband and father. Austen shows Elizabeth’s is further maturing in that while she may share her father’s intelligence and humour, she recognises the importance of taking responsibility if she expects to have a respectable marriage and family.

Lydia leaves for Brighton and Elizabeth takes her trip with the Gardiners, which is shortened to only take in Derbyshire county, where Mrs Gardiner grew up. When they arrive, Mrs Gardiner wants to see Pemberley, the estate belonging to Mr Darcy. Elizabeth agrees once she finds out that the family is away.

Elizabeth and the Gardiners arrive at the Pemberley estate and are given a tour of the impressive house and grounds by the housekeeper, who confirms Mr Darcy is not expected until the following. In describing Pemberley with careful detail not seen elsewhere in the novel, Austen positions Pemberley estate as a symbol of its owner. As Elizabeth discovers how responsibly Mr Darcy exercises his guardianship over the estate, his servants and his sister, Elizabeth starts to view him as a good brother, landlord and master and feels ‘a more gentle sensation’ towards him.

To Elizabeth’s surprise and embarrassment, Mr Darcy suddenly appears while she and the Gardiners are walking around Pemberley. Mr Darcy’s altered behaviour leaves Elizabeth confused; he is courteous and attentive to both herself and her aunt and uncle, and asks Elizabeth if he can introduce her to his sister. After the visit, Elizabeth and the Gardiners discuss Mr Darcy’s amiable manner.

Mr Darcy visits Elizabeth and the Gardiners the next day with his sister and Mr Bingley. Elizabeth notices that Miss Darcy’s nature has been mistakenly portrayed: she is not proud, but rather shy. Elizabeth observes no romantic attachment between Mr Bingley and Miss Darcy, as had been suggested by Miss Bingley, and instead thinks that on a couple of occasions Mr Bingley may in fact been thinking of Jane. The Gardiners observe Mr Darcy to be very much in love with Elizabeth but are unsure if his feelings are reciprocated. Later that evening, Elizabeth starts to realise Mr Darcy’s true character and her prejudice starts to give way to feelings of respect, gratitude and love.

The following day, Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth join Miss Darcy, her companion, Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst at Pemberley while Mr Gardiner goes fishing with the men. Elizabeth tries to become better acquainted with Miss Darcy, while the jealous Miss Bingley treats Elizabeth in her usual manner of coldness. When Mr Darcy returns from fishing and his behaviour towards Elizabeth expresses his attraction, Miss Bingley unsuccessfully attempts to demean Elizabeth and, later, criticises her appearance to Mr Darcy which easily brings forth the confession that Elizabeth is ‘one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance’.

Chapters 41–45 Quotes

‘If you, my dear father, will not take the trouble of checking her exuberant spirits, and of teaching her that her present pursuits are not to be the business of her life, she will soon be beyond the reach of amendment.’ (Elizabeth about Lydia) Chapter 41

But she had never felt so strongly as now the disadvantages which must attend the children of so unsuitable a marriage, nor ever been so fully aware of the evils arising from so ill-judged a direction of talents; talents, which, rightly used, might at least have preserved the respectability of his daughters, even if incapable of enlarging the mind of his wife. (Elizabeth, about her parents) Chapter 42

It was a large, handsome stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; and in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal nor falsely adorned. Elizabeth was delighted. (about Pemberley) Chapter 43

The rooms were lofty and handsome, and their furniture suitable to the fortune of its proprietor; but Elizabeth saw, with admiration of his taste, that it was neither gaudy nor uselessly fine; with less of splendour, and more real elegance, than the furniture of Rosings. (about Pemberley) Chapter 43

There was certainly at this moment, in Elizabeth’s mind, a more gentle sensation towards the original than she had ever felt at the height of their acquaintance. (Elizabeth at Pemberley, revising her opinion about Mr Darcy) Chapter 43

His wish of introducing his sister to her was a compliment of the highest kind. (Elizabeth about Mr Darcy) Chapter 43

… she had heard that Miss Darcy was exceedingly proud; but the observation of a very few minutes convinced her that she was only exceedingly shy. (Elizabeth, on Miss Darcy) Chapter 44

Miss Darcy looked as if she wished for courage enough to join in it; and sometimes did venture a short sentence when there was least danger of its being heard. Chapter 45