Chapter 51:
Lydia and Wickham arrive at Longbourn. Lydia notes that Darcy was at her
wedding. Elizabeth is curious to know his involvement and writes to Mrs.
Gardiner.
Chapter 52:
Mrs. Gardiner writes saying that Darcy found Wickham and Lydia in London,
discovered that while Lydia would not think of leaving Wickham. Darcy, to
save the Bennets from disgrace, gave Wickham enough money to make marrying
Lydia worth his while. Mrs. Gardiner hints that Darcy did all this from
love of Elizabeth. Elizabeth is stunned by Darcy's generosity as well as
embarrassed by the fact that her family has a low opinion when he has done
so much.
Chapter 53:
Lydia and Wickham leave for Newcastle. News arrives that Mr. Bingley is
returning to Netherfield; Mrs. Bennet is delighted, Jane attempts to be
composed and Elizabeth wonders why he is coming and whether Darcy approves
of his return to the neighbourhood given that it will inevitably involve
his seeing Jane again. Bingley calls on the Bennets, bringing Darcy with
him, shortly after his arrival. Elizabeth is distressed by how quiet Darcy
is, but Bingley shows signs of renewing his interest in Jane.
Chapter 54:
Darcy and Bingley dine at Longbourn. Elizabeth is frustrated by how little
she and Darcy are able to talk to each other; Bingley continues to be very
attentive to Jane.
Chapter 55:
Darcy goes to London on business; while he is away Bingley spends more and
more time at Longbourn, which culminates in his asking Jane to marry him.
The whole family are overjoyed.
Chapter 56:
Lady Catherine de Burgh calls unexpectedly at Longbourn; she has heard a
rumour that Elizabeth and Darcy are engaged and asks Elizabeth if this is
true, warning her that Darcy is marked out for her own daughter and that
she will oppose any other match for him, especially one with someone so
unequal to him in social status. Elizabeth will not submit to such
bullying tactics, but eventually admits that she and Darcy are not
engaged. She refuses to promise, however, that she will never enter into
such an engagement. Lady Catherine leaves, disgusted with what she sees as
presumption and rudeness on Elizabeth's part.
Chapter 57:
Elizabeth worries that Lady Catherine may use her influence with her
nephew and that Darcy may drop her acquaintance. Mr. Bennet receives a
letter from Mr. Collins congratulating him on Jane's engagement, but
warning him that he has heard from the Lucas's that Elizabeth and Darcy
may soon become engaged and that Lady Catherine will not "look upon the
match with a friendly eye". Mr. Bennet thinks the whole affair is
ridiculous and amusing, but Elizabeth is not able to take it so lightly.
Chapter 58:
Darcy returns from London and comes to Longbourn with Bingley. Elizabeth
thanks Darcy for what he did in bringing about Lydia's marriage. Darcy
replies that his sole intention was to save Elizabeth pain; he still loves
her and asks to know whether her feelings towards him have changed.
Elizabeth tells him that they have. They spend the rest of the walk
talking over the last few months.
Chapter 59:
Elizabeth confides in Jane, who is astonished at the news, but as soon as
she realises that Darcy and Elizabeth are really in love, she is
delighted. Darcy asks for Mr. Bennet's consent the next day and the news
is broken to the whole family. Mrs. Bennet can think of nothing but
Darcy's wealth, and consequently is very happy with how things have turned
out.
Chapter 60: The
news of Darcy and Elizabeth's engagement is conveyed by Darcy to Lady
Catherine, by Elizabeth to Mrs. Gardiner and by Mr. Bennet to Mr. Collins.
Elizabeth looks forward to life at Pemberley.