Chapter 24 Summary

Jane receives another letter from Caroline Bingley stating the Bingleys’ decision to stay in London for the rest of the winter. She also mentions her growing closeness to Georgiana Darcy, who might be getting married to Mr. Bingley soon. Jane is heartbroken at this and shares the news with Elizabeth. Although Jane accepts that the Bingley sisters would like their brother to get married to Ms. Darcy, she refuses to believe that the sisters harbor ill will toward her. Elizabeth, on the other hand, is convinced that the Bingley sisters have an ulterior motive.

Mrs. Bennet, unaware of these developments, worsens matters by constantly mentioning Mr. Bingley and the impending “proposal” to Jane. Meanwhile, the Bennet family’s only respite is Wickham’s occasional visit to Longbourn. Wickham continues to speak ill of Darcy, and the Bennet family also joins him in criticizing Darcy, except Jane.

Chapter 25 Summary

After Collins leaves the Bennet estate, Mr. Gardiner—Mrs. Bennet’s sensible, refined, and good-mannered brother—arrives at the Bennet estate from London for Christmas. He is accompanied by his much younger wife, Mrs. Gardiner. The Bennet family is quite fond of the couple, especially Jane and Elizabeth. Mrs. Gardiner, having learned of Jane’s heartbreak from Elizabeth, asks Jane if she’d like to spend some time with them in London. Elizabeth thinks this would be a good change; besides, Jane might also run into Mr. Bingley in London. Mrs. Gardiner also observes Elizabeth’s fondness and attraction for Wickham. Mrs. Gardiner also enjoys talking to Wickham. She had known Darcy’s father when he was alive.

Chapter 26 Summary

Seeing Elizabeth’s growing fondness for Wickham, Mrs. Gardiner advises Elizabeth to not fall for him, as he is not wealthy. Elizabeth promises that she’d follow the advice. Jane leaves for London with the Gardiners. Meanwhile, Collins returns to get married. Charlotte then makes Elizabeth promise that she will visit her in Kent. The couple soon leaves for their new home. Charlotte and Elizabeth keep in touch through letters, although Elizabeth is not so keen about this, since Charlotte only seems interested in discussing the material comforts of her life.

In her letter to Elizabeth, Jane reveals that though she’d visited Caroline Bingley she could only spend little time with her since Caroline was expecting Georgiana Darcy. However, Caroline did visit Jane two weeks later, but she seemed cold and distant, Jane writes. At this point, the novel becomes an epistolary; events are revealed and discussed from Jane’s point of view through her letters to Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Elizabeth writes to Mrs. Gardiner about how Wickham’s interest seems to have shifted to another woman—notably one who has recently inherited 10,000 pounds. Elizabeth mentions that she must have not been in love with Wickham, since she does not resent him for his interest in another woman.

Chapter 27 Summary

After spending a dull winter at home, Elizabeth decides to accompany Sir Lucas and Maria Lucas, Charlotte’s younger sister, to visit Charlotte and Collins at Hunsford. Before leaving Longbourn, Wickham and Elizabeth part ways amicably. Elizabeth still holds Wickham in high regard and considers him the most noble man she has met.

On their way to Hunsford, the party decides to spend a day in London to visit Jane. Elizabeth finds Jane in a better condition, although Mrs. Gardiner tells Elizabeth that Jane often has bouts of depression.

Mrs. Gardiner later tells Elizabeth how she feels about Wickham’s attraction toward Ms. King, the new woman. She tells Elizabeth that Wickham’s interest in Ms. King is due to her freshly acquired inheritance. Elizabeth, however, sides with Wickham and defends him. Before the travelers leave for Hunsford, Mrs. Gardiner invites Elizabeth on a tour of the county later that summer.

Chapter 28 Summary

Elizabeth, Sir Lucas, and Maria arrive at Hunsford, where they are received by a pompous Mr. Collins. Elizabeth notices that Charlotte, who is now Mrs. Collins, has settled in well and taken up the responsibility of managing the household quite well. Overall, Charlotte seems content in her new life.

Maria announces that Ms. de Bough, Lady Catherine de Bough’s daughter, is still in her carriage, awaiting Mr. Collins. Elizabeth notices that Ms. de Bough now has a feeble, almost sickly frame; she wonders how Ms. de Bough’s health might affect Darcy if they get married. After Ms. de Bourgh leaves, Collins invites everyone for dinner at Rosings, the de Bourgh estate.

Chapter 29 Summary

The next day, Collins is full of praise for Lady Catherine de Bough. Elizabeth is unaffected by the grandeur, whereas Sir Lucas and Maria are very nervous about the dinner.

In the evening, at Rosings, they all finally get to meet Lady Catherine de Bough. She is a “tall, large woman, with strongly-marked features.” The class difference between her and her guests becomes evident; in fact, Lady Catherine de Bough constantly reminds her guests of their inferior social status.

At dinner, the guests are unable to engage in meaningful conversation. Rather, Lady Catherine offers plenty of unsolicited advice to Charlotte—she even tells her how Charlotte ought to run her household. She then asks Elizabeth about her family and is shocked to learn that the sisters were raised without a governess. In their conversation, Elizabeth treats Lady Catherine as an equal, not as a superior. Lady Catherine, who notices this, regards Elizabeth as a rude woman. After dinner, they all play cards, and on their way back from Rosings, Collins asks Elizabeth what she’d thought of Lady Catherine and her estate. Elizabeth, unwilling to displease Collins, praises Lady Catherine, though does so in a measured manner.

Chapter 30 Summary

Elizabeth and Maria decide to stay at Hunsford, while Sir Lucas leaves. Elizabeth spends her time with Charlotte and Mr. Collins; they have dinner at Lady Catherine’s estate twice a week. Collins finds out that Darcy is also scheduled to visit Rosings. He waits on the street for Darcy on the day of his arrival. When he arrives, Darcy exchanges curtsies with Elizabeth. Darcy, it turns out, is visiting Rosings with his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. When Darcy asks Elizabeth about her family, she mentions that though Jane has been in London for three months neither he nor Mr. Bingley has paid her a visit. Elizabeth notices confusion on Darcy’s face, and he simply tells her that he has not seen Jane.

Chapter 31 Summary

When Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrive at Rosings, Lady Catherine makes it a point to not invite them for dinner at once. She finally invites the Collinses and Elizabeth after a week. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth seem to enjoy each other’s company and conversation, which angers Lady Catherine. She feels ignored and adopts a more condescending attitude toward Elizabeth. Darcy, meanwhile, is ashamed of Lady Catherine’s attitude toward Elizabeth.

Colonel Fitzwilliam then requests Elizabeth to play the piano, and she agrees. While Elizabeth is playing the piano, Darcy approaches her, and the two have a lively conversation. When Lady Catherine interrupts them, Elizabeth starts playing the piano again. Lady Catherine criticizes Elizabeth for not playing the piano well and advises her to practice more. Elizabeth notices that Darcy has no regard or affection for Ms. de Bourgh whatsoever.

Chapter 32 Summary

Elizabeth is alone at home in Hunsford when she gets a surprise visit from Darcy. However, upon realizing that Elizabeth is alone, Darcy feels quite awkward. To put him at ease, Elizabeth asks Darcy about his sudden departure from Hertfordshire. She also inquires about Mr. Bingley’s return to Netherfield. Unfortunately, both questions make Darcy more uncomfortable. As they discuss how some family members can seem close while others can seem especially distant, Darcy comments that Elizabeth should not harbor much affection for her family members. This comment shocks Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Maria and Charlotte come back from a walk. After Darcy departs, Charlotte tells Elizabeth that Darcy might be in love with Elizabeth. She also considers Colonel Fitzwilliam to be a suitable match for Elizabeth, but accepts that Darcy is more suited on account of the patronage he receives from a church.

Chapter 33 Summary

On her walks in the park, Elizabeth frequently runs into both Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. During these meetings, Darcy often talks to Elizabeth, and even walks her back to the Collins’. In one such instance, Darcy suggests that Elizabeth spend a night at Rosings. At this, Elizabeth wonders if Darcy is hinting at a potential marriage between herself and Colonel Fitzwilliam.

One day, Elizabeth runs into Colonel Fitzwilliam. He says that he seriously considers the financial condition of any prospective partner, implying that he is anticipating marrying a woman of fortune. Elizabeth presumes that this is his way of apologizing for not proposing to her. He also mentions that Darcy had once saved a close friend from marrying an unsuitable woman. Later, Elizabeth deduces that Fitzwilliam had referred to Mr. Bingley. The thought of Darcy stopping Bingley from marrying Jane gives her a headache. Citing ill health, she excuses herself from visiting the de Bourgh estate for dinner.

Chapters 24–33 Analysis

These chapters expose the parental flaws of Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet. When they find out about Jane’s broken heart, they appear incapable of helping her. Mrs. Bennet continues to nag her about marriage, which further pains Jane. Mr. Bennet, on the other hand, remains distant; he only seems to make light of his daughter’s condition with sarcastic, snide remarks. He comes across as especially insensitive. Mr. Gardiner and Mrs. Gardiner are more sensitive about the difficulties faced by Jane and Elizabeth. They are compassionate and observant, which makes them better people than Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Mrs. Gardiner observes Elizabeth’s growing fondness for Wickham as well as Jane’s heartbreak. She offers balanced opinions and advice to the sisters, whereas Mrs. Bennet is preoccupied with her notions of marriage as a means to secure material gains.

The chapters focus on the contrasting nature of many characters. Elizabeth and Jane, who are both close to each other, differ greatly when it comes to perceiving and relating to people. Despite her problems, Jane refuses to think ill of Ms. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, whereas Elizabeth is certain that the two of them are not as good as they seem. Despite her intelligence, Elizabeth is unable to recognize that Wickham is a scheming man with ulterior motives. She even defends Wickham for looking for a bride who can provide him financial stability. This instance sheds light on Elizabeth’s hypocrisy in the matter of marriage.