CHAPTER VI

Summary

• Mr. Collins is overjoyed by Lady Catherine's invitation to the entire party to dine at Rosings, seeing it as a tremendous act of condescension and civility from his esteemed patroness.
• He excitedly instructs his guests on how to behave and what to expect during their visit, emphasizing Lady Catherine’s grandeur and the necessity of punctuality.
• Elizabeth finds Mr. Collins's obsession with appearances unnecessary and maintains a composed attitude toward the anticipation of meeting Lady Catherine.
• The group walks through the park to Rosings, with Mr. Collins endlessly praising the grandeur and history of the estate, particularly its expensive features, much to Elizabeth's mild amusement.
• Upon arriving at Rosings, Lady Catherine receives them with formal condescension, embodying an authoritative and self-important demeanor.
• Sir William is overwhelmed by Lady Catherine's grandeur, Maria Lucas is terrified, and Elizabeth remains composed, observing Lady Catherine critically.
• Lady Catherine is a commanding and authoritative figure, with marked features, a strong presence, and a tone that demands respect; her daughter, Miss De Bourgh, is pale, sickly, and diminutive in demeanor, speaking little.
• The dinner is lavish, with all the grandeur Mr. Collins had promised, and both he and Sir William excessively praise every aspect of it, which Lady Catherine seems to accept with pride.
• Elizabeth finds the dinner conversation limited and dominated by Lady Catherine's authoritative remarks, as Maria remains too intimidated to speak and the gentlemen focus mainly on eating and admiring.
• After dinner, in the drawing room, Lady Catherine monopolizes the conversation, dispensing advice and dictating opinions on all topics, particularly Charlotte's domestic management and Elizabeth’s family situation.
• Lady Catherine’s interrogation of Elizabeth includes impertinent questions about her family, her upbringing without a governess, her sisters' marriage prospects, and social appearances, revealing Lady Catherine's intrusive and condescending nature.
• Elizabeth responds to Lady Catherine’s probing with calm composure and occasional wittiness, subtly resisting her impertinence, which surprises the domineering Lady Catherine.
• After tea, the group plays cards. Lady Catherine continues to dominate the conversation, critique others, and share anecdotes at the main table, while the secondary table, including Elizabeth, is uneventful and subdued.
• The evening concludes with Lady Catherine dictating opinions about the weather before the guests depart in a carriage offered by their host.
• On the return journey, Mr. Collins eagerly seeks Elizabeth’s praise for Lady Catherine, but Elizabeth diplomatically provides a less enthusiastic assessment than he hopes, compelling him to lavish praises of his own on his patroness.