CHAPTER XVI

Summary

• Mr. Collins and the Bennet sisters visit their aunt and uncle, the Philipses, in Meryton, where they are informed that Mr. Wickham will be joining them for the evening.
• Mr. Collins is initially struck by the grandeur of the Philipses' drawing-room, making a comparison to Rosings, which Mrs. Philips finds flattering after hearing about Lady Catherine's wealth and property.
• As Mr. Collins praises Lady Catherine and impresses Mrs. Philips, the Bennet sisters grow bored while waiting for the gentlemen to arrive.
• When Mr. Wickham enters, Elizabeth immediately feels drawn to him, noting his charm and appearance, which surpass those of the other officers present.
• Mr. Wickham engages Elizabeth in conversation, skillfully making even mundane topics interesting.
• While the card games begin, Lydia becomes engrossed in lottery tickets, leaving Mr. Wickham free to talk at length with Elizabeth.
• The conversation shifts to Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Wickham reveals his personal history with him, claiming that Mr. Darcy has treated him unjustly by denying him a valuable church living left to him by Mr. Darcy's father.
• Mr. Wickham expresses deep resentment toward Mr. Darcy, describing him as proud, cold, and malicious, and attributes their strained relationship to jealousy and differences in temperament.
• Wickham praises the late Mr. Darcy as a kind and generous man who had treated Wickham like a son, heightening Elizabeth's negative opinion of the current Mr. Darcy.
• Elizabeth speculates on Mr. Darcy's contradictory nature, as Wickham acknowledges that Darcy’s pride occasionally leads him to acts of generosity and care, especially toward his sister.
• Wickham mentions Miss Darcy as being proud and distant, though he recalls her as a pleasant child whom he once entertained.
• Elizabeth learns from Wickham that Mr. Darcy is likely destined to marry his cousin, Miss de Bourgh, another connection that adds to her view of his arrogance.
• Throughout the evening, Mr. Wickham's easy manners and charm further win Elizabeth's approval and admiration, leaving her thinking about him and their conversation as they return home.
• The return journey is filled with chatter from Lydia about lottery tickets and from Mr. Collins discussing his admiration for the Philipses and their hospitality.