CHAPTER V

Summary

• Elizabeth begins the day in high spirits due to her sister’s improved health and the excitement of her northern tour.
• The group leaves the main road and searches eagerly for Mr. Collins’ Parsonage, finally spotting it along with Charlotte and Mr. Collins at the door.
• Elizabeth is warmly greeted by Charlotte and notes that Mr. Collins remains as formally polite as ever, showcasing their house with ostentatious pride.
• Elizabeth observes Charlotte's cheerful demeanor despite her husband’s embarrassing remarks and reflects on her friend’s composure.
• Mr. Collins gives a detailed tour of his well-maintained garden, boasting about its features and emphasizing the view of Rosings, Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s estate.
• Charlotte later takes Elizabeth and Maria on a private tour of the Parsonage, which is modest but neat, emphasizing her role in maintaining its comfort.
• At dinner, Mr. Collins shares his excitement about Lady Catherine’s affability and anticipates Elizabeth meeting her at church, while praising Lady Catherine’s generosity and attentiveness to her neighbors.
• The conversation turns to Hertfordshire news, and Elizabeth later reflects, in solitude, on Charlotte’s ability to manage and tolerate her husband while maintaining contentment.
• The next day, Elizabeth is interrupted by Maria, who eagerly calls her to the dining-room to see two ladies arriving in a phaeton at the garden gate.
• Elizabeth initially mistakes the visitors for Lady Catherine and her daughter but is corrected—one is Mrs. Jenkinson, Lady Catherine's companion, and the other is Miss Anne de Bourgh, Lady Catherine’s sickly and reserved daughter.
• Elizabeth comments on Miss De Bourgh’s appearance, humorously imagining her as a suitable wife for someone like Mr. Collins.
• Mr. Collins enthusiastically informs the group that they have been invited to dine at Rosings the next day, which Charlotte confirms.