CHAPTER XVIII

Summary

• Elizabeth arrives at Netherfield, expecting to meet Mr. Wickham, but is disappointed to learn from Mr. Denny that Wickham deliberately avoided coming to avoid Mr. Darcy.
• Elizabeth’s irritation with Mr. Darcy increases, especially after interpreting the situation as his fault.
• During the ball, Elizabeth feels embarrassed and mortified when she has to dance with Mr. Collins, whose clumsy and awkward behavior makes the experience unpleasant.
• Elizabeth is taken by surprise when Mr. Darcy asks her to dance, and though she reluctantly accepts, she regrets her decision instantly.
• While dancing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy engage in a tense and charged conversation covering topics like character, prejudice, and forgiveness, with veiled barbs exchanged between them.
• Elizabeth provocatively mentions Mr. Wickham, causing a visible reaction from Darcy, who responds with a cryptic comment about Wickham’s ability to gain friends but struggle to keep them.
• Sir William Lucas interrupts their conversation, mentioning Jane and Bingley with a hint about a possible match, which visibly impacts Mr. Darcy’s mood.
• Miss Bingley later approaches Elizabeth and attempts to diminish Mr. Wickham by disclosing his lower social standing as the son of Mr. Darcy’s steward and accusing him of dishonorable conduct towards Darcy.
• Elizabeth sees through Miss Bingley’s malice and defends Wickham, dismissing her accusations as biased and unfounded.
• Elizabeth discusses the Wickham-Darcy situation with Jane, who reports Bingley’s opinion of Darcy’s kindness and Wickham’s supposed imprudence, leaving Elizabeth unconvinced.
• Elizabeth observes with happiness the growing affection between Jane and Mr. Bingley, despite her own frustrations during the evening.
• Mr. Collins embarrasses Elizabeth by introducing himself to Mr. Darcy without a proper introduction and discussing his connection to Lady Catherine de Bourgh, much to Darcy's visible discomfort.
• During the ball, Elizabeth is mortified by her family’s behavior: Mrs. Bennet loudly discusses Jane and Bingley’s potential marriage, Mary sings multiple songs poorly, and Mr. Collins delivers pompous speeches.
• Elizabeth notices that Darcy seems to overhear her mother’s boastful remarks, contributing to her mortification and frustration.
• Mary is finally stopped from singing again by Mr. Bennet, though Elizabeth feels sorry for the public awkwardness this causes for her sister.
• Mr. Collins persists in monopolizing Elizabeth’s time, making it difficult for her to engage with others or enjoy herself.
• Elizabeth notices Darcy maintaining his distance after their tense interaction, which she attributes to her mentioning Wickham.
• The Longbourn family is the last to leave the ball, with Mrs. Bennet continuing to embarrass herself by overly praising Bingley and inviting him to Longbourn in a loud and unrefined manner.
• Mrs. Bennet leaves delighted, fully convinced that Jane will soon marry Bingley and pleased with her plan for Elizabeth to marry Mr. Collins, despite Elizabeth’s clear disinterest.
• Elizabeth reflects on the evening with frustration and embarrassment due to her family’s conduct and the discomfort caused by multiple interactions, particularly with Darcy and Mr. Collins.