Volume Three

Summary

• As Elizabeth arrives at Pemberley, she is struck by the beauty and natural elegance of the estate while silently reflecting on her initial apprehensions and admiration for its owner, Mr. Darcy.
• Elizabeth tours the house with her relatives, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, and is impressed by the tasteful yet unpretentious decor, surpassing even that of Rosings in elegance. She cannot help but momentarily imagine herself as the mistress of Pemberley.
• The housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, provides glowing praise of Mr. Darcy's character, describing him as kind, generous, an excellent landlord, and a loving brother. This contrasts starkly with Elizabeth's prior opinion of him.
• Elizabeth learns more about Darcy’s affection for his sister, Miss Darcy, who is described as talented, attractive, and cherished by her brother. Mrs. Reynolds emphasizes his attentiveness to his sister's happiness, further shaping Elizabeth's view of Mr. Darcy.
• Elizabeth discovers a miniature of Mr. Wickham among the family portraits and learns from Mrs. Reynolds that he was once raised at Pemberley by Mr. Darcy’s father, despite later turning "wild." Elizabeth reflects on this new information with discomfort.
• A portrait of Mr. Darcy in the gallery captures Elizabeth’s attention. She feels a budding shift in her opinion of Darcy, spurred by admiration for his qualities as highlighted by Mrs. Reynolds.
• Unexpectedly, Mr. Darcy appears at Pemberley, surprising Elizabeth and her relatives. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are visibly unsettled by the meeting but exchange polite and civil greetings.
• Elizabeth is astonished at the dramatic change in Darcy's demeanor, which is now marked by gentleness and attentiveness, a stark contrast to their earlier encounters.
• Darcy surprises the group further by engaging warmly with Mr. Gardiner, inviting him to fish at Pemberley, and showing interest in conversing with Elizabeth's relatives—a gesture that greatly pleases her.
• Darcy expresses a wish to introduce his sister to Elizabeth, a compliment that both flatters and confounds her, given her past misunderstandings of his intentions and character.
• Elizabeth reflects privately on Darcy’s altered behavior and wonders whether her past reproofs at Hunsford prompted the change. She is unsure whether his actions stem from lingering feelings for her.
• The Gardiners express their admiration for Darcy’s politeness, demeanor, and hospitality. Both are surprised by how different he is from the proud and disagreeable figure Elizabeth had previously described.
• The conversation shifts to Darcy's past with Wickham, and Elizabeth subtly defends Darcy, hinting at his side of the story without directly naming her source.
• Elizabeth is left to ponder the events of the day, deeply struck by Darcy's civility, the warmth of his attentions, and his desire for her to meet his sister. These thoughts dominate her mind even as other social interactions unfold.