CHAPTER III

Summary

• Elizabeth reflects that Miss Bingley’s hostility towards her stems from jealousy and anticipates an awkward reunion at Pemberley.
• Elizabeth, Mrs. Gardiner, and Mr. Gardiner arrive at Pemberley and are shown into the saloon, a beautiful summer room with picturesque views.
• The party is greeted by Georgiana Darcy, Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley, and Mrs. Annesley. Georgiana’s shyness is misinterpreted as pride, though Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner feel compassion for her.
• Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst offer only a curtsey, and an awkward silence follows. Mrs. Annesley tries to alleviate the tension with polite conversation.
• Elizabeth notices that Miss Bingley keeps a close watch on her interactions with Georgiana, though she is seated too far away to converse much with her.
• Elizabeth feels a mixture of anticipation and anxiety about Mr. Darcy’s potential appearance, unsure whether she more desires or dreads seeing him.
• The arrival of refreshments—cold meats, cakes, and seasonal fruits—provides a polite distraction for the group.
• Mr. Darcy eventually enters the room, having just left a group of men by the river, and Elizabeth resolves to stay calm and unembarrassed despite feeling observed by everyone.
• Darcy appears eager for Elizabeth and Georgiana to get to know each other, while Miss Bingley grows increasingly jealous and antagonistic.
• Miss Bingley spitefully brings up the ——shire militia, indirectly hinting at George Wickham, aiming to embarrass Elizabeth but unwittingly causing discomfort for Georgiana and Darcy as well.
• Elizabeth handles the topic with composure, which impresses Darcy but frustrates Miss Bingley.
• The visit concludes shortly thereafter, with Darcy escorting Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner to their carriage, while Miss Bingley criticizes Elizabeth’s appearance to Georgiana in his absence.
• Miss Bingley’s complaints about Elizabeth’s looks provoke a rare retort from Darcy, who firmly defends Elizabeth by calling her “one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance.”
• Darcy exits after his comment, leaving Miss Bingley dissatisfied despite her attempt to gain his attention.
• During the carriage ride home, Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner discuss everyone they encountered at Pemberley except Mr. Darcy, masking their true interest in his actions and behavior.