CHAPTER XVI

Summary

• The three Bennet sisters—Elizabeth, Jane, and a third—travel from Gracechurch Street to their home in Hertfordshire, with their father's carriage arranged to meet them at an inn.
• At the inn, they reunite with their younger sisters, Kitty and Lydia, who have been passing the time shopping, watching a sentinel, and preparing a simple meal.
• Lydia proudly displays her purchases, including an unattractive bonnet she plans to alter, and reveals her excitement about the regiment's impending move to Brighton, suggesting the family should spend the summer there.
• Elizabeth internally recoils at the idea, considering it a disastrous plan, given the family's overly enthusiastic interactions with the militia in Meryton.
• Lydia shares gossip about Mr. Wickham, announcing that Mary King (a potential romantic interest for Wickham) has left town, ensuring Wickham remains unattached, which delights Lydia.
• Elizabeth feels conflicted, recognizing that Lydia's coarse remarks echo thoughts she herself had previously entertained about Mary King and Wickham.
• After finishing their meal, the group crams into the carriage with their belongings and new purchases, with Lydia entertaining everyone by recounting recent amusing events, including a prank involving a male friend dressed as a woman.
• Upon arriving home at Longbourn, they are warmly welcomed, with Mrs. Bennet praising Jane’s beauty and Mr. Bennet expressing his delight at Elizabeth’s return.
• At dinner with the Lucases, each character engages in their preferred conversations: Mrs. Bennet discusses fashion, Lady Lucas catches up on family updates, and Lydia loudly recounts her morning exploits and jokes.
• Mary, ever serious, dismisses Lydia’s frivolous antics and expresses her preference for reading, though Lydia pays no attention to her remarks.
• Lydia tries to convince her sisters to go to Meryton to see the officers, but Elizabeth firmly opposes the idea, not wanting their family to appear desperate or to encounter Wickham again.
• Elizabeth is relieved that the regiment is leaving for Brighton soon and looks forward to being free from Wickham's presence.
• Elizabeth observes that Lydia's suggestion of a family trip to Brighton is frequently being discussed by their parents; Mr. Bennet seems to oppose the idea but gives vague answers, leaving Mrs. Bennet hopeful.