CHAPTER X

Summary

• The day proceeds similarly to the previous one, with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley spending their morning with Jane, who is gradually recovering.
• In the evening, Elizabeth joins the group in the drawing-room, where various activities take place: Mr. Darcy is writing a letter, Miss Bingley observes him, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Hurst play cards, and Mrs. Hurst watches their game.
• Elizabeth occupies herself with needlework while listening to the exchange between Mr. Darcy and Miss Bingley, where Miss Bingley admires every aspect of Darcy's letter-writing, while Mr. Darcy responds with polite indifference.
• A lively discussion unfolds about writing styles, with Charles Bingley defending his careless style and Darcy critiquing it as a false humility disguising carelessness.
• The conversation shifts to Bingley’s impulsive nature, with Darcy suggesting his actions rely more on chance than principle. Elizabeth skillfully turns Darcy’s critique into a compliment about Bingley’s good-naturedness.
• Darcy expresses his opinion that yielding to persuasion without conviction lacks merit, leading Elizabeth to suggest his view undervalues the influence of friendship and affection.
• Mr. Bingley tactfully ends the discussion by humorously deflecting the argument, and Elizabeth encourages Darcy to finish his letter.
• Once the letter is completed, Darcy suggests music, prompting Miss Bingley to play the piano while Elizabeth observes Darcy watching her frequently.
• Elizabeth debates whether Darcy’s attention stems from admiration or disapproval, ultimately deciding it may be due to her defying his notions of propriety.
• Miss Bingley tries to ingratiate herself with Darcy by playing various songs, including Italian and Scotch tunes, while Darcy engages Elizabeth in light banter about dancing.
• Elizabeth surprises Darcy by rejecting societal expectations, stating she refuses to agree just for his potential criticism, leaving Darcy even more captivated by her personality.
• Miss Bingley grows jealous of Darcy's apparent interest in Elizabeth and conspires to subtly insult Elizabeth and her family, masking her remarks with feigned concern for Darcy’s happiness.
• Darcy lightly entertains Miss Bingley’s jests but does not indulge her implications, maintaining his reserve.
• The next day, Miss Bingley and Darcy take a private walk, during which Miss Bingley attempts to provoke disdain for Elizabeth by mocking her and her family.
• Miss Bingley's insinuations escalate to a faux admiration of Elizabeth's supposed future family connections, but Darcy deflects her comments with measured responses.
• During the walk, Elizabeth inadvertently comes across Darcy, Miss Bingley, and Mrs. Hurst, who had excluded her from their outing.
• Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley rudely leave Elizabeth walking alone by linking their arms with Darcy, highlighting their exclusivity.
• Darcy notices their rudeness and suggests a group arrangement, but Elizabeth gracefully declines, preferring independence over their company.
• Elizabeth cheerfully departs alone, pleased to be leaving Netherfield soon and looking forward to returning home as Jane’s condition improves.
• It is revealed that Jane is now well enough to leave her room for a short period that evening, signaling her recovery.