CHAPTER III
Summary
- Mrs. Gardiner advises Elizabeth to be cautious about forming an attachment to Mr. Wickham due to his lack of fortune. She urges Elizabeth to use her sense and not risk imprudence.
- Elizabeth assures her aunt that she will not hastily fall in love with Wickham and acknowledges the imprudence of such an attachment. However, she notes his agreeable nature while committing to restrain her feelings.
- Mrs. Gardiner advises Elizabeth to discourage Wickham’s frequent visits, which Elizabeth agrees to, even admitting that she had previously invited him to visit more often.
- Elizabeth expresses gratitude for her aunt’s advice, and they part amicably without resentment.
- Mr. Collins returns to Hertfordshire as he prepares for his marriage to Charlotte Lucas. His arrival causes little inconvenience since he stays with the Lucases.
- The marriage between Mr. Collins and Charlotte takes place, and they leave for Kent immediately after the ceremony. Elizabeth feels conflicted about visiting Charlotte but promises to do so.
- Elizabeth begins corresponding with Charlotte, but the intimacy of their prior friendship feels diminished. Charlotte writes cheerfully about her new home and Lady Catherine’s gracious behavior, yet Elizabeth feels much remains unsaid.
- Jane goes to London but is disappointed by Miss Bingley’s cold and altered behavior. Despite hoping to see Mr. Bingley, Jane encounters no attempts from him to meet her, leading her to feel ignored.
- Jane writes to Elizabeth, acknowledging her disappointment with Miss Bingley and her realization that Miss Bingley’s former friendliness was disingenuous, likely motivated by anxiety over Mr. Bingley’s attachment to Jane.
- Elizabeth feels pained for Jane but relieved that her sister is no longer deceived by Miss Bingley. Elizabeth dismisses any hope for Mr. Bingley’s return and considers his character diminished.
- Mrs. Gardiner asks Elizabeth for an update on Mr. Wickham. Elizabeth reports that his interest in her has waned and that he is now pursuing Miss King, who recently inherited a fortune.
- Elizabeth reflects that her feelings for Wickham were not born of deep love but rather mild vanity. She accepts his choice as practical and wishes him happiness, acknowledging that love and financial stability often intersect importantly.
- Elizabeth remarks on her detachment from Wickham, contrasting her maturity with Kitty and Lydia’s youthful preoccupation with his withdrawal.