CHAPTER XXI

Summary

• Elizabeth continues to endure the aftermath of Mr. Collins’s rejected proposal, facing her mother’s occasional displeasure and Mr. Collins’s stiff and resentful demeanor. He shifts his attentions to Miss Lucas, much to everyone’s relief.
• Despite Elizabeth’s hopes, Mr. Collins remains steadfast in his plans to stay until Saturday.
• Elizabeth and her sisters walk to Meryton, hoping to see Mr. Wickham. They meet him in town, and he joins them on their visit to their aunt’s house.
• Mr. Wickham explains to Elizabeth that he chose to avoid the Netherfield ball to prevent an unpleasant confrontation with Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth approves of his decision, and the two discuss the matter in detail.
• Wickham walks back with the group to Longbourn, paying particular attention to Elizabeth and using the opportunity to meet her parents.
• Shortly after returning home, a letter arrives for Jane from Caroline Bingley, causing Jane noticeable distress.
• Caroline’s letter reveals that the entire Bingley party has left Netherfield for London with no plans to return, citing their intent to follow Charles and suggesting he will not be back for the winter.
• Caroline expresses a hope for continued correspondence with Jane but also subtly implies her hope for a match between her brother Charles and Georgiana Darcy.
• Elizabeth interprets the letter as an attempt by Caroline to distance Charles from Jane to facilitate a marriage between Charles and Miss Darcy, but Jane hesitates to believe Caroline capable of deceit.
• Elizabeth reassures Jane, asserting that Bingley’s feelings for her are genuine and that Caroline’s efforts are driven by her own interests and class ambitions.
• Despite Elizabeth’s encouragement, Jane struggles with doubts, worrying about the implications of disapproval from Bingley’s family.
• Elizabeth dismisses the idea that Bingley will not return to Netherfield, attributing such claims to Caroline’s manipulations.
• Elizabeth’s reasoning helps ease Jane’s anxieties, and she begins to hope for Bingley’s eventual return.
• The sisters agree to only partially inform Mrs. Bennet of the Bingley family’s departure, omitting any concerns about Bingley’s feelings. Despite her disappointment, Mrs. Bennet optimistically assumes Bingley will soon return and plans a lavish family dinner in preparation.