CHAPTER XVII

Summary

• Elizabeth shared with Jane the details of her conversation with Mr. Wickham, leaving Jane astonished and concerned about Mr. Darcy's conduct.
• Jane, ever inclined to think the best of everyone, speculated that misunderstandings or misrepresentations by others might explain the alleged conflict between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham, without placing blame on either party.
• Elizabeth remained doubtful but was open to hearing Mr. Darcy's side of the story, while Jane struggled with her usual optimism and concern for Mr. Bingley if he had been deceived.
• While discussing these matters in the shrubbery, the arrival of Mr. Bingley and his sisters interrupted the conversation.
• Mr. Bingley extended a personal invitation to the Bennets for the long-anticipated Netherfield ball, scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday.
• While the Bingley sisters politely engaged with Jane and Elizabeth, they largely ignored the rest of the Bennet family and seemed eager to avoid Mrs. Bennet.
• The entire Bennet family, especially the daughters, was excited about the ball, each envisioning an enjoyable evening for different reasons:
• Mrs. Bennet believed the ball was in honor of Jane and delighted in the personal invitation from Mr. Bingley.
• Jane anticipated a pleasant evening with her friends and Mr. Bingley's attentions.
• Elizabeth looked forward to dancing with Mr. Wickham and observing Mr. Darcy's behavior.
• Catherine and Lydia were generally excited about the ball and the opportunity to dance, not focusing on any particular partner.
• Even Mary expressed willingness to engage in the social event, despite her usual preference for solitude.
• Elizabeth, in high spirits, teasingly asked Mr. Collins if he planned to join the ball's festivities and was surprised to find him enthusiastic about dancing and unaffected by concerns of propriety.
• Mr. Collins requested Elizabeth as his partner for the first two dances, which dismayed her as she had hoped to dance with Mr. Wickham during that time.
• Elizabeth began suspecting that Mr. Collins's attentions toward her hinted at a marriage proposal, an idea that both puzzled and dismayed her.
• Mrs. Bennet, delighted at the prospect of Elizabeth potentially marrying Mr. Collins, subtly supported the match, but Elizabeth chose to dismiss the hints for the time being.
• The weather turned gloomy with continuous rain from Friday to Monday, preventing the younger Bennets from visiting Meryton for social engagements or news, causing restlessness among them.
• Elizabeth was also disappointed, as the weather hindered her opportunities to interact with Mr. Wickham, but the approaching Netherfield ball provided a source of anticipation and excitement for everyone.