CHAPTER XIV

Summary

• Mr. Collins informs the household of the departure of Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam from Rosings, remarking on their good health and spirits despite recent melancholy events.
• Mr. Collins visits Lady Catherine to console her and her daughter, returning with an invitation for everyone to dine at Rosings.
• Elizabeth reflects humorously on the notion of being presented to Lady Catherine as a future niece and imagines her potential outrage at such a situation.
• During the dinner, Lady Catherine laments the departure of the gentlemen and expresses particular fondness for them, emphasizing Darcy’s increasing attachment to Rosings.
• Lady Catherine notices Elizabeth’s subdued demeanor and speculates that she is unhappy about leaving Rosings soon.
• Lady Catherine invites Elizabeth to stay longer, suggesting that Mrs. Bennet could spare her, but Elizabeth politely declines, citing her father’s request for her return.
• Lady Catherine offers to transport one or both young women to London in her carriage but ultimately accepts Elizabeth’s refusal to alter her plans.
• Lady Catherine insists that young women should not travel unaccompanied and is relieved to learn that Elizabeth’s uncle will send a servant to escort them.
• Elizabeth endures Lady Catherine’s numerous questions about their travel plans, while internally reflecting on her private thoughts and emotions.
• Elizabeth spends her solitary moments reflecting on Mr. Darcy’s letter, alternately feeling indignation, pity, respect, and regret towards him.
• She wrestles with her own past behavior, the shortcomings of her family, and the negative consequences of their actions, particularly in relation to Jane’s failed romance with Mr. Bingley and the behavior of Lydia and Catherine.
• Elizabeth acknowledges the sincerity of Mr. Bingley’s affections and realizes that her family’s improprieties contributed to the loss of Jane’s promising relationship.
• Wickham’s true character further weighs on Elizabeth’s mind, dampening her spirits and making it difficult to appear cheerful.
• The remaining week at Rosings is marked by frequent engagements, culminating in a final evening there where Lady Catherine advises them on travel and packing with unnecessary detail.
• On parting, Lady Catherine extends an invitation for their return next year, and Miss de Bourgh makes a small effort to curtsey and shake hands with Elizabeth and Maria.