CHAPTER VII

Summary

• Mr. Bennet’s estate is entailed to a distant male relative, leaving his daughters with limited financial security. Mrs. Bennet’s inheritance is modest, and her family background includes a brother in trade and a sister married to a former clerk of her father.
• The Bennet family lives in Longbourn, close to the village of Meryton, which the younger daughters, Catherine and Lydia, frequently visit for entertainment and news.
• The arrival of a militia regiment in Meryton excites Catherine and Lydia, who become obsessed with the officers and their connections, much to Mr. Bennet’s disapproval and amusement.
• A note from Miss Bingley invites Jane Bennet to dine at Netherfield. Mrs. Bennet decides Jane should go on horseback, hoping bad weather will force her to stay overnight.
• As anticipated, it rains heavily, and Jane becomes unwell after getting wet. She writes to inform her family that she is staying at Netherfield under the care of the Bingleys.
• Elizabeth Bennet is genuinely concerned for Jane’s health and resolves to visit her by walking the three miles to Netherfield, as the carriage and horses are unavailable.
• Elizabeth surprises the Bingley sisters with her determination, arriving muddy but resolute. While the Bingley sisters hold her in mild contempt for walking alone in adverse weather, Mr. Bingley treats her kindly, and Mr. Darcy shows subtle admiration.
• Jane is feverish and confined to her room. Elizabeth finds Jane grateful for her visit and stays by her side, attending to her needs while drawing some appreciation for the Bingley sisters’ attentiveness to Jane’s condition.
• The apothecary diagnoses a severe cold, prescribes bed rest, and provides remedies. Jane’s symptoms worsen, but Elizabeth remains by her side, caring for her diligently.
• When Elizabeth prepares to leave, Jane’s distress at her departure prompts Miss Bingley to invite Elizabeth to stay at Netherfield. Elizabeth accepts and sends word to her family to bring her clothes.