CHAPTER XVII

Summary

• Elizabeth returns home from her walk, and her family expresses curiosity about her whereabouts, but no one suspects the truth of her engagement to Mr. Darcy.
• The evening passes quietly, with Elizabeth reflecting on her happiness and the potential reactions of her family to the engagement.
• Elizabeth confides in Jane about her engagement to Mr. Darcy, and initially, Jane is incredulous and believes Elizabeth is joking.
• After Elizabeth assures Jane of her love and attachment to Darcy, Jane eventually accepts the news and expresses her congratulations and delight.
• Elizabeth explains her gradual change of heart toward Darcy, attributing it to her time at Pemberley and her growing understanding of his character.
• Elizabeth reveals Darcy's instrumental role in Lydia's marriage to Wickham, which increases Jane's admiration for him.
• The next morning, Mrs. Bennet sees Darcy arrive with Bingley and complains about his frequent visits, unaware of his engagement to Elizabeth.
• Mrs. Bennet suggests Elizabeth take Darcy for a walk to keep him out of Bingley’s way, leading to plans for Darcy to ask Mr. Bennet for his consent later that evening.
• Darcy speaks privately with Mr. Bennet in the library to ask for Elizabeth's hand, leaving Elizabeth anxious about her father's reaction.
• In their subsequent conversation, Mr. Bennet expresses disbelief at Elizabeth's choice, given her past criticism of Darcy, and questions whether she can truly be happy with him.
• Elizabeth reassures her father with heartfelt explanations of her love for Darcy, his admirable qualities, and his transformative actions, which convince Mr. Bennet to give his consent.
• Elizabeth reveals to her father Darcy's role in resolving Lydia's situation, which astonishes and impresses him.
• That evening, Elizabeth informs her mother of her engagement. Mrs. Bennet is initially speechless but quickly becomes ecstatic about Darcy's wealth and social standing.
• Despite Mrs. Bennet's over-the-top excitement, Elizabeth is relieved her mother approves, though she worries about her mother's behavior toward Darcy.
• The next day, Mrs. Bennet is reserved and deferential around Darcy, maintaining composure due to her awe of him.
• Elizabeth observes her father making an effort to get to know Darcy and is pleased when Mr. Bennet tells her that Darcy is rising in his esteem.
• Mr. Bennet humorously remarks that he admires all three of his sons-in-law, though Wickham might still be his favorite in jest.