Sir William stayed at Hunsford for a week, during which he was pleased with his daughter Charlotte's comfortable marriage and home.
Mr. Collins spent his mornings driving Sir William around and showing him the countryside.
After Sir William's departure, the household at Hunsford resumed its normal routines, with Mr. Collins spending much of his time in his own room or the garden.
Elizabeth noticed that Charlotte deliberately chose a less appealing sitting room at the back of the house to ensure Mr. Collins would spend more time in his own space.
Mr. Collins regularly reported carriages passing by, especially noting Miss De Bourgh's drives, and she occasionally stopped to briefly converse with Charlotte.
Visits to Rosings became a regular activity for Mr. and Mrs. Collins, and Lady Catherine inspected and critiqued every aspect of their household during her visits.
Elizabeth observed Lady Catherine's active role in managing parish matters, often intervening in disputes and village issues.
Elizabeth attended bi-weekly dinners at Rosings, which were repetitive but tolerable, with limited social engagements otherwise suiting her well.
Elizabeth enjoyed outdoor walks, especially along a quiet sheltered path in the park, which offered her solitude away from Lady Catherine's watchful eyes.
Rumors of Mr. Darcy's impending arrival at Rosings spread, and Elizabeth anticipated seeing him for amusement and curiosity about his behavior.
Mr. Darcy arrived at Rosings along with his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, a well-mannered gentleman, whom Elizabeth found pleasant.
Mr. Collins wasted no time reporting Mr. Darcy's arrival and brought both gentlemen to the parsonage for a visit.
Elizabeth greeted Mr. Darcy with a curtsey, while Colonel Fitzwilliam engaged everyone in polite conversation.
Mr. Darcy, reserved as usual, eventually inquired about Elizabeth's family, leading her to subtly bring up Jane's time in London, testing his reaction regarding the Bingleys' treatment of her sister.
Mr. Darcy responded awkwardly to Elizabeth's question about Jane before the visit concluded and the gentlemen left.