Mr. Bingley visits the Bennet household alone, as Mr. Darcy has gone to London but is expected to return in ten days.
Mrs. Bennet invites Bingley to dine with them, but he declines due to a prior engagement while expressing eagerness to call on them soon.
Bingley accepts Mrs. Bennet’s invitation to visit the next day and arrives early, catching the Bennet women unprepared.
Mrs. Bennet eagerly orchestrates situations to leave Jane and Bingley alone, but her attempts are fruitless during the visit.
Although Bingley is charming and cheerful, he does not openly declare his feelings for Jane during this initial visit.
Bingley agrees to join Mr. Bennet for shooting the next morning and delights the family by returning to dine with them afterward.
Mrs. Bennet continues her schemes to leave Jane and Bingley alone, and Elizabeth tries to avoid aiding her mother’s plans.
Elizabeth discovers Jane and Bingley in private conversation by the hearth, confirming their mutual affection.
Bingley leaves abruptly but speaks to Mr. Bennet before doing so, leading to Jane announcing her engagement to Bingley with overwhelming happiness.
Elizabeth congratulates Jane sincerely, and Jane shares her excitement with the family, starting with her mother.
Mrs. Bennet is ecstatic about the engagement, declaring Jane her favorite child and reveling in her success.
Mr. Bennet expresses his approval and offers a humorous but heartfelt reflection on Jane and Bingley’s compatibility.
Bingley becomes a constant visitor at Longbourn, spending much of his time with Jane and occasionally talking with Elizabeth about his happiness and love for her sister.
Jane reveals to Elizabeth that Bingley was unaware of her presence in London due to interference from his sister, Miss Bingley, but she is hopeful for better relations moving forward.
Elizabeth appreciates Bingley’s discretion in not exposing Mr. Darcy’s role in the earlier separation, as it helps maintain Jane’s forgiving nature.
The engagement becomes the talk of Meryton, and the Bennet family, once seen as unlucky due to Lydia’s scandal, is now considered remarkably fortunate.