Mr. Collins and the Bennet sisters visit their aunt and uncle, the Philipses, in Meryton, where they are informed that Mr. Wickham will be joining them for the evening.
Mr. Collins is initially struck by the grandeur of the Philipses' drawing-room, making a comparison to Rosings, which Mrs. Philips finds flattering after hearing about Lady Catherine's wealth and property.
As Mr. Collins praises Lady Catherine and impresses Mrs. Philips, the Bennet sisters grow bored while waiting for the gentlemen to arrive.
When Mr. Wickham enters, Elizabeth immediately feels drawn to him, noting his charm and appearance, which surpass those of the other officers present.
Mr. Wickham engages Elizabeth in conversation, skillfully making even mundane topics interesting.
While the card games begin, Lydia becomes engrossed in lottery tickets, leaving Mr. Wickham free to talk at length with Elizabeth.
The conversation shifts to Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Wickham reveals his personal history with him, claiming that Mr. Darcy has treated him unjustly by denying him a valuable church living left to him by Mr. Darcy's father.
Mr. Wickham expresses deep resentment toward Mr. Darcy, describing him as proud, cold, and malicious, and attributes their strained relationship to jealousy and differences in temperament.
Wickham praises the late Mr. Darcy as a kind and generous man who had treated Wickham like a son, heightening Elizabeth's negative opinion of the current Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth speculates on Mr. Darcy's contradictory nature, as Wickham acknowledges that Darcy’s pride occasionally leads him to acts of generosity and care, especially toward his sister.
Wickham mentions Miss Darcy as being proud and distant, though he recalls her as a pleasant child whom he once entertained.
Elizabeth learns from Wickham that Mr. Darcy is likely destined to marry his cousin, Miss de Bourgh, another connection that adds to her view of his arrogance.
Throughout the evening, Mr. Wickham's easy manners and charm further win Elizabeth's approval and admiration, leaving her thinking about him and their conversation as they return home.
The return journey is filled with chatter from Lydia about lottery tickets and from Mr. Collins discussing his admiration for the Philipses and their hospitality.