Elizabeth attends dinner at Netherfield, where the civil inquiries about Jane's health reveal Mr. Bingley's sincere concern and the indifferent attitudes of his sisters.
Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst show superficial sympathy for Jane, but their indifferences reinforce Elizabeth's negative opinion of them.
Elizabeth feels somewhat at ease with Mr. Bingley, whose genuine kindness contrasts sharply with his sisters' attitudes.
At dinner, Elizabeth receives little attention from anyone except Bingley, while Mr. Hurst—a man of shallow habits—finds her unimpressive due to her simple preferences.
After dinner, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst criticize Elizabeth's appearance and manners, mocking her for walking to Netherfield in muddy attire for Jane's sake.
Mr. Bingley defends Elizabeth, finding no fault with her behavior, while Mr. Darcy acknowledges her affection for her sister as commendable.
The conversation touches on the Bennet family's social standing, with Darcy and the Bingley sisters disparaging their connections for being too modest and mundane.
Elizabeth spends the evening nursing Jane and only briefly rejoins the group in the drawing-room, declining to play cards and opting to read instead.
Miss Bingley attempts to demean Elizabeth by exaggerating her love for reading, but Elizabeth defends herself confidently.
Bingley offers Elizabeth full access to his library, while Miss Bingley shifts focus to admiring Darcy's extensive and well-curated library at Pemberley.
A discussion ensues regarding "accomplished women," with Darcy and Miss Bingley setting high standards that include many talents and intellectual pursuits, which Elizabeth critiques with wit and skepticism.
Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst dismiss Elizabeth's remarks and later insinuate that she undervalues her own gender to appeal to men—a sentiment Darcy neither endorses nor fully rejects.
Elizabeth brings news that Jane's condition has worsened, prompting Mr. Bingley to propose calling a local doctor, Mr. Jones, while his sisters suggest summoning an eminent physician from town.
The group settles on calling Mr. Jones in the morning if Jane does not improve, with Bingley showing genuine concern and giving his housekeeper instructions to prioritize Jane's care.