Elizabeth reflects that Miss Bingley’s hostility towards her stems from jealousy and anticipates an awkward reunion at Pemberley.
Elizabeth, Mrs. Gardiner, and Mr. Gardiner arrive at Pemberley and are shown into the saloon, a beautiful summer room with picturesque views.
The party is greeted by Georgiana Darcy, Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley, and Mrs. Annesley. Georgiana’s shyness is misinterpreted as pride, though Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner feel compassion for her.
Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst offer only a curtsey, and an awkward silence follows. Mrs. Annesley tries to alleviate the tension with polite conversation.
Elizabeth notices that Miss Bingley keeps a close watch on her interactions with Georgiana, though she is seated too far away to converse much with her.
Elizabeth feels a mixture of anticipation and anxiety about Mr. Darcy’s potential appearance, unsure whether she more desires or dreads seeing him.
The arrival of refreshments—cold meats, cakes, and seasonal fruits—provides a polite distraction for the group.
Mr. Darcy eventually enters the room, having just left a group of men by the river, and Elizabeth resolves to stay calm and unembarrassed despite feeling observed by everyone.
Darcy appears eager for Elizabeth and Georgiana to get to know each other, while Miss Bingley grows increasingly jealous and antagonistic.
Miss Bingley spitefully brings up the ——shire militia, indirectly hinting at George Wickham, aiming to embarrass Elizabeth but unwittingly causing discomfort for Georgiana and Darcy as well.
Elizabeth handles the topic with composure, which impresses Darcy but frustrates Miss Bingley.
The visit concludes shortly thereafter, with Darcy escorting Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner to their carriage, while Miss Bingley criticizes Elizabeth’s appearance to Georgiana in his absence.
Miss Bingley’s complaints about Elizabeth’s looks provoke a rare retort from Darcy, who firmly defends Elizabeth by calling her “one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance.”
Darcy exits after his comment, leaving Miss Bingley dissatisfied despite her attempt to gain his attention.
During the carriage ride home, Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner discuss everyone they encountered at Pemberley except Mr. Darcy, masking their true interest in his actions and behavior.