During dinner, Mr. Bennet remains mostly silent but initiates a conversation with Mr. Collins after the servants leave, focusing on Mr. Collins's patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Mr. Collins praises Lady Catherine extensively, highlighting her affability, condescension, and approval of his sermons.
He recounts specific examples of Lady Catherine’s generosity, including her advice to marry, her approval of his home improvements, and her social invitations.
Mrs. Bennet expresses admiration for Lady Catherine and inquires about her residence, her widowhood, and her family.
Mr. Collins describes Lady Catherine’s daughter, Miss De Bourgh, as a sickly but charming and distinguished young lady who has not been presented at court due to her health.
Mr. Collins shares how he flatters Lady Catherine and her daughter with carefully crafted, but seemingly spontaneous compliments, which he views as a duty.
Mr. Bennet enjoys the absurdity of Mr. Collins’s remarks, maintaining his composure and occasionally exchanging glances with Elizabeth.
After tea, Mr. Bennet suggests Mr. Collins read aloud to the ladies; Mr. Collins refuses to read novels and instead selects Fordyce’s Sermons.
Lydia interrupts Mr. Collins's reading with unrelated chatter about local gossip, offending Mr. Collins, who ceases his reading and criticizes young ladies' lack of interest in serious books.
Mr. Bennet invites Mr. Collins to play backgammon, and Mr. Collins accepts, leaving the ladies to their own activities.
Mrs. Bennet and her daughters apologize for Lydia’s behavior, but Mr. Collins assures them he harbors no ill will before beginning his game with Mr. Bennet.