Elizabeth returns home from her walk, and her family expresses curiosity about her whereabouts, but no one suspects the truth of her engagement to Mr. Darcy.
The evening passes quietly, with Elizabeth reflecting on her happiness and the potential reactions of her family to the engagement.
Elizabeth confides in Jane about her engagement to Mr. Darcy, and initially, Jane is incredulous and believes Elizabeth is joking.
After Elizabeth assures Jane of her love and attachment to Darcy, Jane eventually accepts the news and expresses her congratulations and delight.
Elizabeth explains her gradual change of heart toward Darcy, attributing it to her time at Pemberley and her growing understanding of his character.
Elizabeth reveals Darcy's instrumental role in Lydia's marriage to Wickham, which increases Jane's admiration for him.
The next morning, Mrs. Bennet sees Darcy arrive with Bingley and complains about his frequent visits, unaware of his engagement to Elizabeth.
Mrs. Bennet suggests Elizabeth take Darcy for a walk to keep him out of Bingley’s way, leading to plans for Darcy to ask Mr. Bennet for his consent later that evening.
Darcy speaks privately with Mr. Bennet in the library to ask for Elizabeth's hand, leaving Elizabeth anxious about her father's reaction.
In their subsequent conversation, Mr. Bennet expresses disbelief at Elizabeth's choice, given her past criticism of Darcy, and questions whether she can truly be happy with him.
Elizabeth reassures her father with heartfelt explanations of her love for Darcy, his admirable qualities, and his transformative actions, which convince Mr. Bennet to give his consent.
Elizabeth reveals to her father Darcy's role in resolving Lydia's situation, which astonishes and impresses him.
That evening, Elizabeth informs her mother of her engagement. Mrs. Bennet is initially speechless but quickly becomes ecstatic about Darcy's wealth and social standing.
Despite Mrs. Bennet's over-the-top excitement, Elizabeth is relieved her mother approves, though she worries about her mother's behavior toward Darcy.
The next day, Mrs. Bennet is reserved and deferential around Darcy, maintaining composure due to her awe of him.
Elizabeth observes her father making an effort to get to know Darcy and is pleased when Mr. Bennet tells her that Darcy is rising in his esteem.
Mr. Bennet humorously remarks that he admires all three of his sons-in-law, though Wickham might still be his favorite in jest.