English Literature books summary

into consenting to elope with him when she was fifteen. Darcy happened to

go see his sister before the intended elopement and she ended up confessing

the whole plan to him. He thus prevented the elopement, the motives for

which on Wickham's side were mostly Miss Darcy's fortune and a desire to

revenge himself on Mr. Darcy.

Volume II, Chapter 13 Summary:

Elizabeth reads the letter "with a strong prejudice against everything

he might say." She does not at all believe his claim that he prevented

Bingley from proposing to Jane because he thought Jane was not attached to

him. After reading Darcy's account of his dealings with Wickham, she does

not know how to react and tries to convince herself it must be false. She

puts away the letter, resolving not to think about it, but then examines it

slowly, line by line. After long deliberation Elizabeth begins to rethink

her previous judgment of Wickham. She realizes that his communications to

her in their first conversation were indelicate, improper and inconsistent,

and that his attentions to Miss King were purely mercenary.

She begins to see that she judged Darcy completely wrongly, and she

grows ashamed, concluding that she been "blind, partial, prejudiced,

absurd," in spite of the fact that has always prided herself on her

judgment. She realizes that vanity has been the cause of her prejudice.

After this realization, she rereads the first part of the letter which

deals with his reasons for preventing Bingley's proposal to Jane. She now

sees that he had reason to be suspicious of Jane's attachment. Elizabeth

also admits that Darcy's criticisms of the impropriety of her mother and

younger sisters is just, and is ashamed and depressed.

After wandering through the park or two hours, engrossed in her

reflections, she returns to the Parsonage to find that both Mr. Darcy and

Colonel Fitzwilliam have stopped by to take leave of them, but have since

left. She is glad to have missed them.

Volume II, Chapter 14 Summary:

Lady Catherine invites Elizabeth, Maria and the Collinses to dinner

because she is bored now that her nephews have left. Elizabeth can't help

thinking that she might have been attending this dinner as Lady Catherine's

future niece, and amusing herself at how indignant Lady Catherine would be.

Lady Catherine attempts to persuade Elizabeth and Maria to stay another

fortnight, but Elizabeth insists that her father wants her to come home.

She spends much time over the next few days before her return home

reflecting on the contents of the letter and on her past conduct. She does

not regret her refusal of Darcy's offer, but does regret her own past

actions. She is also depressed by the hopelessness of improving the

character of her younger sisters, since her father only laughs at them and

her mother is equally frivolous. She is also sad to think that Jane could

have been so happy had it not been for the indecorum of her family.

Volume II, Chapter 15 Summary:

Elizabeth and Maria leave the Parsonage on Saturday morning, after

lengthy parting civilities from Mr. Collins. Before returning to

Hertferdshore, they stop at the Gardiner's to spend a few days there. Jane

is to return home with them. Elizabeth is tempted to tell her all that she

learned from Darcy, but decides to wait because she is not sure how much

she should reveal.

Volume II, Chapter 16 Summary:

Upon reaching Hertfordshire they are greeted by Kitty and Lydia, who

have prepared lunch for them at the inn where they have arranged to meet

the carriage. Elizabeth is happy to hear that regiment will soon be leaving

Meryton, although Kitty and Lydia are not equally pleased. Lydia hopes that

Mr. Bennet will allow them all to go to Brighton for the summer since the

officers will be there. During lunch Lydia tells Jane and Elizabeth that

Miss King has left and that Wickham is therefore once again available.

Lydia entertains them on the carriage home by relating stories of all the

balls and dances they have attended with the officers in Meryton. When they

arrive at Longbourn they have dinner with the Lucases, who have come to

meet Maria. Lydia urges everyone to take a walk with her to Meryton, but

Elizabeth stays home because she wants to avoid seeing Wickham.

Volume II, Chapter 17 Summary:

The next morning Elizabeth tells Jane about Darcy's proposal, and

about the part of the letter regarding Wickham. Jane is shocked not as much

about the proposal as about Wickham's being so bad, and tries to make

excuses for him, but realizes that no excuse can be found. Elizabeth asks

Jane whether or not she should let the rest of the town know about

Wickham's true character. They decide it would be best to keep the matter

quiet, since he is leaving soon and it will be extremely difficult to

convince people without telling about his attempts to seduce Miss Darcy.

Elizabeth decides that she should not tell Jane about the part of Darcy's

letter which relates to her and Bingley. After observing Jane at leisure,

Elizabeth sees that she is not happy and is still very attached to Bingley.

Volume II, Chapter 18 Summary:

Kitty, Lydia and Mrs. Bennet are extremely disappointed because the

regiment is leaving Meryton. Lydia receives an invitation from Mrs.

Forster, the wife of the Colonel of the regiment, to accompany her to

Brighton. Lydia is ecstatic.

Elizabeth entreats her father to prevent Lydia from going, explaining

that such an experience will only increase her frivolousness. But her

father does not listen and tells Elizabeth that Lydia will be fine in

Brighton under the supervision of Colonel Forster and that she is too poor

to be taken advantage of by any of the officers in the regiment.

Elizabeth sees Wickham frequently. He attempts to renew his attentions

to her, but she represses them and is annoyed by them. On the last day of

their stay in Meryton, they have a conversation in which Elizabeth speaks

of her stay at the Parsonage and her enjoyment of Darcy's and Colonel

Fitzwilliam's company. She leads Wickham to suspect that she knows the

truth of his past. He pretends not to notice but stops distinguishing

Elizabeth. At the end of the party Lydia returns to Meryton with Mrs.

Forster in order to be able to set out with them for Brighton early in the

morning.

Volume II, Chapter 19 Summary:

Elizabeth's father had married her mother because he was captivated by

her beauty, but her weak understanding soon made him lose all real

affection for her. Mr. Bennet derives his enjoyment from books and the

country. Elizabeth has always recognized the impropriety of her father's

behavior as a husband, and is now especially aware of the disadvantage that

such a marriage has had on the children. She faults her father for not

having used his talents to at least preserve the respectability of his

daughters.

The days at Longbourn are far from enjoyable, with the constant

lamentations of boredom form Mrs. Bennet and Kitty. Elizabeth consoles

herself by looking forward to her tour of the Lakes with the Gardiners.

After a few weeks things become more bearable at home, and Elizabeth hopes

that Kitty may be improved by the time away from Lydia.

Elizabeth's vacation with the Gardiners is delayed and shortened on

account of Mr. Gardiner's work commitments. In the course of the trip they

pass near Pemberley and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner want to go see it. Elizabeth

does not want to go because of fear of seeing Darcy, but she finds out from

the maid that the Darcy family is not at home.

Volume III, Chapter 1 Summary:

Elizabeth is captivated by the beauty of Pemberley, and feels that it

would not be bad to be the mistress of such a house. She almost has a

feeling of regret. The housekeeper gives them a tour of the house and talks

to them about Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy. She describes Mr. Darcy as

exceptionally sweet-tempered, generous and good-natured, remarking that she

has "never heard a cross word from him." Elizabeth is surprised, having

retained her assumption that Darcy is ill-tempered. Elizabeth is also

impressed with Darcy's excellent treatment of his younger sister. After

hearing so much praise of Darcy from his housekeeper, Elizabeth thinks of

his regard for her with more warmth than ever.

As they go out to see the gardens, Mr. Darcy unexpectedly comes

forward from the road. Both he and Elizabeth are ill at ease, but she is

impressed at the genteel civility in his inquiries. After exchanging a few

civilities he takes leave. Elizabeth is mortified and wonders what he might

think of her for having come to visit the house.

Elizabeth is extremely distracted but attempts to be sociable and make

conversation with her aunt and uncle as they walk through the garden. After

a long while she is surprised to see Mr. Darcy coming toward them. They are

both better prepared for this encounter. Mr. Darcy asks Elizabeth to

introduce him to the Gardiners. In spite of the fact that they are a much

lower class than he, he enters into conversation with them and even tells

Mr. Gardiner that he is welcome to come to Pemberley and fish as long as he

is in the area.

Elizabeth and Darcy begin walking together, and she informs him that

she thought he would not be at home. He explains his reason for returning

early and then asks her if he can introduce his sister to her when she

arrives the next day. Elizabeth is surprised at this offer but accepts.

When they reach the house they have an awkward conversation while waiting

for the Gardiners to catch up with them, and then he sees them off with

great politeness.

The Gardiners are very pleased and surprised at Darcy's civility,

having heard from so many people, including Elizabeth, that he is so

disagreeable, and still believing Wickham's story. Elizabeth tells them in

a very guarded way that there is reason to believe that Darcy is not at

fault in his dealings with Wickham.

Volume III, Chapter 2 Summary:

Mr. Darcy brings his sister to visit Elizabeth at the inn the very

morning of her arrival. Elizabeth is caught by surprise, not thinking that

they will come until the next day. She is extremely nervous because she

wants Georgiana to form a good opinion of her. The Gardiners begin to

suspect that Darcy has a partiality for Elizabeth, seeing no other

explanation for such attentions. Elizabeth is relieved to see that Miss

Darcy is as nervous as she is. Miss Darcy is shy, attractive and graceful,

with unassuming and gentle manners. Soon Mr. Bingley comes to visit as

well. All of Elizabeth's anger at him disappears upon seeing him. The

Gardiners, through their observations and conversation, become completely

convinced that Darcy is in love with Elizabeth.

Elizabeth observes the conduct of Bingley and Georgiana toward one

another, and is happy to find no sign of particular regard on the part of

either. When Bingley has a moment to speak to Elizabeth without the others'

hearing, he inquires about Jane and seems to regret that it has been so

long since he has seen her.

Elizabeth is amazed at Darcy's civility toward the Gardiners, relations

which he had previously spoken of with disdain, and she cannot imagine the

reason for his change in manners. Before the visitors leave Darcy invites

Elizabeth and the Gardiners to dinner at Pemberley, and they accept.

The Gardiners, seeing that Darcy is in love with Elizabeth, reevaluate

their former negative opinion of him, which had been based on the accounts

of their friends in Hertfordshire. They are satisfied that he is a much

better man they had previously thought, and also find that Wickham is not

held in such good esteem in the area.

Elizabeth stays awake trying to discern her feelings for Darcy. She

realizes that she is grateful to him for having loved her and loving her

still even after the rudeness of her rejection. She is extremely impressed

by his change of character, and esteems him highly, but is still not sure

whether or not she loves him.

Mrs. Gardiner decides that she and Elizabeth should wait on Miss Darcy

the following morning in return for her great politeness in coming to see

them immediately after her arrival.

Volume III, Chapter 3 Summary:

During their visit to Pemberley Miss Darcy receives them with

civility, although she is very shy. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley say very

little, and the conversation is carried on mostly by Mrs. Annesley (an

acquaintance), Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth. Elizabeth both hopes and fears

that Mr. Darcy will join them.

After a while Mr. Darcy does join them, and his actions are closely

scrutinized by Miss Bingley and Miss Hurst. When Miss Bingley notices that

Mr. Darcy is trying to get Elizabeth and Georgiana to converse, she asks

Elizabeth a question about the militia. Elizabeth answers with composure,

and notices that both Mr. Darcy and Georgiana are pained by the allusion to

Wickham.

After Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner take their leave, Miss Bingley

speaks negatively about Elizabeth to Georgiana, but Georgiana's opinion is

fixed firmly in Elizabeth's favor by her brother's commendations. Miss

Bingley also repeats her criticisms of Elizabeth to Darcy, and after much

provocation he coolly answers that he considers Elizabeth one of the most

handsome women he has ever met, and then walks away.

Volume III, Chapter 4 Summary:

Elizabeth receives two letters from her sister relating that Lydia has

eloped with Wickham. At first they expected that the two were planning to

go to Scotland to get married (because minors can marry without parental

permission in Scotland). However, after gaining further intelligence they

find that there is reason to doubt that Wickham has any intention of

marrying her at all. Jane asks Elizabeth and the Gardiners to return home

as soon as possible, and requests that Mr. Gardiner help her father search

for Lydia and Wickham in London.

Elizabeth rushes to the door to go out to find Mr. Gardiner, but as

she does so Mr. Darcy appears. She tells him with great agitation that she

must go immediately in search of Mr. Gardiner, but he recommends that a

servant be sent. That being done, Elizabeth collapses into a chair and when

she is able to she explains the situation to Darcy. He is extremely

distressed, thinking that if he had revealed more of what he knew about

Wickham's character this could have been prevented. Elizabeth, observing

Darcy, believes that such an action on her sister's part will make a

renewal of Darcy's proposal impossible. Feeling this loss, she realizes

that she loves him.

After a few minutes Darcy realizes that he is doing no good by his

presence and takes his leave, promising to maintain secrecy on the matter

and wishing that he could do more to help. Elizabeth watches him go with

regret, doubting that they will ever meet again on such friendly terms.

Elizabeth has no doubts that Wickham does not plan to marry Lydia. She

knows that Lydia would not have gone off with him if she were not under the

pretense that they were going to be married, but Elizabeth also realizes

that Lydia is easy prey for Wickham's deceptions. The Gardiners quickly

return and Elizabeth relates the sad news to them. Mr. Gardiner promises to

do all he can to help, and they quickly prepare for their journey.

Volume III, Chapter 5 Summary:

On the way back to Longbourn, Mr. Gardiner attempts to convince

Elizabeth that Wickham must have a genuine intention of marrying Lydia, but

Elizabeth, knowing what she does of Wickham, is not convinced. Elizabeth

reproaches herself for not having revealed what she knew of Wickham's true

character.

They arrive at Longbourn the next day and Jane is very happy to see

Elizabeth. So far there is no new news about Lydia's whereabouts. Mrs.

Bennet has taken things badly and will not leave her apartment. When they

go to see her, she tells them that she blames the Forsters for neglect, not

thinking that Lydia is the type of girl to do such a thing. She is alarmed

that when Mr. Bennet finds them he will fight with Wickham and be killed.

Mr. Gardiner tries to reassure her, and promises to do what he can to help

Mr. Bennet in London. Kitty and Mary do not seem extremely upset over the

situation.

When Elizabeth and Jane are alone they discuss what has happened in

more detail. Jane shows Elizabeth the note which Lydia left for Mrs.

Forster. Lydia's letter shows extreme thoughtlessness and frivolity, but

also proves that she had every intention to marry Wickham.

Volume III, Chapter 6 Summary:

The next morning Mr. Gardiner sets off for London. Mrs. Gardiner plans

to remain for a few more days at Longbourn in order to help Elizabeth and

Jane. All in Meryton quickly changed their opinion of Wickham from "an

angel of light" to "the wickedest young man in the world," now finding

fault with so many of his actions.

A letter from Mr. Gardiner arrives in a couple of days, explaining

that they plan to inquire at every major hotel about Lydia and Wickham. Mr.

Gardiner also plans to ask Mr. Forster if anyone in the militia has any

idea of where he would be staying in London.

They receive a letter from Mr. Collins, offering condolences and also

criticizing the lack of parental attention to Lydia. He also alludes to the

fact that he is now glad Elizabeth turned down his proposal, since being

married to her would connect him with this disgrace.

Another letter arrives from Mr. Gardiner saying that Mr. Forster has

had no luck in finding any possible close friends or relations with whom

Wickham and Lydia might be staying. He also mentions that Wickham has extra

reasons for secrecy because of over 1,000 dollars in gaming debts, along

with other debts to the town merchants. Mr. Bennet decides to come home and

leave the rest of the searching to Mr. Gardiner. At the same time, Mrs.

Gardiner returns home to London with her children.

Elizabeth's misery at the situation is greatly increased by the

knowledge that it probably ruins her chances of marriage to Darcy. When

Elizabeth speaks to her father, he tells her that he thinks himself

completely to blame.

Volume III, Chapter 7 Summary:

Mr. Bennet receives an express letter from Mr. Gardiner, stating that

he has found Wickham and that Wickham will agree to marry Lydia on

condition that she receives her equal share of Mr. Bennet's wealth after

his death along with 100 pounds per year. Mr. Gardiner assumes that

Wickham's debts are not so bad as everyone had thought.

Mr. Bennet comments that Mr. Gardiner must have paid Wickham a large

sum of money to make him comply, since what Wickham is asking is extremely

little. When Elizabeth and Jane relate the news to Mrs. Bennet, Kitty and

Lydia, Mrs. Bennet is ecstatic. She begins to think about ordering the

wedding clothes.

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