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CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

The setting changes. Elizabeth begins her journey with Sir William and Maria Lucas. On the way to Charlotte's, they stop overnight at the Gardiners' in London, where Elizabeth finds Jane in poor spirits.

Elizabeth talks with her aunt of Jane's problem. Mrs. Gardiner asks about Wickham's new courtship. Elizabeth exclaims that she is sick of Wickham, Bingley, and Darcy. She is going the next day to see a man without a single agreeable quality (Collins), and she is glad of it.

Before Elizabeth leaves with the Lucases, her aunt invites her to join her and her husband on a summer tour to the Lake District. With this to look forward to, and curious about Charlotte's new home and life, Elizabeth continues the journey into Kent more cheerfully.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

At Hunsford parsonage Mr. Collins boasts of his house, his furniture, his gardens, and the splendors of his patron's estate, giving every particular of the size and cost of every item. Charlotte is serene. She hears only what she wishes to hear of her husband's babble. Elizabeth recognizes Charlotte's sensible arrangements of the house and grounds, and she understands how Charlotte has managed to keep her husband busy in the garden or in his study, which faces on the road to Rosings. In this way Charlotte has to endure very little of the company of her husband-who may be entertaining to read about but not to live with.

Miss de Bourgh and her governess drive by, stopping at the parsonage gate. Elizabeth is surprised to see what a pale, thin, sickly-looking girl Mr. Darcy is supposed to be interested in marrying-according to Wickham, that is.

The Collinses and their guests are invited to dine at Rosings the next day.

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