Chapter 28

Summary

Elizabeth and the Lucases go to Huntsford. They meet Charlotte and Mr. Collins at the parsonage, which adjoins Lady CatherineÂ’s estate, Rosings Park. Elizabeth is warmly welcomed by her girlfriend, who has not changed. She is content with marriage and has learned to gracefully bear her peculiar husband. Mr. Collins is as vainglorious and cumbersome as ever.

The next morning, Maria Lucas enthusiastically points out to Elizabeth two ladies who have arrived at the garden gate. One of them is Miss de Bourgh, a thin, pale, cross-looking maiden; Elizabeth thinks that she would make an ideal wife for proud Darcy. After the guests depart, Mr. Collins says that everyone has been invited to dine at Rosings the next day.

Notes

ElizabethÂ’s arrival at the parsonage gives her allows her to see the marital life of a mismatched couple. Mr. Collins, proud and bothersome as always, is oblivious to the needs and concerns of his wife. Charlotte, however, has adapted well to her compromise marriage and tries to make the best of things. She has learned to ignore her husbandÂ’s shameful behavior and rude statements. On the whole, Charlotte tries to make the best of the bargain she has made for herself in marriage. Elizabeth is awed by CharlotteÂ’s adaptability, self-restraint, and capacity for contentment.

Mr. Collins makes a gaudy display of his house, trying to rub it into Elizabeth what she has missed by turning down his proposal to her. Ironically, this makes Elizabeth even more glad that she refused him.

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