Chapter 18

Elizabeth arrives at Netherfield expecting Wickham. He is not there. Denny's smile makes the reason clear enough: Darcy. Elizabeth's irritation with Darcy sharpens before she has even spoken to him. She dances the first two dances with Mr. Collins, who moves the wrong way, apologizes incorrectly, and is 'awkward and solemn, apologizing instead of paying attention.' The moment she is free of him is described as 'pure bliss.'

Darcy asks for her hand. She accepts without knowing what she is doing. The dance is conducted in the peculiar atmosphere of two people who both know something is happening between them and neither is addressing it directly. Elizabeth raises Wickham deliberately — a test, and perhaps a small act of hostility. Darcy's composure is unchanged. When the dance ends, he bows and walks away. She cannot make out what he intended by any of it.

The chapter's final section is entirely catastrophic. Mr. Collins reveals to Darcy that he is the rector of Hunsford, on the recommendation of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Darcy receives this information with visible surprise and no pleasure. Mrs. Bennet is overheard at supper talking at length, and with great satisfaction, about the likely engagement of Jane and Bingley. Mr. Bennet refuses to help. Lydia persuades a reluctant officer to propose a reel and then forgets about it. Mary performs at the piano for too long. Elizabeth's enjoyment of the evening is the progressive enjoyment of someone watching their family misbehave and knowing there is nothing to be done.