Pride and Prejudice Chapters 37-44
Elizabeth and Maria leave for home the following week. On the way, they stop in to see the Gardiners, spending a few days with them in London. Jane joins them, and the three continue towards home.
The militia stationed nearby will be moving in about two weeks. Kitty and Lydia fret the loss of so many eligible men in the area, but Elizabeth is pleased that Mr. Wickham will then be gone.
Elizabeth tells Jane about Mr. Darcy’s proposal, but she does not mention Mr. Darcy’s hand in Jane’s relationship with Mr. Bingley. Jane is bothered by Mr. Wickham’s behavior as expressed by Mr. Darcy, and the women discuss the idea of making this knowledge of his poor character public. However, they decide not to.
Colonel Forster is the commander of the militia regiment. His wife extends an invitation for Lydia to join the regiment when it moves to Brighton. Elizabeth is disturbed by this proposal, and begs her father to forbid Lydia from going. Her father declines to do so, saying that even if she does embarrass the family, it’s still better than listening to her complain about being denied the opportunity. Thus, Lydia leaves with the militia.
In the summer, Elizabeth accompanies the Gardiners on a trip to Derbyshire, where Mr. Darcy’s estate happens to be located. Upon arrival, Mrs. Gardiner suggests that they visit the estate. Elizabeth only agrees upon learning that none of the Darcy family will be there.
As the housekeeper shows them the grounds, she extolls Mr. Darcy’s virtues, crowing endlessly about what a great man he is. She mentions that he will not be returning until the following day, but the group is then surprised by Mr. Darcy’s unexpected appearance. He is apparently glad to see them, especially Elizabeth, and is exceedingly gracious. He asks Elizabeth if he may introduce her to his own sister. Elizabeth is baffled by his very courteous welcome, and his kind hospitality. She wonders what it means. Even the Gardiners remark on his bountiful kindness, and suspect that he may have certain intentions with Elizabeth.
The next day, Mr. Darcy meets with the Gardiners, Mr. Bingley, and his sister, Georgiana, who he introduces to Elizabeth. Elizabeth finds that Georgiana is very sweet and kind, unlike the disparaging description Mr. Wickham had given of a proud and arrogant girl. Elizabeth notices that Mr. Bingley makes mention of a few things that indicate a longing for Jane. Elizabeth also notes no apparent romantic attraction between Georgiana and Mr. Bingley, as Caroline Bingley had asserted. Elizabeth realizes more and more that she has been misled by both Mr. Wickham and Caroline.
The Gardiners notice that Mr. Darcy appears to be smitten with Elizabeth. However, they are unsure of Elizabeth’s feelings. Elizabeth herself remains unsure.
Analysis:
It is clear that Lydia is impetuous and capricious. Her desire to accompany the military regiment, and her father’s reasoning for allowing it, demonstrate her immaturity.
Elizabeth continues to see little hints of Mr. Darcy’s integrity and virtue, continuing to shake her original belief in his poor character. She gets more signals from him that perhaps he is interested in her romantically, but she remains very skeptical that such a thing might be taking place.
Elizabeth also sees more examples of people who are misleading her with lies. She realizes further that she has developed opinions of people based upon what others have told her, things that sometimes turn out to be outright lies. Her deeper understanding that these prejudices should be avoided opens up her view of those around her, and provides the opportunity to get to know people she might have otherwise rejected based upon bad information.
