Chapter 11
That evening, Jane is well enough to retire to the parlor with the others at Netherfield. Mr. Bingley only talks to her after this, a sign of his affection. Miss Bingley continues to try to show off and outdo Elizabeth to attract Mr. Darcy, failing of course. This leads to a conversation between Darcy and Elizabeth about their main faults. Darcy is told that his fault is the inclination to hate others; Elizabeth's is intentionally misunderstanding them.
Chapter 12
Elizabeth begins to be anxious to leave Netherfield, so as not to intrude on Bingley's hospitality, but her mom wants them to stay, in hopes of drawing a proposal out of Mr. Bingley. She therefore refuses to send a carriage to help them go home. They stay one more day, and then leave in the Bingleys' carriage. Mr. Darcy, despite his growing affection, is glad for them to leave. He is afraid that his admiration will become serious, which would seriously impact his social standing.
Chapter 13
This chapter opens on the Bennets receiving a later from their estranged cousin, Mr. Collins. He has the inheritance rights to their estate, causing Mrs. Bennet to fear that he will kick them out as soon as Mr. Bennet dies. In the letter, Mr. Collins expresses his wish to be closer to the Bennets and he expresses his recent acquisition of a parsonage, thanks to his patron, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Once Mr. Collins arrives, he talks far more than is necessary. He is found to be quite a comical character, employing far too much formality. He compliments all the Bennet daughters, the house, and the meal. We soon discover that Mr. Collins is planning to marry one of the Bennet daughters, the reason for his visit. THis causes Mrs. Bennet to begin to like her visitor.
Chapter 14
Mr. Collins is lavish in his praise of Lady Catherine. She lives right next to Mr. Collins. She is widow with immense wealth and one, frail daughter. Mr. Bennet enjoys Mr. Collins antics quite a bit. Mr. Bennet's main trait is a tendency to laugh at others, which has horrible results for his children. After dinner, we first see how silly Lydia, the youngest daughter, is when she insults the sermons Mr. Collins is reading and blatantly ignores the morals that are directed principally at her.
Chapter 15
Mr. Collins is first interested in marrying Jane, because of her good nature and handsome features, but he changes his mind as soon as hears about Bingley. He then focuses his attentions on Elizabeth, the next oldest daughter. He and all the girls (except Mary) go on a walk to Meryton, where they met a new officer in the militia: Mr. Wickham. They are all charmed instantly (especially Elizabeth) by his good-looks and charming speech. While they are conversing with him, Darcy and Bingley approach on horseback. When Mr. Darcy notices Wickham, he instantly becomes pale with anger, as does Wickham. After this exchange is over, they go to Mrs. Phillips' (their aunt's) house to gossip with her. Elizabeth pulls Jane aside to point out how angry Darcy and Wickham were, but both sisters are at a loss to describe why they had such a reaction to each other.