Chapter 16
Next, the Bennets go to the Phillips' house for a dinner party. Elizabeth sits next to Wickham, ignoring Mr. Collins. Wickham explains to Elizabeth how he knows Darcy. He says that they were childhood friends. Elizabeth proceeds to tell Wickham how little she likes Mr.Darcy, prompting Mr. Wickham's condemning story. He says that Darcy's father had left him a clergy job in his will (not legally, of course). Wickham explains that after his father's death, Darcy did not honor that commitment. Elizabeth is horrified by his accusations and wants to expose Darcy to the community for what he is, but Wickham refuses. We find out why later in the book, when Elizabeth receives Darcy's letter. Wickham explains that Darcy did this out of jealousy due to the older Mr. Darcy's attachment to Wickham. Wickham then tells Mr. Collins that his patron, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, is Darcy's aunt. He also says that it is widespread knowledge that Mr. Darcy will marry Lady Catherine's son, although it is really just gossip.
Chapter 17
Jane and Elizabeth discuss what they learned at the dinner party, and Jane refuses think badly of Darcy or Wickham, saying it must be a misunderstanding. Elizabeth cannot believe that Wickham would lie to her and she thinks that Darcy must have duped Bingley into becoming friends with him. Then, the Bingleys stop by to invite the Bennets to the ball they are hosting, causing all to count down the days. Elizabeth ends up dancing with Mr. Collins at the beginning of the ball, since it would be rude to refuse him and her mother informs her of her approval of the couple.
Chapter 18
Wickham did not attend the ball, much to Elizabeth's disappointment, but she learns that he skipped it in order to avoid Mr. Darcy. Then, Darcy asks her to dance. At this point, she is so surprised that she says yes. While on the dance floor she makes snide remarks to Darcy and compares hi to herself in that they are both unsociable, while really it is only Darcy who behaves this way. She then mentions Mr. Wickham to Darcy, thoroughly embarrassing him. Darcy says of Wickham that although he is initially charming, he cannot keep his friends. Mr. Bingley vouches for Darcy at Jane's request, even though he does not know Wickham. Mr. Collins then learns that Mr. Darcy is Lady Catherine's nephew, causing him to introduce himself to him in his own ridiculous manner. Mr. Darcy is very disdainful in his replies, but Mr. Collins hardly notices. Her mother then proceeds to boast about Jane and Bingley's relationship- within Darcy's earshot- making Elizabeth embarrassed. Then, Mary embarrasses herself with terrible singing. To make things worse, makes a loud speech about manners. Elizabeth's family's foolish behavior causes Mr. Darcy to break things off between Bingley and Jane. Afterwards, Bingley agrees to visit the Bennets at Longbourn, assuring Mrs. Bennet that Jane will soon be married.
Chapter 19
After breakfast the next day, Mr. Collins goes to the kitchen to propose to Elizabeth, so Mrs. Bennet clears the room of the rest of her family. Mr. Collins gets right to business, proposing with very little emotion. He points out his thoughtfulness, due to the inheritance situation. He also points at his generosity, effectively using the proposal as an opportunity to brag. Elizabeth is not interested, and she turns him down as politely as she absolutely can. Mr. Collins thinks that she is just being shy, frustrating Elizabeth, because she really means no. Mr. Collins continues to persist. He again enumerates his qualities and asks her again. Elizabeth tells him to leave her alone. He then says he is going to ask her parents, making Elizabeth very upset.
Chapter 20
Mrs. Bennet begins to congratulate them effusively, until she learns of her "refusal." Mrs. Bennet, however, realizes that Elizabeth actually does not want to marry him. She starts to freak out and she wants to see Mr. Bennet. Mrs. Bennet says that she will not ever see Elizabeth again if she refuses, while Mr. Bennet says he will never see her again if she accepts. Mr. Bennet, in a rare act of affection, tells Elizabeth to follow her heart. Charlotte arrives and Mr. Collins finally withdraws his proposal.