Chapter 51
Lydia has no sense of shame about her marriage and she goes into town just to flaunt her new name: Mrs. Wickham. Wickham doesn't display nearly as much affection for Lydia as she does for him. Lydia mentions that Darcy was at her wedding, something that she wasn't supposed to let slip. Elizabeth does not further inquire about, but she is burning with curiosity. She writes a letter to her aunt wanting to know why Darcy was at the wedding.
Chapter 52
The reply letter says that Darcy left only a day after Elizabeth to go find Lydia and Wickham in London. Darcy tried to convince the two to marry. He succeeded by paying Wickham's debts and giving him bribe money. This is all secret, because Mr. Darcy did not want Elizabeth to know. She begins to feel extremely obligated to Darcy, which is why he wanted it to remain secret. Elizabeth wants to think the bribe was for her, but she can't believe he would still love her after her rude refusal of his proposal. Then, Elizabeth and Wickham takes a walk and she tells him that she knows about his past. Since they are brother and sister now, she is willing for it to be in the past, a sign of her personal growth.
Chapter 53
Elizabeth is thankful that Mr. Wickham has finally shut up about Darcy. Lydia and Wickham leave. Mrs. Bennet is sad after their departure, since they will be living so far away. Next, Bingley returns to Netherfield, and the Bennets repeat the same pattern as they did before. Bingley comes to call three days later, Mr. Darcy in tow. The arrival of Darcy makes Elizabeth feel awkward, since her feelings have turned to love and gratitude. (The rest of the family still does not know about the bribe). Mrs. Bennet starts going on about Lydia's marriage and insults Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Bennet then reminds Bingley of his promise (over a year ago) to come to dinner and invites the gentlemen to come the next evening.
Chapter 54
Elizabeth resolves to stop thinking about Darcy (a resolution that does not last long). At dinner, it becomes apparent that Jane and Bingley will be engaged soon. Elizabeth wants to speak to Darcy they whole time, but she does not get to. Jane talks about Bingley all night after he leaves, but she claims she has no romantic interest left, which is definitely not true.
Chapter 55
When Bingley comes again, he says that Darcy went to London, but will return soon. Bingley comes to dinner the next day, far earlier than he was expected. Mrs. Bennet tries to get Bingley and Jane alone together, so that he can propose. She eventually succeeds, but Elizabeth comes back as soon as she can. Over the course of the next day, Mr. Bingley asks Mr. Bennet for Jane's hand, dines with the family and proposes to Jane. Jane is joyful and gladly accepts. Mr. Bingley comes every day after and he and Jane are inseparable. Jane wishes that Elizabeth could be as happy as her, but Elizabeth thinks she will be lucky just to find another Mr. Collins.