Chapter 56
Lady Catherine comes a few days after the proposal to try to force Elizabeth into not being engaged to Darcy, who she claims is supposed to marry her daughter. Elizabeth says that she cannot make any such promises, leaving Lady Catherine in quite a fuss.
Chapter 57
Elizabeth wonders what prompted Lady Catherine's attack. She thinks that Lady Catherine will now try to make Darcy leave Elizabeth. The next morning, Mr. Bennet shows her a letter from Mr. Collins, hinting that Darcy and Elizabeth will soon be engaged. Mr. Collins warns that Lady Catherine would detest such a marriage. Mr. Bennet thinks it is a joke, but Elizabeth takes it seriously. Elizabeth struggles not to cry as her father makes fun of Darcy.
Chapter 58
A few days later, Darcy returns and goes on a walk with Elizabeth. He begins to thank him for his bribe to Wickham, even though her family still does not know about it. Darcy says that he did it for her and he then confesses that he still loves her. Elizabeth returns the feelings immediately. She learns that it was Lady Catherine who let him know about her change of heart. Both of them feel sorry for their previous behavior to each other. He explains that the refusal made him recognize his pride and that made him change. Elizabeth also learns that he persuaded Bingley that Jane loved him. This chapter concludes with the two becoming engaged.
Chapter 59
Elizabeth tells Jane about the engagement that evening. She tells Jane how she fell in love with him. Elizabeth also tells Jane about his involvement in Lydia's marriage. That evening they decide to tell the Bennet parents about their engagement. Elizabeth is unsure of how her mother will feel about it. Mrs. Bennet is struck with silence and then expresses her joy at the match.
Chapter 60
Darcy and Elizabeth talk about how they came to love each other. They then set to the task of telling their respective aunts about their engagement. Mr. Bennet advises Mr. Collins to take the side of Darcy and not Lady Catherine. After all, Darcy is more wealthy. Elizabeth tries to shield Mr. Darcy from all of this.