Chapter 6
The ladies of Longbourn and Netherfield call on each other several times. The party at Netherfield begins to understands the distasteful behavior of Mrs. Bennet and the younger daughters, eventually spending time with only Elizabeth and Jane, who are the most sensible members of the family. Jane is flattered by their interest, but Elizabeth sees through it to their prevailing snootiness. Charlotte and Elizabeth worry that the others cannot tell that she loves Bingley since she conceals her feelings so well. Meanwhile, when Elizabeth goes to a party at her aunt's house, she is forced to dance with Darcy, making her exceedingly uncomfortable. She does not notice that he has been admiring her. The author, however, lets us in on a conversation between Darcy and Bingley's sister, Caroline. Caroline, who has a crush on Darcy begins to insult Elizabeth after he makes a remark on her "fine eyes."
Chapter 7
To open the chapter, a militia arrives to stay in Meryton, only a mile from Longbourn. The two youngest Bennets, Kitty and Lydia, are overjoyed at the thought of flirting with the officers and Mr. Bennet is overjoyed with the chance to laugh at his daughters' antics. The next day, Jane is invited to eat lunch with Miss Bingley and her sister, Mrs. Hurst, at Netherfield. This gives Mrs. Bennet an opportunity to scheme on her daughter's behalf. She predicts that it will rain, so she sends Jane by horse so that she will have to stay all night after getting wet. As a result of the rain, Jane falls ill, causing Mr. Bingley to ask her to stay until she is better. Jane sends a letter home to Elizabeth explaining what happened. Out of her good nature, Jane did not ask Elizabeth to come, although she desperately wanted to see her. Elizabeth ran to her house the next morning, surprising all the residents of Netherfield. Miss Bingley is disgusted by Elizabeth's muddy gown, but Mr. Darcy silently admires how she looks after exercise. Jane is overjoyed by the arrival of her sister and Elizabeth is encourage to stay, an invitation she gladly accepts.
Chapter 8
This chapter opens on the Bingley sisters discussing Jane. Their affection for Jane is only present when she is with them. Elizabeth realizes that their courtesy is only outwards. In this chapter, we see Miss Bingley constantly trying to catch Mr.Darcy's attention. She does this by bullying Elizabeth whenever she leaves the room, mocking her for running to their house, alone and through the mud. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy defend her against their remarks, praising her devotion to her sister. Darcy reconsiders his admiration for Elizabeth when he hears that she has relatives who are of a much lower class than he is. When Elizabeth returns, they discuss Mr. Darcy's sister, Georgiana, who Miss Bingley wants Mr. Bingley to marry. Then, they discuss what it means to be accomplished as a women. Mr.Darcy says he knows very few women who fit that description, and he goes on to enumerate all the things they must do, most notably reading. Elizabeth finds all the more reason to laugh at him and she declares that he can't know any woman who can do all those things.
Chapter 9
The next morning, the doctor, Mr. Jones, comes to visit Jane. He says that she is going to be fine, but that it would not be wise for her to go home, a verdict that delights Mrs. Bennet. Next, we learn through a conversation with Mr. Bingley that Elizabeth enjoys studying people. Mrs. Bennet comes to visit that morning, and begins displaying her foolish character in front of the residents of Netherfield. Elizabeth tries to save her from her herself, but to no avail. When they both leave the room, the women start to abuse Mrs. Bennet, but Darcy refuses to abuse Elizabeth.
Chapter 10
This chapter begins with Mr.Darcy condemning the advances Miss Bingley is making towards him. Then, Darcy, Mr. Bingley, and Elizabeth discuss the merits of changing your mind because of a friend. Darcy condemns this behavior, but Elizabeth things that you should trust your friends more than your own pride. This discussion foreshadows Mr. Bingley's later actions regarding Jane. Finally, Elizabeth notices that Mr. Darcy looks at her far too often, and thinks that he is just looking at her to judge her, Meanwhile, Darcy's affection is growing for her, but he thinks that he will never be serious because of her low social status. This chapter reveals much of the true character of Bingley, Darcy, and Elizabeth and helps to explain some of their later actions.