This is a love letter to my wife. When we got married 14 years ago, I had never read Pride and Prejudice. But it’s my wife’s favorite book, so she encouraged me to read it. Of course, I had to comply with her wish. I imagine she was equal parts gratified and mortified by that decision. Because I ran to her every time a shocking revelation came to light, even though they were all old hat to her.
“Can you believe who Mr. Collins got engaged to?” I asked her in utter disbelief. “Did Mr. Darcy really just admit that? He’s such a jerk!” I forcefully declared. “How could Lydia do that?” I moaned to her in despair. And much more. And my wife just patiently patted my shoulder and, like Mr. Bennett, simply said, “Read on.”
And now I get to echo her words by telling you, my amazing readers, if you want to see how the 1995 BBC miniseries of Pride and Prejudice works as a chiasmus, read on!
The Chiasmus
I have previously published this article in three separate parts. You can read them here:
Here is the whole chiasmus, which I had previously broken into three parts. For the first time, you get to see it in its complete glory:
Episode 1
A1. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley ride toward Netherfield Park
B1. Elizabeth and the rest of the Bennets are introduced
C1. The Bennets leave Longbourn church with news of Bingley’s arrival
D1. Mr. Bennet makes his wife believe he will refuse to call on Bingley
E1. Elizabeth and Jane Bennet discuss the difficulty of marrying well
F1. At their first ball together, Darcy refuses to dance with Elizabeth
G1. Mrs. Bennet reviews the ball with her husband and daughters
H1. Darcy and Bingley’s sisters praise Jane and mock the other Bennets
I1. Elizabeth and Jane discuss the prospect of marrying Bingley and tolerating his friends and family
J1. Lucas Lodge hosts a party for the regiment
K1. Charlotte Lucas says Jane should do all she can to secure Bingley in marriage
L1. Elizabeth refuses to dance with Darcy
M1. Jane gets invited to go to Netherfield by Caroline Bingley without seeing her brother
N1. Mrs. Bennet schemes to have Jane stay the night at Netherfield by forcing Jane to ride there on horseback in the rain
O1. Elizabeth walks to Netherfield to see Jane
P1. Darcy sees Elizabeth outside and begins to like her even more
Q1. After inviting Elizabeth to stay at Netherfield, Bingley goes out with a hunting party
R1. Elizabeth is sad to leave Jane, but she hopes Jane will marry Bingley soon
S1. Elizabeth accidentally runs into Darcy in the billiard room and leaves him, and he takes another shot
T1. Darcy writes a letter to his sister Georgiana and defines an accomplished woman
U1. Despite Caroline’s misgivings, Mrs. Bennet and nearly all her daughters visit Netherfield
V1. After taking a bath, Darcy watches Elizabeth play with a dog outside
W1. Darcy admits his faults to Elizabeth
X1. Elizabeth and Jane are excited to leave Netherfield
Episode 2
A2. Mr. Collins writes to Mr. Bennet without revealing that Lady Catherine de Bourgh is behind it
B2. Mr. Collins comes to visit the Bennets
C2. Mrs. Bennet guides Mr. Collins to set his sights on Elizabeth Bennet
D2. Mr. Wickham is astonished to meet Darcy on the street in Meryton
E2. Mr. Collins, the Bennets, and the regiment are invited to the Philips’ home
F2. Wickham conceals the truth about his bad character from Elizabeth
G2. Elizabeth tells Jane Bennet what she learned from Wickham about Darcy’s misdeeds
H2. Mr. Collins asks to dance with all his cousins at the upcoming Netherfield ball
I2. Wickham and Elizabeth discuss Bingley, and he learns that Lydia Bennet is 15
J2. While Elizabeth prepares for the ball thinking only of Wickham, Lydia makes a spectacle of herself in front of Mr. Collins
K2. Arriving at the Netherfield ball, Elizabeth can’t find Wickham
L2. Mr. Collins gets introduced to Charlotte Lucas, which is the first step leading to their eventual marriage
M2. Elizabeth is dismayed to dance with Mr. Collins while Darcy watches
N2. Darcy catches Elizabeth off guard, and she agrees to dance with him
O2. Caroline and Jane try to warn Elizabeth about Wickham, but she doesn’t listen
P2. Mary Bennet cuts Bingley off and plays the piano, while Darcy snubs Mr. Collins
Q2. One by one, the Bennets embarrass themselves in public
R2. The next morning, Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth, and she declines
S2. Mr. Bennet meets with Elizabeth and says he’ll never see her again if she marries Mr. Collins
T2. Charlotte invites Mr. Collins to dine at her family’s home
Episode 3
A3. Elizabeth Bennet is shocked to see Charlotte engaged to Mr. Collins
B3. Jane Bennet is saddened to learn that Bingley and his sisters have left Netherfield
C3. Wickham admits to Elizabeth that he deliberately avoided Darcy at the ball
D3. Wickham and other officers spend time at the Bennets’ home
E3. Bingley proves to be gone for good from Netherfield
F3. Jane mourns in solitude, and Elizabeth recommends she stay with the Gardiners
G3. The Gardiners arrive at Longbourn for Christmas
H3. Mrs. Gardiner meets Wickham and says she grew up near Derbyshire
I3. Charlotte Lucas asks Elizabeth to visit her in Hunsford, and she agrees
J3. Without revealing his vicious character, Wickham sets his sights on Mary King’s fortune
K3. Jane writes to Elizabeth about Caroline’s bad character
L3. Elizabeth talks with Wickham about him seeking to marry Ms. King
M3. Mr. Bennet bids Elizabeth farewell
N3. Elizabeth arrives at the Collins’ home in Hunsford
O3. Mr. Collins shows off his house, every part of which Lady Catherine helped plan
P3. Charlotte explains how she rarely sees Mr. Collins, and he’s oblivious
Q3. Elizabeth sees Darcy’s betrothed, Anne de Bourgh, for the first time
R3. Elizabeth walks to Rosings Park for the first time to meet Lady Catherine
S3. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrive at Hunsford, and Elizabeth asks Darcy if he saw Jane in London, which he denies
T3. Darcy sees Elizabeth walking around the grounds of Rosings Park, and he hastily leaves without a word
U3. Elizabeth plays the piano in front of others and talks to Darcy about their embarrassing history
V3. Darcy interrupts Elizabeth’s letter to Jane to talk about living close to home and seeing family often
W3. Elizabeth finds Colonel Fitzwilliam while walking the grounds, and she receives painful news
X3. Elizabeth stays home while her companions leave, and she reads Jane’s letters
Y3. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, and she declines
Episode 4
Y3. Darcy and Elizabeth replay the declined proposal in their minds
X3. Darcy secludes himself from his companions to write Elizabeth a letter
W3. Elizabeth finds Darcy while walking the grounds, and she receives his painful letter
V3. Elizabeth gets interrupted while reading Darcy’s letter to learn that he left without seeing her
U3. Elizabeth continues reading Darcy’s letter by herself and remembers her family’s embarrassing behavior
T3. Darcy tells Elizabeth he convinced Bingley to leave Netherfield to prevent his marriage to Jane
S3. Darcy admits concealing the knowledge of Jane being in London from Bingley
R3. Elizabeth walks to Rosings Park for the last time
Q3. Lady Catherine gloats that Darcy felt sorry to leave because of his love for her daughter
P3. Elizabeth is determined to get away from Lady Catherine, who is quite put out
O3. Maria Lucas frets over packing her trunk after Lady Catherine told her exactly how to do it
N3. Elizabeth departs the Collins’ home
M3. Lydia Bennet greets Elizabeth at a waystation on her way home
L3. Lydia tells Elizabeth that Wickham is safe from marrying Ms. King
K3. Jane talks to Elizabeth about Wickham’s bad character
J3. Jane and Elizabeth decide not to tell everyone about Wickham
I3. The regiment prepares to go to Brighton, and Mrs. Forster invites Lydia to come, which she accepts
H3. Elizabeth bids farewell to Wickham and says she will visit the Gardiners soon
G3. Lydia leaves, and the Gardiners arrive at Longbourn
F3. Elizabeth happily goes with the Gardiners to Derbyshire
E3. Darcy plans to return to Pemberley
D3. Elizabeth and the Gardiners spend time admiring the natural beauty of the great outdoors
C3. Elizabeth agrees to go to Pemberley after hearing that Darcy won’t be there
B3. Elizabeth is surprised to learn that Darcy is expected to return the next day
A3. Elizabeth is astonished to see Darcy arrive early and in an amazingly changed state
Episode 5
T2. Elizabeth finds Darcy waiting for her at the inn where she’s staying
S2. Elizabeth meets Georgiana Darcy and Bingley, whom she hadn’t expected to see again
R2. Georgiana invites Elizabeth to visit Pemberley and play the piano, and she agrees
Q2. Acting quickly, Elizabeth saves Georgiana from public embarrassment
P2. Caroline cuts Bingley off to insult Elizabeth, but Darcy silences her
O2. Jane writes to Elizabeth about Lydia running off with Wickham, but it’s too late to stop them
N2. Darcy catches Elizabeth off guard, and she spills the beans to him about Lydia and Wickham
M2. Elizabeth is dismayed she’ll never see Darcy again, though the Gardiners try to cheer her up
L2. Darcy suddenly leaves his friends and engages in business that will end in unlikely marriages
K2. Arriving home, Elizabeth learns that no one can find Wickham or Lydia
J2. While Elizabeth reads Lydia’s thoughtless letter about her own scandalous elopement, Darcy goes to London thinking only of Elizabeth
I2. Elizabeth and Jane note that no respectable man will have anything to do with them after Lydia’s actions with Wickham
H2. Mr. Collins comes to Longbourn to gloat over the Bennet girls
G2. Mrs. Philips tells Mrs. Bennet what she learned about Wickham’s misdeeds in Meryton
F2. Wickham keeps Lydia concealed in London
E2. Mr. Bennet comes home to Longbourn
D2. Mrs. Younge is shocked to see Darcy at her residence in London
C2. Mr. Bennet forbids Kitty Bennet from going to any balls
B2. Darcy finds Wickham and Lydia
A2. Mr. Gardiner writes to Mr. Bennet without revealing that Darcy is behind it
Episode 6
X1. Mrs. Bennet is excited for Lydia to be married
W1. Mr. Bennet admits his shame and faults to Elizabeth
V1. After figuratively taking a bath, Darcy watches Lydia Bennet marry a dog of a husband
U1. Despite Mr. Bennet’s misgivings, Wickham and Lydia visit Longbourn
T1. Lydia proves herself to be untrustworthy, and Elizabeth writes a letter to Mrs. Gardiner
S1. Darcy pays an unexpected visit to the Gardiners and insists on calling the shots
R1. Mrs. Bennet is sad to see Wickham and Lydia leave, and Mr. Bennet boasts about his terrible son-in-law
Q1. Bingley returns to Netherfield and goes out with a shooting party
P1. Jane tries to deny her feelings for Bingley, but Elizabeth sees through it
O1. Darcy and Bingley ride their horses to Longbourn to see Elizabeth and Jane
N1. Bingley says his plans aren’t yet settled, but he hopes to stay at Netherfield for some weeks
M1. Jane claims to be totally indifferent to seeing Bingley
L1. Darcy apologizes to Bingley for trying to separate him from Jane
K1. With a little help from Mrs. Bennet, Bingley proposes to Jane, and she accepts
J1. Mr. Bennet invites Bingley to return to Longbourn soon
I1. Jane wishes Elizabeth could find a man good enough to marry
H1. Lady Catherine insults Elizabeth and forbids her from marrying Darcy
G1. Mr. Bennet reviews a letter from Mr. Collins with Elizabeth along the lines of Lady Catherine’s visit
F1. For the second time, Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, and this time she accepts
E1. Jane can’t believe Elizabeth is serious at first when she says she’s engaged to Darcy
D1. Mr. Bennet gives his consent for Darcy to marry Elizabeth and comes to believe Elizabeth truly loves him
C1. Elizabeth and Jane go to Longbourn church to get married to Darcy and Bingley, respectively
B1. We get a final look at the characters we’ve met throughout the miniseries
A1. Darcy and Bingley ride away from Longbourn in carriages with their new brides
And now we will discuss each point in greater detail. Every single one. Strap in, my friends. It’s a big one.
A1. Darcy and Bingley Ride Away
Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley bookend Pride and Prejudice perfectly. The two first appear riding horses in the country to get a look at a beautiful home called Netherfield Park. Darcy expresses some concern about the society, but Bingley says he finds country manners charming. With Darcy’s blessing, Bingley races toward the house to close on it with the attorney and make his ownership official.
Darcy and Bingley also feature prominently at the end of the miniseries. The two emerge from the church near Netherfield where they were just married to two beautiful Bennet sisters. Darcy has clearly overcome his concerns about the society, and he has joined Bingley in being charmed by certain country manners. As they ride in horse-drawn carriages, Darcy consummates his love by closing in for a kiss with Elizabeth.
B1. Introduction and Farewell
We get our first glimpse at the major players of the Bennet family right after being introduced to the two gentlemen at the start. Elizabeth is the first Bennet we see, and she walks through the countryside before coming home to a house full of strife involving her family: Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, Kitty, Mary, and Jane.
We get one last look at nearly all the characters we’ve met throughout the miniseries near the end. Elizabeth and Jane stand joyfully next to Darcy and Bingley, respectively, at their wedding. As the minister speaks, we get commentary on the roles each of the characters have played in the film, good and bad.
C1. The Church
As they leave Longbourn church one Sunday, Mrs. Bennet shares the news with her husband and daughters that Bingley is about to move into Netherfield. And she hopes he will marry one of her daughters.
At that same church, Elizabeth and Jane go to marry their respective husbands. Mrs. Bennet’s hope came true, and Bingley did wind up marrying her eldest daughter Jane.
D1. Mr. Bennet’s Consent
Always enjoying a good laugh, Mr. Bennet teases his wife and makes her believe he will never call on Bingley in order to introduce the young man to his daughters. He promises to write to Bingley and tell him that he has five daughters he can choose from to marry. Elizabeth and Jane are convinced that their father isn’t being serious, but Mrs. Bennet takes him at his word.
In utter disbelief, Mr. Bennet pleads with Elizabeth not to marry Darcy because he can’t believe she actually loves him. He admits he already gave his consent for Darcy to marry Elizabeth because he couldn’t imagine withholding anything from him. Elizabeth speaks eloquently of her love for Darcy, and she finally convinces Mr. Bennet to take her at her word.
E1. Marrying Well
Elizabeth tells Jane that she wishes she could marry a sensible man who would take her despite her poverty, though she believes that’s impossible. Jane asserts that marriage must be built on love and respect. Elizabeth teases that Jane will have to marry well to raise the fortunes of the rest of her sisters, but Jane says she wants to marry for love. Elizabeth is convinced that only the deepest love will induce her to matrimony.
Jane can’t believe that Elizabeth is actually engaged to Darcy because she believes it’s impossible. Elizabeth used to hate Darcy, but it’s all forgotten and now she’s deeply in love with him. It turns out that a good marriage is also built on a bad memory. Jane asks Elizabeth when she fell in love with Darcy, and Elizabeth jokes that it began when she first saw his great estate at Pemberley. So they both get to marry for love while also becoming fabulously wealthy.
F1. First and Last Impressions
During his first ball in Hertfordshire, Darcy at first wows everyone but soon manages to make a bad impression. He claims that Bingley is dancing with the only pretty girl in the room, Elizabeth’s sister Jane. Bingley points to Elizabeth and invites Darcy to dance with her, but Darcy utterly refuses. He then says that he’s not interested in young ladies who have been slighted by other men as dance partners. After that, Elizabeth walks past him and shares a private conversation with her friend Charlotte Lucas, inducing Darcy to pay attention to her for the first time.
During a walk together toward Meryton, Elizabeth is dying to tell Darcy that she’s had a change of heart about him. Darcy claims that he was only thinking of Elizabeth when he selflessly helped her sister Lydia. He stops Elizabeth and asks her to marry him once more, and this time she gladly accepts. He then says that she gave him hope when she didn’t promise his aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh never to marry him and become his life partner. After that, they reminisce over once-painful memories that made them fall in love over the course of their relationship.
G1. Elizabeth’s Prediction
Much to Mr. Bennet’s dismay, Mrs. Bennet reviews the details of the ball that his family just came home from. After praising most of the people at the event, Mrs. Bennet chides Darcy for being the proudest, most disagreeable man. Mr. Bennet is surprised to hear that Darcy slighted Elizabeth. Then Elizabeth seriously promises never to dance with Darcy, never dreaming she will one day break that promise.
Much to Elizabeth’s dismay, Mr. Bennet reads highlights to her from a letter by her cousin Mr. Collins on the same topic that Lady Catherine just berated Elizabeth over. After congratulating Mr. Bennet on the upcoming marriage of Jane to Bingley, Mr. Collins warns Mr. Bennet about Elizabeth marrying Darcy. Mr. Bennet is surprised that Elizabeth isn’t laughing at the letter. Then he jokes that Lady Catherine must have come to refuse her consent, never dreaming it could actually be true.
H1. Harping on Elizabeth’s Family
Bingley’s sisters talk privately with Bingley and Darcy about the ball. Darcy concedes that Jane is very pretty, but he disparages the rest of the girls as not beautiful. He clearly has no interest in any of them as potential partners. Caroline Bingley singles out the mother as terrible, and not even Bingley is able to disagree. Darcy says that he’d as soon call Mrs. Bennet a wit as he’d call Elizabeth a beauty. Bingley’s sisters declare that Jane is a dear, sweet girl, and they’d like to know her better, despite her relations. They maintain that they are not afraid of Darcy, nor will they allow him to change their opinions.
Lady Catherine barges into Longbourn to talk to Elizabeth. She disparages their hall and sitting-room and then concedes that she saw a prettyish kind of wilderness she’d like to take a turn in with Elizabeth to speak privately. Lady Catherine asks if Elizabeth is engaged to Darcy, and Elizabeth doesn’t answer. Lady Catherine insults Elizabeth’s mother and family, but Elizabeth says their low social status shouldn’t matter if Darcy doesn’t object to them. She declares she’s not engaged to Darcy, but she refuses to promise not to marry him. Lady Catherine then attacks the rest of Elizabeth’s family relations. But Elizabeth stands up to her and maintains she won’t bend to Lady Catherine’s demands.
I1. Elizabeth and Jane Hope for Good Marriages
Jane speaks highly of Bingley. Elizabeth agrees and gives her leave to like him because she’s liked many a stupider person in the past. However, she cautions that Bingley’s friends and sisters aren’t good at all. Jane tells her she’s wrong and that Darcy may improve upon closer acquaintance. Then Elizabeth quotes Darcy’s cruel words toward her at the dance, and she turns it into a joke.
Jane wishes Elizabeth could be as happy as her now that she’s engaged to Bingley. She wishes there was another man as good as Bingley for Elizabeth. Elizabeth says that she can’t have Jane’s happiness until she also has her goodness. Jane doesn’t realize that Elizabeth is already in love with Darcy. Then Elizabeth turns it into a joke by saying if she’s very lucky, she might meet another Mr. Collins.
J1. Warm Receptions
At a party at Lucas Lodge, Mr. Lucas tells Bingley’s sisters that he hopes this will be the first of many such get-togethers at his home. He offers to help Bingley’s sisters make new friends in town, which Caroline is insulted by. Mrs. Bennet boasts that Bingley has 5,000 a year and how nice her daughter Jane looks with him. Mr. Lucas compliments Mary’s piano playing, but he asks her to comply with Lydia’s request for a more upbeat tune to dance to.
At the entrance to Longbourn, Mr. Bennet tells Bingley that he’s welcome back at Longbourn soon since he’s so amiable. Bingley is much obliged by the offers of Mr. Bennet’s society and promises to come back tomorrow. Mr. Bennet teases Jane that she’ll always exceed her income, though Mrs. Bennet is quick to say that’s impossible since Bingley has 5,000 a year. Mrs. Bennett compliments Jane by saying she knew she could not be so beautiful for nothing.
K1. A Matter of Chance
Charlotte tells Elizabeth that Bingley is clearly showing affection to Jane. And it appears that Jane isn’t yet in love with him but is on the path to falling in love with him. Charlotte tells Elizabeth that Jane should show more affection than she actually feels in order to secure him as a husband. Charlotte says that happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance, and it’s better to know as little as possible about the defects of one’s partner.
Mrs. Bennet runs to Jane’s room to tell her that Bingley is coming. And Jane isn’t ready to go downstairs yet, so Mrs. Bennet gets her ready for his arrival. Shortly after, Mrs. Bennet tells Kitty, Mary, and Elizabeth she has something to talk to them about, but she actually just wants them to leave the sitting-room. Mrs. Bennet is going to leave nothing to chance when it comes to getting Jane and Bingley engaged. When Elizabeth returns, Jane says it happened. Bingley loved her this whole time, they are engaged, and she doesn’t know how she will bear so much happiness.
L1. Darcy Acts Out of Character
Acting strangely out of character, Darcy keeps looking at Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth walks by, he asks her if she would like to dance with him. This opens him up to potential embarrassment when she refuses. Caroline then approaches and says she thinks she knows what Darcy is thinking. But she’s totally surprised when he says he’s thinking of the beauty of Elizabeth’s fine eyes.
Acting in a meek manner, Darcy admits to Bingley he prevented him from seeing Jane in London. As he walks to his carriage, he apologizes for his misdeeds. This opens him up to potential embarrassment, but Bingley does forgive him. Bingley then asks for his blessing in asking Jane to marry him. Darcy tells him to go to it, and Bingley immediately asks for a horse to go propose.
M1. Jane Won’t See Bingley
At breakfast, Jane receives an invitation from Caroline to dine with her and her sister at Netherfield that day. However, their brother Bingley won’t be there. So Jane won’t be able to see him, even though she would like to.
After their first meeting in months, Jane feels at ease about her feelings toward Bingley. She believes she’ll be able to meet him as an indifferent acquaintance in the future. Elizabeth says she’s in danger of making him fall in love with her again.
N1. Staying for Some Time
Mrs. Bennet tells Jane to ride on horseback to go to Netherfield instead of taking the carriage. That way, she’ll have to stay the night because it looks like it will rain, and civility demands Bingley’s sisters not send her home in a storm. Jane is horrified by this scheme, but Mrs. Bennet insists. Jane gets sick and has to stay at Netherfield for several days.
Mrs. Bennet tells Jane to sit up straight and look her best as they await Bingley’s arrival. She showers Bingley with compliments and adoration, but she addresses Darcy with curt civility, making him turn away from her and look out the window. Elizabeth is horrified by her mother’s behavior, and she asks how long Bingley plans on staying at Netherfield. He says his plans are not yet firmly settled, but he hopes to stay a few weeks.
O1. Going to and from Netherfield
The next morning, Elizabeth insists on going to Netherfield from Longbourn against her mother’s wishes. Mrs. Bennet says she should go to Meryton to meet with the officers, but Elizabeth refuses and says she wants to be with Jane. She then walks to Netherfield.
Three days after Bingley’s return to Netherfield, Mrs. Bennet complains that he hasn’t come visit them at Longbourn. Mr. Bennet says he won’t call on him again after the way things turned out last year. But Bingley soon rides to Longbourn from Netherfield with Darcy to see Jane.
P1. A Growing Feeling of Love
While walking to Netherfield, Elizabeth finds Darcy outside the house. She tells him that she’s come to see her sister, and he’s surprised to learn that she walked through the mud to get there. She shows that she doesn’t care what he thinks of her, and he then invites her to come inside. Bingley’s sisters are shocked by her appearance, but Darcy says the exercise only made Elizabeth’s fine eyes look even more beautiful to him. They then discuss the Bennet girls’ poor connections, which makes it difficult for them to marry well.
While working in the kitchen, Jane talks to Elizabeth. Jane says she’s glad Bingley didn’t come with his sisters to Netherfield, but she’s doing her best not to be affected by his return. She worries what other people will say about her and speculate about his reason for coming back. Elizabeth says that they will leave him to himself and not think about him at all. However, Elizabeth keeps smiling silently, prompting Jane to tell her to stop it because she’s clearly saying with her eyes that she thinks Bingley wants to marry her.
Q1. Bingley Hunts
After offering to send for Elizabeth’s clothes so that she can stay with her sister at Netherfield for some time, Bingley goes on a shooting party with some companions.
After bringing back his servants and lots of food to Netherfield so he can stay there for some time, Bingley goes on a shooting party with some companions.
R1. Bittersweet Parting
Elizabeth shares some kind words with Jane before leaving her. She is sad to have to leave Jane’s side and venture down to spend time with Bingley and his friends for an evening. She knows Bingley’s sisters wish she were miles away, and only Bingley is civil and attentive. She then says that Bingley will soon be Jane’s husband, which makes Jane smile with hope and love.
Elizabeth shares one last enlightening conversation with Mr. Wickham before he has to leave. Mrs. Bennet is sad to see Lydia and Wickham leave for the North country for several years. The rest of the family is glad to see them stay many miles away, and only Mr. Bennet is in good spirits. He jokes that Wickham is a more embarrassing son-in-law than Mr. Collins would have been.
S1. Darcy Calls the Shots
While searching for the drawing room, Elizabeth accidentally wanders into the billiard room and finds Darcy playing pool. She doesn’t know what to say, so she just turns around and hurries away. Darcy continues to call his shots and sinks another ball in a corner pocket.
While searching for Wickham and Lydia, the Gardiners are surprised to receive a visit from Darcy. The Gardiners are dumbfounded, but Darcy won’t turn away from his responsibility in this situation. Darcy calls the shots and refuses to give way until Mr. Gardiner shakes hands on Darcy’s proposition.
T1. Accomplished Women and Great Men
While his friends play cards at a nearby table, Darcy approaches Elizabeth and inquires about Jane’s health. Louisa Hearst invites her to join their game, but Elizabeth declines the offer. Caroline insults her by saying she despises cards and only enjoys reading, which Elizabeth denies. In the meantime, Darcy writes to his sister Georgiana. Then they discuss what an accomplished woman would look like. Not only must she possess many talents, but she must add something more substantial. Caroline says there are many accomplished women in the high class.
While Wickham rides a horse around them, the Bennet girls walk and talk. Lydia gloats over her husband and notes that he was once Elizabeth’s favorite, but Elizabeth denies this. Lydia says she wishes she could have gotten husbands for all her sisters in Brighton, but Elizabeth declines the offer. Shortly after, Elizabeth writes to her aunt Mrs. Gardiner. She asks what part Darcy played in Lydia’s marriage to Wickham. Lydia showed a lack of talent in keeping secrets when she accidentally revealed Darcy was at her wedding. Mrs. Gardiner says that Darcy condescended to accomplish the marriage all by himself.
U1. Unwelcome Guests
Caroline hates the thought of more of the Bennet girls coming to visit them at Netherfield. However, Mrs. Bennet arrives with Lydia and Kitty to check on Jane. Mrs. Bennet says that Jane continues to suffer and is too sick to be moved. Bingley says he would love to live in Netherfield forever, though Darcy finds country living confined and unvarying.
Mr. Bennet flatly refuses to allow Lydia and Wickham to come and visit them at Longbourn. However, the couple arrives at their home just the same. Lydia tells Jane she has to go lower because Lydia is a married woman. Thankfully, they won’t be staying long before they will have to leave for constant change in other parts of the country.
V1. Darcy Takes a Bath
Darcy literally takes a bath to wash his body and make himself clean again. He looks out the window and lovingly watches Elizabeth playing fetch with a dog and a stick.
Darcy figuratively takes a bath to wash his hands of Wickham and clean Elizabeth’s reputation by saving her sister from further scandal. He stands by and angrily watches as Lydia marries Wickham, who Darcy would love to beat with a stick.
W1. A Man Without Fault?
Caroline invites Elizabeth to take a turn with her around the room to get Darcy’s attention. He shocks them when he puts into words exactly what they’re doing. Elizabeth suggests they tease and laugh at him, but Caroline claims that Darcy is a man without fault. Darcy admits he has a bad temper. And he is resentful because his good opinion, once lost, is lost forever. He tells Elizabeth that her weakness is to willfully misunderstand many things.
Mr. Bennet asks Elizabeth to shut the door to his study to get some privacy from his wife. He shocks Elizabeth when he tells her how much money he thinks Mr. Gardiner must have paid. She asks how such a sum is to be repaid, and Mr. Bennet says he thought he could have a son to redeem him from his poor spending habits. He admits to being a bad father and not preventing this situation. He’s ashamed of himself, but this feeling will pass more quickly than it should. Elizabeth begins to realize her own weakness in not seeing the flaws in her own father.
X1. Joyful Reunion
Bingley gives his warmest salutations for Jane to pass along to her parents, and he invites her father to come shoot with him whenever it’s convenient for him. Jane thanks him for everything he’s done for her, and then they say goodbye. Caroline is overjoyed to see Jane and Elizabeth leave, and Darcy is also relieved. Elizabeth has never been so happy to leave a place in her life.
Mrs. Bennet laughs in delight at the thought of Lydia marrying Wickham, and she wishes they could be married in Longbourn church, even though it’s impossible. Jane points out that they should be thankful to Mr. Gardiner for arranging everything for them. Mrs. Bennet is overjoyed that Lydia will already be married at 16. Elizabeth looks relieved to be asked to leave her mother’s room.
A2. Letters and Secrets
At the start of Episode 2, Elizabeth is walking around outside without a care in the world. Then Mr. Bennet tells his family that he received a letter from a man he never saw in the whole course of his life, Mr. Collins. That gentleman explains how bad he’s felt about the trouble between his late father and Mr. Bennet while Longbourn is entailed on him. He then describes his background and profession. He wants to make amends to Mr. Bennet’s daughters, and he’s coming to visit soon. What he left out was that all of this was orchestrated by Lady Catherine.
At the end of Episode 5, Elizabeth is sorely vexed by the thought of Darcy thinking ill of her. What caused that is a letter Mr. Bennet received from Mr. Gardiner about a man they’d all been trying to find, Wickham. Mr. Gardiner explains what Mr. Bennet needs to do to induce Wickham to marry Lydia. He then describes the situation of Wickham’s debts being discharged. Mr. Bennet wants to know how much Mr. Gardiner laid out to make this possible, and he needs to respond with a letter of his own soon. What Mr. Gardiner left out was that all of this was orchestrated by Lady Catherine’s nephew Darcy.
B2. Dramatic Arrivals
Mr. Collins explains, in excruciating detail, all the steps he plans to take to get from Hunsford to Longbourn to visit his cousins. He arrives in a carriage, and Mr. Bennet welcomes him at the expected time. We get a good look at his smiling face as he clumsily makes his way down to the ground. Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth manage to disguise their distaste for Mr. Collins during dinner.
By contrast, we don’t get many specific details about how Darcy tracked down Wickham and Lydia. He arrives outside their hiding place in London, and Lydia is shocked to see him when he wasn’t expected at all. We don’t actually see him enter the building or climb the stairs to their loft. Wickham fails to disguise his frustration with Lydia when she doesn’t immediately tell him who is outside their hiding place.
C2. Matchmaker and Heartbreaker
Mrs. Bennet walks with Mr. Collins outside where they get a view of all her daughters. He expresses interest in Jane, but Mrs. Bennet says she’s already taken by Bingley. She invites him to take his pick of the other four girls, though. He finally sets his sights on Elizabeth as the most beautiful of the bunch of Bennet girls he’d like to marry.
Mr. Bennet walks into the sitting-room where all of his daughters (save Lydia) are. He expresses remorse for his actions, and he believes Lydia has been taken to London by Wickham. He praises Elizabeth and singles Kitty out as needing severe punishment. He forbids her from going to balls with officers or dancing with anyone other than her sisters.
D2. Darcy Surprises Old “Friends”
Mr. Collins walks with the Bennet girls to Meryton. There they spot a new gentleman named George Wickham. Bingley and Darcy approach on horseback. Wickham never expected to see Darcy in Meryton, and he looks absolutely mortified when he sees him. Darcy trots away.
Darcy walks down a dark alley in London. There he spots a poor girl who points the way for him to follow. He approaches a door and knocks on it, revealing Wickham’s old partner in crime, Mrs. Younge. She never expected to see Darcy at her door in London, and she looks absolutely shocked when Darcy pushes his way in.
E2. Awkward Homecoming
Mr. Collins makes a bad impression on Mrs. Philips when he enters her home and compares it unfavorably to Rosings Park. He explains the situation better to put her mind at ease. Then Mrs. Philips invites him to play a card game with her, and he leaves Elizabeth.
Jane makes Mrs. Bennet unhappy when she tells her that Mr. Bennet is coming home without finding Wickham and Lydia. Jane administers smelling salts to help her avoid fainting. Then Mr. Bennet arrives home, and he leaves Elizabeth and Jane to seclude himself in his study.
F2. Wickham’s Lies
At a party at the Philips’ house, Wickham tells Elizabeth he never thought he would be able to get away from her sisters, Lydia in particular. He tells a few truths to Elizabeth about his history with Darcy, but he includes a number of lies to feed her prejudice against Darcy. He then claims not to have danced in three months, and Lydia hears this and demands he dance with her immediately.
At a hideout in London, Wickham tells Lydia to come away from the window to keep her hidden from anyone looking for her. He lies about their future plans to go to Hertfordshire to feed her vanity about showing off to her sisters. She wishes they could go into town and be seen at plays and assemblies, and he tells her to be patient because they’ll do that all in good time.
G2. Gossip About Darcy and Wickham
Jane can’t believe what Elizabeth tells her about Darcy’s wrongs against Wickham. Jane discerns that Elizabeth likes Wickham, and Elizabeth admits that she does because of his open and kind manners. Jane wonders if it’s proper to believe him after knowing him for just a day. Elizabeth is determined to believe him.
Mrs. Philips shares with Mrs. Bennet all sorts of negative rumors about Wickham’s villainous deeds. She says that she always distrusted his appearance of goodness, and Mrs. Bennet makes the same claim. Mrs. Bennet says she warned her girls, but no one listened to her. She worries about the fate of her poor Lydia.
H2. Mr. Collins Makes the Bennet Girls Squirm
An invitation comes for all the Bennets to attend a ball at Netherfield. It includes Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, as well as Mr. Collins. Knowing Mr. Collins and his unpleasant nature, Elizabeth wonders aloud if it’s proper for him to come, hoping he’ll decide against it. But Mr. Collins finds no problem in going with them to the ball. He makes them all incredibly uncomfortable when he declares his intention to dance with all his cousins, so none of them can avoid him at the ball.
Mr. Collins’ carriage arrives at Longbourn. He wanted to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, but he settles for their daughters. He proceeds to berate Lydia and express his pity for their whole family. Upon hearing this, Elizabeth wonders if it’s proper for him to stay and be tainted by association. Mr. Collins agrees and hastily exits. He made them all uncomfortable, and Kitty was the only one who managed to avoid him.
I2. No Respectable Man
Mr. Collins engages in wholesome conversation with Elizabeth and Wickham until he’s called away by Jane. Then the two talk about Bingley’s good qualities and Darcy’s poor qualities, as well as those of his sister Georgiana. Wickham compares Georgiana to Lydia. He reveals that Lady Catherine’s daughter is betrothed to Darcy, which makes Elizabeth pity Caroline’s doomed attempts at winning his affections.
Elizabeth thinks of the last conversation she had with Darcy, and she’s interrupted by Jane entering her bedroom. Then the two talk about how Lydia’s poor reputation reflects badly on all of her sisters. Jane and Elizabeth agree that their chances of making a good marriage are now non-existent because of Lydia. Elizabeth says that Darcy won’t be renewing his addresses to her (nor will any other respectable man to her sisters), which makes her sad.
J2. Thoughtless Lydia
As Elizabeth gets ready for the Netherfield ball, her thoughts are focused on Wickham. Lydia asks her not to hog all the dances with Wickham, though Elizabeth is resigned to having to also dance with Mr. Collins. Then a half-dressed Lydia runs into the hall and has an awkward encounter with Mr. Collins.
As Darcy heads to London to find Wickham, his thoughts are focused on Elizabeth. Jane tries to assume all the blame for not exposing Wickham, but Elizabeth tells her that the blame properly belongs elsewhere. Then Elizabeth reads Lydia’s letter about how she ran away with Wickham under the most improper circumstances.
K2. Wickham Can’t Be Found
Elizabeth arrives at the Netherfield ball and is greeted by Bingley and his sisters. Elizabeth looks all around the room, but she can’t find Wickham anywhere. Another officer tells her that Wickham had urgent business that took him into town, though that’s just an excuse to avoid Darcy.
Elizabeth arrives at Longbourn and is greeted by the Gardiners’ children. She asks Jane if Wickham and Lydia have been found, but she’s told no one has been able to find them yet. Mrs. Bennet wishes Mr. Bennet had let them all go to Brighton to prevent this from happening, though that’s just an excuse for Lydia’s poor behavior.
L2. First Steps to Marriage
Elizabeth goes to talk to her friend Charlotte Lucas at the Netherfield ball, but Mr. Collins interrupts them before they can talk. Elizabeth introduces the two of them. Little do any of them realize that this is the first step that will lead to Charlotte’s eventual marriage to Mr. Collins.
Caroline tries to talk to Darcy about Elizabeth after his sister finishes playing the piano, but Darcy interrupts her before she can continue. He then excuses himself and leaves the room. Little do any of them realize that this is the first step in a series of actions that will lead to Darcy’s eventual marriage to Elizabeth.
M2. Elizabeth’s Perspectives
Elizabeth is clearly embarrassed to have to dance with Mr. Collins. The only time she talks with him is to tell him he’s going the wrong way. She sees Darcy watching her, and she brusquely turns away. Elizabeth’s cheerful demeanor returns as the dance continues.
Elizabeth expresses regret that she won’t be able to see Georgiana Darcy that day. She bids a tearful farewell to Darcy as he goes away. As she gazes longingly after him, she sorrowfully predicts that she shall never see him again. The Gardiners try to cheer her up, but she has no hope.
N2. Darcy Catches Elizabeth Off Guard
In the middle of Elizabeth’s conversation with Charlotte about Darcy’s wrongs against Wickham, Darcy suddenly walks up next to her. He asks Elizabeth if she would dance with him, and she hesitates but finally agrees. He happened to catch her off guard in the one moment when she was so flustered that she couldn’t come up with an excuse not to dance. And so she is forced to dance with him. They share a conversation about Wickham. He notes that Wickham is friendly but can’t keep friends. In the midst of the dance, Mr. Lucas interrupts with congratulations on Jane’s upcoming engagement to Bingley. This opens Darcy’s eyes to something he hadn’t suspected. Elizabeth is puzzled by Darcy’s character.
Right after Elizabeth finishes reading the second dreadful letter from Jane about Wickham’s wrongs against Lydia, Darcy suddenly walks in the door. He asks what is the matter, and she tries to leave, but he insists on her sitting down and resting. He happened to catch her off guard in the one moment when she was so flustered by the news of Lydia that she couldn’t hide her emotions. And so she is forced to divulge the whole truth to him. She tells him what Wickham has done. She notes that Lydia has nothing to tempt him to marriage. In the midst of this news, Darcy stands up and looks away as he expresses grief and shock at the elopement. He realizes that no one else can solve this problem, and only he has the power to fix it. Elizabeth doesn’t know how to resolve this situation, but she is certain her family’s character is forever tainted.
O2. Warnings About Wickham
At the Netherfield ball, Elizabeth receives two warnings about Wickham. Caroline tells her that he treated Darcy in an infamous manner, though she can’t remember the particulars. Elizabeth rejects this as hearsay. Jane confirms Caroline’s words by informing her that Bingley told her the same thing about Wickham. However, this isn’t enough to change Elizabeth’s mind about either Wickham or Darcy.
In the inn at Lambton, Elizabeth receives two letters about Wickham. Jane first writes to her about Lydia running off with Wickham in a scandalous manner, though she can’t say what their intentions are. Elizabeth suspects the worst. Jane’s second letter confirms Elizabeth’s suspicions that the two are not married, and they don’t intend to be so. However, there’s nothing Elizabeth can do to help but come home immediately.
P2. Darcy Gets the Last Word
Bingley tells the room at large that he would like to hear some music. Before he can ask Caroline to play, Mary cuts him off by hurrying to the piano to play an inappropriately somber tune. During the song, Mr. Collins approaches Darcy and speaks to him against custom, since they haven’t been formally introduced yet. Darcy asks what his name is, and then he walks away, leaving Mr. Collins in a lurch. Darcy crosses the room and stands next to Bingley’s sisters.
Caroline tells the room at large how little she thinks of Elizabeth. Before Bingley can interject his thoughts on the subject, Caroline cuts him off by continuing her inappropriately rude comments. During this tirade, she finally rouses Darcy to respond to her by reminding him of his first impression of Elizabeth. He exclaims that he now finds her to be one of the handsomest women of his acquaintance, leaving Caroline speechless. After thinking of Elizabeth all night, Darcy hurries on his horse in the morning to see Elizabeth.
Q2. Elizabeth Rights Old Wrongs
Mr. Bennet embarrasses himself and Mary at the same time by practically yelling at her to get off the piano so someone else can play. Louisa rushes to fill the void. As the music plays, Mrs. Bennet announces that she expects Bingley to marry Jane, and Mr. Collins to marry Elizabeth, making everyone around her uncomfortable. Adding insult to injury, Lydia grabs an officer’s sword and waves it around in the dance hall. Elizabeth is totally humiliated by this spectacle.
Everyone in the room enjoys Elizabeth’s elegant piano playing and singing, and then she graciously encourages Darcy’s sister Georgiana to play next. Caroline stops Elizabeth to talk about the loss of the regiment in Meryton. As Georgiana plays the piano, Caroline mentions the name Wickham, which causes Georgiana to stop playing and feel uncomfortable. Acting quickly to avert disaster, Elizabeth pretends she forgot to help Georgiana turn the page on her music. Darcy is amazed by Elizabeth’s wit and grace.
R2. Elizabeth’s Invitations
The morning after the Netherfield ball, Elizabeth begs Kitty to stay with her when their mother tells her Mr. Collins has something to say to her right that moment. He proposes to Elizabeth and states his reasons for wanting to marry her. She rejects his offer, but he refuses to listen and thinks she can’t be serious.
After reminiscing about the Netherfield ball with Bingley, Elizabeth receives a humble request from Georgiana and Darcy to dine with them at Pemberley the following day. She answers for herself and the Gardiners, saying they would all be happy to come. She even agrees to play the piano, although she’s a little nervous about it.
S2. No Pressure
Mrs. Bennet tells Mr. Bennet that Elizabeth has refused to marry Mr. Collins, and she demands that Mr. Bennet insist on her marrying him. However, Mr. Collins is simply not an ideal partner for Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet tells his wife to summon Elizabeth to enter his study. Mrs. Bennet says that she will never see Elizabeth again if she doesn’t agree to marry Mr. Collins. And Mr. Bennet tells Elizabeth that he’ll never see her again if she does agree, causing Mrs. Bennet to cry in despair and anger.
Darcy introduces Elizabeth to his sister Georgiana, and the young lady tells her that Darcy loves hearing Elizabeth play the piano. He’s an ideal elder brother. Darcy asks if he might summon Bingley, and Elizabeth happily agrees. Bingley notes that it has been at least eight months since they last saw each other at the Netherfield ball. He then says that he can’t remember a happier time than those short months he spent in Hertfordshire.
T2. Elizabeth’s Beaus Come and Go
Hearing of the trouble at Longbourn, Charlotte invites Mr. Collins to come dine with her and her family at Lucas Lodge. She has a resigned look on her face as she chooses that course of action. Mr. Collins leaves with her shortly after.
Returning from a walk, Elizabeth hears that three visitors are waiting for her in the inn at Lambton. Her face brightens at the news that Darcy is among them. She enters the inn directly to see him and the other guests.
A3. An Unexpected Change
At the start of episode 3, Elizabeth Bennet is shocked to hear from Lydia and Kitty that her friend Charlotte Lucas is engaged to Mr. Collins, who she herself just rejected as a marriage partner. She speaks privately with Charlotte, who asks why Elizabeth is astonished at her actions. Then Charlotte reminds her that she’s not romantic and only asks for a comfortable home to be happy. Mr. Collins interrupts them and boasts to Elizabeth of being the happiest of men. Elizabeth talks about the whole embarrassing affair with her sister Jane, who disagrees with her conclusions.
At the end of episode 4, Elizabeth is shocked to see Darcy suddenly appear at Pemberley, after she had rejected his offer of marriage months earlier. She speaks civilly with him, and he asks where she’s staying and about her parents’ health. Then Darcy leaves, changes his clothes, and returns to show that he’s a totally changed man and much more romantic than he’s ever been before. Darcy and Elizabeth accidentally interrupt each other, and Elizabeth expresses her discomfort. He puts her mind at ease about the affair and asks if he can introduce her to his sister Georgiana the next day, which she agrees to.
B3. Recent Departure and Approaching Arrival
While Jane talks with Elizabeth, a letter arrives from Netherfield letting her know that Bingley, his two sisters, and Darcy have recently left town. Jane thinks that Caroline doesn’t believe her brother is in love with her. But Elizabeth counters that Caroline knows Bingley loves her, and she’s trying to get him to marry Darcy’s sister Georgiana instead. Elizabeth says that if Bingley isn’t back in two weeks, she’ll be very much surprised.
While Elizabeth tours Pemberley, the housekeeper lets her know that Darcy is expected to return to his home tomorrow. Mrs. Gardiner points to a portrait of Wickham, not knowing that Elizabeth no longer likes him. The housekeeper counters that Darcy is much better than Wickham, and she shows them a beautiful portrait of Darcy. Darcy arrives a day earlier than expected, which is going to surprise everyone when they see him.
C3. Avoiding Darcy
Walking into town with Lydia and Kitty, Elizabeth talks with Wickham. She says she missed him at the Netherfield ball, and he admits that he deliberately avoided going to the ball to escape Darcy. He tries to put a noble face on it by saying he was sparing the feelings of all involved. He is relieved that Mr. Collins got engaged to Charlotte and not Elizabeth.
Sitting down to a meal with the Gardiners, Elizabeth talks about Pemberley. Mrs. Gardiner says that it’s not out of their way to visit Pemberley, and it’s where Wickham grew up with Darcy. Elizabeth feels awkward about going there without an invitation. She is relieved to hear that Darcy won’t be there, so she finally agrees to go.
D3. What Are Men to Rocks and Trees?
Elizabeth invites Wickham to take tea with her family at Longbourn, and he happily obliges her with two of his fellow officers. Lydia shares a private comment with Denny on his way out.
Mrs. Gardiner begs Elizabeth to be careful walking on a hill because she wouldn’t want to tell Elizabeth’s family she fell and got hurt, but Elizabeth is too enraptured by the beauty around her to oblige. Elizabeth states her private thoughts aloud, but she’s the only one who hears them.
E3. Bingley Is Gone and Darcy Is Returning
Mr. Bennet tells his family that Darcy may turn out to be no more of a black-hearted villain than your average rich man who’s used to his own way. Mrs. Bennet reprimands Elizabeth for letting her relationship with Mr. Collins go south. Then Jane tells Elizabeth that Bingley won’t be returning at all for many months, at least. Mr. Bennet turns it into a joke and hurts Jane’s feelings.
As it turns out, Darcy is showing how much he’s used to getting his own way when he defeats his instructor in a fencing match. Darcy tells him that he won’t be able to come again tomorrow because he has business to attend to in the North. Then he bids farewell to the instructor until the following week, at least. He has a serious look on his face as he declares that he shall conquer an internal struggle related to his feelings for Elizabeth.
F3. Going with the Gardiners
Knowing that Bingley will likely never return, Jane makes the most of the situation by justifying it in her mind to Elizabeth. Elizabeth cheers Jane up by suggesting she visit their uncle and aunt in London after Christmas.
Hearing that they will be unable to visit anywhere but Derbyshire, Elizabeth makes the most of the situation by justifying it in her mind. The Gardiners cheer Elizabeth up and suggest they visit Pemberley during their stay in Lambton.
G3. The Gardiners Arrive
The Gardiners arrive at Longbourn in time for Christmas. Mrs. Bennet expresses her worry over them, even though they were never in any trouble. Then Lydia asks if they brought her presents like a spoiled child, and Mrs. Gardiner says that Lydia hasn’t changed at all.
Lydia leaves Longbourn to go to Brighton. She almost falls getting into the carriage, and Mrs. Bennet tells her to take every opportunity of enjoying herself. Then the Gardiners arrive, and Mrs. Gardiner says that Jane is such a sweet, steady girl for taking care of her children.
H3. Wickham and the Gardiners
At the Philips’ home, Mrs. Bennet complains about all her troubles to Mrs. Philips. Mrs. Gardiner patiently listens, and then she gets introduced to Wickham. She says she is acquainted with Derbyshire, which is where he grew up. Lydia laughs at Kitty as she beats her in a card game. Elizabeth is happy to dance with Wickham at the first opportunity. Mr. Bennet publicly insults his three younger daughters in front of his family and friends.
In her sitting-room, Mrs. Bennet complains about the regiment leaving Meryton. Wickham patiently listens, and then he seeks out Elizabeth to say goodbye. She says she’ll soon vacation with the Gardiners, and he asks her about her time at Rosings Park. Elizabeth lays her cards on the table when she says that Darcy improves on closer acquaintance. Elizabeth is happy when Wickham is called away. She privately says she wouldn’t wish him back again, though the next time she sees him he’ll be married to her youngest sister.
I3. Invitations to Elizabeth and Lydia
Charlotte tells Elizabeth about the plans for her wedding and departure to her new home in Kent. Then she asks Elizabeth to write to her because she likely won’t return for some time. Elizabeth promises to write to her, which pleases her. Then Charlotte asks if she will join her father and little sister when they come to visit her in the spring. Elizabeth promises to come, but only if she gets to see the famous chimney piece at Rosings Park that Mr. Collins has been imprudently bragging about. Maria Lucas makes sure that Elizabeth has agreed to come because it will help her not feel so frightened of going to Rosings Park.
Elizabeth talks to her family about the regiment leaving Meryton. Lydia asks Elizabeth to persuade Mr. Bennet to let them go to Brighton. Elizabeth refuses to do that, which upsets Lydia. After speaking with Jane and her mother about Bingley, Elizabeth learns that Mrs. Forster has invited Lydia to come with her to Brighton for the summer. Elizabeth tries to get her father not to allow Lydia to go by saying he would refuse if only he knew of the great disadvantage of her imprudent manner. Mr. Bennet comforts Elizabeth by telling her that they shall have no peace at Longbourn if Lydia does not go to Brighton.
J3. Wickham’s True Character
Maria asks Elizabeth who is the new girl Wickham is dancing with. Elizabeth answers that she’s Mary King, and Charlotte adds that she’s just inherited a fortune of 10,000 pounds. Wickham is clearly trying to win her affections and get her to marry him. Everyone knows what he’s doing, but they don’t know his vicious character and history of swindling people out of money.
Elizabeth asks Jane if they should tell their old friends about Wickham’s true character. Jane answers that she doesn’t think they should, and Elizabeth agrees with her. Darcy didn’t give her permission to share the information in the letter, especially about Wickham trying to marry Darcy’s sister. Everyone is so prejudiced against Darcy that they wouldn’t believe his account of Wickham’s nefarious designs.
K3. Jane Learns the Truth
Jane begins a letter to Elizabeth noting that all she is missing is Elizabeth to make her laugh at herself while she’s in London. Jane writes about how poorly Bingley’s sisters treated her, but Elizabeth isn’t astonished because she already suspected they felt that way about her. Caroline lies about not receiving Jane’s letters. Caroline appears to be kind, but she proves to be the opposite when she takes a long time to visit Jane, who is actually kind.
In the course of their conversation, Elizabeth tells Jane that she had no Jane to comfort her when she was in Hunsford. Jane is astonished to hear that Darcy proposed to Elizabeth because she never suspected he felt that way about her, but she doesn’t blame Elizabeth for refusing to marry him. Jane is forced to believe that Darcy’s letter about Wickham is true. Wickham appears to be good, but he proves to be the opposite, and Elizabeth believes Darcy is actually good.
L3. Poor Predictions
Lydia tells Elizabeth that Wickham is at Longbourn. He bids farewell to Elizabeth before she goes to Kent. She congratulates him on his upcoming betrothal to Ms. King. Wickham implies that he would have preferred to marry Elizabeth if she had a fortune like Ms. King’s. Elizabeth wishes him every happiness in the world, and she agrees with him that they will always be good friends. That proves to be less than accurate as he betrays her trust in the future.
Lydia tells Elizabeth that Wickham is not to marry Ms. King after all. She’s been taken by her uncle to Liverpool. She says Wickham is safe from marrying her, but Elizabeth implies that Ms. King is safe from being so unfortunate as to marry Wickham. Lydia says there was never much attraction between them, and she predicts that they will be such a merry party on their way home. That proves to be less than accurate as they fight in the carriage.
M3. Elizabeth Leaves and Is Greeted by Family
Elizabeth makes her final preparations to leave Longbourn. From his study, Mr. Bennet is forlorn to see Elizabeth go. He says that Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine will offer such delights of human folly that Elizabeth is sure to savor. But Elizabeth says a little goes a long way in those delights. Mr. Bennet declares that until Elizabeth or Jane returns, he won’t hear two words of sense spoken together.
Elizabeth and Maria are on a carriage heading back home. From a window, Lydia is delighted to see Elizabeth arrive at a waystation. She says Elizabeth didn’t expect to see them, and she’s prepared them a nice meal to savor. But she says Elizabeth will have to pay for it because Lydia has already spent all her money. Lydia declares that the regiment is leaving for Brighton, so their hearts are broken.
N3. Arriving at and Leaving the Collins’ Home
As Mr. Lucas approaches the Collins’ home in Hunsford with Elizabeth and Maria, he exclaims that Charlotte has made a fortunate alliance by marrying Mr. Collins. This leads to an awkward moment where he looks at Elizabeth and realizes she had a chance to marry Mr. Collins. He quickly changes the subject. They are all warmly greeted by Mr. Collins, and Elizabeth walks over to share a heartfelt greeting with Charlotte.
As Elizabeth and Maria prepare to leave the Collins’ home in Hunsford, Mr. Collins says that Charlotte has made a very fortunate alliance by marrying him. This leads to an awkward moment where he begins to say that it’s more fortunate than Elizabeth can hope for. He cuts himself off and stays silent. He wishes her equal felicity in marriage and waves lovingly at Charlotte, while Elizabeth gives her a sad smile of farewell.
O3. Lady Catherine’s Directions
After his guests’ arrival, Mr. Collins shows them around his house, ending up in the room Elizabeth will stay in. He points to the closet and says that Lady Catherine herself suggested that the closet have shelves. Charlotte agrees that she’s a very attentive neighbor. Mr. Collins says that Lady Catherine often sends one of her carriages to drive them to Rosings Park.
While preparing to leave the Collins’ house, Elizabeth goes to see Maria in the room she’s been staying in. Maria worries about the way Lady Catherine told her is best to place gowns in her trunk. Elizabeth tells her that Lady Catherine will never know how she packed her trunks. Then their trunks are brought down and placed in the carriage they’re about to ride in away from Rosings Park.
P3. Getting Away
Charlotte explains all of the ways she manages to get Mr. Collins to spend as much time away from her as possible. She encourages him to spend time in his garden and walk to Rosings Park, and he happily obliges her. She finds herself quite content with the solitude.
Lady Catherine thinks Elizabeth is sad that she’ll have to leave Rosings Park soon. She tells Elizabeth to stay another month, but Elizabeth doesn’t oblige her and insists on leaving as planned. Lady Catherine finds this all extremely vexing and is quite put out by Elizabeth refusing to stay.
Q3. Darcy’s Betrothed
Maria shows Elizabeth Lady Catherine’s daughter sitting in her carriage outside the Collins’ home. Elizabeth finds it amusing that Anne de Bourgh looks so sickly and cross because she’ll make Darcy miserable as his wife. But Maria fails to understand what she’s talking about.
Lady Catherine says that Darcy and his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam were sorry to leave Rosings Park. Elizabeth finds it funny that Lady Catherine thinks Darcy’s love is growing for her daughter Anne. But Lady Catherine fails to understand that he just proposed to Elizabeth and was rejected.
R3. Walking to Rosings Park
On their first walk to Rosings Park, Mr. Collins boasts about the number of windows on the building. And then he tells Elizabeth not to worry about her manner of dress, and she tells him that’s a great comfort. She proceeds to speak her mind in a way Lady Catherine isn’t used to. She demands to know Elizabeth’s age, and she says she’s 20.
On their final walk to Rosings Park, Mr. Collins boasts about the number of invitations they have received from Lady Catherine. And then he tells Elizabeth she has been favored with peculiar condescension. She speaks sarcastically, which Mr. Collins isn’t used to and takes seriously. Then he calls her his poor young cousin.
S3. Darcy and Jane
Darcy and his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam come to visit Hunsford, and Darcy is secretly falling in love with Elizabeth. She asks Darcy if he saw her sister Jane in London in the past three months, and he hesitates before saying no. She tells Colonel Fitzwilliam that she believes in first impressions, and Darcy’s good opinion, once lost, is lost forever. So it’s hopeless for her to get in his good graces.
In a letter to Elizabeth, Darcy admits that when Jane came to London to visit family, Darcy kept it secret to prevent Bingley from falling in love again. He writes that perhaps that concealment was beneath him, but it was done for the best. On this subject, he has nothing more to say and no other apology to offer. Elizabeth declares Darcy to be insufferable.
T3. Darcy’s Disruptions
Elizabeth walks around in a grove near Rosings Park, in love with its natural beauty. Darcy happens to ride up fairly close to her, and the two look at each other in silence. He quickly turns (feigning indifference) and rides away without saying anything because he fears he will fall in love with her even more if he stays.
Darcy writes that Bingley left Netherfield the day after the ball he hosted, intending to soon return to the girl he’s in love with. Darcy and Bingley’s sisters surrounded him and explained why he should change plans. Darcy convinced Bingley of Jane’s indifference to him, and Elizabeth’s hate for him only increases at reading those words.
U3. Embarrassing Memories
At Rosings Park, Elizabeth plays the piano in front of Darcy and his family. Lady Catherine tells her she’s not that great of a piano player, and then she makes a boast similar to something Mrs. Bennet would say. After that, Darcy provokes Elizabeth to tell Colonel Fitzwilliam about Darcy’s rude behavior in Hertfordshire at their first ball. He tries to justify himself, and he winds up complimenting her.
In the Collins’ home, Elizabeth reads Darcy’s letter in the privacy of her room. She remembers Mr. Bennet at the Netherfield ball telling Mary to stop playing the piano and then Mrs. Bennet boasting about Jane marrying Bingley. After that, she also remembers how Lydia engaged in rude behavior at the Netherfield ball. She can’t justify any of it, and she begins to realize he’s not totally at fault.
V3. Elizabeth’s Interruptions
Elizabeth is in the midst of writing a letter to Jane when Darcy arrives at the Collins’ home. He says he doesn’t wish to intrude on her privacy, but then he sits down and talks with her. They comment on Bingley staying away from Netherfield permanently and how near or far a woman should settle in relation to her family. Then Darcy leaves the room in a hurry.
Elizabeth is in the midst of reading a letter from Darcy when she arrives at the Collins’ home. Maria tells her that Darcy took his leave and left directly, but Colonel Fitzwilliam waited for her for half an hour. Elizabeth dares to say that they will be able to deal with the deprivation of the two men’s company. Then she heads up the stairs to her room in a hurry.
W3. Painful Revelations
Elizabeth walks around the park and comes upon Colonel Fitzwilliam who has been doing the same, not knowing he would see her. She asks if he knows Bingley, and he says only a little. He tells her that Darcy congratulates himself on saving Bingley from a most imprudent marriage. He doesn’t know the particulars, but Elizabeth knows that he’s referring to Jane. This upsets Elizabeth so much that she gets a headache, and they quickly return to the Collins’ home.
Elizabeth walks around the park and comes upon Darcy, who has been walking the grounds hoping to see her. He asks her to read a letter he wrote and then leaves after that brief exchange. In the letter, he tells her about his history with Wickham, and then he admits he detached Bingley from Jane. He didn’t realize how enamored his friend was until the Netherfield ball. This upsets Elizabeth because she knows Jane’s temperament better than Darcy, and she quickly heads back to the Collins’ home.
X3. Alone Time
Elizabeth stays inside the Collins’ home and says it’s only a headache while Mr. Collins, Charlotte, and Maria go to visit Lady Catherine at Rosings Park. Mr. Collins offers to explain the situation to Lady Catherine. She then reads some letters from Jane, though we don’t get to hear what Jane said in them.
Darcy hurries to seclude himself in his room at Rosings Park and says he’s perfectly well when Colonel Fitzwilliam inquires if he’s ill. Darcy asks him to explain his absence to Lady Catherine. Then he goes upstairs and writes a letter to Elizabeth, which we get to hear in full detail, about his long history with Wickham.
Y3. Darcy’s Proposal and Elizabeth’s Response
The turning point of this enormous chiasmus comes when Darcy proposes the first time to Elizabeth, and the two finally air all their grievances to each other. Darcy walks in the door to the Collins’ sitting room to speak with Elizabeth. He struggles for quite some time to speak to her. He shocks her by telling her he loves her and begs her to relieve his suffering and marry him, against every rational objection. She says no. Darcy admits to ruining the relationship of Bingley and Jane despite their feelings for each other. Then she brings up his dealings with Wickham, and Darcy offers no defense. Instead, he insults her inferior connections and lowly relations. She finishes the conversation by telling him she only would have felt bad for rejecting him had he behaved in a more gentleman-like manner. Then he bids her farewell and leaves.
Darcy walks out the door of the Collins’ home after unsuccessfully proposing to Elizabeth. Both he and Elizabeth suffer for quite some time in silence. He is shocked to remember her words of rejection when she said he was the last man in the world whom she could ever marry because of his many faults. She also says that he has disdain for the feelings of others. She says her opinion of him was decided when she heard Wickham’s story of his dealings with him, and he says aloud to himself that at least in that he may defend himself. Elizabeth remembers his words about her inferior connections and lowly relations. As he enters Rosings Park, he remembers her final words about his inability to behave in a more gentleman-like manner. Then Colonel Fitzwilliam greets Darcy.
Happily Ever After
Well done making it to the end! I’m truly impressed. This has been a project I’ve thought of doing for quite a few months. During Christmastime last month, I decided to take more than a week off from my regular day job. And this is how I filled my time. I spent five days poring over each episode of the 1995 Pride and Prejudice miniseries to write the detailed descriptions of every scene you see in this article.
This was a labor-intensive project, but I am so glad I did it. In the end, this article came out to a little more than 12,000 words on about 35 pages in a Word document. And that’s not counting all the work my wife did to find the perfect images to complement the text I had written. Thank you to all who have joined me on this immensely satisfying journey through one of the best miniseries of all time. I hope this analysis has only deepened your love and admiration for Pride and Prejudice.
This is the Deja Reviewer bidding you farewell until we meet again.
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