Pride and Prejudice
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Pride and Prejudice Chapter 6 Summary
- The ladies of Longbourn and Netherfield continue to exchange visits.
- Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, Mr. Bingley's sisters, despise Mrs. Bennet and the younger daughters, preferring instead to spend time with Jane and Elizabeth.
- Jane is flattered, but Elizabeth sees the sisters as simply being incredibly snooty.
- Elizabeth suspects that the sisters' kindness stems from Bingley's admiration for Jane.
- Elizabeth sees that Jane is falling for Bingley, but also sees that the general public is unlikely to see her affection for the man, since Jane is always perfectly composed.
- Elizabeth tells her friend Charlotte about this, and Charlotte replies that Jane had better show some interest in Bingley in order to keep him interested.
- Elizabeth argues that Jane needs to get to know Bingley better, but Charlotte thinks that there's plenty of time after the wedding to get acquainted. Charlotte also thinks Jane needs to make it abundantly clear that she's interested in Bingley, or risk losing him.
- Elizabeth is so occupied watching Jane and Mr. Bingley that she doesn't notice when Mr. Darcy has begun to admire her. She does, however, notice him eavesdropping on her conversations. She doesn't like it – he has a "satirical eye," as she tells Charlotte.
- Charlotte's father, Sir Lucas, entreats Elizabeth to dance with Mr. Darcy, but she refuses. Her resistance entices Mr. Darcy.
- While Mr. Darcy is contemplating Elizabeth, he is interrupted by Miss Bingley, who hopes he will join her in criticizing everyone. Instead, Mr. Darcy says he has been enjoying himself very well simply by looking at Elizabeth Bennet's face.
- Jealous, Miss Bingley flirts with him and teases him about what a great mother-in-law Mrs. Bennet would make. He doesn't seem bothered by her mockery.
