Study Guide

Pride and Prejudice Chapter 56

By Jane Austen

Chapter 56

The great Lady Catherine makes a surprise visit to the Bennet home to strong-arm Elizabeth into promising not to become engaged to Mr. Darcy, who Lady Catherine claims is engaged to her daughter.
Are they engaged? Elizabeth enquires.
Well, no, Lady Catherine hems and haws, but there has always been an understanding… the two mothers always wished it…but no, they're not actually engaged.
Well, neither is she, Elizabeth says. But she's sure not going to make Lady Catherine any promises.
Lady Catherine leaves in a huff, but only after declaring how ungrateful Elizabeth is after all she did for her while visiting the Collinses.