Volume 1: Chapter 23 Summary

When Sir William Lucas comes bearing the news of Charlotte's engagement, Lydia exclaims boisterously, "Good Lord! Sir William, how can you tell such a story? Do not you know that Mr. Collins wants to marry Lizzy?" Mrs. Bennet refuses to believe him until Elizabeth comes forward to confirm the story. Mrs. Bennet is mute until Sir William leaves, at which point she explodes in a fit of rage against Charlotte, Lizzie, the Lucases, Mr. Collins and anyone else on whom she can vent her anger. Jane wishes them happiness, and the younger girls delight in having gossip to pass around Meryton.

Mrs. Bennet is further disturbed by the news about Mr. Bingley and his party moving to London, and is constantly irritable and ill. Elizabeth and Jane avoid the subject of Mr. Bingley altogether, although Jane is obviously waiting eagerly for...