Austen August: A Pride and Prejudice Read-A-Long discussion

Grab a cuppa and some biscuits guys, because this chapter is a long one- but SO good!

Elizabeth and the Gardiners arrive at Pemberley.

Elizabeth is awed by the beautiful grounds and house, just from the first look at it and finds herself wondering that “and at that moment she felt, that to be mistress at Pemberley might be something!”

As they approach the house, Lizzie begins to feel anxious again at the thought of bumping into Darcy while wandering around his grounds, and hopes it doesn't happen (yes, panto crowd. I hear you)

They are given a tour of the house by the housekeeper, an elderly looking woman named Mrs Reynolds, who seems nice enough. While wandering around the house, she marvels over the fact that if she hadn't refused Darcy, she would technically be an owner of the house by now- but then she manages to think that if that had happened, she would not have been able to see her Aunt and Uncle, and finds that stops her from regretting (too much, anyway).

Elizabeth wants to ask the Mrs Reynolds if Darcy is at home but doesn't have the guts. Her uncle happens to ask after him, and they find out- to Lizzie's relief, that he is expected back the next day.
Her aunt calls her over to look at pictures on the wall, one of which is of a young Wickham. Mrs Reynolds comments that “unfortunately he has turned out very wild” and while her aunt smiles at the comment, Lizzie can't bring herself to.

Her aunt also insists on hearing Lizzie's opinion on whether Darcy is handsome or not, since his picture is hanging up there as well. The housekeeper tells her that these miniatures are of the late masters and there is a larger portrait of Darcy in another room. They ask her about Miss Darcy, and more questions about her masters in general, which she is happy to answer “either from pride or attachment” (awh!)

The more positive remarks the housekeeper makes regarding Darcy, the more Lizzie wonders just how wrong her opinion of him actually is, and finds herself embarrassed. “Elizabeth listened, wondered, doubted and was impatient for more. Mrs Reynolds could interest her on no other subject.”.

We are told that he made alterations to the house just to please his sister when she visits during the summer months. It's almost like you can literally hear the cogs in Lizzie's head churring away, changing her opinion about Darcy bit by bit.

They leave the house, and as they walk to leave, they spot Darcy himself walking towards them from the stables. (No, BBC drama lovers, he isn't in a soaked through shirt- I never did personally understand the need for that but okay.)

“They were within twenty yards of each other, and so abrupt was his appearance, that it was impossible to avoid his sight. Their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of each were overspread with the deepest blush. He absolutely started, and for a moment seemed immoveable from surprise; but shortly recovering himself, advanced towards the party and spoke directly to Elizabeth” - I just love that paragraph.

They have a painfully awkward conversation where Darcy embarrassingly asks her the same questions over and over again “in so hurried a way, as plainly spoke the distraction of his thoughts”. He soon realises his failed attempts at a decent conversation, and walks off. #sociallawkwarddarcy

When he leaves, the Gardiners – who were listening to everything that was said while loitering in the background- join Lizzie to comment on what a fine figure Darcy has, but Lizzie is off in her own little world “Elizabeth heard not a word, and, wholly engrossed by her own feelings, followed them in silence.” Except it isn't exactly nice feelings- she is embarrassed and shamed that Darcy saw her there, especially after what happened at Rosings. “How strange it must appear to him! In what a disgraceful light might it strike so vain a man! It might seem as if she had purposefully thrown herself in his way again!”.... “And his behaviour so strikingly altered- what could it mean? That he should even speak to her was amazing!- but to speak with such civility , to enquire after her family! Never in her life had she seen his manners so little dignified, never had he spoken with such gentleness as on this unexpected meeting”

(Basically, if you weren't already in love with Darcy, you probably are now because despite her horrid opinions of him – which as far as he is aware is still true- he clearly still cares about her to some degree, d'aaaaaw!)


And because I'm feeling quote-tastic for this chapter, I will continue:-

“Lizzie longed to know what at that moment was passing through his mind; in what manner he thought of her, and whether, in defiance of every thing, she was still dear to him”

They continue to tour the grounds and before long, they once again spot Darcy making his way over to them. Lizzie is grateful she was able to spot him while he was still a distance away so she could try to compose herself before he met up with them. Lizzie begins by telling him how nice she finds the place but stops herself in case Darcy interprets it in some weird way.
Darcy asks her to introduce him to the two people she is travelling with, and she reckons it will be amusing to see his reaction, because his pride would have revolted upon knowing the Gardiners, but upon introducing them and she doesn't get the reaction she was expecting, he immediately starts up a conversation with her uncle. She finds that she is relieved that Darcy now knows that all of her relations aren't actually embarrasing and some are even intelligent (ouch, a bit harsh on your parents but you know...)

They walk in a four, winding up with Darcy walking next to Lizzie. They walk in silence until Lizzie tells him that she had been told my Mrs Reynolds he wouldn't be around until tomorrow (hinting that she had no intention of being on his property at the same time as him).. Darcy tells her that the rest of the party, including Bingley and his sisters will be arriving tomorrow, and wants to know if he can introduce her to Georgiana who “particularly wishes to be known to you” (yeah Darcy, you've probably be fawning over Lizzie to your poor sister left, right and centre!)

As they leave Pemberly grounds, her aunt and uncle are baffled that Lizzie's original description of him was so harsh and cruel considering what they just witnessed. Lizzie is basically in shock herself. She tells them about what really happened between Darcy and Wickham and explains that her original story, told by Wickham, was wrong in every way.


I basically really, really love this chapter, you guys.

I agree, this is a really good chapter. I know Lizzie's opinion alters because of the great regard Mrs. Reynolds has for Darcy, but for me, the part that really stood out is that Darcy allowed a picture of Wickham to remain in his home out of respect and love for his father. I'm in love.

I'm also very much in love with Pemberley as well.

So many fuzzy feels X3

I loved how Austen described the scene. Such beautiful details.
And when Darcy and Lizzie walk through the park together.... aaaawww! Beautiful chapter.

I agree, this might be the most beautiful chapter in the whole novel.

it's just so full of warm fuzzies XD it reminds me somehow of the "Something There" scene from beauty and the beast haha