Mr Wickham is not present at the ball. Elizabeth is disappointed and angry with Darcy. She can hardly be civil to him. Dancing with Collins proves to be a mortifying experience. Elizabeth is talking to Charlotte Lucas when they are surprised by Darcy and, almost by mistake, Elizabeth accepts his offer for a dance. Conversation is sticky, but Elizabeth refers to Wickham. Darcy is troubled by her interest and changes the subject after remarking that Wickham makes friends easily, but loses them too. Sir William Lucas speaks of the certainty of a wedding between Jane and Bingley. Darcy scrutinises them. Miss Bingley tells Elizabeth that Wickham has treated Darcy in a most infamous manner
and makes pointed remarks about Elizabeth’s supposed interest in him. Jane reports more criticism of Wickham, this time from Bingley, but Elizabeth distrusts this opinion as coming from Darcy. Jane believes that Bingley admires her and is very happy. Collins realises that Darcy is a relation of Lady Catherine and pays him his respects against Elizabeth’s advice. Darcy receives him with cold astonishment, but Collins is satisfied.
The Bennets are the last to leave and Elizabeth notes how unwelcome their presence is to their hosts, with the exception of Bingley. Mrs Bennet invites Bingley to dinner and is already planning her two oldest daughters’ weddings.
