Chapter 5
We learn about the Lucas family and their background. The father, Sir William, received his knighthood and retired from trade. They live very near the Bennets and the eldest daughter, Charlotte, is a particular friend of Elizabeth’s. The Miss Lucas’s pay a visit in order to discuss the ball. Their conversation is polite but competitive. Mrs Bennet is determined to believe that Bingley has particularly favoured Jane, and negotiates the conversation in this direction. Darcy is criticised, and Jane, believing good of everyone, tries to moderate the complaints. Darcy’s snubbing of Elizabeth is discussed: she vows never to dance with him. Miss Lucas suggests that he is proud but that this vice is mitigated by his having a right to be so. Mary Bennet sermonises in a boring way on the nature of pride and vanity.
