Pride and Prejudice — Chapter Fifteen (Abridged)

Mr. Collins was not a sensible man. His education and life experience had done little to improve his understanding. He had grown up under a strict and miserly father, and although he had gone to university, he had not made useful friendships or gained much wisdom.

At first, his father’s control had made him humble. But now, because he had a good position, a house, and the support of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, he had become proud and self-important. He was a strange mixture of humility and pride, obedience and vanity.

Since he now had a comfortable income, Mr. Collins wanted to marry. He had come to Longbourn partly to make peace with the Bennet family, but also to choose one of Mr. Bennet’s daughters as his wife. He believed this would be a generous way to make amends for inheriting their home.

At first, Mr. Collins chose Jane because she was the eldest and very beautiful. But the next morning, Mrs. Bennet hinted that Jane might soon be engaged. Mr. Collins quickly changed his attention from Jane to Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet was pleased, hoping she might soon have two daughters married.

Later that day, Lydia planned to walk to Meryton. All the sisters except Mary agreed to go, and Mr. Collins joined them. Mr. Bennet was happy to send him away because Mr. Collins had been disturbing him in the library with endless talk about his house and garden at Hunsford.

As they walked, Mr. Collins talked with great importance, while his cousins answered politely. Once they reached Meryton, the younger girls quickly forgot him and began looking for officers. Soon, everyone noticed a handsome young man walking with Mr. Denny.

Mr. Denny introduced the stranger as Mr. Wickham, who had recently come from London and had joined the regiment. Mr. Wickham was handsome, polite, and easy to talk to. The young ladies were immediately pleased with him.

While they were speaking, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy rode down the street. Bingley greeted Jane warmly, but Darcy suddenly noticed Mr. Wickham. Elizabeth saw both men change color. One became pale, and the other turned red. Wickham touched his hat, and Darcy returned the greeting coldly.

Elizabeth was astonished and wondered what could have happened between them. Soon after, Bingley and Darcy rode away.

The sisters and Mr. Collins then visited Mrs. Phillips. Their aunt was happy to see them and invited them to return the next evening for cards and supper. She also promised to invite Mr. Wickham if possible. Everyone left in good spirits.

On the walk home, Elizabeth told Jane about the strange meeting between Darcy and Wickham. Jane could not explain it, though she wished to think well of both men. Mr. Collins, meanwhile, greatly pleased Mrs. Bennet by praising Mrs. Phillips’s manners and politeness.