Mr. Bennet's estranged cousin, Mr. Collins, writes to announce his imminent visit to Longbourn, the house he will inherit on Mr. Bennet's death. Mrs. Bennet has high hopes that he will propose to one of her daughters and expects also that Jane will soon be engaged to Mr. Bingley.

Rejected by Elizabeth, Darcy returns to Rosings Park and writes to her, revealing the truth about Wickham's character.