Pride and Prejudice

Synopsis

A beautifully designed hardback gift edition with gold edging

The arrival of two rich bachelors stirs Mrs Bennet to hope that wedding bells will soon be in the air. Jane, the eldest of Mrs Bennet’s daughters, forms an early attachment to Mr Bingley, but her spirited sister Elizabeth takes against the arrogant Mr Darcy. Events conspire to keep Jane and Mr Bingley apart, while Darcy’s pride and Lizzy’s prejudice hamper the course of true love.

Summary

Chapter 1:

* Introduces the Bennet family: Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, and their five daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia.
* Mrs. Bennet hosts a ball in hopes of finding suitors for her daughters.
* Mr. Darcy, a wealthy and eligible bachelor, attends but is aloof and dismissive.
* Elizabeth becomes interested in Mr. Wickham, a charming but untrustworthy officer.

Chapter 2:

* Mr. Darcy's reserved nature and Elizabeth's pride lead to mutual dislike.
* Wickham confides in Elizabeth, telling her that Darcy wronged him.
* Elizabeth believes Wickham's story and develops a prejudice against Darcy.

Chapter 3:

* Jane falls in love with Mr. Bingley, who initially returns her affection.
* Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Darcy's wealthy aunt, arrives at Netherfield (Bingley's estate) and disapproves of Jane.
* Bingley is influenced by Lady Catherine and leaves Netherfield, breaking Jane's heart.

Chapter 4:

* Elizabeth and her family visit Lady Catherine.
* Lady Catherine interrogates Elizabeth about her relationship with Darcy, expecting them to be engaged.
* Elizabeth refuses to confirm or deny, infuriating Lady Catherine.

Chapter 5:

* Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, but she refuses, citing his pride and arrogance.
* Darcy is shocked and hurt by her rejection.
* Elizabeth explains her reasons, recounting Wickham's story and her belief in Darcy's cruelty.

Chapter 6:

* Darcy writes Elizabeth a letter explaining his side of the story.
* He reveals that Wickham is a liar who attempted to elope with Darcy's sister.
* Elizabeth realizes her mistake and her prejudice against Darcy was unfounded.

Chapter 7:

* Elizabeth travels to Pemberley, Darcy's estate.
* She is impressed by its beauty and the kindness of Darcy's servants.
* Darcy and Elizabeth meet and gradually start to understand each other.

Chapter 8:

* Lady Catherine visits Elizabeth in an attempt to prevent her marriage to Darcy.
* Elizabeth stands up to Lady Catherine, asserting her independence and love for Darcy.

Chapter 9:

* Mr. Bingley returns to Netherfield and proposes to Jane.
* Darcy gives his blessing to their marriage.
* Elizabeth and Darcy are finally together, their pride and prejudice overcome by love.