Chapter XXXIII — Pride and Prejudice

Elizabeth keeps meeting Mr. Darcy alone in the park at Hunsford, though she told him the grove was her favourite haunt. After a third encounter he walks back with her and asks odd questions about her pleasure at Hunsford, solitary walks, and the Collinses' happiness. When he speaks of Rosings as if she might stay there on a future visit, she wonders whether he means Colonel Fitzwilliam as a match and is glad to reach the parsonage gate.

Another day, reading Jane's unhappy letter, she meets Fitzwilliam instead. Their easy talk turns to Darcy's love of his own way and the younger son's need to marry with an eye to fortune. Fitzwilliam admits he cannot marry where he likes; Elizabeth colours, wondering if he means her. She jokes that Darcy keeps Bingley under his care, and Fitzwilliam, trying to explain Bingley's debt, blurts that Darcy congratulated himself on saving a friend from an imprudent marriage.

Elizabeth walks on in silence, then tells Fitzwilliam Darcy had no right to judge a friend's happiness. Alone she is certain he, not only Miss Bingley, broke Jane's match through pride, with strong objections really meaning uncles in trade and law. Tears and agitation bring a headache; she stays home from Rosings tea while Mr. Collins dreads Lady Catherine's displeasure.