Chapter LIX — Pride and Prejudice

Private certainty becomes public only when each gatekeeper must be convinced on their own terms. Elizabeth hides the walk from everyone but Jane; at night she convinces incredulous Jane she is engaged to Mr. Darcy, confesses she loves him better than Bingley, and dates her affection from Pemberley. She reveals Darcy's share in Lydia's marriage, and half the night is spent in conversation.

Mrs. Bennet sends Elizabeth out with the disagreeable man again; Darcy asks Mr. Bennet in the library. Her father challenges her: out of your senses? She weeps that she loves him, conquers his doubts with the gradual change in her estimation, and tells what Darcy did for Lydia. He gives consent, jokes of violent young lovers, and sends her to tell her mother.

Mrs. Bennet is unable to utter a syllable, then erupts over ten thousand a year, special licence, and what dish Mr. Darcy likes. Next day she is in awe and civil while Mr. Bennet takes pains to know Darcy and ranks his sons-in-law. Elizabeth still finds something to be wished for in her mother's manners, but Jane's happiness matches her own and her father's growing esteem closes the night on consent won at home.