Elizabeths Change of Views in Darcy
The days at Longbourn are far from enjoyable, with the constant lamentations of boredom from Mrs. Bennet and Kitty. Elizabeth consoles herself by looking forward to her tour of the Lakes with the Gardiners.
However, Elizabeth is disappointed when she learns that her vacation with the Gardiners is delayed and shortened on account of Mr. Gardiners work commitments. So, they were obliged to give up the Lakes and were to go no farther northward than Derbyshire. When they arrive at Derbyshire, Elizabeth is persuaded by her aunt and uncle to visit Pemberly. Lizzy agrees to go, but blushes at the thought of Darcy coming across them touring his estate. A maid assures Lizzy that the entire family is away for the summer, and she was at leisure to feel a great deal of curiosity to see the house herself. The next morning, the group decides to pay their visit and to Pemberly, therefore, they were to go.
Elizabeth and the Gardiners arrive at the Pemberly estate and are impressed by the beauty of the house and the grounds. Elizabeth is captivated by the beauty of Pemberly, and feels that to be the mistress of Pemberly might be something and wonders what it would be like to invite her family to the estate and take pride in the house as her won. She then quickly remembers that her family would have been lost to her and dismisses any regret.
As they tour the house, the housekeeper verifies that Darcy isnt expected till the next day and Lizzy rejoices in her lucky timing. Mrs. Reynolds goes on to give such a favourable account of Mr. Darcy as a kind and generous landlord, a devoted brother, and a promising and unselfish young man, remarking that she has never heard a cross word from him. Elizabeth is surprised; having retained her assumption that Darcy is ill-tempered. Elizabeth is also impressed with Darcys excellent treatment of his younger sister. After hearing so much praise of Darcy from his housekeeper, Elizabeth thinks of his regard for her with more warmth than ever.
The housekeepers account of Darcy doesnt necessarily blend with Lizzys expectations, but her feelings for him soften into admiration because of the housekeepers warm praise of her master. They come upon a very realistic portrait of Darcy, and she realizes that she looks at him in a much better light than she ever did before.
While Elizabeth and the Gardiners continue to explore the grounds, Darcy himself suddenly appears. He joins them in their walk, proving remarkably polite. Mortified to have him find her there, Elizabeths emotions are further confused by his courteous and gentle tone. After exchanging a few civilities, he takes leave.
Elizabeths visit puts her into direct contact with Darcy again. The accidental encounter embarrasses Elizabeth because shes aware of the impropriety of her being found there. But, Darcy puts her at ease and to very cordial with the Gardiners.
As she and the Gardiners tour the grounds of Pemberly, Elizabeth cant take her mind off Darcy and his unsure behaviour. She is surprised when Darcy comes out into the grounds to speak with her again. She formally introduces her relatives to him, and she could hardly suppress a smile, at his being now seeking the acquaintance of some of those very people, against whom his pride had revolted, in his offer to herself. Darcy appears surprised to hear that the elegant pair is related to the Bennets, and Lizzy is glad to have some family that isnt embarrassing. Darcy, showing no signs of his previous arrogance, is very cordial to the Gardiners; he even invites Mr. Gardiner to fish in his stream.
On their way back to the house, Darcy says that Bingley and his sisters are set to arrive the next day. He surprises Lizzy by announcing that his sister would very much like to meet her, and asks Lizzy to return to Pemberly to make her acquaintance. Elizabeth agrees, wondering what this show of interest and pleasant behaviour can mean.
The Gardiners find the charming Darcy far from being insolent and disagreeable; they tell Elizabeth that they are amazed that he could have been cruel to Wickham. Elizabeth tells them in a very guarded way that there is reason to believe that Darcy is not at fault in his dealings with Wickham. The Gardiners, having heard so many negative things about Darcy, leave with an entirely revised opinion of him. Elizabeth is wonder-struck at his kind and gentlemanly behaviour. She is further impressed when her aunt and uncle reveal that they really like Darcy.
Austen presents her readers with strong dramatic irony by making Elizabeths feelings for Darcy plain to the reader but incomprehensible to herself.
The changes in Elizabeths feelings for Darcy that began earlier upon reading his letter continue in this chapter. Elizabeth began the novel disliking Darcy, and her prejudice caused her to find more and more reasons to dislike him. However, after she realized the truth about her prejudices, she opened herself up to discovering Darcys true character. By visiting Darcys home, Elizabeth is finally able to see Darcy for what he is. When she visits Pemberly she cant help thinking of what it would be like to be the mistress of such a beautiful house. At Pemberly, Elizabeth not only views Darcy in the environment in which he is more comfortable, but she also observes his treatment of those that are under his care; his estate, servants and sister. She now realizes that he is a fine brother and a landlord with a great sense of responsibility to his servants and tenants; admirable characteristics that she had previously failed to detect.
When Darcy runs into Elizabeth in the garden, she is surprised by his civility and especially by his kind inquiries about her family. These inquiries are particularly noteworthy considering the harsh criticism which he made of her family during his proposal and in his letter. Further, when Darcy meets Elizabeth and the Gardiners later in their walk, Elizabeth is surprisingly pleased at how kind he is to the Gardiners, relations which he had previously thought to be a reason for shame. Elizabeth is surprised that Darcy wants her to make his sisters acquaintance, but realizes what a compliment this is to her. She is gratified and flattered by his treatment of herself and the Gardiners, and her feelings are clearly warming up to him. Darcy, for his part, seems to have changed considerable since the day he proposed to Elizabeth. His reserve, haughtiness of manner, and extreme consciousness of class differences seem completely gone.
Such discoveries cause Elizabeth to feel a more gentle sensation towards Darcy than she had ever felt in the height of their acquaintance.
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