Chapter 5
Sir William Lucas, newly knighted after a career in Meryton trade, has withdrawn to Lucas Lodge a mile from the town. He, his wife Lady Lucas, and their children—including Charlotte, Jane, and a boisterous young son—arrive at Longbourn to discuss recent social events. Mrs. Bennet, still eager about Mr. Bingle’s choice, declares that Charlotte was Bingley’s first pick, but Bingley seemed to favor his “second,” presumed to be Jane, after two dances. The women recount overheard remarks: Mr. Robinson (likely a mistaken name) reported that Mr. Darcy, when asked who was prettiest at the Meryton assembly, answered “the eldest Miss Bennet.” Charlotte scoffs at Darcy’s worth, calling him “only just tolerable,” while Mrs. Long’s silence with him is blamed on his pride. Jane adds that Darcy only speaks among close acquaintances, yet Miss Bingley claims he is agreeable with his intimates. Mrs. Bennet dismisses this, insisting everyone knows Darcy is “eaten up with pride,” perhaps because he learned Mrs. Long lacks a carriage. The Lucas family debates Darcy’s pride; Charlotte suggests his high birth and fortune give him a right to be proud, and Elizabeth agrees that his pride would be forgivable were it not for mortifying hers. Mary delivers a philosophical aside distinguishing pride (self‑opinion) from vanity (desire for others’ admiration). The young Lucas boy declares that if he were as rich as Darcy he would keep foxhounds and drink a bottle of wine daily; Mrs. Bennet retorts that she would take his bottle away, ending the heated exchange. The chapter concludes with the Lucas family’s departure after a lively, opinion‑laden discussion about the new gentlemen in Meryton.