Chapter 7
Mr. Bennet’s modest estate of two thousand a year is explained, noting its entailment and the modest dowry left to Mrs. Bennet by her attorney father. The Bennet family lives a mile from Meryton, and the two youngest daughters, Catherine and Lydia, frequently visit the town to entertain themselves. A militia regiment takes up winter quarters in Meryton, and the girls become obsessed with the officers, especially Captain Carter and Colonel Forster. Their mother, Mrs. Bennet, encourages this fascination, while Mr. Bennet sarcastically declares them the “silliest girls in the country.” A series of witty exchanges follows between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet about the girls’ silliness and the prospect of a colonel’s interest.
Later, a footman delivers a note from Netherfield addressed to Jane, written by Caroline Bingley, inviting her to dine with Caroline, Louisa, and the officers. Jane asks for a carriage; Mrs. Bennet insists she must ride horseback because the weather looks likely to rain and the family horses are needed on the farm. Jane sets out, is caught in a heavy rainstorm, and soon falls ill with a violent cold and fever.
Elizabeth, anxious for her sister, decides to walk the three‑mile distance to Netherfield despite her mother’s objections and Mary’s counsel to act sensibly. Catherine and Lydia accompany her partway, then part. Elizabeth arrives at Netherfield alone, disheveled and muddy, and is received in the breakfast‑parlour by Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley, and Mr. Darcy. The Hurst sisters are polite but regard her appearance with surprise; Mr. Darcy watches her with a mixture of admiration for her complexion and doubt about her solitary journey. He says little. Elizabeth is shown to Jane’s room, where the apothecary confirms Jane’s feverish cold and prescribes rest and draughts.
After breakfast, the Hurst sisters depart. Miss Bingley offers Elizabeth a carriage home, but Jane, still weak, declines and asks Elizabeth to remain at Netherfield for the night. Elizabeth accepts gratefully. A servant is dispatched to Longbourn to inform the Bennet family of Elizabeth’s overnight stay and to bring a change of clothes. The chapter ends with Elizabeth settled in Netherfield, caring for her ailing sister.