At five o’clock the two ladies retire to dress, and at half‑past six Elizabeth is summoned to dinner. She receives Mr. Bingley’s courteous enquiries about Jane, but cannot give a favourable reply. Jane’s cold has not improved; her sisters repeatedly lament her illness, then abandon the subject, which restores some comfort to Elizabeth. The only party member whose attentions please her is Mr. Bingley, whose anxiety for Jane and friendly behaviour toward her ease her sense of being an intruder.

During the meal, Mr. Hurst, a lazy man who lives only for food, drink and cards, makes little comment when Elizabeth prefers a simple dish. After dinner Elizabeth returns to Jane’s bedside, and Miss Bingley immediately begins to abuse Elizabeth as soon as she leaves the room. Miss Bingley calls Elizabeth’s manners “very bad indeed, a mixture of pride and impertinence,” and says she has no conversation, style or beauty. Mrs. Hurst concurs, describing Elizabeth’s appearance as “almost wild,” noting her muddy petticoat and untidy hair. Bingley defends Elizabeth, saying he thought she looked remarkably well that morning and that he had not noticed the dirty petticoat. Miss Bingley accuses Mr. Darcy of protecting his sister from such exhibitions, and Darcy replies that he would not wish to see her make such a display. The ladies then ridicule Elizabeth’s three‑mile walk in the mud, calling it conceited independence, while Bingley declares it shows affection for her sister and praises Elizabeth’s stamina. Miss Bingley whispers that the walk has affected Darcy’s admiration of Elizabeth’s eyes; Darcy answers that it has not.

Mrs. Hurst then expresses “excessive regard” for Jane, lamenting the Bennet family’s low connections—mentioning an uncle who is an attorney in Meryton and another near Cheapside. Bingle jokes that many uncles would not diminish the Bennets’ agreeableness, while Darcy points out that such connections materially lessen their chances of marrying men of consideration. The sisters laugh heartily at this assessment.

Later, after Jane’s condition remains poor, Elizabeth stays with her while the rest of the party retreats to the drawing‑room. Mr. Hurst asks why she prefers reading to cards; Miss Bingley declares that Elizabeth despises cards and is a great reader. Elizabeth protests, saying she is not a great reader but enjoys many things. Bingley offers to fetch more books for her and boasts of his modest library, prompting Miss Bingley to mistakenly praise the size of Pemberley’s library. Darcy corrects her, explaining that Pemberley’s collection has been built over generations and that he himself adds to it. Miss Bingley then suggests that Bingley model his future house on Pemberley, even buying it if Darcy would sell. Darcy replies modestly.

Elizabeth, distracted by the conversation, sets aside her book and moves to the card‑table, positioning herself between Bingley and Miss Bingley. A lively discussion about what constitutes an “accomplished woman” ensues. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst list accomplishments—music, singing, drawing, dancing, languages—and claim that most young ladies possess them. Darcy counters that many women merely meet these superficial criteria and lack true merit, insisting that genuine accomplishment also requires extensive reading and a refined mind. Miss Bingley defends her view, while Elizabeth argues that a woman must possess a “certain something” in manner, voice, and expression. The debate grows heated until Mr. Hurst rebukes the ladies for their inattentiveness, ending the conversation.

Elizabeth finally leaves the room. Miss Bingley, as the door closes, remarks that Elizabeth seeks to recommend herself by undervaluing her own, a “paltry device.” Darcy agrees that such arts are mean. The evening concludes with Bingley deciding that, should Jane’s health not improve, they will summon Mr. Jones, a physician, early the next morning. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, convinced that no country advice will help, suggest sending for an eminent physician from town, though Bingley is uneasy. Their sisters comfort themselves with duets after supper, while Bingley attempts to ensure the housekeeper gives the sick lady and her sister every attention.