Chapter 10
After the night spent nursing Jane, the Hurst sisters and Miss Bingley continue their evening in the Netherfield drawing‑room while Mr Darcy writes a letter to his sister. Miss Bingley watches his progress, offering continual, teasing compliments about his handwriting and the length of his letter, and repeatedly interrupts him with frivolous remarks. This triggers a long, sarcastic exchange in which Darcy defends his rapid, unpolished style, claims that humility can be deceptive, and accuses Miss Bingley of indirect boasting about his “defects” in writing. The dialogue veers into a philosophical discussion of pride, humility, and the value of quickness, with Mr Bingley and Elizabeth interjecting to mock the brothers’ affectations.
When the party requests music, Darcy and the Hurst sisters ask Miss Bingley to play the pianoforte. Miss Bingley quickly complies, but when the music stops, Darcy draws near Elizabeth and asks, “Do not you feel a great inclination… to seize such an opportunity of dancing a reel?” Elizabeth smiles but offers no answer. Darcy repeats the invitation; she rebuffs him, declaring she does not wish to dance and warning him “despise me if you dare.” Darcy concedes, “Indeed I do not dare.”
The conversation then shifts to future plans: Miss Bingley suggests that portraits of Mr Darcy’s uncle and aunt be placed in the Pemberley gallery and mentions that a portrait of Elizabeth would be impossible to satisfy, while also broaching the subject of a possible marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy finishes his letter, thanks the others, and the group seeks further entertainment.
Later, as they walk in the shrubbery, Miss Bingley attempts to steer Darcy toward the idea of marrying Elizabeth, but Darcy remains evasive. The party encounters Mrs Hurst and Elizabeth leaving the path; Mrs Hurst scolds Miss Bingley for leaving without warning. Darcy remarks that the walk is too narrow for their party, proposing to move into the avenue. Elizabeth, unwilling to stay, jokes that the picture would be spoiled by a fourth person, then quickly departs, laughing, and walks home alone.
Throughout the chapter, Darcy’s admiration for Elizabeth grows despite her refusal to dance or accompany him, while Miss Bingley’s jealousy intensifies, leading her to press Darcy about his feelings and to speculate about future matrimonial arrangements. The chapter ends with the social tension unresolved, setting the stage for further developments in the characters’ relationships.