Pride and Prejudice Chapter 12 Summary

Summary

Elizabeth and Jane arrange to leave Netherfield earlier than their mother expected: after an agreement between the sisters, Elizabeth writes to request the family carriage that day. Mrs. Bennet, who had counted on them staying until Tuesday to complete Jane’s week of convalescence, replies that the carriage cannot be spared before then and even suggests that if Mr. Bingley and his sister press them to remain, she could spare them. Elizabeth and Jane, unwilling to overstay or be thought intrusive, decide to ask Jane to borrow Mr. Bingley’s carriage; the request is made, eliciting concern and entreaties to stay a little longer. The delay is briefly granted, though Miss Bingley immediately regrets having proposed it because her dislike of Elizabeth exceeds any affection for Jane.

Meanwhile, Mr. Darcy is relieved at the imminent departure: he feels Elizabeth has been at Netherfield long enough and resolves to show no sign of admiration. He speaks scarcely ten words to her on Saturday and even, when left alone with her for half an hour, keeps his eyes on his book. On Sunday, after morning service, the party separates and Jane and Elizabeth return to Longbourn. Miss Bingley increases her civilities toward Jane and even shakes hands with Elizabeth on parting. Back at Longbourn the sisters find a cooler reception from their mother, who reproves them for causing trouble and fears Jane will relapse, while Mr. Bennet quietly shows that their presence matters to him. The evening at home is less lively without Jane and Elizabeth: Mary is immersed in music and moralizing, while Kitty and Lydia bring news from the regiment about officers dining with their uncle, a corporal punished, and a rumor that Colonel Forster may marry.

Key events

1. Elizabeth requests carriage to leave Netherfield; Mrs. Bennet refuses before Tuesday
2. Sisters decide to ask to borrow Mr. Bingley’s carriage and delay departure one day
3. Miss Bingley regrets encouraging the delay; Mr. Bingley is sorry they leave
4. Mr. Darcy resolves to conceal any admiration and barely speaks to Elizabeth
5. Jane and Elizabeth depart Netherfield after Sunday service and return to Longbourn
6. They receive a cool reception from Mrs. Bennet; family evening is subdued
7. Kitty and Lydia report gossip from the regiment, including a rumor about Colonel Forster

Analysis

This chapter performs several structural and thematic functions while advancing social dynamics among characters. Practically, it marks the end of the Netherfield stay and returns the action to Longbourn, resetting scene and social stakes. Thematically, the chapter contrasts public and private impressions: Mrs. Bennet’s domestic priorities and social calculations (timing the carriage, concern for Jane’s recovery) clash with Elizabeth’s independence and sense of propriety. Darcy’s deliberate withdrawal is significant for character and narrative: it shows his self-control, pride, and awareness of the potential consequences of his behavior, while also signaling that his attention to Elizabeth has weight. Miss Bingley’s inconsistent civility—feigned warmth toward Jane, bitterness toward Elizabeth—sharpens class-conscious rivalry and illustrates social performativity.

Narratively, Austen uses small domestic incidents (a carriage request, a refusal, an awkward parting) to reveal personality and power: Mrs. Bennet’s anxiety about appearances, Mr. Bennet’s understated attachment, and Mary’s pedantry fill out the family portrait. The chapter also foreshadows continuing tensions: Miss Bingley’s jealousy and Darcy’s restraint create emotional pressure around Elizabeth, while the officers’ gossip hints at wider social networks that will influence future plots. Austen’s free indirect discourse allows the reader to perceive characters’ inner calculations—especially Darcy’s—without omniscient distance, deepening irony and social critique.

Important quotes

“She attracted him more than he liked; and Miss Bingley was uncivil to her and more teasing than usual to himself.”

NarratorExplains Darcy's conflicted attention to Elizabeth and Miss Bingley's jealousy.

“He wisely resolved to be particularly careful that no sign of admiration should now escape him—nothing that could elevate her with the hope of influencing his felicity;”

NarratorShows Darcy's conscious decision to suppress any visible admiration for Elizabeth to avoid encouraging her hopes.

“They were not welcomed home very cordially by their mother.”

NarratorSummarizes Mrs. Bennet's disapproval at the daughters' early return and sets the tone at Longbourn.

Characters in Chapter 12

• Elizabeth Bennet
• Jane Bennet
• Mrs. Bennet
• Mr. Bingley
• Caroline Bingley
• Mr. Darcy
• Mr. Bennet
• Mary Bennet
• Kitty Bennet
• Lydia Bennet
• Colonel Forster