Pride and Prejudice

Mrs. Bennet’s Inquiries About Mr. Bingley

Mrs. Bennet and her five daughters attempt to extract information about Mr. Bingley from Mr. Bennet, but he deflects all their questioning.

Lady Lucas’s Favourable Report

Lady Lucas provides secondhand intelligence about Mr. Bingley, reporting that Sir William found him handsome, agreeable, and intending to attend the next assembly with a large par…

Mr. Bingley’s Visit to Longbourn

Mr. Bingley returns Mr. Bennet’s visit and sits briefly with him in the library; the young ladies observe him from an upper window, noting his blue coat and black horse.

The Ladies Observe from the Window

The ladies ascertain from an upper window that Mr. Bingley wears a blue coat and rides a black horse.

The Declined Dinner Invitation

Mrs. Bennet dispatches a dinner invitation, but Mr. Bingley declines, citing unexpected business in town the following day, leaving her disconcerted.

Speculation About the Assembly Ball

Lady Lucas suggests Mr. Bingley has gone to London to gather a large party for the ball, reviving hopes that he will settle at Netherfield.

The Size of Mr. Bingley’s Party

A report circulates that Mr. Bingley will bring twelve ladies and seven gentlemen, but this is revised before the ball to six (his five sisters and a cousin), and the actual party…

The Netherfield Party Enters the Assembly

The Netherfield party enters the assembly room: Mr. Bingley, his two sisters, his brother-in-law Mr. Hurst, and another young man (Mr. Darcy).

First Impressions of Bingley and Darcy

Mr. Bingley makes a favourable impression as good-looking and gentlemanlike, while Mr. Darcy draws attention with his fine figure, handsome features, and reputed ten thousand a ye…