Pride and Prejudice Notes | Volume 1, Chapter 9

The next day Elizabeth sends for her mother to see about Jane. Mrs. Bennet is happy that Jane isn't really very sick, but insists that Jane can't be moved yet. Mrs. Bennet makes a fool of herself in front of Bingley and Darcy and the others.

Elizabeth tries to curb her mother's idiocy, but Mrs. Bennet just keeps making things worse with every word that she says. In a moment of silence, Lydia reminds Bingley that he promised to have a ball at Netherfield. Bingley agrees that when Jane is well, he'll host a ball. When Elizabeth and her family leave the room, the Bingley women make fun of them, but Darcy keeps quiet.