Volume 1: Chapter 16 Summary

Elizabeth's curiosity as to the nature of the relationship between Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy is soon relieved. Mr. Wickham singles her out immediately as a favorite of all the ladies in attendance the following evening at the Philips', and before long, a mention of Netherfield is made. In due course, the conversation comes around to Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Wickham mentions that he has been involved with the Darcy family since his infancy. He addresses the coolness with which the two men greeted each other the previous day, and Elizabeth seizes an opportunity to make her strong dislike of Mr. Darcy known. Mr. Wickham further reveals that although Mr. Darcy senior was one of the best men he would ever know, his son, Mr. Darcy junior, has been a disappointment to the old man. He switches to another topic, and...