Sir William stays a week at Hunsford, leaving satisfied that his daughter is well taken care of. Elizabeth and Maria remain with Charlotte. Elizabeth wonders why Charlotte has chosen a small room in the back of the house as a sitting room but realizes the wisdom of the choice when she sees that Mr. Collins would have joined her in the room if it were more pleasant. He prefers to sit in the front of the house, where he has a clear view of the lane; he frequently comes to tell Charlotte when Miss de Bourgh passes in her phaeton.

Lady Catherine visits at times and always finds much to criticize in Charlotte’s furniture, housemaid, and food. Mr. Collins tells her when cottagers are arguing or struggling financially, and she calls on them “to settle their differences, silence their complaints, and scold them into harmony and plenty” (161).

They dine at Rosings a couple of times a week. Elizabeth enjoys talking with Charlotte and going for walks. When Charlotte and Mr. Collins visit Lady Catherine, Elizabeth likes to walk along a path that no one else takes.

After a couple of weeks, Elizabeth hears that Darcy is expected to arrive at Rosings.