Plot Summary
Chapter 12 of Pride and Prejudice marks the end of Elizabeth and Jane's stay at Netherfield Park. Elizabeth writes to Mrs. Bennet requesting the carriage, but her mother — having calculated that Jane should remain at Netherfield through Tuesday to complete a full week — refuses to send it before then. In her postscript, Mrs. Bennet even encourages longer delays, suggesting the sisters stay on if Mr. Bingley and Miss Bingley press them. Elizabeth, however, is positively resolved against staying any longer, feeling they risk being seen as needlessly imposing on their hosts.
The Departure Is Arranged
Frustrated by her mother's refusal, Elizabeth urges Jane to borrow Mr. Bingley's carriage so they can leave that very morning. Their announcement draws mixed reactions from the Netherfield party. Enough polite objections are raised to delay their departure until the following day. Miss Bingley soon regrets encouraging even this brief extension, as her jealousy of Elizabeth and dislike of her far outweigh any affection for Jane. Mr. Bingley, by contrast, expresses genuine sorrow and repeatedly tries to persuade Jane that she has not recovered sufficiently to travel, but Jane remains firm in her resolve.
Darcy's Internal Conflict
For Mr. Darcy, the news of Elizabeth's departure is welcome intelligence. He recognizes that Elizabeth has attracted him more than he would like and that she has been at Netherfield long enough to be dangerous to his composure. He resolves to give no sign of admiration, aware that any such signal could raise hopes he is not prepared to fulfill. True to his purpose, Darcy scarcely speaks ten words to Elizabeth through all of Saturday and refuses even to look at her when they are left alone together for half an hour, adhering "most conscientiously to his book."
Departure and Homecoming
On Sunday, after morning service, the sisters depart. Miss Bingley's civility toward Elizabeth increases rapidly at the moment of parting — she warmly embraces Jane and even shakes hands with Elizabeth. Elizabeth leaves in the liveliest of spirits. At Longbourn, their reception is mixed: Mrs. Bennet is annoyed they have come home early, scolding them for giving trouble and predicting Jane will catch cold again. Mr. Bennet, though laconic, is genuinely glad, having felt the loss of his two most sensible daughters in the family circle. Mary is absorbed in her studies of "thorough-bass and human nature," while Kitty and Lydia are full of militia gossip — officers' dinners, a private being flogged, and the rumor that Colonel Forster is to be married.
Themes
This brief chapter highlights Austen's skill at advancing multiple storylines simultaneously. Darcy's suppressed attraction is laid bare through his deliberate avoidance of Elizabeth, a strategy that paradoxically confirms the depth of his feelings. Mrs. Bennet's scheming continues as she tries to extend Jane's stay through maternal manipulation. The contrast between the superficiality of Miss Bingley's farewell and her genuine relief at Elizabeth's departure underscores the theme of social performance versus authentic feeling. The return to Longbourn reestablishes the domestic comedy of the Bennet household, where each family member occupies a distinct and characteristic role.