Plot Summary
Chapter 29 of Pride and Prejudice describes the much-anticipated dinner at Rosings Park, the estate of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Mr. Collins's triumph at the invitation is complete -- it is exactly the opportunity he has wished for to display the grandeur of his patroness to his visitors. He spends the entire day and the following morning coaching the party on what to expect, lest the sight of the splendid rooms and servants "wholly overpower them."
Preparations and Arrival
Collins fusses over the party's readiness, coming two or three times to their doors to hurry them along, since Lady Catherine "very much objected to be kept waiting for her dinner." He advises Elizabeth not to worry about her apparel, assuring her that Lady Catherine "likes to have the distinction of rank preserved." Maria Lucas is thoroughly frightened by his formidable accounts, dreading the visit as much as her father dreaded his presentation at St. James's. They walk half a mile across the park on a fine day, with Collins enumerating the windows in front of the house and relating the original cost of the glazing.
Meeting Lady Catherine
While Maria's alarm increases and even Sir William loses his composure, Elizabeth's courage holds firm. She has heard nothing of Lady Catherine that suggests extraordinary talents or virtue, and "the mere stateliness of money or rank she thought she could witness without trepidation." They are led through the entrance hall and ante-chamber to the drawing room, where Lady Catherine, her daughter Miss de Bourgh, and Mrs. Jenkinson await. Sir William can only manage a low bow and sits speechless; Maria perches on the edge of her chair, terrified.
Elizabeth Observes the Ladies
Elizabeth alone remains composed, studying the three ladies before her. Lady Catherine is tall and large, with strongly marked features, an authoritative tone, and an air of self-importance that immediately reminds Elizabeth of Mr. Wickham's description. Turning her attention to Miss de Bourgh, Elizabeth finds her pale, sickly, and insignificant in appearance -- nothing like her mother. Miss de Bourgh speaks very little, while Mrs. Jenkinson fusses over her constantly, adjusting screens before her eyes and watching how little she eats.
The Grand Dinner
The dinner is exceedingly handsome, with all the servants and plate that Collins had promised. He takes his seat at the bottom of the table by Lady Catherine's desire and carves, eats, and praises "with delighted alacrity." Sir William echoes whatever Collins says, while Elizabeth sits between Charlotte and the silent Miss de Bourgh. The gentlemen do nothing but eat and admire, while Maria thinks speaking entirely out of the question.
Lady Catherine Holds Court
After dinner, Lady Catherine dominates the conversation, delivering opinions on every subject "in so decisive a manner, as proved that she was not used to have her judgement controverted." She interrogates Charlotte about her domestic arrangements, instructs her on managing her cows and poultry, and then turns her questions on Elizabeth -- how many sisters she has, whether they are handsome, where they were educated, what carriage her father keeps, and her mother's maiden name. Elizabeth feels the impertinence but answers composedly.
The Interrogation Deepens
Lady Catherine learns the Bennet estate is entailed on Mr. Collins and shifts to quizzing Elizabeth about her accomplishments. Elizabeth admits she plays "a little" and does not draw, prompting Lady Catherine to criticize her upbringing and declare that the Bennet sisters should have had a governess. Elizabeth defends her family with quiet dignity, insisting that those who wished to learn "never wanted the means." When Lady Catherine discovers that all five Bennet sisters are out in society at once, she is scandalized. Elizabeth pushes back firmly, arguing that keeping younger sisters at home because the elder ones are unmarried would not "promote sisterly affection or delicacy of mind."
Elizabeth Refuses to Be Cowed
Lady Catherine is astonished by Elizabeth's boldness and demands to know her age. Elizabeth deflects with wit: "With three younger sisters grown up, your ladyship can hardly expect me to own it." Lady Catherine is "quite astonished at not receiving a direct answer," and Elizabeth suspects she is the first person who has ever dared to trifle with such "dignified impertinence." After tea, the party plays cards -- Lady Catherine at quadrille, the girls at cassino with Mrs. Jenkinson -- and the evening concludes with many speeches of thankfulness from Collins and bows from Sir William.