Plot Summary
Chapter 30 of Pride and Prejudice opens with Sir William Lucas departing Hunsford after a week's visit, fully satisfied that Charlotte is comfortably settled. With his departure, the household returns to its daily routine. Elizabeth discovers that Mr. Collins spends most of his time between breakfast and dinner working in the garden, reading and writing in his book-room, or gazing out the window at the road -- leaving the ladies in welcome peace in a back-facing sitting room that Charlotte has cleverly chosen to minimize his intrusions.
Lady Catherine's Domination of the Parish
The chapter paints a vivid picture of Lady Catherine de Bourgh's imperious control over Hunsford. She visits the Parsonage to inspect everything from the housemaid's work to the size of Mrs. Collins's joints of meat, finding fault and issuing corrections at every turn. Elizabeth observes that although Lady Catherine holds no official authority, she acts as "a most active magistrate in her own parish," settling disputes among cottagers, silencing complaints, and scolding the villagers "into harmony and plenty." Mr. Collins dutifully reports every parish detail to her ladyship.
Elizabeth's Quiet Contentment
Despite the limited social circle, Elizabeth finds her time at Hunsford tolerable. The family dines at Rosings about twice a week, and other social engagements are few since the neighborhood's style of living exceeds Mr. Collins's means. Elizabeth enjoys half-hours of pleasant conversation with Charlotte and takes long walks in a sheltered path along an open grove at the edge of Rosings Park -- a favorite retreat where she feels "beyond the reach of Lady Catherine's curiosity."
The Arrival of Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam
As Easter approaches, news comes that Mr. Darcy is expected at Rosings. Elizabeth receives this with mixed feelings: while he is not among those she would most wish to see, his arrival will furnish someone new to observe, and she is amused at the prospect of watching "how hopeless Miss Bingley's designs on him were" in light of Lady Catherine's clear intention that Darcy should marry her daughter, Miss de Bourgh. On the morning of Darcy's arrival, Mr. Collins patrols Hunsford Lane to catch the earliest sight of the carriage, bows as it turns into the park, and rushes home with the news.
An Unexpected Visit
The next morning, Collins goes to Rosings to pay his respects and returns with both Darcy and his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam, the younger son of an earl. Charlotte credits Elizabeth for this unexpected honor, teasing that "Mr. Darcy would never have come so soon to wait upon me." Colonel Fitzwilliam proves immediately agreeable -- about thirty, not handsome, but thoroughly gentlemanlike with an easy, pleasant manner. Darcy, by contrast, behaves with his usual reserve, paying formal compliments to Mrs. Collins and meeting Elizabeth "with every appearance of composure."
Elizabeth Tests Darcy
After a period of silence, Darcy politely inquires after Elizabeth's family. She responds conventionally but then adds a pointed remark: "My eldest sister has been in town these three months. Have you never happened to see her there?" Elizabeth knows perfectly well he has not, but she watches for any sign that he is conscious of his role in separating Bingley from Jane. She thinks he looks "a little confused" as he answers that he has never been fortunate enough to meet Miss Bennet. The subject is dropped, and the gentlemen soon depart.