Plot Summary
Chapter 43 of Pride and Prejudice is one of the novel's most pivotal chapters. Elizabeth Bennet visits Pemberley, Mr. Darcy's grand estate in Derbyshire, while touring the countryside with her aunt and uncle, the Gardiners. She has agreed to the visit only after confirming that Darcy is away from home. The chapter divides into three movements: the tour of the house and grounds, the unexpected encounter with Darcy, and the astonishing aftermath of his changed behavior.
The Tour of Pemberley
Elizabeth approaches Pemberley with nervous anticipation and is immediately struck by the beauty of the estate -- a large, handsome stone building set naturally in a landscape of woods, hills, and a stream, with nothing artificial or gaudy about it. She privately reflects that "to be mistress of Pemberley might be something." Inside, the housekeeper Mrs. Reynolds gives an effusive account of Darcy's character, praising him as the best landlord, the best master, and the kindest brother. Elizabeth is astonished -- this portrait of Darcy as generous, sweet-tempered, and beloved by his servants directly contradicts her long-held opinion that he is proud and ill-tempered. The tour also reveals miniatures of Wickham and Darcy, and a large gallery portrait of Darcy with a smile Elizabeth remembers him directing at her.
The Unexpected Encounter
As Elizabeth exits the house, Darcy himself suddenly appears, having returned a day earlier than expected. Both are deeply embarrassed -- they blush, stumble through conversation, and struggle to recover composure. Darcy speaks to Elizabeth with a civility that amazes her, a stark contrast to his last address at Rosings Park when he delivered his letter. He departs abruptly, and Elizabeth is overwhelmed with shame at being found at his estate, fearing it will look as though she pursued him.
Darcy's Transformation and the Walk
While walking the grounds with the Gardiners, Elizabeth encounters Darcy a second time. He approaches them deliberately and, in a gesture that shocks Elizabeth, asks to be introduced to the Gardiners -- the very trade-connected relations whose existence had fueled his objections to the match. He converses easily with Mr. Gardiner about fishing, invites him to fish at Pemberley, and eventually walks alongside Elizabeth herself. She tells him she had been assured of his absence before visiting, and he responds by announcing that Bingley and his sisters will arrive the next day, along with his own sister Georgiana, whom he wishes to introduce to Elizabeth. The chapter closes with the Gardiners praising Darcy's manners and Elizabeth beginning to defend his character against the Wickham narrative, sharing what she has learned from Darcy's letter without naming her source.