Jane Austen Stories: Pride and Prejudice Part 12
Narrated by Julie Andrews, Noiser Podcast Network
Release Date: November 7, 2025

Overview

In Part 12 of "Pride and Prejudice," the narrative follows Elizabeth Bennet during her stay at the Hunsford parsonage with Charlotte and Mr. Collins. The episode delves into daily life at Hunsford, the imposing presence of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and the arrival of Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam at nearby Rosings Park. Themes of societal expectation, personal pride, and burgeoning relationships are at the forefront, as Elizabeth navigates awkward visits, pointed conversations, and her evolving opinions of those around her. Julie Andrews brings Jane Austen’s original text to life with her signature warmth and wit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Life at the Hunsford Parsonage ([02:13]–[05:15])

• Adjustment to Routine:
  After the departure of Sir William Lucas, Elizabeth is grateful for the relative peace as Mr. Collins spends more time in his garden or study, minimizing interactions.
• Charlotte’s Ingenuity:
  Elizabeth appreciates Charlotte’s management of household arrangements, particularly choosing the parlor farthest from Mr. Collins’ usual haunts to strategically avoid him.
  • “She soon saw that her friend had an excellent reason for what she did, for Mr. Collins would undoubtedly have been much less in his own apartment, had they sat in one equally lively, and she gave Charlotte credit for the arrangement.” [03:22]
• Lady Catherine’s Overbearing Influence:
  Regular intrusions by Lady Catherine epitomize her micromanagement of the parish.
  • “…she was a most active magistrate in her own parish, the minutest concerns of which were carried to her by Mr. Collins.” [04:20]
  • Lady Catherine frequently finds faults with the Collin’s home and offers unsolicited advice, even about the size of roast joints and the arrangement of furniture.

Rosings Park and Anticipated Visitors ([05:30]–[09:52])

• Repetitious Entertainments:
  Dinners at Rosings become a regular but uninspiring affair for Elizabeth.
• Anticipating Mr. Darcy:
  A key moment is the news of Mr. Darcy’s impending visit and Lady Catherine's hope he will marry her daughter, Anne.
  • “…his coming would furnish one comparatively new to look at in their Rosings parties…” [07:10]
• Arrival of Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam:
  Mr. Collins excitedly rushes to announce their arrival; Charlotte jokes about Lizzie being the reason for Mr. Darcy’s early visit ([09:14]).
• First Encounters:
  Colonel Fitzwilliam is sociable and well-mannered, in contrast to Mr. Darcy’s reserved demeanor:
  • “Colonel Fitzwilliam entered into the conversation directly, with the readiness and ease of a well-read man, and talked very, very pleasantly.” [10:18]
  • Mr. Darcy exchanges only polite inquiries with Lizzie; a telling moment comes when she questions whether he’s seen her sister Jane in London, and he appears momentarily unsettled by the reference ([11:06]).

Drawing Room Dynamics & Lady Catherine's Interrogations ([13:08]–[25:07])

• Colonel Fitzwilliam’s Favorable Impression:
  The colonel’s easy conversation lifts the spirits of the ladies at Rosings.
• Music and Social Commentary: ([17:27]–[22:41])
  • Lady Catherine commandeers conversations, professing authority about music despite never learning it herself.
    • “There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or a better natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient.” – Lady Catherine [18:40]
  • Lady Catherine publicly critiques Elizabeth’s piano playing and offers her the use of Rosings’ instrument—delivered as both a slight and a favor.
• Witty Banter with Darcy:
  A memorable scene unfolds at the pianoforte, where Elizabeth playfully accuses Darcy of intimidating her by his watchful presence:
  • “My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me.” – Elizabeth [20:35]
  • Darcy counters, suggesting she enjoys expressing contrary opinions:
    • “…you find great enjoyment in occasionally professing opinions which in fact are not your own.” – Mr. Darcy [20:56]
  • Their repartee is light, teasing, and full of mutual challenge—Austen’s signature style shining through.
• Social Skills & Self-Perception:
  The trio, Elizabeth, Darcy, and Fitzwilliam, dissect the challenges of social grace and self-presentation.
  • “I certainly have not the talent which some people possess, of conversing easily with those I have never seen before.” – Mr. Darcy [22:01]
  • “My fingers…do not move over this instrument in the masterly manner which I see so many women’s do…because I would not take the trouble of practicing.” – Elizabeth [22:38]
  • Lady Catherine continues to critique, comparing Elizabeth’s abilities unfavorably with Anne's potential.

Unexpected Visits and Shifting Affections ([26:41]–[38:06])

• Darcy’s Unannounced Call:
  The following morning, Darcy visits the parsonage and finds Elizabeth alone, leading to a tense and awkward conversation ([26:41]–[31:18]).
  • Elizabeth slyly probes Darcy about the abrupt departure of Bingley and his sisters from Netherfield, leaving Darcy momentarily uncomfortable but still guarded.
• Reflections on Distance and Attachment:
  A seemingly harmless discussion on whether the Collinses live “near” their family briefly turns personal.
  • “It is a proof…of your own attachment to Hertfordshire. Anything beyond the very neighbourhood of Longbourn, I suppose, would appear far.” – Mr. Darcy [30:28]
• Charlotte’s Speculation:
  Charlotte suggests Darcy’s frequent visits to the parsonage may signal affection for Elizabeth, but Lizzie is unconvinced:
  • “My dear Lizzie, he must be in love with you, or he would never have called on us in this familiar way.” – Charlotte [32:08]
• Colonel Fitzwilliam’s Interest:
  It is clear Fitzwilliam enjoys Elizabeth’s company, providing a pleasant counterpoint to Darcy’s more taciturn visits.

Teasers for the Next Episode ([38:06]–[39:23])

• Elizabeth’s rapport with Colonel Fitzwilliam continues to blossom.
• The colonel shares crucial news regarding Jane and Bingley.
• Tensions rise between Lizzie and Darcy, culminating in a revealing confrontation—and a shocking proposal.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Lady Catherine’s Meddling:
  “…she sallied forth into the village to settle their differences, silence their complaints, and scold them into harmony and plenty.” ([04:22])
• On Music & Accomplishments:
  “I have told Ms. Bennet several times that she will never play really well unless she practices more…” – Lady Catherine ([19:57])
• Lizzie’s Spirited Defiance:
  “My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me.” – Elizabeth ([20:35])
• On Darcy’s Social Awkwardness:
  “I certainly have not the talent which some people possess, of conversing easily with those I have never seen before.” – Mr. Darcy ([22:01])
• Charlotte’s Matchmaking:
  “My dear Lizzie, he must be in love with you, or he would never have called on us in this familiar way.” – Charlotte ([32:08])

Key Segments & Timestamps

• [02:13]—Sir William's departure; parsonage routines
• [05:30]—Life in Lady Catherine’s shadow; Rosings dinners
• [07:10]—Anticipation of Mr. Darcy’s arrival
• [09:14]—Arrival of Darcy and Fitzwilliam; social calls at the parsonage
• [13:08]—Musical evening at Rosings; Lady Catherine’s criticisms
• [20:35]—Banter between Elizabeth and Darcy at the pianoforte
• [22:01]—Discussion of social talents and awkwardness
• [26:41]—Mr. Darcy's unexpected visit
• [32:08]—Charlotte speculates on Darcy’s intentions

Tone & Style

The episode maintains Austen’s witty, gently satirical style, with Julie Andrews giving a nuanced, lively narration. Elizabeth’s independent spirit and quick wit play off the propriety and formality of Rosings, while simmering tensions with Darcy and the more lighthearted interest of Colonel Fitzwilliam keep the story moving briskly and engagingly.

In summary:
This episode is filled with sparkling conversation, unspoken feelings, class dynamics, and social maneuvering, all set against the masterful backdrop of Austen’s world. Whether you’re a seasoned Austenite or new to the story, Andrews’ narration and the vibrant dialogue promise an immersive and charming listening experience.