Jane Austen Stories – Pride and Prejudice Part 17
Host/Narrator: Dame Julie Andrews
Release Date: November 25, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of Jane Austen Stories, Dame Julie Andrews continues her narration of Pride and Prejudice, picking up as Elizabeth Bennet visits Mr. Darcy’s grand estate, Pemberley, with her aunt and uncle, the Gardiners. The chapter (Chapter 43 of the novel) is a turning point: Elizabeth’s impressions of Darcy are challenged and changed as she learns more about his character through the eyes of his housekeeper and her own brief but transformative encounter with Darcy himself.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Arrival at Pemberley and First Impressions

• Elizabeth arrives at Pemberley with mixed feelings, anxious at the possibility of meeting Mr. Darcy but quickly captivated by the natural beauty and unpretentious elegance of his estate.
• The description emphasizes the harmony between nature and the taste of the owner:
  • “Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste.” (02:07)

2. Touring the House and Learning About Darcy

• The party is greeted by Mrs. Reynolds, the housekeeper, whose kindness and pride in Darcy immediately stand out to Elizabeth.
• Mrs. Reynolds’ glowing account of Darcy’s generosity, good nature, and benevolence surprises Elizabeth, contradicting her former opinions:
  • "I have never had a crossword from him in my life, and I have known him ever since he was 4 years old." — Mrs. Reynolds (18:14)
  • “He is the best landlord and the best master that ever lived, not like the wild young men nowadays who think of nothing but themselves.” — Mrs. Reynolds (15:45)
• Elizabeth is astonished to hear this praise and begins to reconsider Darcy as not only a gentleman but a truly kind and responsible person.

3. The Gallery and Elizabeth’s Reflection

• In the portrait gallery, Elizabeth is drawn to a painting of Darcy, noticing a gentle expression she recognizes ("with such a smile over the face as she remembered to have sometimes seen when he looked at her") (22:40).
• This silent, personal moment crystallizes her shifting feelings; admiration mingles with regret and deeper contemplation over her past judgments.

4. The Unexpected Encounter with Darcy

• As the group leaves the house, they are surprised by Mr. Darcy’s sudden and unplanned arrival. Both he and Elizabeth are startled and deeply embarrassed:
  • “Their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of each were overspread with the deepest blush. He absolutely started, and for a moment seemed immovable from surprise.” (25:02)
• Despite the awkwardness, Darcy greets Elizabeth with “perfect civility,” a striking change from his formerly reserved manner, leaving her even more bewildered and reflective on his altered behavior.

5. A Second Meeting: Civility and Introduction

• The group encounters Darcy again during their walk. He is notably gracious, requesting an introduction to Elizabeth’s relatives—those same “connections” he previously criticized.
  • “Mr. Darcy asked Lizzie if she would do him the honor of introducing him to her friends. This was a stroke of civility for which she was quite unprepared.” (30:38)
• Darcy invites Mr. Gardiner to fish at his estate, further displaying warmth and a willingness to connect. Elizabeth is both “pleased” and “astonished” at this new side of Darcy.

6. Private Conversation: Darcy’s Surprising Offer

• In a brief private walk, Darcy expresses his desire for Elizabeth to meet his younger sister, Georgiana. Elizabeth is overwhelmed by the significance—such an introduction is a great compliment and shows his lingering regard:
  • “Will you allow me, or do I ask too much, to introduce my sister to your acquaintance during your stay at Lambton?” — Darcy (36:25)
• Elizabeth, though flattered, is distracted by the meaning and implication of his request.

7. Reflections and Family Reactions

• After the visit, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are surprised by Darcy’s politeness and attention, disagreeing with his reputation for pride:
  • “He is perfectly well-behaved, polite and unassuming,” says Mr. Gardiner, and Mrs. Gardiner concurs (41:55).
• Elizabeth gently begins to correct their opinion of both Darcy and Wickham, explaining there is more to the story than they had thought, without revealing all her sources (43:00).
• The episode ends with Elizabeth pondering the “wonder” of Darcy’s transformation and his wish for her to meet his sister.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more… she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something.” (02:07, Julie Andrews as narrator)
• “I have never had a crossword from him in my life and I have known him ever since he was 4 years old.” — Mrs. Reynolds (18:14)
• “Their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of each were overspread with the deepest blush. …He absolutely started, and for a moment seemed immovable from surprise.” (25:02)
• “Mr. Darcy asked Lizzie if she would do him the honour of introducing him to her friends.” (30:38)
• “Will you allow me, or do I ask too much, to introduce my sister to your acquaintance during your stay at Lambton?” — Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth (36:25)
• “He is perfectly well behaved, polite and unassuming,” — Mr. Gardiner (41:55)
• “From what we have seen of him, …I really should not have thought that he could have behaved in so cruel a way by anybody as he has done by poor Wickham.” — Mrs. Gardiner (42:49)

Key Timestamps

• 00:55 – Recap of previous episode and introduction to the Pemberley visit
• 02:07-06:00 – Elizabeth’s impressions as they approach and enter Pemberley
• 09:30-18:14 – Mrs. Reynolds extols Darcy’s virtues, discusses Wickham, and shows portraits
• 22:40 – Elizabeth reflects deeply at Darcy’s portrait
• 25:02-28:00 – Mr. Darcy’s sudden arrival, awkward reunion with Elizabeth
• 30:00-32:00 – Darcy’s courteous behavior, introduction to the Gardiners, fishing invitation
• 34:23-37:00 – Private walk and Darcy’s proposal for Elizabeth to meet Georgiana
• 41:55-44:00 – Gardiners discuss Darcy’s impressive manners; Elizabeth subtly defends Darcy
• 44:30-end – Elizabeth’s private wonder and sleepless reflection on Darcy’s behavior

Episode Tone & Atmosphere

Julie Andrews maintains a warm, dignified, and gently playful tone, echoing the style of Austen’s own narration. The episode is rich with interiority—exploring Elizabeth’s shifting thoughts, surprise, and burgeoning respect for Darcy. The dialogue and descriptions are faithful to the original text, marked by formal civility, understated emotion, and ironic humor.

What’s Next? (Preview)

Next episode: Elizabeth meets Georgiana Darcy for the first time; Darcy continues to charm the Gardiners; Elizabeth faces social slights in the company of familiar guests, leading to a moment where Darcy steps in to defend her honor.

This summary captures the elegance and wit of Austen’s story, filtered through Dame Julie Andrews’ engaging narration and the careful episode structure of Jane Austen Stories. Ideal for those who wish to revisit the story or catch up without missing its essential developments and the evolving relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy.