Jane Austen Stories – Pride and Prejudice Part 18
Noiser | Narrated by Dame Julie Andrews
Originally aired: November 28, 2025

Episode Overview

In this eighteenth installment of Jane Austen Stories, Dame Julie Andrews brings to life the pivotal moments of Pride and Prejudice as Elizabeth Bennet’s evolving feelings for Mr. Darcy come to a head. After an enlightening tour of Pemberley, Elizabeth and her relatives face a series of unexpected visitors that challenge old prejudices, deepen affections, and bring simmering tensions to the fore. New dynamics emerge between Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy, Georgiana Darcy, Mr. Bingley, and Miss Bingley, weaving together themes of forgiveness, personal growth, and social expectation in Austen’s signature style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recap and Setting the Scene (01:11)

• Julie Andrews begins by recapping Elizabeth’s experiences at Pemberley, highlighting her shifting perspective of Mr. Darcy.
  • “She began to imagine what it would be like to be the lady of such a place.” (01:16)
  • The housekeeper's glowing remarks about Darcy and his welcoming manner towards Elizabeth’s family set the stage for newfound admiration.

2. An Unexpected Visit – Darcy and Georgiana Arrive at the Inn (02:21)

• Elizabeth anticipates a visit from Mr. Darcy and his sister, Georgiana, but is startled when they arrive sooner than expected.
• The surprise sparks immediate speculation from Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle about Mr. Darcy’s intentions.
  • “[They] now felt that there was no other way of accounting for such attentions from such a quarter as than by supposing a partiality for their niece.” (03:20)
• Elizabeth’s inner turmoil and social anxiety are palpable as she prepares for their arrival.

3. Meeting Georgiana Darcy (04:25)

• Austere rumors about Georgiana give way to the truth: she is simply shy, not proud.
  • “She found it difficult to obtain even a word from her beyond a monosyllable… her manners were perfectly unassuming and gentle.” (04:50)
• Elizabeth is relieved by Georgiana’s genuine nature and feels encouraged by the warm, if timid, introduction.

4. Mr. Bingley’s Entrance and Interactions (06:10)

• Mr. Bingley’s arrival brings warmth and nostalgia, particularly referencing past dances and connections.
  • “‘It is above eight months—we have not met since the 26th of November, when we were all dancing together at Netherfield.’” – Bingley (09:36)
• Observations suggest Bingley’s continued affection for Jane, providing Elizabeth hope for her sister.
• Both Darcy and Bingley are described as courteous and eager, with Elizabeth’s relatives observing potential romantic attachments.

5. Mr. Darcy’s Transformation (10:53)

• Elizabeth reflects on Mr. Darcy’s changed demeanor—cordial, humble, and attentive to her less fashionable relations.
  • “Never even in the company of his dear friends at Netherfield or his dignified relations at Rosings, had she seen him so desirous to please, so free from self consequence or unbending reserve, as now...” (11:52)
• This transformation reduces her astonishment and further erodes her previous prejudice against him.

6. Invitation to Pemberley (14:21)

• Darcy and Georgiana extend a dinner invitation to the Gardiners and Elizabeth.
• Elizabeth’s embarrassment is noted, but the invitation is accepted, strengthening ties between the families.
• Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth discuss the visit, with Mrs. Gardiner positively impressed by Mr. Darcy.

7. Community Opinion and Wickham’s Reputation (16:40)

• Local gossip reveals Mr. Wickham is held in low regard, with Darcy lauded for settling Wickham’s debts.
• The Gardiners reconsider Darcy’s previously perceived faults, influenced by favorable reports from servants and their own encounters.

8. Elizabeth’s Deepening Feelings (20:08)

• Elizabeth struggles to articulate her emotions, wrestling with respect, gratitude, and budding affection for Darcy.
  • “She respected, she esteemed, she was grateful to him; she felt a real interest in his welfare…” (22:05)
• The clarity of Darcy’s unchanged feelings and effort to win her friends’ approval leaves Elizabeth in emotional turmoil, pondering her power to renew their courtship.

9. Visit to Pemberley—Social Intrigue (24:30)

• Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner return Mrs. Darcy's politeness with a visit at Pemberley, encountering Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.
• Miss Darcy’s shyness is again apparent, while Miss Bingley’s coldness is keenly felt.
• The social awkwardness is momentarily dispelled by refreshments and small talk.

10. Miss Bingley's Subtle Attack (29:23)

• Miss Bingley attempts to undermine Elizabeth with a sharp inquiry:
  • “Pray, Ms. Elizabeth, are not the militia removed from Meryton? They must be a great loss to your family.” – Miss Bingley (29:49)
• Elizabeth, though momentarily distressed, responds with poise, earning Darcy’s silent support.
• Miss Bingley's attempt to sully Elizabeth’s reputation backfires, as Darcy’s regard for Elizabeth is undiminished.

11. Darcy Affirms Elizabeth's Beauty (32:40)

• Miss Bingley criticizes Elizabeth directly to Darcy, only to elicit a definitive, moving response:
  • “‘Yes... But that was only when I first knew her, for it is many months since I have considered her as one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance.’” – Mr. Darcy (36:58)
• This assertion silences Miss Bingley and underlines Darcy’s growth and romantic commitment.

12. Reflecting On the Day—Unspoken Feelings (37:30)

• Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth debrief, discussing everyone but Darcy—neither willing to be the first to broach the subject most on their minds.
• Both are left pondering the happiness and promise of these transformative encounters.

13. Teaser for Next Episode (38:55)

• Julie Andrews hints at approaching conflict: news from Longbourn will threaten the Bennet family’s reputation, with Darcy playing a key role in the emotional fallout and support of Elizabeth.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “She began to imagine what it would be like to be the lady of such a place.” – Julie Andrews (01:16)
• “There was not much in the question, nor in the preceding remark, but there was a look at and a manner which gave them meaning.” (09:49, on Bingley's pointed inquiries about Jane)
• “Never even in the company of his dear friends at Netherfield or his dignified relations at Rosings, had she seen him so desirous to please, so free from self consequence or unbending reserve, as now...” – Julie Andrews as Austen (11:52)
• “‘Yes... for it is many months since I have considered her as one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance.’” – Mr. Darcy, to Miss Bingley (36:58)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Recap & Introduction – 01:11
• Darcy & Georgiana Visit Inn – 02:21
• Meeting Georgiana – 04:25
• Bingley Arrives – 06:10
• Darcy’s Transformation – 10:53
• Dinner Invitation to Pemberley – 14:21
• Community’s View of Darcy & Wickham – 16:40
• Elizabeth’s Emotional Reflection – 20:08
• Visit to Pemberley – Social Interactions – 24:30
• Miss Bingley’s Thinly Veiled Attack – 29:23
• Darcy’s Declaration of Admiration – 36:58
• Reflection & Teaser for Next Episode – 38:55

Tone and Style

The episode retains Austen’s blend of wit, social observation, and emotional depth, gracefully rendered by Julie Andrews’ narration. The shifting dynamics are portrayed with subtle humor and gentility, while moments of tension and vulnerability are given due emotional weight.

Conclusion

This episode marks a turning point for both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Old misunderstandings make way for new respect and affection. Social slights and lingering pride are matched by warmth, forgiveness, and the tentative hope of romance—setting the stage for tumultuous developments just on the horizon. For listeners, it’s a rich, engaging dramatization of one of Austen’s most beloved chapters.