Mr. Bennet announces that his cousin Mr. Collins is coming to stay with them. Mrs. Hill is distressed that she has not made preparations. Mr. Collins will inherit Mr. Bennet’s estate, and Mrs. Hill hopes to impress him, since her employment will depend on his goodwill. Sarah is frustrated by but resigned to the sudden additional tasks. Mrs. Hill praises their work, but Sarah is terrified of what Mr. Collins will think.

James finds the pheasants he was feeding were killed by foxes, serving as a reminder to himself of the risk of attachment to Longbourn or even people and animals. He wonders if he would sense danger if it were creeping up on him. James realizes that Mr. Collins hopes to marry one of the Bennet girls.

James waits outside while the Bennet girls visit Mrs. Bennet’s sister, Mrs. Phillips, who is entertaining officers from the militia. Through the window, James watches a young, handsome officer approach Elizabeth and amuse her. As he drives the merry party home, James listens for talk of the officers. He nervously feels, “One sharp knock would shatter him to fragments” (101).