Mr. Collins's Letter Arrives

Mr. Bennet announces that he has received a letter from his cousin, Mr. Collins, who is the heir to the Longbourn estate due to the entail. The letter is pompous and obsequious, announcing Mr. Collins's intention to visit in order to 'make [his] peace' with the family. Mr. Bennet is amused by his cousin's absurdity, while Mrs. Bennet is furious at the reminder of the entail that will disinherit her daughters. The letter introduces a new character whose arrival will disrupt the household and lead to a surprising marriage.