# Mrs. Gardiner — Pride and Prejudice character guide

> Mrs. Gardiner in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Gardiner, Mrs. Gardiner

**First appearance:** 0024-xxv

## Snapshot

Elizabeth's perceptive London aunt, whose good judgment and gentle discretion make her the one relative Elizabeth can trust with her heart.

## Who they are

Mrs. Gardiner is the sensible, well-bred aunt from Cheapside whose letters and counsel give Elizabeth a rare adult confidante outside her frivolous household. She reads character shrewdly, warns against imprudent attachments, and later becomes the means by which Elizabeth sees Pemberley and its master anew. Her steady affection and moral clarity make her the quiet counterweight to Mrs. Bennet's noise and the family's worst instincts.

## In the story

### [Chapter XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxv)

Arrives at Longbourn, listens to Mrs. Bennet's grievances, advises Elizabeth, and observes Elizabeth's attachment to Wickham with concern.

### [Chapter XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxvi)

Advises Elizabeth to guard her heart against Mr. Wickham due to his lack of fortune.

### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xxvii)

Hosts Elizabeth in London, discusses Jane's state and Wickham's behavior, and invites Elizabeth on a summer tour.

### [Chapter XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xlii)

Arranges the Derbyshire tour; expresses a desire to see Pemberley again.

### [Chapter XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xliii)

Accompanies Elizabeth on the tour; comments on Darcy's polite and attentive behavior, noting that he is not as disagreeable as Elizabeth had described.

### [Chapter XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xliv)

Observes Darcy's admiration for Elizabeth and accepts the dinner invitation on behalf of the party.

### [Chapter XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xlv)

Accompanies Elizabeth to Pemberley; converses with Mrs. Annesley and observes the dynamics between the characters.

### [Chapter XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xlvii)

Questions Elizabeth about her knowledge of Wickham; begins to agree with her husband's more optimistic view.

### [Chapter XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/xlviii)

Remains at Longbourn to comfort her nieces, then returns to London with her children.

### [Chapter LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/lii)

Writes the letter to Elizabeth detailing Darcy's involvement; expresses her liking for Darcy.

### [LXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/chapters/lxi)

On intimate terms with Darcy and Elizabeth; credited with bringing Elizabeth to Derbyshire.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/characters/mrs_gardiner
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pride_and_prejudice_se/characters