Throughout the novel, JA seems to take it for granted that her readers will realize that her characters have a larger social circle and other friends than the ones she describes, but she is very brief and economical in mentioning them. During their time in Lambton, the Gardiners and Elizabeth apparently spend quite a bit of time with "their new friends", Mrs. Gardiner's old acquaintances, but we never learn their names. In fact, Mrs. Gardiner must have renewed her acquaintance with several different families, because before they leave, "there were notes to be written to all their friends in Lambton, with false excuses for their sudden departure".

Earlier we learn that Darcy is expected at Pemberley with "a large party of friends", and Mr. Gardiner goes fishing with some of the men, but we never learn more about them. (I wonder where the ladies of the party disappeared to during the Gardiners' morning visit to Pemberley, or were the Bingley sisters the only women in the group?).