We are now in the midst of Mr. Collins' arrival but despite the build-up and rather nonsensical reality of him(the letter in which he invites himself to Longbourn alone is enough to cause groans of laughter)but another character's introduction is made abit more subtly and holds more weight.

In Chapter 15,the girls & Mr. Collins go to town where they meet up with Denny,one of the officers Lydia is flirting with and are introduced to Wickam,who is just joining the regiment. Wickam is not made much of at first but when Bingley & Darcy ride over to the group,all that is changed:

"Elizabeth happenning to see the countenance of both as they looked at each other,was all astonishment at the effect of the meeting. Both changed colour,one looked white,the other red. Mr. Wickam,after a few moments,touched his hat-a salutation which Mr. Darcy just deigned to return. What could be the meaning of this? It was impossible to imagine,it was impossible not to know."