In Chapter 43, I was struck by reading that Mrs. Reynolds said, of Mr. Darcy:

“...we expect him tomorrow, with a large party of friends...”

and, in Mr. Darcy's conversation with Elizabeth:

“He acknowledged the truth of it all, and said that business with his steward had occasioned his coming forward a few hours before the rest of the party with whom he had been travelling. ‘They will join me early to-morrow," he continued, "and among them are some who will claim an acquaintance with you -- Mr. Bingley and his sisters.’”

Am I correct in assuming that this means there were more than the Bingleys and the Hursts in the party? We can't really discern anything more from the text at this point, I think. Would a gentleman have TRAVELLED with many more people than that? What a lot of trouble that would be, in that time! I know that house parties at the time were quite lavish, and included lots of guests, one of the reasons the houses were so large, I think, but actually travelling together? The logistics are kind of staggering!