Volume Two

Summary

• Miss Bingley writes to Jane, confirming that the Bingleys have settled in London for the winter, and mentions Mr. Bingley's regret at not visiting Hertfordshire before leaving.
• The letter emphasizes Miss Darcy's qualities and growing intimacy with the Bingleys, hinting at a potential match between her and Mr. Bingley. Caroline also mentions Mr. Bingley staying at Mr. Darcy's home.
• Jane is disheartened by the letter, but Elizabeth expresses silent indignation, torn between concern for her sister and anger at Bingley’s perceived weakness in yielding to external influence.
• Elizabeth doubts that Bingley’s feelings for Jane have diminished and believes his friends interfered with their relationship, prioritizing their own interests over his happiness.
• Jane later opens up to Elizabeth, expressing her intention to move on from Mr. Bingley, though she acknowledges his amiable qualities and denies having any resentment towards him.
• Elizabeth praises Jane’s goodness and selflessness but struggles with her own dissatisfaction about the apparent scheming of Bingley’s friends and family.
• Elizabeth and Jane debate the motivations behind Mr. Bingley’s behavior and whether his sisters and Mr. Darcy influenced him. Jane wishes to think positively of everyone, while Elizabeth remains skeptical.
• Elizabeth finds fault with Mr. Collins’s marriage to Charlotte Lucas, describing him as pompous and narrow-minded, while Jane defends Charlotte’s decision as pragmatic and sensible.
• Mrs. Bennet continues to lament Mr. Bingley’s absence, frequently revisiting the topic, while Elizabeth tries to convince her mother that his attachment to Jane was temporary, though she herself does not fully believe this.
• Mr. Bennet treats the situation with humor, teasing Elizabeth about being "crossed in love" next and suggesting she consider Mr. Wickham as a potential suitor.
• Mr. Wickham becomes a frequent and welcome visitor to the Bennet family, his open conversation about his grievances with Mr. Darcy reinforcing the local public’s dislike of Darcy.
• Jane is the only person who suggests there could be extenuating circumstances regarding Mr. Darcy’s actions, maintaining her characteristic fairness and tolerance.