CHAPTER XII

Summary

• Elizabeth wrote to her mother, Mrs. Bennet, requesting the carriage to bring her and Jane home that day, but Mrs. Bennet refused, wanting them to stay at Netherfield until Tuesday to complete Jane's week.
• Mrs. Bennet's response hinted that the sisters could stay even longer if Mr. Bingley and his sister wished, but Elizabeth was determined to leave and urged Jane to borrow Mr. Bingley’s carriage.
• After the request was made to leave that morning, there were polite attempts to persuade them to stay until the next day, which swayed Jane but not Elizabeth.
• Miss Bingley regretted suggesting they stay longer, as her jealousy and dislike of Elizabeth outweighed her feelings for Jane.
• Mr. Bingley tried to convince Jane to stay longer, worried about her health, but Jane firmly decided she was well enough to leave.
• Mr. Darcy welcomed the news of Elizabeth’s departure, as her presence had begun to attract him more than he liked. Determined to hide any admiration, he barely spoke to her and avoided looking at her during their last interactions.
• On Sunday, after morning service, Jane and Elizabeth departed Netherfield. Miss Bingley became unusually civil to Elizabeth and affectionate toward Jane at the time of parting.
• Elizabeth left Netherfield in high spirits, while Jane received assurances from Miss Bingley of future pleasure in seeing her again.
• Upon arriving home, Mrs. Bennet was unenthusiastic about their return, believing Jane might fall ill again, but Mr. Bennet, though brief in expressing it, was genuinely glad to have them back.
• The family had missed the liveliness and sense Jane and Elizabeth brought to the household conversations during their absence.
• Mary was preoccupied with studying musical theory and human nature, sharing moral observations and passages with the family.
• Catherine and Lydia eagerly shared updates about the local regiment, including recent social events, a private soldier being flogged, and rumors about Colonel Forster’s potential marriage.