The next morning, Elizabeth wrote to her mother to ask that the carriage be sent for her and Jane. She was eager to leave Netherfield and return home. Mrs. Bennet, however, had hoped her daughters would stay until Tuesday, so she replied that the carriage could not come before then. She also added that if Mr. Bingley and his sister invited them to stay longer, she could spare them very well.
Elizabeth was determined not to remain at Netherfield any longer than necessary. She urged Jane to ask for Mr. Bingley’s carriage, and at last they decided to mention their wish to leave that morning. The request caused many polite expressions of concern, and Jane was persuaded to stay until the next day.
Miss Bingley soon regretted encouraging the delay. Her jealousy of Elizabeth was stronger than her affection for Jane. Mr. Bingley, however, was truly sorry that Jane was leaving so soon. He repeatedly tried to convince her that it was not safe for her to travel before she had fully recovered, but Jane remained firm.
To Mr. Darcy, the news of Elizabeth’s departure was welcome. She had attracted him more than he wished to admit, and Miss Bingley’s teasing had made him uncomfortable. He resolved to show no sign of admiration. For the rest of Saturday, he spoke very little to Elizabeth and kept his attention fixed on his book.
On Sunday, after morning service, Jane and Elizabeth finally left Netherfield. Miss Bingley became more polite as their departure approached. She warmly said goodbye to Jane and even shook hands with Elizabeth. Elizabeth left in very good spirits.
At home, Mrs. Bennet did not welcome them very warmly. She complained that they had returned too soon and worried that Jane might catch cold again. Mr. Bennet said little, but he was truly glad to see them. The house had felt less lively and less sensible without Jane and Elizabeth.
Mary was busy, as usual, with music and serious reading. Catherine and Lydia had different news to share. They eagerly talked about the officers and the latest events in the regiment, including a rumor that Colonel Forster might soon be married.
Vocabulary List
- carriage — a horse-drawn vehicle.
- eager — strongly wanting to do something.
- spare — to do without someone or something.
- determined — firmly decided.
- remain — to stay.
- urged — strongly encouraged.
- concern — worry or care.
- persuaded — convinced someone to do something.
- regretted — felt sorry about something.
- jealousy — unhappiness because of another person’s attention or success.
- affection — warm feeling or love.
- departure — the act of leaving.
- admiration — strong liking or approval.
- lively — full of energy.
- rumor — information people repeat that may not be true.
True or False
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Elizabeth writes to her mother because she wants the carriage sent to Netherfield.
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Mrs. Bennet is very eager for Jane and Elizabeth to return home immediately.
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Mr. Bingley is truly sorry that Jane is leaving Netherfield.
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Mr. Darcy tries to show Elizabeth as much admiration as possible before she leaves.
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Mr. Bennet is secretly glad to see Jane and Elizabeth home again.
Fill in the Blanks
- Elizabeth writes to her mother to ask for the .
- Mrs. Bennet says the carriage cannot come before .
- Jane is persuaded to stay until the next .
- Darcy resolves to show no sign of toward Elizabeth.
- Catherine and Lydia share news about the .