Pride and Prejudice — Chapter Twenty-One (Abridged)

After refusing Mr. Collins, Elizabeth hoped the subject was finished. But Mrs. Bennet stayed angry and refused to speak to her daughter. The atmosphere at Longbourn was tense and uncomfortable.

Mr. Collins, to his credit, did not stay upset for long. Within a day, he had turned his attention entirely to another young woman — Miss Charlotte Lucas, a close friend of Elizabeth's. He began visiting her and talking to her with great enthusiasm. Charlotte was calm and practical. She did not find his company unpleasant.

Meanwhile, a letter arrived from Mr. Bingley's sister, Caroline. It was addressed to Jane. In the letter, Caroline wrote that the whole Netherfield party had left for London and did not plan to return. She also hinted strongly that Mr. Bingley was expected to marry Mr. Darcy's sister, Georgiana.

Jane was deeply hurt. She tried to stay cheerful and told herself that Caroline's hints about Georgiana Darcy were probably nothing. But she could not completely hide her sadness. She cared for Mr. Bingley, and the news was painful.

Elizabeth was not so hopeful. She read the letter carefully and believed that Caroline was trying to separate her brother from Jane on purpose. She thought Caroline did not consider Jane good enough for Mr. Bingley because of her family's lower social standing. Elizabeth was frustrated but tried to comfort her sister.

Jane believed it was better to think well of everyone. She did not want to suspect Caroline of bad intentions. She preferred to wait and hope that things would work out naturally.

Elizabeth respected her sister's kind nature, but privately thought Jane was being too trusting. She worried that Jane would be hurt if she continued to hope for a future with Mr. Bingley.

As the chapter ends, Jane chooses to accept the situation with patience and grace. Elizabeth watches her sister with concern, knowing that Jane's gentle heart makes her especially vulnerable to disappointment.