Elizabeth could not wait any longer to tell Jane what had happened. The next morning, she told her sister about Mr. Darcy’s proposal. She decided to keep the parts about Mr. Bingley a secret for now, as she didn't want to make Jane sad.
Jane was very surprised. She felt sorry that Mr. Darcy had been so rude, but she felt even more sorry for his disappointment.
"I am sorry for him," Elizabeth said, "but he will soon forget me. You don't blame me for refusing him, do you?"
"Blame you! Oh, no," Jane replied.
"But you might blame me for what I said about Mr. Wickham," Elizabeth added.
She then showed Jane the letter and explained everything Darcy had written about Wickham’s past. Poor Jane was shocked. She could not believe that anyone could be so wicked. She tried to find an excuse for Wickham, but it was impossible.
"It’s no use, Jane," Elizabeth said with a small smile. "You can’t make them both look like good men. There is only enough goodness between them to make one decent person. Lately, all that goodness has moved to Mr. Darcy’s side."
Jane was deeply upset. "Poor Mr. Darcy! Think of what he has suffered, especially knowing that you had such a bad opinion of him."
Elizabeth laughed. "If you feel sorry for him, I don’t have to! Your kindness is enough for both of us."
Then they discussed whether they should tell people the truth about Wickham.
"I think we should say nothing," Elizabeth decided. "Mr. Darcy told me about his sister in confidence. If I try to tell people the truth about Wickham, no one will believe me. Everyone in Meryton hates Darcy and loves Wickham. Besides, the regiment is leaving soon, so Wickham will not be our problem anymore."
Jane agreed. She hoped that Wickham might one day be sorry for his actions.
Now that she was home, Elizabeth noticed that Jane was still very unhappy. She still loved Mr. Bingley and could not forget him. Meanwhile, Mrs. Bennet continued to complain about Bingley’s departure and the Collins’ marriage.
"I'm sure Jane will die of a broken heart," Mrs. Bennet said dramatically, "and then Mr. Bingley will be sorry!"
Elizabeth did not find this thought very comforting.