When Elizabeth returned home, everyone wanted to know where she had been. She simply said she had been walking, but she turned red as she spoke. However, no one suspected the truth.
That evening, Jane and Bingley talked and laughed happily, but Elizabeth and Darcy were quiet. Elizabeth was nervous. She knew that her family—except for Jane—did not like Mr. Darcy. She was afraid they would never accept him.
Later that night, Elizabeth opened up to Jane. Jane could not believe it.
"You are joking, Lizzy!" Jane cried. "You, engaged to Mr. Darcy? It’s impossible!"
"I am serious, Jane. I am telling the truth. He still loves me, and we are going to get married."
Jane looked at her with worry. "But Lizzy, I thought you hated him."
"That is in the past," Elizabeth replied. "I love him very much now. In fact, I think I love him more than you love Mr. Bingley!"
Jane was shocked but finally began to believe her. She asked Elizabeth how long she had felt this way. Elizabeth explained how her feelings had grown slowly over the last few months. Finally, Elizabeth told her how Mr. Darcy had secretly saved Lydia’s reputation by paying Wickham. Jane was amazed by his kindness. By the time they went to sleep, Jane was truly happy for her sister.
The next morning, Mrs. Bennet saw Darcy and Bingley approaching the house. "Oh, no!" she cried. "That disagreeable Mr. Darcy is coming again! Lizzy, you must walk out with him so he doesn't stay in Mr. Bingley’s way."
Elizabeth almost laughed. Her mother was accidentally helping her spend time with the man she loved.
During their walk, Elizabeth and Darcy decided it was time to tell her parents. That evening, Mr. Darcy went into the library to speak with Mr. Bennet. Elizabeth waited outside, feeling very anxious. Finally, Darcy came out and whispered, "Your father wants to see you."
Inside the library, Mr. Bennet was walking back and forth. He looked very worried. "Lizzy, have you lost your mind?" he asked. "How can you accept this man? Haven’t you always hated him?"
Elizabeth felt embarrassed about her past behavior. "I do love him, Father," she said with tears in her eyes. "He has no pride once you get to know him. He is a truly good man."
Mr. Bennet sat down. "I have given him my consent," he said. "But Lizzy, I know you. You are a clever, independent woman. You won't be happy unless you truly respect your husband. Are you sure about this?"
Elizabeth spoke for a long time. She told him about Darcy’s character and his constant love for her. Then, she told him the secret: that Darcy was the one who had paid for Lydia’s wedding.
Mr. Bennet was astonished. "So, Darcy did everything? He paid the money and saved us from a scandal? Well, if that’s the case, he deserves you! It will save me a lot of money, too," he added with a smile.
Finally, Elizabeth told her mother. Mrs. Bennet was silent for several minutes, which was very unusual for her. Then, she began to jump up and down with joy.
"Oh, my dear Lizzy! How rich you will be! You will have more money and bigger carriages than Jane! Ten thousand pounds a year! I am so happy!"
Elizabeth was glad her mother was pleased, but she was a little embarrassed by her mother’s focus on money. However, for the first time in a long while, everyone in the house was happy.