A few days after the last visit, Mr. Bingley called again, and this time he was alone. Mr. Darcy had gone to London but would return in ten days. Bingley was in high spirits. Mrs. Bennet invited him to dinner the next day, and he happily accepted.
He arrived so early the next morning that the ladies were not even dressed yet. Mrs. Bennet ran into her daughters' room, shouting, "My dear Jane, hurry! Mr. Bingley is here! Sarah, help Miss Bennet with her dress immediately!"
Jane did not want to go down alone, but her mother was determined to give the couple some private time. That evening, after tea, Mrs. Bennet’s plans continued. Mr. Bennet went to his library and Mary went to play her music. This left Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth, Kitty, Jane, and Bingley in the room.
Mrs. Bennet began winking and nodding at Elizabeth and Kitty to tell them to leave. Elizabeth ignored her, but Kitty noticed and said loudly, "What is the matter, Mamma? Why are you winking at me? What should I do?"
"Nothing, child, nothing!" Mrs. Bennet cried. A few minutes later, she took Kitty out of the room. Then she opened the door and called for Elizabeth. Elizabeth was forced to leave, but she waited in the hall until her mother was gone before she returned to the drawing-room.
The next day, Mr. Bingley came to go shooting with Mr. Bennet. He stayed for dinner, and in the evening, Mrs. Bennet tried her schemes again. Elizabeth went to another room to write a letter, but when she returned to the drawing-room, she was surprised.
She opened the door and saw Jane and Bingley standing together by the fireplace, talking seriously. When they saw Elizabeth, they both looked embarrassed. Bingley quickly whispered something to Jane and ran out of the room.
Jane immediately hugged Elizabeth. She was glowing with happiness. "I am the happiest creature in the world!" she cried. "It is too much! I do not deserve this."
Elizabeth congratulated her sister with real joy. Jane then hurried to tell her mother the news, while Bingley went to speak with Mr. Bennet. A few minutes later, Bingley entered the room and shook Elizabeth's hand. He spoke for a long time about how much he loved Jane and how perfect she was.
It was an evening of great delight. Mrs. Bennet could not stop talking about how handsome Bingley was and how rich he was. Mr. Bennet was also very happy. He told Jane, "I have no doubt you will do well together. You are both so kind and easy-going that your servants will cheat you, and you will probably spend too much money!"
Later, Jane told Elizabeth a secret. Bingley had not known she was in London last spring! His sisters had kept it a secret from him.
"He really loved me last November," Jane said. "He only stayed away because he thought I didn't care for him."
Elizabeth was happy that Bingley did not mention Mr. Darcy’s part in keeping them apart. She knew Jane would forgive everyone, but Elizabeth preferred to keep the truth quiet for now.