As soon as the men were gone, Elizabeth went for a walk to think. She was upset by Darcy’s behavior. "If he only came here to be silent and indifferent, why did he come at all?" she asked herself. She couldn't understand him.
Jane joined her, looking much happier. "Now that the first meeting is over, I feel safe," Jane said. "On Tuesday, everyone will see that we are just friends."
"Oh, Jane! Take care," Elizabeth laughed. "I think you are in danger of him falling in love with you all over again."
On Tuesday, the guests arrived for dinner. Elizabeth watched closely to see where Bingley would sit. He hesitated at first, but when Jane smiled at him, he immediately took the seat next to her. Elizabeth was thrilled for her sister.
However, Darcy was sitting at the other end of the long table, next to Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth could see they were not talking. Her mother’s coldness to Darcy made Elizabeth feel even more grateful for the secret help he had given them. She wished she could tell him that she knew the truth.
After dinner, the ladies went to the drawing room. Elizabeth waited impatiently for the men to join them. "If he does not come to me now," she thought, "I will give up on him forever."
When the men entered, Darcy walked toward Elizabeth, but the other ladies were crowded around the table. There was no empty chair near her. A few minutes later, he walked away to another part of the room. Elizabeth was angry at herself for being so silly. "Why would he want to marry me after I refused him once?" she thought.
Later, Darcy brought his empty coffee cup back to the table where Elizabeth was sitting. She took the chance to ask him about his sister.
"Is Miss Darcy still at Pemberley?" she asked.
"Yes, she will stay there until Christmas," he replied.
They stood in silence for a few minutes. Elizabeth couldn't think of anything else to say, and Darcy didn't start a conversation. Finally, he walked away again.
For the rest of the evening, Darcy was stuck playing cards at a different table. Elizabeth had no more chances to speak to him. When the night ended and the guests left, Mrs. Bennet was in a great mood. She was sure that Bingley would soon propose to Jane.
"It was a wonderful day," Jane said to Elizabeth later. "I have learned to enjoy his company as a friend, and that is all."
"You are very cruel," Elizabeth replied. "You won't let me smile, but you are making it impossible for me to stay serious. You still love him, Jane, and he loves you."