Collins is silent and resentful. He talks to Charlotte Lucas, for which Elizabeth is grateful. Mrs Bennet is still very angry with her daughter. The girls walk to Meryton and meet Wickham. He confesses to Elizabeth that he stayed away from the ball to avoid being in the same room as Darcy. Elizabeth is pleased by his attentions.
A letter arrives from Netherfield. Jane is clearly upset by the contents. When she and Elizabeth are alone Jane reads extracts and explains its substance to Elizabeth. The whole party has left Netherfield and will not be back all winter. Miss Bingley describes Georgiana Darcy and mentions her hope that Bingley will marry her. Jane is discouraged and believes that Miss Bingley is trying to let her know that Bingley is not interested in her. Elizabeth’s interpretation differs entirely. She thinks that Bingley has been whisked away because his sisters do not want him to marry Jane.
