Chapter 12 — Pride and Prejudice

Knowing when to leave can matter as much as knowing when to show up. Elizabeth writes to Longbourn for the carriage; Mrs. Bennet, who wanted the girls to stay through Tuesday, refuses to send it before then and adds in a postscript that if the Bingleys press them to remain, she can spare them very well. Elizabeth is resolved against staying longer and, afraid of outstaying their welcome, urges Jane to borrow Mr. Bingley's carriage instead. Their going is announced; polite concern delays departure until the next day. Miss Bingley then regrets the delay, because her jealousy of Elizabeth far outweighs her affection for Jane.

Bingley hears with real sorrow and tries to keep Jane, insisting she is not recovered enough; Jane stands firm. To Darcy the news is welcome: Elizabeth has been at Netherfield long enough, she attracts him more than he likes, and Caroline has grown uncivil. He resolves that no sign of admiration must escape him now. On Saturday he scarcely speaks ten words to her; left alone together for half an hour, he keeps to his book and will not even look at her.

On Sunday the party separates. Caroline's civility to Elizabeth rises rapidly at the last, and she embraces Jane tenderly before even shaking Elizabeth's hand. Elizabeth leaves in the liveliest spirits. At Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet is not cordial: she wonders at their coming and thinks them wrong to give so much trouble. Mr. Bennet, laconic but glad, has felt their absence in the family circle. Mary offers moral observations; Lydia and Kitty report regiment gossip, floggings, and a hint that Colonel Forster may marry.