Due to the inclement weather, it was not until three days later that Jane and Elizabeth were able to return to Longbourn. Jane was rather sad to leave Netherfield as she had thoroughly enjoyed her stay and had had several opportunities to converse with Mr. Darcy. On the other hand, Lizzy was eager to leave as she was tired of hearing Caroline´s sarcastic comments. It was clear they were not welcome by their hostess…

During those three days, Lizzy and Georgiana's friendship grew stronger; they had very similar tastes and interests and felt that they had known each other for a lifetime. Both ladies continued to teach Jane to play the piano and practice relatively simple songs in English with her. Jane enjoyed the experience, and at times felt sad that she had not learned sooner.

Needless to say, with each passing hour Caroline felt less sympathy for Misses Bennet; she treated them with cool courtesy and was looking forward to them leaving.

Darcy and Bingley spent several hours in Bingley's office, they met with the steward twice since due to the strong storm urgent repairs had to be made in the houses of some tenants and the fallen trees had to be removed from the main road. They joined the ladies at lunch, tea, and dinner.

Jane had three chances to have a few minutes chat with Mr. Darcy without interruptions. They talked about Pemberley, Lambton, and Derbyshire. In particular, Jane told him that her Aunt Gardiner had lived in Lambton for many years and was curious to see that part of the Kingdom.

As time went by, Jane fell more and more in love with Mr. Darcy. The gentleman met all the conditions that she dreamed of: he was intelligent, handsome, well-educated, and he was also rich.

Lady Maria was a very observant woman and noticed that, as time passed, Darcy's initial interest in Miss Bennet was fading, while his interest in Miss Elizabeth was increasing. On the other hand, it was clear to her that Jane seemed to be falling in love with her nephew and was going to great lengths to get his attention. She noticed that Jane was making an effort to learn to play the piano and even read the books that her nephew discussed with Elizabeth and Georgiana, but it is very difficult in days to make up for the deficiencies in her education.

Unfortunately, the young lady seemed not to realize that her cause was already hopeless. She also realized that Caroline, who was a very astute woman, was realizing that her potential rival was no longer Jane, but Jane's cousin. For Caroline, this was a problem, because it was harder to compete with Elizabeth Bennet. Compared to her, Elizabeth Bennet played the piano better and spoke more languages.

On the occasions Lady Maria observed Elizabeth, she realized the young lady was trying to help her cousin, defending Jane from Caroline's attacks - which were becoming less frequent - and frequently emphasizing Jane's good qualities to her nephew.

Interestingly, it seemed Elizabeth hadn't noticed Darcy's growing interest in her and was still trying to help Jane win her nephew's heart.

When Elizabeth and Jane arrived at Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet asked them several questions about their stay at Netherfield. She was happy that her most beautiful daughter had had the opportunity to spend so many days with Mr. Darcy.

Jane patiently answered all of her mother's questions, and while Elizabeth disagreed with some of Jane's answers and Mrs. Bennet's assumptions and comments, she chose not to say anything.

She knew her aunt very well, and there was no point in contradicting her. She was convinced that Mr. Darcy was interested in Jane and would marry her…