Lizzy read Jane's letter a second time with a small smile on her face. She was happy her cousin wanted to resume their friendship. As an only child and orphan, her only family was her grandfather and the Bennets. Since she was a little girl, Jane held a very important place in her heart, and missed her.

4th January 1812

London

Dear Lizzy,

I hope you and your grandfather are very well. I want you to know that I am very sorry about the last conversation we had a few months ago and I sincerely hope everything between us returns to the way it was before Mr. Darcy came to Netherfield.

I am staying at the Gardiners' for several weeks, and if you agree, I would like to see you and talk to you.

With love,

Jane Bennet.

She promptly answered the letter, and two days later Jane visited her at her grandfather's house and they had tea. Mr. Thompson greeted Jane politely but didn't join them for tea. He knew that if they both wanted to repair their relationship it was important they talk privately about what had happened.

While it is fair to affirm, they both tried to put the past behind them but the conversation was tense at times, especially when Jane asked Lizzy some questions about Mr. Darcy and her doubts…

"… Lizzy, I don't understand why you didn't tell me about your meeting with Mr. Darcy in Oakham Mount."

Lizzy sighed. "Forgive me, Jane. It was not my intention to deceive you by hiding it on purpose. Honestly, it didn't seem important to me since it was a chance and brief meeting and we didn't talk about anything important."

Jane nodded and sighed, "I wish you had told me. Perhaps we would have avoided some misunderstandings." After hesitating, Jane asked her. "Lizzy, please tell me the truth; have you ever talked to Mr. Darcy or Georgiana about me behind my back?"

Surprised Lizzy shook her head, "No, Jane. I swear I never talk about you behind your back. I knew you were interested in Mr. Darcy and for a while, I honestly thought he was interested in you."

Jane sighed and commented sadly, "I thought he was interested in me too… My mother was convinced he was interested in me and he would marry me." Her eyes filled with tears and she made an effort to hold them back. "I was so disappointed when he didn't even ask me to dance at the Netherfield ball. However, he asked you to dance that night and I confess I was jealous of you."

Lizzy squeezed Jane's hand, "I am so sorry Jane…"

They talked for a few more minutes about Mr. Darcy and Jane finally came to the conclusion that Lizzy was not responsible for the gentleman's loss of interest.

On the other hand, Lizzy came to the conclusion that Jane was still hurt by Mr. Darcy's lack of interest and she still had feelings for him. But she couldn't accuse Mr. Darcy of playing with Jane's feelings, even though he had undeniably shown some interest in her for several days, he never did anything improper. According to her grandfather, it was likely that Mr. Darcy was initially physically attracted to Jane, but after getting to know her better he lost interest.

They parted ways on better terms, but for various reasons in the following two months, they only saw each other three times and they both came to the sad conclusion their friendship would never be the same again.