Notes: I still have to translate the last part of the chapter.
PPP
Darcy felt a strong urge to defend Richard, but he could not ignore the truth that his cousin's marriage to Anne was driven by a desire to become the master of Rosings. With a heavy silence lingering in the air, Darcy chose his words thoughtfully, "It is undeniable that financial gain is the primary motivation for his marriage to Anne. Nonetheless, Lord Matlock as head of the Fitzwilliam's family, has given his blessing to their union."
"Do you realize the hypocrisy of the situation?" She gazed at him with an intense, piercing look. "You have accused my sister of being a fortune hunter, yet you seem to be endorsing your cousin's marriage purely for financial gain."
"I'm not a hypocrite!" He exclaimed with a mix of surprise and indignation, "The situations are entirely different. Richard is an honourable man, a man of integrity, whereas Miss Bennet is a liar who claimed to be the heiress of Longbourn in an attempt to entice Bingley into proposing to her."
Elizabeth clenched and unclenched her fists, feeling a surge of indignantly as she responded, "She did not try to deceive him! Jane genuinely believed that she was the heiress of Longbourn!"
Another uncomfortable silence enveloped them, both displaying visible signs of agitation and upset. Darcy's skepticism came through in his tone as he inquired, "Are you absolutely certain she did not try to deceive him? Your own father was resolute when he informed Bingley that you were the heiress of Longbourn."
Elizabeth let out a heavy sigh, conceding to the truth in Darcy's words. To defend Jane, she felt it necessary to recount the series of unfortunate events in detail, "It pains me to say that Jane's judgment was clouded by the influence of her aunt, Mrs. Phillips. She placed unwavering trust in her guidance and believed her. Upon the disclosure of our father's will which revealed that Jane was not the heiress, she was utterly devastated." Elizabeth paused, suppressing her own emotions as she continued, "To clear her thoughts, she ventured into the woods. Unfortunately, she had an accident. On that fateful day, a relentless storm engulfed the surroundings. When she was eventually discovered, she was drenched and shivering from the biting cold. Her life hung in the balance for agonizing days. Upon regaining consciousness, she received the disheartening news of Mr. Bingley's abrupt departure. Her feelings for him ran deep, and the revelation of his departure added to her distress.
Darcy took her hand and gently wiped Elizabeth's tears with his handkerchief. With utmost sincerity, he said, "I am sorry for your sister's plight. Bingley harbored strong feelings for her. He did not care that she was not an heiress, but he was deeply disappointed because of the deception." After a brief pause, and added, "While his sisters and I advised him to forget about your sister, I am almost certain he would have come to that decision independently, without our intervention."
As their conversation lapsed into a prolonged silence, they noticed Mary was just a few steps away from them.