When Elizabeth tells Jane of Mr. Wickham's claims, Jane is surprised to hear them and cannot believe Darcy would be so cruel - he is, afterall, good friends with Bingley. The girls receive an invitation to a ball at Netherfield. Elizabeth looks forward to dancing with Wickham but is disappointed to hear he will not attend the ball - she blames this on Darcy. Collins takes Elizabeth for the first two dances before she finds herself dancing with Darcy. They have an awkward conversation before they part. Caroline Bingley then approaches Elizabeth about Wickham - claiming Wickham is the one with horrible manners, not Darcy. Elizabeth cannot believe this! But Jane corroborates Caroline's story, saying Bingley believe's Darcy's side. Elizabeth is not convinced as Bingley does not know Wickham personally and is only hearing one side of the story. Mrs. Bennett speaks of Jane and Bingley's courtship as if they are already engaged. Her confidence in the manner embarrasses Elizabeth which is worsened when her sister Mary plays awful piano.

The Jane Austen Podcast with Alison Larkin is a Realm production. Listen away.

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