Jane vows her heartbreak will mend in time - trying to believe that if Bingley’s departure was so easy for him, he must have never been in love at all. Elizabeth can’t stand hearing her sister say such things - she’s too good a person. Elizabeth is still dissatisfied with her friend Charlotte's decision to marry Collins. In the matter of the love - or lack thereof - around her, she is becoming dissatisfied with the idea of marriage overall. Mr. Bennett still feels confident his daughter could live a happy life - perhaps with Wickham? Though, Elizabeth fears he is too good for her.

Mrs. Bennett’s brother, Mr. Gardiner, and his wife visit the family for Christmas. They recognize how unhappy Jane is and invite her to stay with them in London. Though it seems unlikely Bingley will call upon Jane, Elizabeth secretly hopes they will find each other again.

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

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