Austen August: A Pride and Prejudice Read-A-Long discussion

As soon as the Bingley and Darcy have left Longbourn, Elizabeth's thoughts are instantly on Darcy and his recent behaviour. Wondering why he bothered visiting at all if he only intended to be silent and not acknowledge her throughout the entire vist.

Jane catches up with her and reassures her that she was fine with Bingley visiting. She is glad to have it over with and is looking forward to their visiting again. Jane tells Lizzie not to feel like she is in any danger from being hurt by Bingley's visits and Lizzie replies that she thinks Jane “is in very great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever.”

Between then and Bingley's next visit, Mrs Bennet is constantly scheming- nothing changes.

During dinner the next time they visit, Bingley sits next to Jane and he pays her a lot of attention, although Lizzie considers their manner somewhat formal and cold, whereas Darcy sits at the other end of the table to her, meaning the two of them can't talk. He carries on ignoring her and keeping a distance from her at all times. Lizzie interprets this as confirmation that there is no hope of Darcy proposing to her again, after being refused the first time.

This chapter killed me a little bit. Elizabeth's inner struggle and how it seemed no matter how much she wished to talk to Darcy, there was always some obstacle made me want to scream.

Austen frustration to the max!!