In less than a week, Darcy and Bingley received responses to their letters. Caroline Bingley’s letter to her brother proved to be full of insincere wishes and false platitudes. She even wrote directly to Jane Bennet, telling Jane of her delight in receiving Miss Bennet into the Bingley family. Caroline’s words no longer deceived Jane, but she still accepted them graciously.“I will write to Caroline and thank her.” “Oh, Jane, you are much kinder than I,” Elizabeth responded.“I do not believe I could be as forgiving as you.” The sisters were seated in Jane’s bedroom at Longbourn; Darcy and Bingley were out shooting with Mr. Bennet. Jane patted Elizabeth’s hand in agreement. “Compared to Miss Bingley’s short response to her brother, Miss Darcy’s response is a novel. Four sides of paper were insufficient to contain all her delight at Fitzwilliam’s news we are to be wed. Listen to what she says, ‘Fitzwilliam, I have an earnest desire of being loved by my new sister.’ Sweet, Georgiana, her regard will soften the deprivation I will feel at being separated from you.”
