Chapter 40
Elizabeth confides in Jane
English edition
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1 Longbourn rests in the pale mist of an early May morning.
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2 In their private bedchamber at Longbourn, Elizabeth begins confiding in Jane about Darcy’s proposal.
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4 Jane pauses with her brush at her temple, astonished by Elizabeth’s disclosure
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5 Jane gently asks Elizabeth to consider Darcy’s disappointment.
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7 Elizabeth searches Jane’s face for approval after refusing Darcy
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9 Elizabeth grows grave as she prepares to tell Jane what happened the next day
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11 Jane, fingertips at her throat, hears Elizabeth’s account of Wickham’s wickedness
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13 Jane’s fingers worry her laid-down brush, betraying strain beneath her gentle reply
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14 Elizabeth’s playful remark leaves Jane’s distress undiminished.
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16 Elizabeth rests her chin in her hand, joking about goodness and its appearance
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18 Jane gently sees the distress beneath Elizabeth’s wit.
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20 Elizabeth’s wit falls away as she confides in Jane.
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22 Elizabeth asks Jane whether they should reveal Wickham’s character to their acquaintance.
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24 Jane gathers a small pleat in the counterpane, reluctant to expose Wickham publicly.
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25 Elizabeth sits by the window, still guarding the secret of Bingley’s affection
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27 Jane pauses over her embroidery and gazes toward the distant road.
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28 Jane’s hands rest on embroidery that has gained only a few stitches.
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29 Mrs. Bennet rehearses her grievances over Jane’s disappointment
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31 Mrs. Bennet savours the thought that Jane’s broken heart might punish Bingley.
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33 Elizabeth bends over her needlework, containing her concern for Jane in a quiet domestic gesture.
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35 Mrs. Bennet leans toward Elizabeth, turning praise of Charlotte’s housekeeping into a sour inquiry.
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37 Mrs. Bennet grips her chair as she imagines Longbourn passing to the Collinses.
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38 Elizabeth sews quietly, giving Mrs. Bennet a restrained reply
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40 Mrs. Bennet finishes her complaint with a satisfied lift of her chin.
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42 Late May sunlight falls across Longbourn’s empty drawing-room
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