“You know nothing of the matter. That is all to be forgot. Perhaps I did not always love him so well as I do now.But in such cases as these,a good memory is unpardonable.This is the last time I shall ever remember it myself.”
“There can be no doubt of that.It is settled between us already, that we are to be the happiest couple in the world.But are you pleased,Jane?Shall you like to have such a brother?”
“My dearest sister,now be serious.I want to talk very seriously. Let me know every thing that I am to know,without delay.Will you tell me how long you have loved him?”
“Oh, yes!You will only think I feel more than I ought to do, when I tell you all.”
“Now I am quite happy,”said she,“for you will be as happy as myself.I always had a value for him.Were it for nothing but his love of you, I must always have esteemed him; but now, as Bingley's friend and your husband,there can be only Bingley and yourself more dear to me.But Lizzy,you have been very sly,very reserved with me. How little did you tell me of what passed at Pemberley and Lambton!I owe all that I know of it to another, not to you.”
Elizabeth told her the motives of her secrecy. She had been unwilling to mention Bingley;and the unsettled state of her own feelings had made her equally avoid the name of his friend.But now she would no longer conceal from her his share in Lydia's marriage. All was acknowledged, and half the night spent in conversation.