When they parted,Lady Catherine,with great condescension, wished them a good journey, and invited them to come to Hunsford again next year;and Miss de Bourgh exerted herself so far as to curtsey and hold out her hand to both.
Anxiety on Jane's behalf was another prevailing concern; and Mr. Darcy's explanation, by restoring Bingley to all her former good opinion, heightened the sense of what Jane had lost. His affection was proved to have been sincere, and his conduct cleared of all blame,unless any could attach to the implicitness of his confidence in his friend.How grievous then was the thought that,of a situation so desirable in every respect,so replete with advantage,so promising for happiness,Jane had been deprived,by the folly and indecorum of her own family!
Lady Catherine had many other questions to ask respecting their journey,and as she did not answer them all herself,attention was necessary, which Elizabeth believed to be lucky for her; or, with a mind so occupied,she might have forgotten where she was. Reflection must be reserved for solitary hours;whenever she was alone,she gave way to it as the greatest relief;and not a day went by without a solitary walk,in which she might indulge in all the delight of unpleasant recollections.