Now Elizabeth and Jane make up their minds to return home, lest they completely overstay their welcome at Netherfield. (This would seem to be their mother's design.)
News of their intended departure meets a mixed review throughout the Bingley home. Miss Bingley entreats them to stay for one more day but regrets having done so. Mr. Bingley is saddened at the news of their departure and wishes to persuade them to stay longer. (Mrs. Bennet would be delighted.)
But the reaction to this news that I find interesting is that of Darcy. He is glad for their departure, because Elizabeth Bennet has "attracted him more than he liked". He keeps quite to himself, so as to suggest nothing to Elizabeth to arouse any expectations from her of his regard.
Finally, the girls arrive home - much to the dismay of their mother and much to the delight of their father. (The conversation at Longbourn had lost much of its sense without Elizabeth and Jane.) This very brief chapter ends with hints of a military marriage in the air.
