If you are hard on Darcy, you are also hard on Lizzy.

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If you are hard on Darcy, you are also hard on Lizzy. Written by Adrian (6/23/2007 2:29 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, Darcy has not changed in essentials, penned by Robbin

Both Lizzy and Darcy knew the score and neither told Jane (ever, from what we can deduce). As you say, it does give one pause. Jane suggests she will make sure he is not so malleable in the future.

"Would you believe it, Lizzy, that when he went to town last November, he really loved me, and nothing but a persuasion of my being indifferent would have prevented his coming down again?"
"He made a little mistake, to be sure; but it is to the credit of his modesty."
This naturally introduced a panegyric from Jane on his diffidence, and the little value he put on his own good qualities.
Elizabeth was pleased to find that he had not betrayed the interference of his friend; for, though Jane had the most generous and forgiving heart in the world, she knew it was a circumstance which must prejudice her against him. (Ch. 55)

We know Jane can be firm when she thinks herself in the right and that Bingley's first loyalty will now be to her, so I am satisfied on that score, but I am amused that JA immediately mentions Lizzy's gratitude that Jane still does not know about Darcy's interference.

It is not unusual for Darcy to turn away and refuse to continue an unpleasant, pointless conversation.

"Yes, indeed," cried Mrs. Bennet, ... "I assure you there is quite as much of that going on in the country as in town."
Everybody was surprised, and Darcy, after looking at her for a moment, turned silently away. Mrs. Bennet, who fancied she had gained a complete victory over him, continued her triumph. (Ch. 9)

Perhaps Darcy sees no point in troubling Jane (or Lizzy) with the pain an apology would cause, especially since somehow Lizzy's concealment might also come out and cause coolness between the sisters. I cannot say I am entirely comfortable with this omission on Darcy's part; but perhaps JA did not feel it was necessary for her characters to be perfectly consistent so long as they were essentially good.

I must admit, however, that in several instances I start to wonder whether Darcy's abhorrence of "disguise of any sort" wavers later in the book, or whether it was only his illusion to begin with.

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Elizabeth's perspective on Bingley and Jane (Ch. 54) Lila (6/19/2007 10:56 p.m.)

One difference that has been discovered... Adrian (6/20/2007 12:23 p.m.)
Not lowering standards Rose G (6/20/2007 8:52 a.m.)
- Yes, Elizabeth learns to appreciate Darcy's worth, but... Line (6/20/2007 6:20 p.m.)
Good point! Line (6/20/2007 8:15 a.m.)
- Maybe she is not lowering her standard.... Lila (6/20/2007 11:22 p.m.)
  - Perhaps Lizzy can forgive Darcy's.... Karen 2L (6/21/2007 4:13 p.m.)
    - Is it really 6 months? Lila (6/21/2007 4:38 p.m.)
      - April, May, June, July, August... Karen 2L (6/22/2007 10:32 a.m.)
        
        Good point, Karen - something for me to think about! (nfm) Line (6/23/2007 3:24 p.m.)
      - Overdeveloped sense of responsibility   Kathi (6/21/2007 7:21 p.m.)
        
        An overdeveloped sense of responsibility…   Robbin (6/22/2007 1:29 a.m.)
        
        Darcy needed to personally observe Bingley and Jane ...   Karen 2L (6/23/2007 9:34 a.m.)
        
        Darcy has not changed in essentials   Robbin (6/23/2007 12:50 p.m.)
        
        No, he hasn't!   Line (6/23/2007 3:21 p.m.)
        
        If you are hard on Darcy, you are also hard on Lizzy.   Adrian (6/23/2007 2:29 p.m.)
        
        The only person who should explain....   Karen 2L (6/24/2007 9:51 a.m.)
        
        Perhaps you are right Karen 2L but...   Lila (6/24/2007 5:36 p.m.)
        
        Perfection non grata   Robbin (6/23/2007 3:40 p.m.)
        
        Could Darcy's kindness to a friend ease his own hurt?   Adrian (6/22/2007 1:33 p.m.)
        
        Possible reasons   Ramya (6/22/2007 1:01 a.m.)
        
        I agree with you Ramya...   Lila (6/22/2007 6:02 p.m.)
        
        Why is it Darcy's job to do this?   Karen 2L (6/22/2007 8:15 p.m.)
        
        The way you portray it, it sounds so simple...   Lila (6/22/2007 9:25 p.m.)
        
        Darcy knew the only reason ....   Karen 2L (6/23/2007 9:28 a.m.)
        
        Better at hiding his feelings?   Line (6/22/2007 8:08 a.m.)
        
        Hiding Feelings   Ramya (6/22/2007 6:53 p.m.)
        
        I agree Ramya, I overlap you a bit in my post! nfm ;D   Robbin (6/22/2007 1:34 a.m.)
- IMO, Lizzy is uncertain... Moni (6/20/2007 8:38 a.m.)

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