第104章

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    If gratitude and esteem are good foundations of affection, Elizabeth's change of sentiment will be neither improbable nor faulty. But if otherwise—if regard springing from such sources is unreasonable or unnatural,in comparison of what is so often described as arising on a first interview with its object,and even before two words have been exchanged, nothing can be said in her defence, except that she had given somewhat of a trial to the latter method in her partiality for Wickham, and that its ill success might, perhaps, authorise her to seek the other less interesting mode of attachment.Be that as it may,she saw him go with regret;and in this early example of what Lydia's infamy must produce,found additional anguish as she reflected on that wretched business. Never, since reading Jane's second letter, had she entertained a hope of Wickham's meaning to marry her. No one but Jane, she thought, could flatter herself with such an expectation. Surprise was the least of her feelings on this development.While the contents of the first letter remained on her mind, she was all surprise—all astonishment that Wickham should marry a girl whom it was impossible he could marry for money;and how Lydia could ever have attached him had appeared incomprehensible. But now it was all too natural. For such an attachment as this,she might have sufficient charms;and though she did not suppose Lydia to be deliberately engaging in an elopement without the intention of marriage,she had no difficulty in believing that neither her virtue nor her understanding would preserve her from falling an easy prey.

    She had never perceived,while the regiment was in Hertfordshire, that Lydia had any partiality for him; but she was convinced that Lydia wanted only encouragement to attach herself to anybody. Sometimes one officer, sometimes another, had been her favourite,as their attentions raised them in her opinion.Her affections had continually been fluctuating but never without an object.The mischief of neglect and mistaken indulgence towards such a girl—oh!how acutely did she now feel it!

    She was wild to be at home—to hear, to see, to be upon the spot to share with Jane in the cares that must now fall wholly upon her, in a family so deranged, a father absent, a mother incapable of exertion, and requiring constant attendance; and though almost persuaded that nothing could be done for Lydia, her uncle's interference seemed of the utmost importance, and till he entered the room her impatience was severe.Mr.and Mrs. Gardiner had hurried back in alarm, supposing by the servant's account that their niece was taken suddenly ill; but satisfying them instantly on that head,she eagerly communicated the cause of their summons,reading the two letters aloud,and dwelling on the post of the last with trembling energy,though Lydia had never been a favourite with them,Mr.and Mrs.Gardiner could not but be deeply a?icted.Not Lydia only,but all were concerned in it;and after the first exclamations of surprise and horror,Mr. Gardiner promised every assistance in his power. Elizabeth, though expecting no less, thanked him with tears of gratitude;and all three being actuated by one spirit,everything relating to their journey was speedily settled.They were to be off as soon as possible.“But what is to be done about Pemberley?”cried Mrs. Gardiner.“John told us Mr.Darcy was here when you sent for us;was it so?”

    “Yes;and I told him we should not be able to keep our engagement. That is all settled.”

    “What is all settled?”repeated the other, as she ran into her room to prepare.“And are they upon such terms as for her to disclose the real truth?Oh,that I knew how it was!”

    But wishes were vain,or at best could only serve to amuse her in the hurry and confusion of the following hour.Had Elizabeth been at leisure to be idle,she would have remained certain that all employment was impossible to one so wretched as herself;but she had her share of business as well as her aunt,and amongst the rest there were notes to be written to all their friends at Lambton, with false excuses for their sudden departure.An hour,however, saw the whole completed; and Mr. Gardiner meanwhile having settled his account at the inn,nothing remained to be done but to go;and Elizabeth,after all the misery of the morning,found herself,in a shorter space of time than she could have supposed, seated in the carriage,and on the road to Longbourn.