Austen, Jane Pr

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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 the 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 defense, 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 had wanted only encouragement to attach herself to any body.
Sometimes one officer, sometimes another had been her favourite, as their attentions, raised them in her
opinion. Her affections had been continually 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, the misery of 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 postscript
of the last, with trembling energy. Though Lydia had never been a favourite with them, Mr. and Mrs.
Gardiner could not but be deeply affected. Not Lydia only, but all were concerned in it; and after the first
exclamations of surprise and horror, Mr. Gardiner readily 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, every thing 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."
"That 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 serve only 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 in Lambton, with false
excuses for their sudden departure. An hour, however, saw the whole completed; and Mr. Gardiner
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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.
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