by Austen, Jane
Persuaded as Miss Bingley was that Darcy admired Elizabeth, this was not the best method of recommending herself; but angry people are not always wise; and in seeing him at last look somewhat nettled, she had all the success she expected. He was resolutely silent however; and, from a determination of making him speak, she continued,
“I remember, when we first knew her in Hertfordshire, how amazed we all were to find that she was a reputed beauty; and I particularly recollect your saying one night, after they had been dining at Netherfield, ‘She a beauty!—I should as soon call her mother a wit.'28 But afterwards she seemed to improve on you, and I believe you thought her rather pretty at one time.”
“Yes,” replied Darcy, who could contain himself no longer, “but that was only when I first knew her, for it is many months since I have considered her as29 one of the handsomest30 women of my acquaintance.”31
He then went away, and Miss Bingley was left to all the satisfaction of having forced him to say what gave no one any pain but herself.
Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth talked of all that had occurred, during their visit, as they returned, except what had particularly interested them both. The looks and behaviour of every body they had seen were discussed, except of the person who had mostly engaged their attention. They talked of his sister, his friends, his house, his fruit, of every thing but himself; yet Elizabeth was longing to know what Mrs. Gardiner thought of him, and Mrs. Gardiner would have been highly gratified by her niece's beginning the subject.32
1. It was made apparent to the reader early on that Miss Bingley's dislike of Elizabeth stemmed from jealousy; Elizabeth, however, had not perceived Darcy's interest in her when they were at Netherfield, and thus she ascribed Miss Bingley's dislike to general unfriendliness or snobbery.
2. saloon: a large room, which could serve various purposes depending on the house. It was often used to receive guests.
3. northern aspect: position facing north.
4. Hence Pemberley has, at least on this side, only a lawn and trees adjacent to it, rather than a garden. This is in line with prevailing ideas of landscaping, which condemned having a formal garden next to the house. A principal reason was that such a garden was believed to interfere with the view out the house windows; owners of grand houses were in fact most likely to retain gardens created by earlier generations if the gardens were off to the side and thus did not interfere with the view.
5. Their party is thus all-female; the men are outside engaging in sport. In the second half of the nineteenth century ladies would begin to participate widely in sports, but at this time walking and perhaps horseback-riding were the only standard outdoor activities for women of this class.
6. reserved: uncommunicative, unfriendly. The word had a stronger negative connotation then than now.
7. Mrs. Annesley: the lady just mentioned who lives with Georgiana. She would have replaced the woman who tried to help Wickham elope with Georgiana.
8. well bred: polite. “Well bred” has a particular significance here, for the term's origin lay in the idea that being bred properly, or coming from the right background, was the key to politeness. In this case, Mrs. Annesley, though less well bred than Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst in terms of her background or social origin, is more well bred when judged by her behavior.
9. Some kind of snack or light meal during the day was normal at the time because of the long interval between breakfast and dinner.
10. her post: her position or duty as hostess.
11. The presence of these fruits, which would have almost certainly been grown on Darcy's estate, indicates his wealth. All three fruits, which had become more popular over the eighteenth century, tended to be grown by the wealthy, for they do best in warmer climates and thus in Britain they generally need to be grown under glass or next to heated walls, which adds to the cost of their cultivation. That Darcy used such methods is further indicated by having these fruits be in season (i.e., in prime eating condition) at a time of year, the beginning of August, before they would have attained this state naturally (according to an authority of the time on the normal growing season of the varieties cultivated then). Artificial heat would be essential to making the fruit ripen earlier. Improved methods of fruit cultivation, like other agricultural innovations, were pursued by many landowners during this period.
12. In other words, because everyone was watching to see what happened between Darcy and Elizabeth, it was even more essential for Elizabeth to remain calm; yet that same universal curiosity made calmness more difficult for her.
13. objects: objects of her curiosity, i.e., Darcy and Elizabeth. Miss Bingley is interested in both, but she only smiles when speaking to one of the objects, Darcy.
14. Darcy's agitation shows why Miss Bingley's attack on Elizabeth was imprudent, for she can never hope to win Darcy's favor by bringing up the subject of Wickham in conversation.
15. Such an allusion to Wickham would naturally discompose Miss Darcy.
16. beloved friend: a sarcastic reference to Miss Bingley's professions of extravagant affection for Miss Darcy, seen both in earlier conversations and in her letters to Jane. Despite these professions, Miss Bingley seems to pay no attention to Miss Darcy throughout this scene, the only time the two are together in the novel.
17. sensibility: consciousness, awareness.
18. That is, Darcy has wished for his sister to marry Bingley, which would make the latter's connections also her connections, and this wish has made him particularly anxious to keep Bingley and his family from knowing of Miss Darcy's near-elopement with Wickham, for such an act could discredit her in Bingley's eyes.
19. In other words, Darcy's strong concern for Bingley's welfare, i.e., his separation of Bingley from Jane, was probably influenced by his hope for a marriage between Bingley and his sister. Thus Darcy's motives in this action were not quite as disinterested as he avowed; furthermore, by refusing ever to admit to such an interested motive, Darcy reveals that even his genuinely strict honesty has its limits.
20. emotion: agitation, disturbance of mind.
21. Disappointed that she was not able to discompose or embarrass Elizabeth.
22. A curious statement, for it implies that Georgiana's brother, i.e Darcy, scarcely remembered her affair with Wickham, which other incidents show to be untrue. What seems to be meant is that Darcy does not recall his sister's affair at this moment since his thoughts are so completely turned toward Elizabeth, who of course has her own link with Wickham.
23. At this time, being tanned was considered highly unattractive. The ideal was to have as white a skin as possible, which is why Miss Bingley is so eager to call Elizabeth brown.
24. brilliancy: luster.
25. wants: lacks.
26. Evaluating someone's teeth as part of a judgment of appearance was normal at this time, for the absence of good dentistry, not to mention orthodontics, meant that a wide variation existed in the quality of people's teeth.
27. self-sufficiency: self-confidence or a high opinion of oneself—the term could have pejorative connotations then. Miss Bingley's charge is that Elizabeth has this high opinion of herself even though, not being a person of fashion or having fashionable manners, she has no basis for such an opinion.
28. Miss Bingley refers to an episode, when the Bennets apparently dined at Netherfield, that was not presented earlier in the novel. There is a reference to it, however, when Elizabeth says to Charlotte (on p. 38) that Jane has “dined in company with him [Bingley] four times.” Presumably one of those times was at Netherfield; the words “in company” imply that the dinner included other guests besides the Bennets. Just after that Darcy is said, during this same period, to have “made it clear to himself and his friends that she [Elizabeth] had hardly a good feature in her face.” The statement that Miss Bingley cites was undoubtedly part of the critical verdict he was rendering at that point. Miss Bingley would not be referring to the time when Jane and Elizabeth were staying at Netherfield, for by t
hen Darcy was praising the latter's fine eyes.
29. it is many months since I have considered her as: I have considered her for many months to be.
30. handsomest: most attractive. The term “handsome” was used regularly to describe women then, and had no masculine connotation.
31. Darcy's praise of Elizabeth comes at a particularly appropriate point: it forms a fitting coda to a set of chapters in which his and Elizabeth's relationship has advanced significantly; in addition, by coming just before a new plot development that will temporarily overshadow their romance and threaten to derail it, his praise of Elizabeth encourages the reader to trust that eventually their romance will return to the fore and will triumph.
32. Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner's reticence, which continues during their time together, plays an important role later, for it allows Mrs. Gardiner to suppose more than exists between Elizabeth and Darcy, which in turn makes her more willing to accept his interference in a family matter (see p. 582, and p. 583, note 4).
Chapter Four
E lizabeth had been a good deal disappointed in not finding a letter from Jane, on their first arrival at Lambton;1 and this disappointment had been renewed on each of the mornings that had now been spent there; but on the third, her repining was over, and her sister justified by the receipt of two letters from her at once, on one of which was marked that it had been missent elsewhere. Elizabeth was not surprised at it, as Jane had written the direction2 remarkably ill.3
They had just been preparing to walk as the letters came in; and her uncle and aunt, leaving her to enjoy them in quiet, set off by themselves. The one missent must be first attended to; it had been written five days ago.4 The beginning contained an account of all their little parties and engagements, with such news as the country afforded;5 but the latter half, which was dated a day later, and written in evident agitation, gave more important intelligence.6 It was to this effect:
Since writing the above, dearest Lizzy, something has occurred of a most unexpected and serious nature; but I am afraid of alarming you—be assured that we are all well. What I have to say relates to poor Lydia. An express7 came at twelve last night, just as we were all gone to bed, from Colonel Forster, to inform us that she was gone off to Scotland with one of his officers;8 to own the truth, with Wickham!—Imagine our surprise. To Kitty, however, it does not seem so wholly unexpected.9 I am very, very sorry. So imprudent a match on both sides!—But I am willing to hope the best, and that his character has been misunderstood. Thoughtless and indiscreet I can easily believe him, but this step (and let us rejoice over it)10 marks nothing bad at heart.11 His choice is disinterested at least, for he must know my father can give her nothing.12 Our poor mother is sadly grieved. My father bears it better. How thankful am I, that we never let them know what has been said against him; we must forget it ourselves. They were off Saturday night about twelve, as is conjectured, but were not missed till yesterday morning at eight. The express was sent off directly.13 My dear Lizzy, they must have passed within ten miles of us.14 Colonel Forster gives us reason to expect him here soon. Lydia left a few lines for his wife, informing her of their intention. I must conclude, for I cannot be long from my poor mother. I am afraid you will not be able to make it out, but 1 hardly know what 1 have written.15
Without allowing herself time for consideration, and scarcely knowing what she felt, Elizabeth on finishing this letter, instantly seized the other, and opening it with the utmost impatience, read as follows: it had been written a day later than the conclusion of the first.
By this time, my dearest sister, you have received my hurried letter; I wish this may be more intelligible, but though not confined16 for time, my head is so bewildered that I cannot answer for being coherent.17 Dearest Lizzy, I hardly know what I would write, but I have bad news for you, and it cannot be delayed. Imprudent as a marriage between Mr. Wickham and our poor Lydia would be, we are now anxious to be assured it has taken place, for there is but too much reason to fear they are not gone to Scotland. Colonel Forster came yesterday, having left Brighton the day before, not many hours after the express. Though Lydia s short letter to Mrs. F. gave them to understand that they were going to Gretna Green,18 something was dropped by Denny expressing his belief that W. never intended to go there, or to marry Lydia at all, which was repeated to Colonel F. who instantly taking the alarm, set off from B.19 intending to trace their route. He did trace them easily to Clapham,20 but no farther; for on entering that place they removed into a hackney-coach21 and dismissed the chaise that brought them from Epsom.22 All that is known after this is, that they were seen to continue the London road.23 I know not what to think. After making every possible
enquiry on that side London,24 Colonel F. came on into Hertfordshire, anxiously renewing them at all the turnpikes,25 and at the inns in Barnet and Hatfield,26 but without any success, no such people had been seen to pass through. With the kindest concern he came on to Longbourn, and broke his apprehensions to us in a manner most creditable to his heart. I am sincerely grieved for him and Mrs. F. but no one can throw any blame on them.27 Our distress, my dear Lizzy, is very great. My father and mother believe the worst, but I cannot think so ill of him. Many circumstances might make it more eligible28 for them to be married privately in town29 than to pursue their first plan; and even if he could form such a design against a young woman of Lydia's connections, which is not likely, can I suppose her so lost to every thing?—Impossible. I grieve to find, however, that Colonel F. is not disposed to depend upon their marriage; he shook his head when I expressed my hopes, and said he feared W. was not a man to be trusted. My poor mother is really ill and keeps30 her room. Could she exert herself it would be better, but this is not to be expected; and as to my father,31 I never in my life saw him so affected.32 Poor Kitty has anger33 for having concealed their attachment; but as it was a matter of confidence one cannot wonder. I am truly glad, dearest Lizzy, that you have been spared something of these distressing scenes; but now as the first shock is over, shall I own34 that I long for your return? I am not so selfish, however, as to press for it, if inconvenient. Adieu. I take up my pen again to do, what I have just told you I would not, but circumstances are such, that I cannot help earnestly begging you all to come here, as soon as possible. I know my dear uncle and aunt so well, that I am not afraid of requesting it, though I have still something more to ask of the former. My father is going to London with Colonel Forster instantly, to try to discover her. What he means to do, I am sure I know not; but his excessive distress will not allow him to pursue any measure in the best and safest way, and Colonel Forster is obliged to be at Brighton again tomonow evening. In such an exigence35 my uncle's advice and assistance would be every thing in the world; he will immediately comprehend what I must feel, and I rely upon his goodness.
“Oh! where, where is my uncle?” cried Elizabeth, darting from her seat as she finished the letter, in eagerness to follow him, without losing a moment of the time so precious; but as she reached the door, it was opened by a servant, and Mr. Darcy appeared. Her pale face and impetuous36 manner made him start, and before he could recover himself enough to speak, she, in whose mind every idea was superseded by Lydia ‘s situation, hastily exclaimed, “I beg your pardon, but I must leave you. I must find Mr. Gardiner this moment, on business that cannot be delayed; I have not an instant to lose.”
“Good God! what is the matter?” cried he, with more feeling than politeness;37 then recollecting himself, “I will not detain you a minute, but let me, or let the servant, go after Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. You are not well enough; —you cannot go yourself.”
Elizabeth hesitated, but her knees trembled under her, and she felt how little would be gained by her attempting to pursue them. Calling back the servant, therefore, she commissioned him, though in so breathless an accent as made her almost unintelligible, to fetch his master and mistress home, instantly.
On his quitting the room, she sat down, unable to support herself, and looking so mi
serably ill, that it was impossible for Darcy to leave her, or to refrain from saying, in a tone of gentleness and commiseration, “Let me call your maid.38 Is there nothing you could take, to give you present relief?—A glass of wine;39—shall I get you one?—You are very ill.”
“No, I thank you;” she replied, endeavouring to recover herself. “There is nothing the matter with me. I am quite well. I am only distressed by some dreadful news which I have just received from Longbourn.”
She burst into tears as she alluded to it, and for a few minutes could not speak another word. Darcy, in wretched suspense, could only say something indistinctly of his concern, and observe her in compassionate silence. At length, she spoke again. “I have just had a letter from Jane, with such dreadful news. It cannot be concealed from any one. My youngest sister has left all her friends—has eloped;—has thrown herself into the power of—of Mr. Wickham. They are gone off together from Brighton. You know him too well to doubt the rest. She has no money, no connections,40 nothing that can tempt him to—41she is lost for ever.”42
Darcy was fixed in astonishment. “When I consider” she added, in a yet more agitated voice, “that I might have prevented it! —I who knew what he was. Had I but explained some part of it only —some part of what I learnt,43 to my own family! Had his character been known, this could not have happened. But it is all, all too late now.”
“I am grieved, indeed,” cried Darcy; “grieved —shocked. But is it certain, absolutely certain?”
