1813 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen CHAPTER I IT is a truth universally ac n!"le#$e#% that a sin$le &an in '!ssessi!n !( a $!!

# (!rtune &ust be in "ant !( a "i(e) H!"ever little n!"n the (eelin$s !r vie"s !( such a &an &ay be !n his (irst enterin$ a nei$hb!rh!!#% this truth is s! "ell (i*e# in the &in#s !( the surr!un#in$ (a&ilies% that he is c!nsi#ere# as the ri$ht(ul 'r!'erty !( s!&e !ne !r !ther !( their #au$hters) +,y #ear ,r) -ennet%+ sai# his la#y t! hi& !ne #ay% +have y!u hear# that Nether(iel# Par is let at last.+ ,r) -ennet re'lie# that he ha# n!t) +-ut it is%+ returne# she/ +(!r ,rs) 0!n$ has 1ust been here% an# she t!l# &e all ab!ut it)+ ,r) -ennet &a#e n! ans"er) +D! n!t y!u "ant t! n!" "h! has ta en it.+ crie# his "i(e i&'atiently) +2!u "ant t! tell &e% an# I have n! !b1ecti!n t! hearin$ it)+ This "as invitati!n en!u$h) +3hy% &y #ear% y!u &ust n!"% ,rs) 0!n$ says that Nether(iel# is ta en by a y!un$ &an !( lar$e (!rtune (r!& the n!rth !( En$lan#/ that he ca&e #!"n !n ,!n#ay in a chaise an# (!ur t! see the 'lace% an# "as s! &uch #eli$hte# "ith it% that he a$ree# "ith ,r) ,!rris i&&e#iately/ that he is t! ta e '!ssessi!n be(!re ,ichael&as% an# s!&e !( his servants are t! be in the h!use by the en# !( ne*t "ee )+ +3hat is his na&e.+ +-in$ley)+ +Is he &arrie# !r sin$le.+ +4h5 sin$le% &y #ear% t! be sure5 A sin$le &an !( lar$e (!rtune/ (!ur !r (ive th!usan# a-year) 3hat a (ine thin$ (!r !ur $irls5+ +H!" s!. h!" can it a((ect the&.+ +,y #ear ,r) -ennet%+ re'lie# his "i(e% +h!" can y!u be s! tires!&e5 y!u &ust n!" that I a& thin in$ !( his &arryin$ !ne !( the&)+ +Is that his #esi$n in settlin$ here.+ +Desi$n5 n!nsense% h!" can y!u tal s!5 -ut it is very li ely that he &ay (all in l!ve "ith !ne !( the&% an# there(!re y!u &ust visit hi& as s!!n as he c!&es)+ +I see n! !ccasi!n (!r that) 2!u an# the $irls &ay $!% !r y!u &ay sen# the& by the&selves% "hich 'erha's "ill be still better% (!r as y!u are as han#s!&e as any !( the&% ,r) -in$ley &i$ht li e y!u the best !( the 'arty)+ +,y #ear% y!u (latter &e) I certainly have ha# &y share !( beauty% but I #! n!t 'reten# t! be anythin$ e*tra!r#inary n!") 3hen a "!&an has (ive $r!"n-u' #au$hters% she !u$ht t! $ive !ver thin in$ !( her !"n beauty)+ +In such cases% a "!&an has n!t !(ten &uch beauty t! thin !()+

+-ut% &y #ear% y!u &ust in#ee# $! an# see ,r) -in$ley "hen he c!&es int! the nei$hb!rh!!#)+ +It is &!re than I en$a$e (!r% I assure y!u)+ +-ut c!nsi#er y!ur #au$hters) 4nly thin "hat an establish&ent it "!ul# be (!r !ne !( the&) 6ir 3illia& an# 0a#y 0ucas are #eter&ine# t! $!% &erely !n that acc!unt% (!r in $eneral% y!u n!"% they visit n! ne"-c!&ers) In#ee# y!u &ust $!% (!r it "ill be i&'!ssible (!r us t! visit hi& i( y!u #! n!t)+ +2!u are !ver-scru'ul!us% surely) I #are say ,r) -in$ley "ill be very $la# t! see y!u/ an# I "ill sen# a (e" lines by y!u t! assure hi& !( &y hearty c!nsent t! his &arryin$ "hichever he ch!!ses !( the $irls7 th!u$h I &ust thr!" in a $!!# "!r# (!r &y little 0i88y)+ +I #esire y!u "ill #! n! such thin$) 0i88y is n!t a bit better than the !thers/ an# I a& sure she is n!t hal( s! han#s!&e as Jane% n!r hal( s! $!!#-hu&!re# as 0y#ia) -ut y!u are al"ays $ivin$ her the 're(erence)+ +They have n!ne !( the& &uch t! rec!&&en# the&%+ re'lie# he/ +they are all silly an# i$n!rant% li e !ther $irls7 but 0i88y has s!&ethin$ &!re !( 9uic ness than her sisters)+ +,r) -ennet% h!" can y!u abuse y!ur !"n chil#ren in such a "ay5 2!u ta e #eli$ht in ve*in$ &e) 2!u have n! c!&'assi!n !n &y '!!r nerves)+ +2!u &ista e &e% &y #ear) I have a hi$h res'ect (!r y!ur nerves) They are &y !l# (rien#s) I have hear# y!u &enti!n the& "ith c!nsi#erati!n these t"enty years at least)+ +Ah5 y!u #! n!t n!" "hat I su((er)+ +-ut I h!'e y!u "ill $et !ver it% an# live t! see &any y!un$ &en !( (!ur th!usan# a-year c!&e int! the nei$hb!rh!!#)+ +It "ill be n! use t! us% i( t"enty such sh!ul# c!&e% since y!u "ill n!t visit the&)+ +De'en# u'!n it% &y #ear% that "hen there are t"enty% I "ill visit the& all)+ ,r) -ennet "as s! !## a &i*ture !( 9uic 'arts% sarcastic hu&!r% reserve% an# ca'rice% that the e*'erience !( three-an#-t"enty years ha# been insu((icient t! &a e his "i(e un#erstan# his character) Her &in# "as less #i((icult t! #evel!') 6he "as a "!&an !( &ean un#erstan#in$% little in(!r&ati!n% an# uncertain te&'er) 3hen she "as #isc!ntente#% she (ancie# hersel( nerv!us) The business !( her li(e "as t! $et her #au$hters &arrie#/ its s!lace "as visitin$ an# ne"s) CHAPTER:II CHAPTER II ,R -ENNET "as a&!n$ the earliest !( th!se "h! "aite# !n ,r) -in$ley) He ha# al"ays inten#e# t! visit hi&% th!u$h t! the last al"ays assurin$ his "i(e that he sh!ul# n!t $!/ an# till the evenin$ a(ter the visit "as 'ai# she ha# n! n!"le#$e !( it) It "as then #iscl!se# in the (!ll!"in$ &anner7- 4bservin$ his sec!n# #au$hter e&'l!ye# in tri&&in$ a hat% he su##enly a##resse# her "ith% +I h!'e ,r) -in$ley "ill li e it% 0i88y)+ +3e are n!t in a "ay t! n!" "hat ,r) -in$ley li es%+ sai# her

&!ther resent(ully% +since "e are n!t t! visit)+ +-ut y!u (!r$et% &a&&a%+ sai# Eli8abeth% +that "e shall &eet hi& at the asse&blies% an# that ,rs) 0!n$ has 'r!&ise# t! intr!#uce hi&)+ +I #! n!t believe ,rs) 0!n$ "ill #! any such thin$) 6he has t"! nieces !( her !"n) 6he is a sel(ish% hy'!critical "!&an% an# I have n! !'ini!n !( her)+ +N! &!re have I%+ sai# ,r) -ennet/ +an# I a& $la# t! (in# that y!u #! n!t #e'en# !n her servin$ y!u)+ ,rs) -ennet #ei$ne# n!t t! &a e any re'ly% but% unable t! c!ntain hersel(% be$an sc!l#in$ !ne !( her #au$hters) +D!n;t ee' c!u$hin$ s!% <itty% (!r Heaven;s sa e5 Have a little c!&'assi!n !n &y nerves) 2!u tear the& t! 'ieces)+ +<itty has n! #iscreti!n in her c!u$hs%+ sai# her (ather/ +she ti&es the& ill)+ +I #! n!t c!u$h (!r &y !"n a&use&ent%+ re'lie# <itty (ret(ully) +3hen is y!ur ne*t ball t! be% 0i88y.+ +T!-&!rr!" (!rtni$ht)+ +Aye% s! it is%+ crie# her &!ther% +an# ,rs) 0!n$ #!es n!t c!&e bac till the #ay be(!re/ s! it "ill be i&'!ssible (!r her t! intr!#uce hi&% (!r she "ill n!t n!" hi& hersel()+ +Then% &y #ear% y!u &ay have the a#vanta$e !( y!ur (rien#% an# intr!#uce ,r) -in$ley t! her)+ +I&'!ssible% ,r) -ennet% i&'!ssible% "hen I a& n!t ac9uainte# "ith hi& &ysel(/ h!" can y!u be s! teasin$.+ +I h!n!r y!ur circu&s'ecti!n) A (!rtni$ht;s ac9uaintance is certainly very little) 4ne cann!t n!" "hat a &an really is by the en# !( a (!rtni$ht) -ut i( "e #! n!t venture s!&eb!#y else "ill/ an# a(ter all% ,rs) 0!n$ an# her nieces &ust stan# their chance/ an#% there(!re% as she "ill thin it an act !( in#ness% i( y!u #ecline the !((ice% I "ill ta e it !n &ysel()+ The $irls stare# at their (ather) ,rs) -ennet sai# !nly% +N!nsense% n!nsense5+ +3hat can be the &eanin$ !( that e&'hatic e*cla&ati!n.+ crie# he) +D! y!u c!nsi#er the (!r&s !( intr!#ucti!n% an# the stress that is lai# !n the&% as n!nsense. I cann!t 9uite a$ree "ith y!u there) 3hat say y!u% ,ary. (!r y!u are a y!un$ la#y !( #ee' re(lecti!n% I n!"% an# rea# $reat b!! s an# &a e e*tracts)+ ,ary "ishe# t! say s!&ethin$ very sensible% but ne" n!t h!") +3hile ,ary is a#1ustin$ her i#eas%+ he c!ntinue#% +let us return t! ,r) -in$ley)+ +I a& sic !( ,r) -in$ley%+ crie# his "i(e) +I a& s!rry t! hear that/ but "hy #i# n!t y!u tell &e s! be(!re. I( I ha# n!"n as &uch this &!rnin$ I certainly "!ul# n!t have calle# !n hi&) It is very unluc y/ but as I have actually 'ai# the visit% "e cann!t esca'e the ac9uaintance n!")+ The ast!nish&ent !( the la#ies "as 1ust "hat he "ishe#/ that !( ,rs) -ennet 'erha's sur'assin$ the rest/ th!u$h% "hen the (irst tu&ult !( 1!y "as !ver% she be$an t! #eclare that it "as "hat she ha# e*'ecte# all the "hile) +H!" $!!# it "as in y!u% &y #ear ,r) -ennet5 -ut I ne" I sh!ul# 'ersua#e y!u at last) I "as sure y!u l!ve# y!ur $irls t!! "ell t! ne$lect such an ac9uaintance) 3ell% h!" 'lease# I a&5 an# it is such a

$!!# 1! e% t!!% that y!u sh!ul# have $!ne this &!rnin$ an# never sai# a "!r# ab!ut it till n!")+ +N!"% <itty% y!u &ay c!u$h as &uch as y!u ch!!se%+ sai# ,r) -ennet/ an#% as he s'! e% he le(t the r!!&% (ati$ue# "ith the ra'tures !( his "i(e) +3hat an e*cellent (ather y!u have% $irls5+ sai# she% "hen the #!!r "as shut) +I #! n!t n!" h!" y!u "ill ever &a e hi& a&en#s (!r his in#ness/ !r &e either% (!r that &atter) At !ur ti&e !( li(e it is n!t s! 'leasant% I can tell y!u% t! be &a in$ ne" ac9uaintance every #ay/ but (!r y!ur sa es% "e "!ul# #! anythin$) 0y#ia% &y l!ve% th!u$h y!u are the y!un$est% I #are say ,r) -in$ley "ill #ance "ith y!u at the ne*t ball)+ +4h5+ sai# 0y#ia st!utly% +I a& n!t a(rai#/ (!r th!u$h I a& the y!un$est% I;& the tallest)+ The rest !( the evenin$ "as s'ent in c!n1ecturin$ h!" s!!n he "!ul# return ,r) -ennet;s visit% an# #eter&inin$ "hen they sh!ul# as hi& t! #inner) CHAPTER:III CHAPTER III N4T all that ,rs) -ennet% h!"ever% "ith the assistance !( her (ive #au$hters% c!ul# as !n the sub1ect% "as su((icient t! #ra" (r!& her husban# any satis(act!ry #escri'ti!n !( ,r) -in$ley) They attac e# hi& in vari!us "ays- "ith bare(ace# 9uesti!ns% in$eni!us su''!siti!ns% an# #istant sur&ises/ but he elu#e# the s ill !( the& all% an# they "ere at last !bli$e# t! acce't the sec!n#-han# intelli$ence !( their nei$hb!r% 0a#y 0ucas) Her re'!rt "as hi$hly (av!rable) 6ir 3illia& ha# been #eli$hte# "ith hi&) He "as 9uite y!un$% "!n#er(ully han#s!&e% e*tre&ely a$reeable% an#% t! cr!"n the "h!le% he &eant t! be at the ne*t asse&bly "ith a lar$e 'arty) N!thin$ c!ul# be &!re #eli$ht(ul5 T! be (!n# !( #ancin$ "as a certain ste' t!"ar#s (allin$ in l!ve/ an# very lively h!'es !( ,r) -in$ley;s heart "ere entertaine#) +I( I can but see !ne !( &y #au$hters ha''ily settle# at Nether(iel#%+ sai# ,rs) -ennet t! her husban#% +an# all the !thers e9ually "ell &arrie#% I shall have n!thin$ t! "ish (!r)+ In a (e" #ays ,r) -in$ley returne# ,r) -ennet;s visit% an# sat ab!ut ten &inutes "ith hi& in his library) He ha# entertaine# h!'es !( bein$ a#&itte# t! a si$ht !( the y!un$ la#ies% !( "h!se beauty he ha# hear# &uch/ but he sa" !nly the (ather) The la#ies "ere s!&e"hat &!re (!rtunate% (!r they ha# the a#vanta$e !( ascertainin$ (r!& an u''er "in#!" that he "!re a blue c!at% an# r!#e a blac h!rse) An invitati!n t! #inner "as s!!n a(ter"ar#s #is'atche#/ an# alrea#y ha# ,rs) -ennet 'lanne# the c!urses that "ere t! #! cre#it t! her h!use ee'in$% "hen an ans"er arrive# "hich #e(erre# it all) ,r) -in$ley "as !bli$e# t! be in t!"n the (!ll!"in$ #ay% an#% c!nse9uently% unable t! acce't the h!n!r !( their invitati!n% =c) ,rs) -ennet "as 9uite #isc!ncerte#) 6he c!ul# n!t i&a$ine "hat business he c!ul# have in t!"n s! s!!n a(ter his arrival in Hert(!r#shire/ an# she be$an t! (ear that he &i$ht be al"ays (lyin$ ab!ut (r!& !ne 'lace t! an!ther% an# never settle# at Nether(iel# as he !u$ht t! be) 0a#y 0ucas 9uiete# her (ears a little by startin$ the i#ea !(

his bein$ $!ne t! 0!n#!n !nly t! $et a lar$e 'arty (!r the ball/ an# a re'!rt s!!n (!ll!"e#% that ,r) -in$ley "as t! brin$ t"elve la#ies an# seven $entle&en "ith hi& t! the asse&bly) The $irls $rieve# !ver such a nu&ber !( la#ies% but "ere c!&(!rte# the #ay be(!re the ball by hearin$% that instea# !( t"elve he ha# br!u$ht !nly si* "ith hi& (r!& 0!n#!n%- his (ive sisters an# a c!usin) An# "hen the 'arty entere# the asse&bly r!!& it c!nsiste# !nly !( (ive all t!$ether%- ,r) -in$ley% his t"! sisters% the husban# !( the el#est% an# an!ther y!un$ &an) ,r) -in$ley "as $!!#-l!! in$ an# $entle&anli e/ he ha# a 'leasant c!untenance% an# easy% una((ecte# &anners) His sisters "ere (ine "!&en% "ith an air !( #eci#e# (ashi!n) His br!ther-in-la"% ,r) Hurst% &erely l!! e# the $entle&an/ but his (rien# ,r) Darcy s!!n #re" the attenti!n !( the r!!& by his (ine% tall 'ers!n% han#s!&e (eatures% n!ble &ien% an# the re'!rt "hich "as in $eneral circulati!n "ithin (ive &inutes a(ter his entrance% !( his havin$ ten th!usan# a-year) The $entle&en 'r!n!unce# hi& t! be a (ine (i$ure !( a &an% the la#ies #eclare# he "as &uch han#s!&er than ,r) -in$ley% an# he "as l!! e# at "ith $reat a#&irati!n (!r ab!ut hal( the evenin$% till his &anners $ave a #is$ust "hich turne# the ti#e !( his '!'ularity/ (!r he "as #isc!vere# t! be 'r!u#/ t! be ab!ve his c!&'any% an# ab!ve bein$ 'lease#/ an# n!t all his lar$e estate in Derbyshire c!ul# then save hi& (r!& havin$ a &!st (!rbi##in$% #isa$reeable c!untenance% an# bein$ un"!rthy t! be c!&'are# "ith his (rien#) ,r) -in$ley ha# s!!n &a#e hi&sel( ac9uainte# "ith all the 'rinci'al 'e!'le in the r!!&/ he "as lively an# unreserve#% #ance# every #ance% "as an$ry that the ball cl!se# s! early% an# tal e# !( $ivin$ !ne hi&sel( at Nether(iel#) 6uch a&iable 9ualities &ust s'ea (!r the&selves) 3hat a c!ntrast bet"een hi& an# his (rien#5 ,r) Darcy #ance# !nly !nce "ith ,rs) Hurst an# !nce "ith ,iss -in$ley% #ecline# bein$ intr!#uce# t! any !ther la#y% an# s'ent the rest !( the evenin$ in "al in$ ab!ut the r!!&% s'ea in$ !ccasi!nally t! !ne !( his !"n 'arty) His character "as #eci#e#) He "as the 'r!u#est% &!st #isa$reeable &an in the "!rl#% an# everyb!#y h!'e# that he "!ul# never c!&e there a$ain) A&!n$st the &!st vi!lent a$ainst hi& "as ,rs) -ennet% "h!se #isli e !( his $eneral behavi!r "as shar'ene# int! 'articular resent&ent by his havin$ sli$hte# !ne !( her #au$hters) Eli8abeth -ennet ha# been !bli$e#% by the scarcity !( $entle&en% t! sit #!"n (!r t"! #ances/ an# #urin$ 'art !( that ti&e% ,r) Darcy ha# been stan#in$ near en!u$h (!r her t! !verhear a c!nversati!n bet"een hi& an# ,r) -in$ley% "h! ca&e (r!& the #ance (!r a (e" &inutes% t! 'ress his (rien# t! 1!in it) +C!&e% Darcy%+ sai# he% +I &ust have y!u #ance) I hate t! see y!u stan#in$ ab!ut by y!ursel( in this stu'i# &anner) 2!u ha# &uch better #ance)+ +I certainly shall n!t) 2!u n!" h!" I #etest it% unless I a& 'articularly ac9uainte# "ith &y 'artner) At such an asse&bly as this it "!ul# be insu''!rtable) 2!ur sisters are en$a$e#% an# there is n!t an!ther "!&an in the r!!& "h!& it "!ul# n!t be a 'unish&ent t! &e t! stan# u' "ith)+ +I "!ul# n!t be s! (asti#i!us as y!u are%+ crie# -in$ley% +(!r a in$#!&5 U'!n &y h!n!r% I never &et "ith s! &any 'leasant $irls in

&y li(e as I have this evenin$/ an# there are several !( the& y!u see unc!&&!nly 'retty)+ +2!u are #ancin$ "ith the !nly han#s!&e $irl in the r!!&%+ sai# ,r) Darcy% l!! in$ at the el#est ,iss -ennet) +4h5 she is the &!st beauti(ul creature I ever behel#5 -ut there is !ne !( her sisters sittin$ #!"n 1ust behin# y!u% "h! is very 'retty% an# I #are say very a$reeable) D! let &e as &y 'artner t! intr!#uce y!u)+ +3hich #! y!u &ean.+ an# turnin$ r!un# he l!! e# (!r a &!&ent at Eli8abeth% till catchin$ her eye% he "ith#re" his !"n an# c!l#ly sai#% +6he is t!lerable% but n!t han#s!&e en!u$h t! te&'t &e/ an# I a& in n! hu&!r at 'resent t! $ive c!nse9uence t! y!un$ la#ies "h! are sli$hte# by !ther &en) 2!u ha# better return t! y!ur 'artner an# en1!y her s&iles% (!r y!u are "astin$ y!ur ti&e "ith &e)+ ,r) -in$ley (!ll!"e# his a#vice) ,r) Darcy "al e# !((/ an# Eli8abeth re&aine# "ith n! very c!r#ial (eelin$s t!"ar#s hi&) 6he t!l# the st!ry% h!"ever% "ith $reat s'irit a&!n$ her (rien#s/ (!r she ha# a lively% 'lay(ul #is'!siti!n% "hich #eli$hte# in anythin$ ri#icul!us) The evenin$ alt!$ether 'asse# !(( 'leasantly t! the "h!le (a&ily) ,rs) -ennet ha# seen her el#est #au$hter &uch a#&ire# by the Nether(iel# 'arty) ,r) -in$ley ha# #ance# "ith her t"ice% an# she ha# been #istin$uishe# by his sisters) Jane "as as &uch $rati(ie# by this as her &!ther c!ul# be% th!u$h in a 9uieter "ay) Eli8abeth (elt Jane;s 'leasure) ,ary ha# hear# hersel( &enti!ne# t! ,iss -in$ley as the &!st acc!&'lishe# $irl in the nei$hb!rh!!#/ an# Catherine an# 0y#ia ha# been (!rtunate en!u$h t! be never "ith!ut 'artners% "hich "as all that they ha# yet learnt t! care (!r at a ball) They returne#% there(!re% in $!!# s'irits t! 0!n$b!urn% the villa$e "here they live#% an# !( "hich they "ere the 'rinci'al inhabitants) They (!un# ,r) -ennet still u') 3ith a b!! he "as re$ar#less !( ti&e/ an# !n the 'resent !ccasi!n he ha# a $!!# #eal !( curi!sity as t! the event !( an evenin$ "hich ha# raise# such s'len#i# e*'ectati!ns) He ha# rather h!'e# that all his "i(e;s vie"s !n the stran$er "!ul# be #isa''!inte#/ but he s!!n (!un# that he ha# a very #i((erent st!ry t! hear) +4h% &y #ear ,r) -ennet%+ as she entere# the r!!&% +"e have ha# a &!st #eli$ht(ul evenin$% a &!st e*cellent ball) I "ish y!u ha# been there) Jane "as s! a#&ire#% n!thin$ c!ul# be li e it) Everyb!#y sai# h!" "ell she l!! e#/ an# ,r) -in$ley th!u$ht her 9uite beauti(ul% an# #ance# "ith her t"ice5 4nly thin !( that% &y #ear/ he actually #ance# "ith her t"ice5 an# she "as the !nly creature in the r!!& that he as e# a sec!n# ti&e) >irst !( all% he as e# ,iss 0ucas) I "as s! ve*e# t! see hi& stan# u' "ith her5 but% h!"ever% he #i# n!t a#&ire her at all/ in#ee#% n!b!#y can% y!u n!"/ an# he see&e# 9uite struc "ith Jane as she "as $!in$ #!"n the #ance) 6! he in9uire# "h! she "as% an# $!t intr!#uce#% an# as e# her (!r the t"! ne*t) Then the t"! thir# he #ance# "ith ,iss <in$% an# the t"! (!urth "ith ,aria 0ucas% an# the t"! (i(th "ith Jane a$ain% an# the t"! si*th "ith 0i88ie an# the -!ulan$er)+ +I( he ha# ha# any c!&'assi!n (!r &e%+ crie# her husban# i&'atiently% +he "!ul# n!t have #ance# hal( s! &uch5 >!r ?!#;s sa e% say n! &!re !( his 'artners) 4 that he ha# s'raine# his an le in the (irst #ance5+

+4h5 &y #ear%+ c!ntinue# ,rs) -ennet% +I a& 9uite #eli$hte# "ith hi&) He is s! e*cessively han#s!&e5 an# his sisters are char&in$ "!&en) I never in &y li(e sa" anythin$ &!re ele$ant than their #resses) I #are say the lace u'!n ,rs) Hurst;s $!"n-+ Here she "as interru'te# a$ain) ,r) -ennet 'r!teste# a$ainst any #escri'ti!n !( (inery) 6he "as there(!re !bli$e# t! see an!ther branch !( the sub1ect% an# relate#% "ith &uch bitterness !( s'irit an# s!&e e*a$$erati!n% the sh!c in$ ru#eness !( ,r) Darcy) +-ut I can assure y!u%+ she a##e#% +that 0i88ie #!es n!t l!se &uch by n!t suitin$ his (ancy/ (!r he is a &!st #isa$reeable% h!rri# &an% n!t at all "!rth 'leasin$) 6! hi$h an# s! c!nceite# that there "as n! en#urin$ hi&5 He "al e# here% an# he "al e# there% (ancyin$ hi&sel( s! very $reat5 N!t han#s!&e en!u$h t! #ance "ith5 I "ish y!u ha# been there% &y #ear% t! have $iven hi& !ne !( y!ur set-#!"ns) I 9uite #etest the &an)+ CHAPTER:I@ CHAPTER I@ 3HEN Jane an# Eli8abeth "ere al!ne% the (!r&er% "h! ha# been cauti!us in her 'raise !( ,r) -in$ley be(!re% e*'resse# t! her sister h!" very &uch she a#&ire# hi&) +He is 1ust "hat a y!un$ &an !u$ht t! be%+ sai# she% +sensible% $!!#-hu&!re#% lively/ an# I never sa" such ha''y &anners5- s! &uch ease% "ith such 'er(ect $!!#-bree#in$5+ +He is als! han#s!&e%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth/ +"hich a y!un$ &an !u$ht li e"ise t! be% i( he '!ssibly can) His character is thereby c!&'lete)+ +I "as very &uch (lattere# by his as in$ &e t! #ance a sec!n# ti&e) I #i# n!t e*'ect such a c!&'li&ent)+ +Di# n!t y!u. I #i# (!r y!u) -ut that is !ne $reat #i((erence bet"een us) C!&'li&ents al"ays ta e y!u by sur'rise% an# &e never) 3hat c!ul# be &!re natural than his as in$ y!u a$ain. He c!ul# n!t hel' seein$ that y!u "ere ab!ut (ive ti&es as 'retty as every !ther "!&an in the r!!&) N! than s t! his $allantry (!r that) 3ell% he certainly is very a$reeable% an# I $ive y!u leave t! li e hi&) 2!u have li e# &any a stu'i#er 'ers!n)+ +Dear 0i88y5+ +4h5 y!u are a $reat #eal t!! a't% y!u n!"% t! li e 'e!'le in $eneral) 2!u never see a (ault in anyb!#y) All the "!rl# are $!!# an# a$reeable in y!ur eyes) I never hear# y!u s'ea ill !( a hu&an bein$ in &y li(e)+ +I "!ul# "ish n!t t! be hasty in censurin$ any !ne/ but I al"ays s'ea "hat I thin )+ +I n!" y!u #!/ an# it is that "hich &a es the "!n#er) 3ith y!ur $!!# sense% t! be s! h!nestly blin# t! the (!llies an# n!nsense !( !thers5 A((ectati!n !( can#!r is c!&&!n en!u$h- !ne &eets it every"here) -ut t! be can#i# "ith!ut !stentati!n !r #esi$n- t! ta e the $!!# !( everyb!#y;s character an# &a e it still better% an# say n!thin$ !( the ba#- bel!n$s t! y!u al!ne) An# s! y!u li e this &an;s sisters% t!!% #! y!u. Their &anners are n!t e9ual t! his)+ +Certainly n!t- at (irst) -ut they are very 'leasin$ "!&en "hen

y!u c!nverse "ith the&) ,iss -in$ley is t! live "ith her br!ther% an# ee' his h!use/ an# I a& &uch &ista en i( "e shall n!t (in# a very char&in$ nei$hb!r in her)+ Eli8abeth listene# in silence% but "as n!t c!nvince#% their behavi!r at the asse&bly ha# n!t been calculate# t! 'lease in $eneral/ an# "ith &!re 9uic ness !( !bservati!n an# less 'liancy !( te&'er than her sister% an# "ith a 1u#$&ent t!! unassaile# by any attenti!n t! hersel(% she "as very little #is'!se# t! a''r!ve the&) They "ere in (act very (ine la#ies/ n!t #e(icient in $!!# hu&!r "hen they "ere 'lease#% n!r in the '!"er !( bein$ a$reeable "hen they ch!se it% but 'r!u# an# c!nceite#) They "ere rather han#s!&e% ha# been e#ucate# in !ne !( the (irst 'rivate se&inaries in t!"n% ha# a (!rtune !( t"enty th!usan# '!un#s% "ere in the habit !( s'en#in$ &!re than they !u$ht% an# !( ass!ciatin$ "ith 'e!'le !( ran % an# "ere there(!re in every res'ect entitle# t! thin "ell !( the&selves% an# &eanly !( !thers) They "ere !( a res'ectable (a&ily in the n!rth !( En$lan#/ a circu&stance &!re #ee'ly i&'resse# !n their &e&!ries than that their br!ther;s (!rtune an# their !"n ha# been ac9uire# by tra#e) ,r) -in$ley inherite# 'r!'erty t! the a&!unt !( nearly an hun#re# th!usan# '!un#s (r!& his (ather% "h! ha# inten#e# t! 'urchase an estate% but #i# n!t live t! #! it) ,r) -in$ley inten#e# it li e"ise% an# s!&eti&es &a#e ch!ice !( his c!unty/ but as he "as n!" 'r!vi#e# "ith a $!!# h!use an# the liberty !( a &an!r% it "as #!ubt(ul t! &any !( th!se "h! best ne" the easiness !( his te&'er% "hether he &i$ht n!t s'en# the re&ain#er !( his #ays at Nether(iel#% an# leave the ne*t $enerati!n t! 'urchase) His sisters "ere very an*i!us (!r his havin$ an estate !( his !"n/ but% th!u$h he "as n!" establishe# !nly as a tenant% ,iss -in$ley "as by n! &eans un"illin$ t! 'resi#e at his table- n!r "as ,rs) Hurst% "h! ha# &arrie# a &an !( &!re (ashi!n than (!rtune% less #is'!se# t! c!nsi#er his h!use as her h!&e "hen it suite# her) ,r) -in$ley ha# n!t been !( a$e t"! years% "hen he "as te&'te# by an acci#ental rec!&&en#ati!n t! l!! at Nether(iel# H!use) He #i# l!! at it% an# int! it (!r hal(-an-h!ur- "as 'lease# "ith the situati!n an# the 'rinci'al r!!&s% satis(ie# "ith "hat the !"ner sai# in its 'raise% an# t!! it i&&e#iately) -et"een hi& an# Darcy there "as a very stea#y (rien#shi'% in s'ite !( $reat !''!siti!n !( character) -in$ley "as en#eare# t! Darcy by the easiness% !'enness% an# #uctility !( his te&'er% th!u$h n! #is'!siti!n c!ul# !((er a $reater c!ntrast t! his !"n% an# th!u$h "ith his !"n he never a''eare# #issatis(ie#) 4n the stren$th !( Darcy;s re$ar#% -in$ley ha# the (ir&est reliance% an# !( his 1u#$&ent the hi$hest !'ini!n) In un#erstan#in$% Darcy "as the su'eri!r) -in$ley "as by n! &eans #e(icient% but Darcy "as clever) He "as at the sa&e ti&e hau$hty% reserve#% an# (asti#i!us% an# his &anners% th!u$h "ell-bre#% "ere n!t invitin$) In that res'ect his (rien# ha# $reatly the a#vanta$e) -in$ley "as sure !( bein$ li e# "herever he a''eare#% Darcy "as c!ntinually $ivin$ !((ense) The &anner in "hich they s'! e !( the ,eryt!n asse&bly "as su((iciently characteristic) -in$ley ha# never &et "ith 'leasanter 'e!'le !r 'rettier $irls in his li(e/ everyb!#y ha# been &!st in# an# attentive t! hi&/ there ha# been n! (!r&ality% n! sti((ness/ he ha#

s!!n (elt ac9uainte# "ith all the r!!&/ an# as t! ,iss -ennet% he c!ul# n!t c!nceive an an$el &!re beauti(ul) Darcy% !n the c!ntrary% ha# seen a c!llecti!n !( 'e!'le in "h!& there "as little beauty an# n! (ashi!n% (!r n!ne !( "h!& he ha# (elt the s&allest interest% an# (r!& n!ne receive# either attenti!n !r 'leasure) ,iss -ennet he ac n!"le#$e# t! be 'retty% but she s&ile# t!! &uch) ,rs) Hurst an# her sister all!"e# it t! be s!- but still they a#&ire# her an# li e# her% an# 'r!n!unce# her t! be a s"eet $irl% an# !ne "h!& they sh!ul# n!t !b1ect t! n!" &!re !() ,iss -ennet "as there(!re establishe# as a s"eet $irl% an# their br!ther (elt auth!ri8e# by such c!&&en#ati!n t! thin !( her as he ch!se) CHAPTER:@ CHAPTER @ 3ITHIN a sh!rt "al !( 0!n$b!urn live# a (a&ily "ith "h!& the -ennets "ere 'articularly inti&ate) 6ir 3illia& 0ucas ha# been (!r&erly in tra#e in ,eryt!n% "here he ha# &a#e a t!lerable (!rtune% an# risen t! the h!n!r !( ni$hth!!# by an a##ress t! the in$% #urin$ his &ay!ralty) The #istincti!n ha# 'erha's been (elt t!! str!n$ly) It ha# $iven hi& a #is$ust t! his business% an# t! his resi#ence in a s&all &ar et t!"n/ an#% 9uittin$ the& b!th% he ha# re&!ve# "ith his (a&ily t! a h!use ab!ut a &ile (r!& ,eryt!n% #en!&inate# (r!& that 'eri!# 0ucas 0!#$e% "here he c!ul# thin "ith 'leasure !( his !"n i&'!rtance% an#% unshac le# by business% !ccu'y hi&sel( s!lely in bein$ civil t! all the "!rl#) >!r% th!u$h elate# by his ran % it #i# n!t ren#er hi& su'ercili!us/ !n the c!ntrary% he "as all attenti!n t! everyb!#y) -y nature in!((ensive% (rien#ly% an# !bli$in$% his 'resentati!n at 6t) Ja&es;s ha# &a#e hi& c!urte!us) 0a#y 0ucas "as a very $!!# in# !( "!&an% n!t t!! clever t! be a valuable nei$hb!r t! ,rs) -ennet) They ha# several chil#ren) The el#est !( the&% a sensible% intelli$ent y!un$ "!&an% ab!ut t"enty-seven% "as Eli8abeth;s inti&ate (rien#) That the ,iss 0ucases an# the ,iss -ennets sh!ul# &eet t! tal !ver a ball "as abs!lutely necessary/ an# the &!rnin$ a(ter the asse&bly br!u$ht the (!r&er t! 0!n$b!urn t! hear an# t! c!&&unicate) +2!u be$an the evenin$ "ell% Charl!tte%+ sai# ,rs) -ennet "ith civil sel(-c!&&an# t! ,iss 0ucas) +2!u "ere ,r) -in$ley;s (irst ch!ice)+ +2es/ but he see&e# t! li e his sec!n# better)+ +4h5 y!u &ean Jane% I su''!se% because he #ance# "ith her t"ice) T! be sure that #i# see& as i( he a#&ire# her- in#ee# I rather believe he #i#- I hear# s!&ethin$ ab!ut it- but I har#ly n!" "hats!&ethin$ ab!ut ,r) R!bins!n)+ +Perha's y!u &ean "hat I !verhear# bet"een hi& an# ,r) R!bins!n/ #i# n!t I &enti!n it t! y!u. ,r) R!bins!n;s as in$ hi& h!" he li e# !ur ,eryt!n asse&blies% an# "hether he #i# n!t thin there "ere a $reat &any 'retty "!&en in the r!!&% an# "hich he th!u$ht the 'rettiest. an# his ans"erin$ i&&e#iately t! the last 9uesti!n- ;4h5 the el#est ,iss -ennet% bey!n# a #!ubt/ there cann!t be t"! !'ini!ns !n that '!int);+ +U'!n &y "!r#5- 3ell% that "as very #eci#e# in#ee#- that #!es see& as i(- but% h!"ever% it &ay all c!&e t! n!thin$% y!u n!")+ +,y !verhearin$s "ere &!re t! the 'ur'!se than y!urs% Eli8a%+ sai#

Charl!tte) +,r) Darcy is n!t s! "ell "!rth% listenin$ t! as his (rien#% is he.- P!!r Eli8a5- t! be !nly 1ust t!lerable)+ +I be$ y!u "!ul# n!t 'ut it int! 0i88y;s hea# t! be ve*e# by his ill-treat&ent% (!r he is such a #isa$reeable &an% that it "!ul# be 9uite a &is(!rtune t! be li e# by hi&) ,rs) 0!n$ t!l# &e last ni$ht that he sat cl!se t! her (!r hal(-an-h!ur "ith!ut !nce !'enin$ his li's)+ +Are y!u 9uite sure% &a;a&.- is n!t there a little &ista e.+ sai# Jane) +I certainly sa" ,r) Darcy s'ea in$ t! her)+ +Aye- because she as e# hi& at last h!" he li e# Nether(iel#% an# he c!ul# n!t hel' ans"erin$ her/ but she sai# he see&e# very an$ry at bein$ s'! e t!)+ +,iss -in$ley t!l# &e%+ sai# Jane% +that he never s'ea s &uch% unless a&!n$ his inti&ate ac9uaintance) 3ith the& he is re&ar ably a$reeable)+ +I #! n!t believe a "!r# !( it% &y #ear) I( he ha# been s! very a$reeable% he "!ul# have tal e# t! ,rs) 0!n$) -ut I can $uess h!" it "as/ everyb!#y says that he is eat u' "ith 'ri#e% an# I #are say he ha# hear# s!&eh!" that ,rs) 0!n$ #!es n!t ee' a carria$e% an# ha# c!&e t! the ball in a hac chaise)+ +I #! n!t &in# his n!t tal in$ t! ,rs) 0!n$%+ sai# ,iss 0ucas% +but I "ish he ha# #ance# "ith Eli8a)+ +An!ther ti&e% 0i88y%+ sai# her &!ther% +I "!ul# n!t #ance "ith hi&% i( I "ere y!u)+ +I believe% &a;a&% I &ay sa(ely 'r!&ise y!u never t! #ance "ith hi&)+ +His 'ri#e%+ sai# ,iss 0ucas% +#!es n!t !((en# &e s! &uch as 'ri#e !(ten #!es% because there is an e*cuse (!r it) 4ne cann!t "!n#er that s! very (ine a y!un$ &an% "ith (a&ily% (!rtune% everythin$ in his (av!r% sh!ul# thin hi$hly !( hi&sel() I( I &ay s! e*'ress it% he has a ri$ht t! be 'r!u#)+ +That is very true%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth% +an# I c!ul# easily (!r$ive his 'ri#e% i( he ha# n!t &!rti(ie# &ine)+ +Pri#e%+ !bserve# ,ary% "h! 'i9ue# hersel( u'!n the s!li#ity !( her re(lecti!ns% +is a very c!&&!n (ailin$% I believe) -y all that I have ever rea#% I a& c!nvince# that it is very c!&&!n in#ee#/ that hu&an nature is 'articularly 'r!ne t! it% an# that there are very (e" !( us "h! #! n!t cherish a (eelin$ !( sel(-c!&'lacency !n the sc!re !( s!&e 9uality !r the !ther% real !r i&a$inary) @anity an# 'ri#e are #i((erent thin$s% th!u$h the "!r#s are !(ten use# syn!ny&!usly) A 'ers!n &ay be 'r!u# "ith!ut bein$ vain) Pri#e relates &!re t! !ur !'ini!n !( !urselves% vanity t! "hat "e "!ul# have !thers thin !( us)+ +I( I "ere as rich as ,r) Darcy%+ crie# a y!un$ 0ucas% "h! ca&e "ith his sisters% +I sh!ul# n!t care h!" 'r!u# I "as) I "!ul# ee' a 'ac !( (!*h!un#s% an# #rin a b!ttle !( "ine every #ay)+ +Then y!u "!ul# #rin a $reat #eal &!re than y!u !u$ht%+ sai# ,rs) -ennet/ +an# i( I "ere t! see y!u at it% I sh!ul# ta e a"ay y!ur b!ttle #irectly)+ The b!y 'r!teste# that she sh!ul# n!t/ she c!ntinue# t! #eclare that she "!ul#% an# the ar$u&ent en#e# !nly "ith the visit)

CHAPTER:@I CHAPTER @I THE la#ies !( 0!n$b!urn s!!n "aite# !n th!se !( Nether(iel#) The visit "as s!!n returne# in #ue (!r&) ,iss -ennet;s 'leasin$ &anners $re" !n the $!!#"ill !( ,rs) Hurst an# ,iss -in$ley/ an# th!u$h the &!ther "as (!un# t! be int!lerable% an# the y!un$er sisters n!t "!rth s'ea in$ t!% a "ish !( bein$ better ac9uainte# "ith the& "as e*'resse# t!"ar#s the t"! el#est) -y Jane% this attenti!n "as receive# "ith the $reatest 'leasure/ but Eli8abeth still sa" su'ercili!usness in their treat&ent !( everyb!#y% har#ly e*ce'tin$ even her sister% an# c!ul# n!t li e the&/ th!u$h their in#ness t! Jane% such as it "as% ha# a value as arisin$ in all 'r!bability (r!& the in(luence !( their br!ther;s a#&irati!n) It "as $enerally evi#ent "henever they &et% that he #i# a#&ire her/ an# t! her it "as e9ually evi#ent that Jane "as yiel#in$ t! the 're(erence "hich she ha# be$un t! entertain (!r hi& (r!& the (irst% an# "as in a "ay t! be very &uch in l!ve/ but she c!nsi#ere# "ith 'leasure that it "as n!t li ely t! be #isc!vere# by the "!rl# in $eneral% since Jane unite#% "ith $reat stren$th !( (eelin$% a c!&'!sure !( te&'er an# a uni(!r& cheer(ulness !( &anner "hich "!ul# $uar# her (r!& the sus'ici!ns !( the i&'ertinent) 6he &enti!ne# this t! her (rien# ,iss 0ucas) +It &ay 'erha's be 'leasant%+ re'lie# Charl!tte% +t! be able t! i&'!se !n the 'ublic in such a case/ but it is s!&eti&es a #isa#vanta$e t! be s! very $uar#e#) I( a "!&an c!nceals her a((ecti!n "ith the sa&e s ill (r!& the !b1ect !( it% she &ay l!se the !''!rtunity !( (i*in$ hi&/ an# it "ill then be but '!!r c!ns!lati!n t! believe the "!rl# e9ually in the #ar ) There is s! &uch !( $ratitu#e !r vanity in al&!st every attach&ent% that it is n!t sa(e t! leave any t! itsel() 3e can all be$in (reely- a sli$ht 're(erence is natural en!u$h7 but there are very (e" !( us "h! have heart en!u$h t! be really in l!ve "ith!ut enc!ura$e&ent) In nine cases !ut !( ten a "!&an ha# better sh!" &!re a((ecti!n than she (eels) -in$ley li es y!ur sister% un#!ubte#ly/ but he &ay never #! &!re than li e her% i( she #!es n!t hel' hi& !n)+ +-ut she #!es hel' hi& !n% as &uch as her nature "ill all!") I( I can 'erceive her re$ar# (!r hi&% he &ust be a si&'let!n% in#ee#% n!t t! #isc!ver it t!!)+ +Re&e&ber% Eli8a% that he #!es n!t n!" Jane;s #is'!siti!n as y!u #!)+ +-ut i( a "!&an is 'artial t! a &an% an# #!es n!t en#eav!r t! c!nceal it% he &ust (in# it !ut)+ +Perha's he &ust% i( he sees en!u$h !( her) -ut% th!u$h -in$ley an# Jane &eet t!lerably !(ten% it is never (!r &any h!urs t!$ether/ an# as they al"ays see each !ther in lar$e &i*e# 'arties% it is i&'!ssible that every &!&ent sh!ul# be e&'l!ye# in c!nversin$ t!$ether) Jane sh!ul# there(!re &a e the &!st !( every hal(-h!ur in "hich she can c!&&an# his attenti!n) 3hen she is secure !( hi&% there "ill be leisure (!r (allin$ in l!ve as &uch as she ch!!ses)+ +2!ur 'lan is a $!!# !ne%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth% +"here n!thin$ is in 9uesti!n but the #esire !( bein$ "ell &arrie#/ an# i( I "ere #eter&ine# t! $et a rich husban#% !r any husban#% I #are say I

sh!ul# a#!'t it) -ut these are n!t Jane;s (eelin$s/ she is n!t actin$ by #esi$n) As yet% she cann!t even be certain !( the #e$ree !( her !"n re$ar# n!r !( its reas!nableness) 6he has n!"n hi& !nly a (!rtni$ht) 6he #ance# (!ur #ances "ith hi& at ,eryt!n/ she sa" hi& !ne &!rnin$ at his !"n h!use% an# has since #ine# in c!&'any "ith hi& (!ur ti&es) This is n!t 9uite en!u$h t! &a e her un#erstan# his character)+ +N!t as y!u re'resent it) Ha# she &erely #ine# "ith hi&% she &i$ht !nly have #isc!vere# "hether he ha# a $!!# a''etite/ but y!u &ust re&e&ber that (!ur evenin$s have been als! s'ent t!$ether- an# (!ur evenin$s &ay #! a $reat #eal)+ +2es/ these (!ur evenin$s have enable# the& t! ascertain that they b!th li e @in$t-un better than C!&&erce/ but "ith res'ect t! any !ther lea#in$ characteristic% I #! n!t i&a$ine that &uch has been un(!l#e#)+ +3ell%+ sai# Charl!tte% +I "ish Jane success "ith all &y heart/ an# i( she "ere &arrie# t! hi& t!-&!rr!"% I sh!ul# thin she ha# as $!!# a chance !( ha''iness as i( she "ere t! be stu#yin$ his character (!r a t"elve&!nth) Ha''iness in &arria$e is entirely a &atter !( chance) I( the #is'!siti!ns !( the 'arties are ever s! "ell n!"n t! each !ther !r ever s! si&ilar be(!rehan#% it #!es n!t a#vance their (elicity in the least) They al"ays c!ntinue t! $r!" su((iciently unli e a(ter"ar#s t! have their share !( ve*ati!n/ an# it is better t! n!" as little as '!ssible !( the #e(ects !( the 'ers!n "ith "h!& y!u are t! 'ass y!ur li(e)+ +2!u &a e &e lau$h% Charl!tte/ but it is n!t s!un#) 2!u n!" it is n!t s!un#% an# that y!u "!ul# never act in this "ay y!ursel()+ 4ccu'ie# in !bservin$ ,r) -in$ley;s attenti!ns t! her sister% Eli8abeth "as (ar (r!& sus'ectin$ that she "as hersel( bec!&in$ an !b1ect !( s!&e interest in the eyes !( his (rien#) ,r) Darcy ha# at (irst scarcely all!"e# her t! be 'retty/ he ha# l!! e# at her "ith!ut a#&irati!n at the ball/ an# "hen they ne*t &et% he l!! e# at her !nly t! critici8e) -ut n! s!!ner ha# he &a#e it clear t! hi&sel( an# his (rien#s that she ha# har#ly a $!!# (eature in her (ace% than he be$an t! (in# it "as ren#ere# unc!&&!nly intelli$ent by the beauti(ul e*'ressi!n !( her #ar eyes) T! this #isc!very succee#e# s!&e !thers e9ually &!rti(yin$) Th!u$h he ha# #etecte# "ith a critical eye &!re than !ne (ailure !( 'er(ect sy&&etry in her (!r&% he "as (!rce# t! ac n!"le#$e her (i$ure t! be li$ht an# 'leasin$/ an# in s'ite !( his assertin$ that her &anners "ere n!t th!se !( the (ashi!nable "!rl#% he "as cau$ht by their easy 'lay(ulness) 4( this she "as 'er(ectly una"are/- t! her he "as !nly the &an "h! &a#e hi&sel( a$reeable n!"here% an# "h! ha# n!t th!u$ht her han#s!&e en!u$h t!% #ance "ith) He be$an t! "ish t! n!" &!re !( her% an# as a ste' t!"ar#s c!nversin$ "ith her hi&sel(% atten#e# t! her c!nversati!n "ith !thers) His #!in$ s! #re" her n!tice) It "as at 6ir 3illia& 0ucas;s% "here a lar$e 'arty "ere asse&ble#) +3hat #!es ,r) Darcy &ean%+ sai# she t! Charl!tte% +by listenin$ t! &y c!nversati!n "ith C!l!nel >!rster.+ +That is a 9uesti!n "hich ,r) Darcy !nly can ans"er)+ +-ut i( he #!es it any &!re I shall certainly let hi& n!" that I see "hat he is ab!ut) He has a very satirical eye% an# i( I #! n!t

be$in by bein$ i&'ertinent &ysel(% I shall s!!n $r!" a(rai# !( hi&)+ 4n his a''r!achin$ the& s!!n a(ter"ar#s% th!u$h "ith!ut see&in$ t! have any intenti!n !( s'ea in$% ,iss 0ucas #e(ie# her (rien# t! &enti!n such a sub1ect t! hi&/ "hich i&&e#iately 'r!v! in$ Eli8abeth t! #! it% she turne# t! hi& an# sai#+Di# n!t y!u thin % ,r) Darcy% that I e*'resse# &ysel( unc!&&!nly "ell 1ust n!"% "hen I "as teasin$ C!l!nel >!rster t! $ive us a ball at ,eryt!n.+ +3ith $reat ener$y/- but it is a sub1ect "hich al"ays &a es a la#y ener$etic)+ +2!u are severe !n us)+ +It "ill be her turn s!!n t! be tease#%+ sai# ,iss 0ucas) +I a& $!in$ t! !'en the instru&ent% Eli8a% an# y!u n!" "hat (!ll!"s)+ +2!u are a very stran$e creature by "ay !( a (rien#5- al"ays "antin$ &e t! 'lay an# sin$ be(!re anyb!#y an# everyb!#y5 I( &y vanity ha# ta en a &usical turn% y!u "!ul# have been invaluable/ but as it is% I "!ul# really rather n!t sit #!"n be(!re th!se "h! &ust be in the habit !( hearin$ the very best 'er(!r&ers)+ 4n ,iss 0ucas;s 'erseverin$% h!"ever% she a##e#% +@ery "ell/ i( it &ust be s!% it &ust)+ An# $ravely $lancin$ at ,r) Darcy% +There is a (ine !l# sayin$% "hich everyb!#y here is !( c!urse (a&iliar "ith- ;<ee' y!ur breath t! c!!l y!ur '!rri#$e%;- an# I shall ee' &ine t! s"ell &y s!n$)+ Her 'er(!r&ance "as 'leasin$% th!u$h by n! &eans ca'ital) A(ter a s!n$ !r t"!% an# be(!re she c!ul# re'ly t! the entreaties !( several that she "!ul# sin$ a$ain% she "as ea$erly succee#e# at the instru&ent by her sister ,ary% "h! havin$% in c!nse9uence !( bein$ the !nly 'lain !ne in the (a&ily% "!r e# har# (!r n!"le#$e an# acc!&'lish&ents% "as al"ays i&'atient (!r #is'lay) ,ary ha# neither $enius n!r taste/ an# th!u$h vanity ha# $iven her a''licati!n% it ha# $iven her li e"ise a 'e#antic air an# c!nceite# &anner% "hich "!ul# have in1ure# a hi$her #e$ree !( e*cellence than she ha# reache#) Eli8abeth% easy an# una((ecte#% ha# been listene# t! "ith &uch &!re 'leasure% th!u$h n!t 'layin$ hal( s! "ell/ an# ,ary% at the en# !( a l!n$ c!ncert!% "as $la# t! 'urchase 'raise an# $ratitu#e by 6c!tch an# Irish airs% at the re9uest !( her y!un$er sisters% "h!% "ith s!&e !( the 0ucases% an# t"! !r three !((icers% 1!ine# ea$erly in #ancin$ at !ne en# !( the r!!&) ,r) Darcy st!!# near the& in silent in#i$nati!n at such a &!#e !( 'assin$ the evenin$% t! the e*clusi!n !( all c!nversati!n% an# "as t!! &uch en$r!sse# by his th!u$hts t! 'erceive that 6ir 3illia& 0ucas "as his nei$hb!r% till 6ir 3illia& thus be$an% +3hat a char&in$ a&use&ent (!r y!un$ 'e!'le this is% ,r) Darcy5 There is n!thin$ li e #ancin$ a(ter all) I c!nsi#er it as !ne !( the (irst re(ine&ents !( '!lishe# s!cieties)+ +Certainly% sir/ an# it has the a#vanta$e als! !( bein$ in v!$ue a&!n$st the less '!lishe# s!cieties !( the "!rl#) Every sava$e can #ance)+ 6ir 3illia& !nly s&ile#) +2!ur (rien# 'er(!r&s #eli$ht(ully%+ he c!ntinue# a(ter a 'ause% !n seein$ -in$ley 1!in the $r!u'/- +an# I #!ubt n!t that y!u are an a#e't in the science y!ursel(% ,r) Darcy)+ +2!u sa" &e #ance at ,eryt!n% I believe% sir)+ +2es% in#ee#% an# receive# n! inc!nsi#erable 'leasure (r!& the

si$ht) D! y!u !(ten #ance at 6t) Ja&es;s.+ +Never% sir)+ +D! y!u n!t thin it "!ul# be a 'r!'er c!&'li&ent t! the 'lace.+ +It is a c!&'li&ent "hich I never 'ay t! any 'lace i( I can av!i# it)+ +2!u have a h!use in t!"n% I c!nclu#e.+ ,r) Darcy b!"e#) +I ha# !nce s!&e th!u$hts !( (i*in$ in t!"n &ysel(- (!r I a& (!n# !( su'eri!r s!ciety/ but I #i# n!t (eel 9uite certain that the air !( 0!n#!n "!ul# a$ree "ith 0a#y 0ucas)+ He 'ause# in h!'es !( an ans"er/ but his c!&'ani!n "as n!t #is'!se# t! &a e any/ an# Eli8abeth at that instant &!vin$ t!"ar#s the&% he "as struc "ith the acti!n !( #!in$ a very $allant thin$% an# calle# !ut t! her+,y #ear ,iss Eli8a% "hy are n!t y!u #ancin$.- ,r) Darcy% y!u &ust all!" &e t! 'resent this y!un$ la#y t! y!u as a very #esirable 'artner) 2!u cann!t re(use t! #ance% I a& sure% "hen s! &uch beauty is be(!re y!u)+ An#% ta in$ her han#% he "!ul# have $iven it t! ,r) Darcy "h!% th!u$h e*tre&ely sur'rise#% "as n!t un"illin$ t! receive it% "hen she instantly #re" bac % an# sai# "ith s!&e #isc!&'!sure t! 6ir 3illia&+In#ee#% sir% I have n!t the least intenti!n !( #ancin$) I entreat y!u n!t t! su''!se that I &!ve# this "ay in !r#er t! be$ (!r a 'artner)+ ,r) Darcy% "ith $rave 'r!'riety% re9ueste# t! be all!"e# the h!n!r !( her han#% but in vain) Eli8abeth "as #eter&ine#/ n!r #i# 6ir 3illia& at all sha e her 'ur'!se by his atte&'t at 'ersuasi!n) +2!u e*cel s! &uch in the #ance% ,iss Eli8a% that it is cruel t! #eny &e the ha''iness !( seein$ y!u/ an# th!u$h this $entle&an #isli es the a&use&ent in $eneral% he can have n! !b1ecti!n% I a& sure% t! !bli$e us (!r !ne hal(-h!ur)+ +,r) Darcy is all '!liteness%+ sai# Eli8abeth% s&ilin$) +He is in#ee#/ but c!nsi#erin$ the in#uce&ent% &y #ear ,iss Eli8a% "e cann!t "!n#er at his c!&'laisance- (!r "h! "!ul# !b1ect t! such a 'artner.+ Eli8abeth l!! e# archly% an# turne# a"ay) Her resistance ha# n!t in1ure# her "ith the $entle&an% an# he "as thin in$ !( her "ith s!&e c!&'lacency% "hen thus acc!ste# by ,iss -in$ley+I can $uess the sub1ect !( y!ur reverie)+ +I sh!ul# i&a$ine n!t)+ +2!u are c!nsi#erin$ h!" insu''!rtable it "!ul# be t! 'ass &any evenin$s in this &anner- in such s!ciety/ an# in#ee# I a& 9uite !( y!ur !'ini!n) I "as never &!re ann!ye#5 The insi'i#ity% an# yet the n!ise- the n!thin$ness% an# yet the sel(-i&'!rtance !( all th!se 'e!'le5 3hat "!ul# I $ive t! hear y!ur strictures !n the&5+ +2!ur c!n1ecture is t!tally "r!n$% I assure y!u) ,y &in# "as &!re a$reeably en$a$e#) I have been &e#itatin$ !n the very $reat 'leasure "hich a 'air !( (ine eyes in the (ace !( a 'retty "!&an can best!")+ ,iss -in$ley i&&e#iately (i*e# her eyes !n his (ace% an# #esire# he "!ul# tell her "hat la#y ha# the cre#it !( ins'irin$ such re(lecti!ns) ,r) Darcy re'lie# "ith $reat intre'i#ity+,iss Eli8abeth -ennet)+

+,iss Eli8abeth -ennet5+ re'eate# ,iss -in$ley) +I a& all ast!nish&ent) H!" l!n$ has she been such a (av!rite.- an# 'ray% "hen a& I t! "ish y!u 1!y.+ +That is e*actly the 9uesti!n "hich I e*'ecte# y!u t! as ) A la#y;s i&a$inati!n is very ra'i#/ it 1u&'s (r!& a#&irati!n t! l!ve% (r!& l!ve t! &atri&!ny% in a &!&ent) I ne" y!u "!ul# be "ishin$ &e 1!y)+ +Nay% i( y!u are seri!us ab!ut it% I shall c!nsi#er the &atter as abs!lutely settle#) 2!u "ill have a char&in$ &!ther-in-la"% in#ee#/ an#% !( c!urse% she "ill be al"ays at Pe&berley "ith y!u)+ He listene# t! her "ith 'er(ect in#i((erence "hile she ch!se t! entertain hersel( in this &anner/ an# as his c!&'!sure c!nvince# her that all "as sa(e% her "it (l!"e# l!n$) CHAPTER:@II CHAPTER @II ,R) -ENNET;6 'r!'erty c!nsiste# al&!st entirely in an estate !( t"! th!usan# a-year% "hich% un(!rtunately (!r his #au$hters% "as entaile#% in #e(ault !( heirs &ale% !n a #istant relati!n/ an# their &!ther;s (!rtune% th!u$h a&'le (!r her situati!n in li(e% c!ul# but ill su''ly the #e(iciency !( his) Her (ather ha# been an att!rney in ,eryt!n% an# ha# le(t her (!ur th!usan# '!un#s) 6he ha# a sister &arrie# t! a ,r) Phili's% "h! ha# been a cler t! their (ather an# succee#e# hi& in the business% an# a br!ther settle# in 0!n#!n in a res'ectable line !( tra#e) The villa$e !( 0!n$b!urn "as !nly !ne &ile (r!& ,eryt!n/ a &!st c!nvenient #istance (!r the y!un$ la#ies% "h! "ere usually te&'te# thither three !r (!ur ti&es a "ee % t! 'ay their #uty t! their aunt an# t! a &illiner;s sh!' 1ust !ver the "ay) The t"! y!un$est !( the (a&ily% Catherine an# 0y#ia% "ere 'articularly (re9uent in these attenti!ns/ their &in#s "ere &!re vacant than their sisters;% an# "hen n!thin$ better !((ere#% a "al t! ,eryt!n "as necessary t! a&use their &!rnin$ h!urs an# (urnish c!nversati!n (!r the evenin$/ an# h!"ever bare !( ne"s the c!untry in $eneral &i$ht be% they al"ays c!ntrive# t! learn s!&e (r!& their aunt) At 'resent% in#ee#% they "ere "ell su''lie# b!th "ith ne"s an# ha''iness by the recent arrival !( a &ilitia re$i&ent in the nei$hb!rh!!#/ it "as t! re&ain the "h!le "inter% an# ,eryt!n "as the hea#-9uarters) Their visits t! ,rs) Phili's "ere n!" 'r!#uctive !( the &!st interestin$ intelli$ence) Every #ay a##e# s!&ethin$ t! their n!"le#$e !( the !((icers; na&es an# c!nnecti!ns) Their l!#$in$s "ere n!t l!n$ a secret% an# at len$th they be$an t! n!" the !((icers the&selves) ,r) Phili's visite# the& all% an# this !'ene# t! his nieces a s!urce !( (elicity un n!"n be(!re) They c!ul# tal !( n!thin$ but !((icers/ an# ,r) -in$ley;s lar$e (!rtune% the &enti!n !( "hich $ave ani&ati!n t! their &!ther% "as "!rthless in their eyes "hen !''!se# t! the re$i&entals !( an ensi$n) A(ter listenin$ !ne &!rnin$ t! their e((usi!ns !( this sub1ect% ,r) -ennet c!!lly !bserve#+>r!& all that I can c!llect by y!ur &anner !( tal in$% y!u &ust be t"! !( the silliest $irls in the c!untry) I have sus'ecte# it

s!&e ti&e% but I a& n!" c!nvince#)+ Catherine "as #isc!ncerte#% an# &a#e n! ans"er/ but 0y#ia% "ith 'er(ect in#i((erence% c!ntinue# t! e*'ress her a#&irati!n !( Ca'tain Carter% an# her h!'e !( seein$ hi& in the c!urse !( the #ay% as he "as $!in$ the ne*t &!rnin$ t! 0!n#!n) +I a& ast!nishe#% &y #ear%+ sai# ,rs) -ennet% +that y!u sh!ul# be s! rea#y t! thin y!ur !"n chil#ren silly) I( I "ishe# t! thin sli$htin$ly !( anyb!#y;s chil#ren% it sh!ul# n!t be !( &y !"n% h!"ever)+ +I( &y chil#ren are silly% I &ust h!'e t! be al"ays sensible !( it)+ +2es- but as it ha''ens% they are all !( the& very clever)+ +This is the !nly '!int% I (latter &ysel(% !n "hich "e #! n!t a$ree) I ha# h!'e# that !ur senti&ents c!inci#e# in every 'articular% but I &ust s! (ar #i((er (r!& y!u as t! thin !ur t"! y!un$est #au$hters unc!&&!nly (!!lish)+ +,y #ear ,r) -ennet% y!u &ust n!t e*'ect such $irls t! have the sense !( their (ather an# &!ther) 3hen they $et t! !ur a$e% I #are say they "ill n!t thin ab!ut !((icers any &!re than "e #!) I re&e&ber the ti&e "hen I li e# a re# c!at &ysel( very "ell- an#% in#ee#% s! I #! still at &y heart/ an# i( a s&art y!un$ c!l!nel% "ith (ive !r si* th!usan# a-year% sh!ul# "ant !ne !( &y $irls I shall n!t say nay t! hi&/ an# I th!u$ht C!l!nel >!rster l!! e# very bec!&in$ the !ther ni$ht at 6ir 3illia&;s in his re$i&entals)+ +,a&&a%+ crie# 0y#ia% +&y aunt says that C!l!nel >!rster an# Ca'tain Carter #! n!t $! s! !(ten t! ,iss 3ats!n;s as they #i# "hen they (irst ca&e/ she sees the& n!" very !(ten stan#in$ in Clar e;s library)+ ,rs) -ennet "as 'revente# re'lyin$ by the entrance !( the (!!t&an "ith a n!te (!r ,iss -ennet/ it ca&e (r!& Nether(iel#% an# the servant "aite# (!r an ans"er) ,rs) -ennet;s eyes s'ar le# "ith 'leasure% an# she "as ea$erly callin$ !ut% "hile her #au$hter rea#+3ell% Jane% "h! is it (r!&. "hat is it ab!ut. "hat #!es he say. 3ell% Jane% &a e haste an# tell us/ &a e haste% &y l!ve)+ +It is (r!& ,iss -in$ley%+ sai# Jane% an# then rea# it al!u#) +,2 DEAR >RIEND%+I( y!u are n!t s! c!&'assi!nate as t! #ine t!-#ay "ith 0!uisa an# &e% "e shall be in #an$er !( hatin$ each !ther (!r the rest !( !ur lives% (!r a "h!le #ay;s tete-a-tete bet"een t"! "!&en can never en# "ith!ut a 9uarrel) C!&e as s!!n as y!u can !n the recei't !( this) ,y br!ther an# the $entle&en are t! #ine "ith the !((icers)- 2!urs ever% CAR40INE -IN?0E2)+ +3ith the !((icers5+ crie# 0y#ia) +I "!n#er &y aunt #i# n!t tell us !( that)+ +Dinin$ !ut%+ sai# ,rs) -ennet% +that is very unluc y)+ +Can I have the carria$e.+ sai# Jane) +N!% &y #ear% y!u ha# better $! !n h!rsebac % because it see&s li ely t! rain/ an# then y!u &ust stay all ni$ht)+ +That "!ul# be a $!!# sche&e%+ sai# Eli8abeth% +i( y!u "ere sure that they "!ul# n!t !((er t! sen# her h!&e)+ +4h5 but the $entle&en "ill have ,r) -in$ley;s chaise t! $! t!

,eryt!n/ an# the Hursts have n! h!rses t! theirs)+ +I ha# &uch rather $! in the c!ach)+ +-ut% &y #ear% y!ur (ather cann!t s'are the h!rses% I a& sure) They are "ante# in the (ar&% ,r) -ennet% are n!t they.+ +They are "ante# in the (ar& &uch !(tener than I can $et the&)+ +-ut i( y!u have $!t the& t!-#ay%+ sai# Eli8abeth% +&y &!ther;s 'ur'!se "ill be ans"ere#)+ 6he #i# at last e*t!rt (r!& her (ather an ac n!"le#$&ent that the h!rses "ere en$a$e#/ Jane "as there(!re !bli$e# t! $! !n h!rsebac % an# her &!ther atten#e# her t! the #!!r "ith &any cheer(ul 'r!$n!stics !( a ba# #ay) Her h!'es "ere ans"ere#/ Jane ha# n!t been $!ne l!n$ be(!re it raine# har#) Her sisters "ere uneasy (!r her% but her &!ther "as #eli$hte#) The rain c!ntinue# the "h!le evenin$ "ith!ut inter&issi!n/ Jane certainly c!ul# n!t c!&e bac ) +This "as a luc y i#ea !( &ine% in#ee#5+ sai# ,rs) -ennet &!re than !nce% as i( the cre#it !( &a in$ it rain "ere all her !"n) Till the ne*t &!rnin$% h!"ever% she "as n!t a"are !( all the (elicity !( her c!ntrivance) -rea (ast "as scarcely !ver "hen a servant (r!& Nether(iel# br!u$ht the (!ll!"in$ n!te (!r Eli8abeth7+,2 DEARE6T 0IAA2%+I (in# &ysel( very un"ell this &!rnin$% "hich% I su''!se% is t! be i&'ute# t! &y $ettin$ "et thr!u$h yester#ay) ,y in# (rien#s "ill n!t hear !( &y returnin$ h!&e till I a& better) They insist als! !n &y seein$ ,r) J!nes- there(!re #! n!t be alar&e# i( y!u sh!ul# hear !( his havin$ been t! &e- an#% e*ce'tin$ a s!re-thr!at an# hea#ache% there is n!t &uch the &atter "ith &e)- 2!urs% =c)+ +3ell% &y #ear%+ sai# ,r) -ennet% "hen Eli8abeth ha# rea# the n!te al!u#% +i( y!ur #au$hter sh!ul# have a #an$er!us (it !( illness- i( she sh!ul# #ie% it "!ul# be a c!&(!rt t! n!" that it "as all in 'ursuit !( ,r) -in$ley% an# un#er y!ur !r#ers)+ +4h5 I a& n!t at all a(rai# !( her #yin$) Pe!'le #! n!t #ie !( little tri(lin$ c!l#s) 6he "ill be ta en $!!# care !() As l!n$ as she stays there% it is all very "ell) I "!ul# $! an# see her i( I c!ul# have the carria$e)+ Eli8abeth% (eelin$ really an*i!us% "as #eter&ine# t! $! t! her% th!u$h the carria$e "as n!t t! be ha#/ an# as she "as n! h!rse"!&an% "al in$ "as her !nly alternative) 6he #eclare# her res!luti!n) +H!" can y!u be s! silly%+ crie# her &!ther% +as t! thin !( such a thin$% in all this #irt5 2!u "ill n!t be (it t! be seen "hen y!u $et there)+ +I shall be very (it t! see Jane- "hich is all I "ant)+ +Is this a hint t! &e% 0i88y%+ sai# her (ather% +t! sen# (!r the h!rses.+ +N!% in#ee#) I #! n!t "ish t! av!i# the "al ) The #istance is n!thin$ "hen !ne has a &!tive/ !nly three &iles) I shall be bac by #inner)+ +I a#&ire the activity !( y!ur benev!lence%+ !bserve# ,ary% +but every i&'ulse !( (eelin$ sh!ul# be $ui#e# by reas!n/ an#% in &y !'ini!n% e*erti!n sh!ul# al"ays be in 'r!'!rti!n t! "hat is re9uire#)+ +3e "ill $! as (ar as ,eryt!n "ith y!u%+ sai# Catherine an# 0y#ia)

Eli8abeth acce'te# their c!&'any% an# the three y!un$ la#ies set !(( t!$ether) +I( "e &a e haste%+ sai# 0y#ia% as they "al e# al!n$% +'erha's "e &ay see s!&ethin$ !( Ca'tain Carter be(!re he $!es)+ In ,eryt!n they 'arte#/ the t"! y!un$est re'aire# t! the l!#$in$s !( !ne !( the !((icers; "ives% an# Eli8abeth c!ntinue# her "al al!ne% cr!ssin$ (iel# a(ter (iel# at a 9uic 'ace% 1u&'in$ !ver stiles an# s'rin$in$ !ver 'u##les "ith i&'atient activity% an# (in#in$ hersel( at last "ithin vie" !( the h!use% "ith "eary an les% #irty st!c in$s% an# a (ace $l!"in$ "ith the "ar&th !( e*ercise) 6he "as sh!"n int! the brea (ast-'arl!r% "here all but Jane "ere asse&ble#% an# "here her a''earance create# a $reat #eal !( sur'rise) That she sh!ul# have "al e# three &iles s! early in the #ay% in such #irty "eather% an# by hersel(% "as al&!st incre#ible t! ,rs) Hurst an# ,iss -in$ley/ an# Eli8abeth "as c!nvince# that they hel# her in c!nte&'t (!r it) 6he "as receive#% h!"ever% very '!litely by the&/ an# in their br!ther;s &anners there "as s!&ethin$ better than '!liteness/ there "as $!!# hu&!r an# in#ness) ,r) Darcy sai# very little% an# ,r) Hurst n!thin$ at all) The (!r&er "as #ivi#e# bet"een a#&irati!n !( the brilliancy "hich e*ercise ha# $iven t! her c!&'le*i!n% an# #!ubt as t! the !ccasi!n;s 1usti(yin$ her c!&in$ s! (ar al!ne) The latter "as thin in$ !nly !( his brea (ast) Her in9uiries a(ter her sister "ere n!t very (av!rably ans"ere#) ,iss -ennet ha# sle't ill% an# th!u$h u'% "as very (everish% an# n!t "ell en!u$h t! leave her r!!&) Eli8abeth "as $la# t! be ta en t! her i&&e#iately/ an# Jane% "h! ha# !nly been "ithhel# by the (ear !( $ivin$ alar& !r inc!nvenience (r!& e*'ressin$ in her n!te h!" &uch she l!n$e# (!r such a visit% "as #eli$hte# at her entrance) 6he "as n!t e9ual% h!"ever% t! &uch c!nversati!n% an# "hen ,iss -in$ley le(t the& t!$ether% c!ul# atte&'t little besi#e e*'ressi!ns !( $ratitu#e (!r the e*tra!r#inary in#ness she "as treate# "ith) Eli8abeth silently atten#e# her) 3hen brea (ast "as !ver they "ere 1!ine# by the sisters/ an# Eli8abeth be$an t! li e the& hersel(% "hen she sa" h!" &uch a((ecti!n an# s!licitu#e they sh!"e# (!r Jane) The a'!thecary ca&e% an# havin$ e*a&ine# his 'atient% sai#% as &i$ht be su''!se#% that she ha# cau$ht a vi!lent c!l#% an# that they &ust en#eav!r t! $et the better !( it/ a#vise# her t! return t! be#% an# 'r!&ise# her s!&e #rau$hts) The a#vice "as (!ll!"e# rea#ily% (!r the (everish sy&'t!&s increase#% an# her hea# ache# acutely) Eli8abeth #i# n!t 9uit her r!!& (!r a &!&ent/ n!r "ere the !ther la#ies !(ten absent7 the $entle&en bein$ !ut% they ha#% in (act% n!thin$ t! #! else"here) 3hen the cl!c struc three% Eli8abeth (elt that she &ust $!% an# very un"illin$ly sai# s!) ,iss -in$ley !((ere# her the carria$e% an# she !nly "ante# a little 'ressin$ t! acce't it% "hen Jane testi(ie# such c!ncern in 'artin$ "ith her% that ,iss -in$ley "as !bli$e# t! c!nvert the !((er !( the chaise int! an invitati!n t! re&ain at Nether(iel# (!r the 'resent) Eli8abeth &!st than (ully c!nsente#% an# a servant "as #is'atche# t! 0!n$b!urn t! ac9uaint the (a&ily "ith her stay an# brin$ bac a su''ly !( cl!thes) CHAPTER:@III

CHAPTER @III AT (ive !;cl!c the t"! la#ies retire# t! #ress% an# at hal(-'ast si* Eli8abeth "as su&&!ne# t! #inner) T! the civil in9uiries "hich then '!ure# in% an# a&!n$st "hich she ha# the 'leasure !( #istin$uishin$ the &uch su'eri!r s!licitu#e !( ,r) -in$ley;s% she c!ul# n!t &a e a very (av!rable ans"er) Jane "as by n! &eans better) The sisters% !n hearin$ this% re'eate# three !r (!ur ti&es h!" &uch they "ere $rieve#% h!" sh!c in$ it "as t! have a ba# c!l#% an# h!" e*cessively they #isli e# bein$ ill the&selves/ an# then th!u$ht n! &!re !( the &atter7 an# their in#i((erence t!"ar#s Jane "hen n!t i&&e#iately be(!re the& rest!re# Eli8abeth t! the en1!y&ent !( all her !ri$inal #isli e) Their br!ther% in#ee#% "as the !nly !ne !( the 'arty "h!& she c!ul# re$ar# "ith any c!&'lacency) His an*iety (!r Jane "as evi#ent% an# his attenti!ns t! hersel( &!st 'leasin$% an# they 'revente# her (eelin$ hersel( s! &uch an intru#er as she believe# she "as c!nsi#ere# by the !thers) 6he ha# very little n!tice (r!& any but hi&) ,iss -in$ley "as en$r!sse# by ,r) Darcy% her sister scarcely less s!/ an# as (!r ,r) Hurst% by "h!& Eli8abeth sat% he "as an in#!lent &an% "h! live# !nly t! eat% #rin % an# 'lay at car#s/ "h!% "hen he (!un# her 're(er a 'lain #ish t! a ra$!ut% ha# n!thin$ t! say t! her) 3hen #inner "as !ver% she returne# #irectly t! Jane% an# ,iss -in$ley be$an abusin$ her as s!!n as she "as !ut !( the r!!&) Her &anners "ere 'r!n!unce# t! be very ba# in#ee#% a &i*ture !( 'ri#e an# i&'ertinence/ she ha# n! c!nversati!n% n! style% n! taste% n! beauty) ,rs) Hurst th!u$ht the sa&e% an# a##e#+6he has n!thin$% in sh!rt% t! rec!&&en# her% but bein$ an e*cellent "al er) I shall never (!r$et her a''earance this &!rnin$) 6he really l!! e# al&!st "il#)+ +6he #i#% in#ee#% 0!uisa) I c!ul# har#ly ee' &y c!untenance) @ery n!nsensical t! c!&e at all5 3hy &ust she be sca&'erin$ ab!ut the c!untry% because her sister ha# a c!l#. Her hair% s! unti#y% s! bl!"sy5+ +2es% an# her 'ettic!at/ I h!'e y!u sa" her 'ettic!at% si* inches #ee' in &u#% I a& abs!lutely certain/ an# the $!"n "hich ha# been let #!"n t! hi#e it n!t #!in$ its !((ice)+ +2!ur 'icture &ay be very e*act% 0!uisa%+ sai# -in$ley/ +but this "as all l!st u'!n &e) I th!u$ht ,iss Eli8abeth -ennet l!! e# re&ar ably "ell "hen she ca&e int! the r!!& this &!rnin$) Her #irty 'ettic!at 9uite esca'e# &y n!tice)+ +2!u !bserve# it% ,r) Darcy% I a& sure%+ sai# ,iss -in$ley/ +an# I a& incline# t! thin that y!u "!ul# n!t "ish t! see y!ur sister &a e such an e*hibiti!n)+ +Certainly n!t)+ +T! "al three &iles% !r (!ur &iles% !r (ive &iles% !r "hatever it is% ab!ve her an les in #irt% an# al!ne% 9uite al!ne5 "hat c!ul# she &ean by it. It see&s t! &e t! sh!" an ab!&inable s!rt !( c!nceite# in#e'en#ence% a &!st c!untry-t!"n in#i((erence t! #ec!ru&)+ +It sh!"s an a((ecti!n (!r her sister that is very 'leasin$%+ sai# -in$ley) +I a& a(rai#% ,r) Darcy%+ !bserve# ,iss -in$ley% in a hal(

"his'er% +that this a#venture has rather a((ecte# y!ur a#&irati!n !( her (ine eyes)+ +N!t at all%+ he re'lie#/ +they "ere bri$htene# by the e*ercise)+ A sh!rt 'ause (!ll!"e# this s'eech% an# ,rs) Hurst be$an a$ain+I have an e*cessive re$ar# (!r Jane -ennet% she is really a very s"eet $irl% an# I "ish "ith all &y heart she "ere "ell settle#) -ut "ith such a (ather an# &!ther% an# such l!" c!nnecti!ns% I a& a(rai# there is n! chance !( it)+ +I thin I have hear# y!u say that their uncle is an att!rney in ,eryt!n)+ +2es/ an# they have an!ther% "h! lives s!&e"here near Chea'si#e)+ +That is ca'ital%+ a##e# her sister% an# they b!th lau$he# heartily) +I( they ha# uncles en!u$h t! (ill all Chea'si#e%+ crie# -in$ley% +it "!ul# n!t &a e the& !ne 1!t less a$reeable)+ +-ut it &ust very &aterially lessen their chance !( &arryin$ &en !( any c!nsi#erati!n in the "!rl#%+ re'lie# Darcy) T! this s'eech -in$ley &a#e n! ans"er/ but his sisters $ave it their hearty assent% an# in#ul$e# their &irth (!r s!&e ti&e at the e*'ense !( their #ear (rien#;s vul$ar relati!ns) 3ith a rene"al !( ten#erness% h!"ever% they re'aire# t! her r!!& !n leavin$ the #inin$-'arl!r% an# sat "ith her till su&&!ne# t! c!((ee) 6he "as still very '!!rly% an# Eli8abeth "!ul# n!t 9uit her at all% till late in the evenin$% "hen she ha# the c!&(!rt !( seein$ her aslee'% an# "hen it a''eare# t! her rather ri$ht than 'leasant that she sh!ul# $! #!"nstairs hersel() 4n enterin$ the #ra"in$-r!!& she (!un# the "h!le 'arty at l!!% an# "as i&&e#iately invite# t! 1!in the&/ but sus'ectin$ the& t! be 'layin$ hi$h% she #ecline# it% an# &a in$ her sister the e*cuse% sai# she "!ul# a&use hersel(% (!r the sh!rt ti&e she c!ul# stay bel!"% "ith a b!! ) ,r) Hurst l!! e# at her "ith ast!nish&ent) +D! y!u 're(er rea#in$ t! car#s.+ sai# he/ +that is rather sin$ular)+ +,iss Eli8a -ennet%+ sai# ,iss -in$ley% +#es'ises car#s) 6he is a $reat rea#er% an# has n! 'leasure in anythin$ else)+ +I #eserve neither such 'raise n!r such censure%+ crie# Eli8abeth/ +I a& n!t a $reat rea#er% an# I have 'leasure in &any thin$s)+ +In nursin$ y!ur sister I a& sure y!u have 'leasure%+ sai# -in$ley/ +an# I h!'e it "ill s!!n be increase# by seein$ her 9uite "ell)+ Eli8abeth than e# hi& (r!& her heart% an# then "al e# t!"ar#s a table "here a (e" b!! s "ere lyin$) He i&&e#iately !((ere# t! (etch her !thers- all that his library a((!r#e#) +An# I "ish &y c!llecti!n "ere lar$er (!r y!ur bene(it an# &y !"n cre#it/ but I a& an i#le (ell!"% an# th!u$h I have n!t &any% I have &!re than I ever l!! int!)+ Eli8abeth assure# hi& that she c!ul# suit hersel( 'er(ectly "ith th!se in the r!!&) +I a& ast!nishe#%+ sai# ,iss -in$ley% +that &y (ather sh!ul# have le(t s! s&all a c!llecti!n !( b!! s) ;3hat a #eli$ht(ul library y!u have at Pe&berley% ,r) Darcy5 +It !u$ht t! be $!!#%+ he re'lie#% +it has been the "!r !( &any $enerati!ns)+

+An# then y!u have a##e# s! &uch t! it y!ursel(% y!u are al"ays buyin$ b!! s)+ +I cann!t c!&'rehen# the ne$lect !( a (a&ily library in such #ays as these)+ +Ne$lect5 I a& sure y!u ne$lect n!thin$ that can a## t! the beauties !( that n!ble 'lace) Charles% "hen y!u buil# y!ur h!use% I "ish it &ay be hal( as #eli$ht(ul as Pe&berley)+ +I "ish it &ay)+ +-ut I "!ul# really a#vise y!u t! &a e y!ur 'urchase in that nei$hb!rh!!#% an# ta e Pe&berley (!r a in# !( &!#el) There is n!t a (iner c!unty in En$lan# than Derbyshire)+ +3ith all &y heart/ I "ill buy Pe&berley itsel( i( Darcy "ill sell it)+ +I a& tal in$ !( '!ssibilities% Charles)+ +U'!n &y "!r#% Car!line% I sh!ul# thin it &!re '!ssible t! $et Pe&berley by 'urchase than by i&itati!n)+ Eli8abeth "as s! &uch cau$ht by "hat 'asse#% as t! leave her very little attenti!n (!r her b!! / an# s!!n layin$ it "h!lly asi#e% she #re" near the car#-table% an# stati!ne# hersel( bet"een ,r) -in$ley an# his el#est sister% t! !bserve the $a&e) +Is ,iss Darcy &uch $r!"n since the s'rin$.+ sai# ,iss -in$ley/ +"ill she be as tall as I a&.+ +I thin she "ill) 6he is n!" ab!ut ,iss Eli8abeth -ennet;s hei$ht% !r rather taller)+ +H!" I l!n$ t! see her a$ain5 I never &et "ith anyb!#y "h! #eli$hte# &e s! &uch) 6uch a c!untenance% such &anners5 an# s! e*tre&ely acc!&'lishe# (!r her a$e5 Her 'er(!r&ance !n the 'ian!(!rte is e*9uisite)+ +It is a&a8in$ t! &e%+ sai# -in$ley% +h!" y!un$ la#ies can have 'atience t! be s! very acc!&'lishe# as they all are)+ +All y!un$ la#ies acc!&'lishe#5 ,y #ear Charles% "hat #! y!u &ean.+ +2es% all !( the&% I thin ) They all 'aint tables% c!ver screens% an# net 'urses) I scarcely n!" any !ne "h! cann!t #! all this% an# I a& sure I never hear# a y!un$ la#y s'! en !( (!r the (irst ti&e% "ith!ut bein$ in(!r&e# that she "as very acc!&'lishe#)+ +2!ur list !( the c!&&!n e*tent !( acc!&'lish&ents%+ sai# Darcy% +has t!! &uch truth) The "!r# is a''lie# t! &any a "!&an "h! #eserves it n! !ther"ise than by nettin$ a 'urse !r c!verin$ a screen) -ut I a& very (ar (r!& a$reein$ "ith y!u in y!ur esti&ati!n !( la#ies in $eneral) I cann!t b!ast !( n!"in$ &!re than hal(-a-#!8en% in the "h!le ran$e !( &y ac9uaintance% that are really acc!&'lishe#)+ +N!r I% I a& sure%+ sai# ,iss -in$ley) +Then%+ !bserve# Eli8abeth% +y!u &ust c!&'rehen# a $reat #eal in y!ur i#ea !( an acc!&'lishe# "!&an)+ +2es% I #! c!&'rehen# a $reat #eal in it)+ +4h5 certainly%+ crie# his (aith(ul assistant% +n! !ne can be really estee&e# acc!&'lishe# "h! #!es n!t $reatly sur'ass "hat is usually &et "ith) A "!&an &ust have a th!r!u$h n!"le#$e !( &usic% sin$in$% #ra"in$% #ancin$% an# the &!#ern lan$ua$es% t! #eserve the "!r#/ an# besi#es all this% she &ust '!ssess a certain s!&ethin$ in her air an# &anner !( "al in$% the t!ne !( her v!ice% her a##ress an# e*'ressi!ns% !r the "!r# "ill be but hal(-#eserve#)+

+All this she &ust '!ssess%+ a##e# Darcy% +an# t! all this she &ust yet a## s!&ethin$ &!re substantial% in the i&'r!ve&ent !( her &in# by e*tensive rea#in$)+ +I a& n! l!n$er sur'rise# at y!ur n!"in$ !nly si* acc!&'lishe# "!&en) I rather "!n#er n!" at y!ur n!"in$ any)+ +Are y!u s! severe u'!n y!ur !"n se* as t! #!ubt the '!ssibility !( all this.+ +I never sa" such a "!&an) I never sa" such ca'acity% an# taste% an# a''licati!n% an# ele$ance% as y!u #escribe unite#)+ ,rs) Hurst an# ,iss -in$ley b!th crie# !ut a$ainst the in1ustice !( her i&'lie# #!ubt% an# "ere b!th 'r!testin$ that they ne" &any "!&en "h! ans"ere# this #escri'ti!n% "hen ,r) Hurst calle# the& t! !r#er% "ith bitter c!&'laints !( their inattenti!n t! "hat "as $!in$ (!r"ar#) As all c!nversati!n "as thereby at an en#% Eli8abeth s!!n a(ter"ar#s le(t the r!!&) +Eli8a -ennet%+ sai# ,iss -in$ley% "hen the #!!r "as cl!se# !n her% +is !ne !( th!se y!un$ la#ies "h! see t! rec!&&en# the&selves t! the !ther se* by un#ervaluin$ their !"n/ an# "ith &any &en% I #are say% it succee#s) -ut% in &y !'ini!n% it is a 'altry #evice% a very &ean art)+ +Un#!ubte#ly%+ re'lie# Darcy% t! "h!& this re&ar "as chie(ly a##resse#% +there is &eanness in all the arts "hich la#ies s!&eti&es c!n#escen# t! e&'l!y (!r ca'tivati!n) 3hatever bears a((inity t! cunnin$ is #es'icable)+ ,iss -in$ley "as n!t s! entirely satis(ie# "ith this re'ly as t! c!ntinue the sub1ect) Eli8abeth 1!ine# the& a$ain !nly t! say that her sister "as "!rse% an# that she c!ul# n!t leave her) -in$ley ur$e# ,r) J!nes;s bein$ sent (!r i&&e#iately/ "hile his sisters% c!nvince# that n! c!untry a#vice c!ul# be !( any service% rec!&&en#e# an e*'ress t! t!"n (!r !ne !( the &!st e&inent 'hysicians) This she "!ul# n!t hear !(/ but she "as n!t s! un"illin$ t! c!&'ly "ith their br!ther;s 'r!'!sal/ an# it "as settle# that ,r) J!nes sh!ul# be sent (!r early in the &!rnin$% i( ,iss -ennet "ere n!t #eci#e#ly better) -in$ley "as 9uite unc!&(!rtable/ his sisters #eclare# that they "ere &iserable) They s!lace# their "retche#ness% h!"ever% by #uets a(ter su''er% "hile he c!ul# (in# n! better relie( t! his (eelin$s than by $ivin$ his h!use ee'er #irecti!ns that every '!ssible attenti!n &i$ht be 'ai# t! the sic la#y an# her sister) CHAPTER:IB CHAPTER IB E0IAA-ETH 'asse# the chie( !( the ni$ht in her sister;s r!!&% an# in the &!rnin$ ha# the 'leasure !( bein$ able t! sen# a t!lerable ans"er t! the in9uiries "hich she very early receive# (r!& ,r) -in$ley by a h!use&ai#% an# s!&e ti&e a(ter"ar#s (r!& the t"! ele$ant la#ies "h! "aite# !n his sisters) In s'ite !( this a&en#&ent% h!"ever% she re9ueste# t! have a n!te sent t! 0!n$b!urn% #esirin$ her &!ther t! visit Jane% an# (!r& her !"n 1u#$&ent !( her situati!n) The n!te "as i&&e#iately #is'atche#% an# its c!ntents as 9uic ly c!&'lie# "ith) ,rs) -ennet% acc!&'anie# by her t"! y!un$est $irls% reache#

Nether(iel# s!!n a(ter the (a&ily brea (ast) Ha# she (!un# Jane in any a''arent #an$er% ,rs) -ennet "!ul# have been very &iserable/ but bein$ satis(ie# !n seein$ her that her illness "as n!t alar&in$% she ha# n! "ish !( her rec!verin$ i&&e#iately% as her rest!rati!n t! health "!ul# 'r!bably re&!ve her (r!& Nether(iel#) 6he "!ul# n!t listen% there(!re% t! her #au$hter;s 'r!'!sal !( bein$ carrie# h!&e/ neither #i# the a'!thecary% "h! arrive# ab!ut the sa&e ti&e% thin it at all a#visable) A(ter sittin$ a little "hile "ith Jane% !n ,iss -in$ley;s a''earance an# invitati!n% the &!ther an# three #au$hters all atten#e# her int! the brea (ast 'arl!r) -in$ley &et the& "ith h!'es that ,rs) -ennet ha# n!t (!un# ,iss -ennet "!rse than she e*'ecte#) +In#ee# I have% 6ir%+ "as her ans"er) +6he is a $reat #eal t!! ill t! be &!ve#) ,r) J!nes says "e &ust n!t thin !( &!vin$ her) 3e &ust tres'ass a little l!n$er !n y!ur in#ness)+ +Re&!ve#5+ crie# -in$ley) +It &ust n!t be th!u$ht !() ,y sister% I a& sure% "ill n!t hear !( her re&!val)+ +2!u &ay #e'en# u'!n it% ,a#a&%+ sai# ,iss -in$ley% "ith c!l# civility% +that ,iss -ennet shall receive every '!ssible attenti!n "hile she re&ains "ith us)+ ,rs) -ennet "as 'r!(use in her ac n!"le#$&ents) +I a& sure%+ she a##e#% +i( it "as n!t (!r such $!!# (rien#s I #! n!t n!" "hat "!ul# bec!&e !( her% (!r she is very ill in#ee#% an# su((ers a vast #eal% th!u$h "ith the $reatest 'atience in the "!rl#% "hich is al"ays the "ay "ith her% (!r she has% "ith!ut e*ce'ti!n% the s"eetest te&'er I ever &et "ith) I !(ten tell &y !ther $irls they are n!thin$ t! her) 2!u have a s"eet r!!& here% ,r) -in$ley% an# a char&in$ 'r!s'ect !ver the $ravel "al ) I #! n!t n!" a 'lace in the c!untry that is e9ual t! Nether(iel#) 2!u "ill n!t thin !( 9uittin$ it in a hurry% I h!'e% th!u$h y!u have but a sh!rt lease)+ +3hatever I #! is #!ne in a hurry%+ re'lie# he/ +an# there(!re i( I sh!ul# res!lve t! 9uit Nether(iel#% I sh!ul# 'r!bably be !(( in (ive &inutes) At 'resent% h!"ever% I c!nsi#er &ysel( as 9uite (i*e# here)+ +That is e*actly "hat I sh!ul# have su''!se# !( y!u%+ sai# Eli8abeth) +2!u be$in t! c!&'rehen# &e% #! y!u.+ crie# he% turnin$ t!"ar#s her) +4h5 yes- I un#erstan# y!u 'er(ectly)+ +I "ish I &i$ht ta e this (!r a c!&'li&ent/ but t! be s! easily seen thr!u$h I a& a(rai# is 'iti(ul)+ +That is as it ha''ens) It #!es n!t necessarily (!ll!" that a #ee'% intricate character is &!re !r less esti&able than such a !ne as y!urs)+ +0i88y%+ crie# her &!ther% +re&e&ber "here y!u are% an# #! n!t run in the "il# &anner that y!u are su((ere# t! #! at h!&e)+ +I #i# n!t n!" be(!re%+ c!ntinue# -in$ley i&&e#iately% +that y!u "ere a stu#ier !( character) It &ust be an a&usin$ stu#y)+ +2es% but intricate characters are the &!st a&usin$) They have at least that a#vanta$e)+ +The c!untry%+ sai# Darcy% +can in $eneral su''ly but (e" sub1ects (!r such a stu#y) In a c!untry nei$hb!rh!!# y!u &!ve in a very c!n(ine# an# unvaryin$ s!ciety)+ +-ut 'e!'le the&selves alter s! &uch% that there is s!&ethin$ ne" t!

be !bserve# in the& (!r ever)+ +2es% in#ee#%+ crie# ,rs) -ennet% !((en#e# by his &anner !( &enti!nin$ a c!untry nei$hb!rh!!#) +I assure y!u there is 9uite as &uch !( that $!in$ !n in the c!untry as in t!"n)+ Everyb!#y "as sur'rise#% an# Darcy% a(ter l!! in$ at her (!r a &!&ent% turne# silently a"ay) ,rs) -ennet% "h! (ancie# she ha# $aine# a c!&'lete vict!ry !ver hi&% c!ntinue# her triu&'h) +I cann!t see that 0!n#!n has any $reat a#vanta$e !ver the c!untry% (!r &y 'art% e*ce't the sh!'s an# 'ublic 'laces) The c!untry is a vast #eal 'leasanter% is n!t it% ,r) -in$ley.+ +3hen I a& in the c!untry%+ he re'lie#% +I never "ish t! leave it/ an# "hen I a& in t!"n it is 'retty &uch the sa&e) They have each their a#vanta$es% an# I can be e9ually ha''y in either)+ +Aye- that is because y!u have the ri$ht #is'!siti!n) -ut that $entle&an%+ l!! in$ at Darcy% +see&e# t! thin the c!untry "as n!thin$ at all)+ +In#ee#% &a&&a% y!u are &ista en%+ sai# Eli8abeth% blushin$ (!r her &!ther) +2!u 9uite &ist!! ,r) Darcy) He !nly &eant that there "as n!t such a variety !( 'e!'le t! be &et "ith in the c!untry as in t!"n% "hich y!u &ust ac n!"le#$e t! be true)+ +Certainly% &y #ear% n!b!#y sai# there "ere/ but as t! n!t &eetin$ "ith &any 'e!'le in this nei$hb!rh!!#% I believe there are (e" nei$hb!rh!!#s lar$er) I n!" "e #ine "ith (!ur-an#-t"enty (a&ilies)+ N!thin$ but c!ncern (!r Eli8abeth c!ul# enable -in$ley t! ee' his c!untenance) His sister "as less #elicate% an# #irecte# her eye t!"ar#s ,r) Darcy "ith a very e*'ressive s&ile) Eli8abeth% (!r the sa e !( sayin$ s!&ethin$ that &i$ht turn her &!ther;s th!u$hts% n!" as e# her i( Charl!tte 0ucas ha# been at 0!n$b!urn since her c!&in$ a"ay) +2es% she calle# yester#ay "ith her (ather) 3hat an a$reeable &an 6ir 3illia& is% ,r) -in$ley- is n!t he. s! &uch the &an !( (ashi!n5 s! $enteel an# s! easy5- He has al"ays s!&ethin$ t! say t! everyb!#y)That is &y i#ea !( $!!# bree#in$/ an# th!se 'ers!ns "h! (ancy the&selves very i&'!rtant% an# never !'en their &!uths% 9uite &ista e the &atter)+ +Di# Charl!tte #ine "ith y!u.+ +N!% she "!ul# $! h!&e) I (ancy she "as "ante# ab!ut the &ince-'ies) >!r &y 'art% ,r) -in$ley% I al"ays ee' servants that can #! their !"n "!r / &y #au$hters are br!u$ht u' #i((erently) -ut everyb!#y is t! 1u#$e (!r the&selves% an# the 0ucases are a very $!!# s!rt !( $irls% I assure y!u) It is a 'ity they are n!t han#s!&e5 N!t that I thin Charl!tte s! very 'lain- but then she is !ur 'articular (rien#)+ +6he see&s a very 'leasant y!un$ "!&an%+ sai# -in$ley) +4h5 #ear% yes/- but y!u &ust !"n she is very 'lain) 0a#y 0ucas hersel( has !(ten sai# s!% an# envie# &e Jane;s beauty) I #! n!t li e t! b!ast !( &y !"n chil#% but t! be sure% Jane- !ne #!es n!t !(ten see anyb!#y better l!! in$) It is "hat everyb!#y says) I #! n!t trust &y !"n 'artiality) 3hen she "as !nly (i(teen% there "as a $entle&an at &y br!ther ?ar#iner;s in t!"n s! &uch in l!ve "ith her that &y sister-in-la" "as sure he "!ul# &a e her an !((er be(!re "e ca&e a"ay) -ut% h!"ever% he #i# n!t) Perha's he th!u$ht her t!! y!un$) H!"ever% he "r!te s!&e verses !n her% an# very 'retty they "ere)+

+An# s! en#e# his a((ecti!n%+ sai# Eli8abeth i&'atiently) +There has been &any a !ne% I (ancy% !verc!&e in the sa&e "ay) I "!n#er "h! (irst #isc!vere# the e((icacy !( '!etry in #rivin$ a"ay l!ve5+ +I have been use# t! c!nsi#er '!etry as the (!!# !( l!ve%+ sai# Darcy) +4( a (ine% st!ut% healthy l!ve it &ay) Everythin$ n!urishes "hat is str!n$ alrea#y) -ut i( it be !nly a sli$ht% thin s!rt !( inclinati!n% I a& c!nvince# that !ne $!!# s!nnet "ill starve it entirely a"ay)+ Darcy !nly s&ile#/ an# the $eneral 'ause "hich ensue# &a#e Eli8abeth tre&ble lest her &!ther sh!ul# be e*'!sin$ hersel( a$ain) 6he l!n$e# t! s'ea % but c!ul# thin !( n!thin$ t! say/ an# a(ter a sh!rt silence ,rs) -ennet be$an re'eatin$ her than s t! ,r) -in$ley (!r his in#ness t! Jane% "ith an a'!l!$y (!r tr!ublin$ hi& als! "ith 0i88y) ,r) -in$ley "as una((ecte#ly civil in his ans"er% an# (!rce# his y!un$er sister t! be civil als!% an# say "hat the !ccasi!n re9uire#) 6he 'er(!r&e# her 'art in#ee# "ith!ut &uch $raci!usness% but ,rs) -ennet "as satis(ie#% an# s!!n a(ter"ar#s !r#ere# her carria$e) U'!n this si$nal% the y!un$est !( her #au$hters 'ut hersel( (!r"ar#) The t"! $irls ha# been "his'erin$ t! each !ther #urin$ the "h!le visit% an# the result !( it "as% that the y!un$est sh!ul# ta* ,r) -in$ley "ith havin$ 'r!&ise# !n his (irst c!&in$ int! the c!untry t! $ive a ball at Nether(iel#) 0y#ia "as a st!ut% "ell-$r!"n $irl !( (i(teen% "ith a (ine c!&'le*i!n an# $!!#-hu&!re# c!untenance/ a (av!rite "ith her &!ther% "h!se a((ecti!n ha# br!u$ht her int! 'ublic at an early a$e) 6he ha# hi$h ani&al s'irits% an# a s!rt !( natural sel(-c!nse9uence% "hich the attenti!n !( the !((icers% t! "h!& her uncle;s $!!# #inners an# her !"n easy &anners rec!&&en#e# her% ha# increase# int! assurance) 6he "as very e9ual% there(!re% t! a##ress ,r) -in$ley !n the sub1ect !( the ball% an# abru'tly re&in#e# hi& !( his 'r!&ise/ a##in$% that it "!ul# be the &!st sha&e(ul thin$ in the "!rl# i( he #i# n!t ee' it) His ans"er t! this su##en attac "as #eli$ht(ul t! her &!ther;s ear+I a& 'er(ectly rea#y% I assure y!u% t! ee' &y en$a$e&ent/ an# "hen y!ur sister is rec!vere#% y!u shall% i( y!u 'lease% na&e the very #ay !( the ball) -ut y!u "!ul# n!t "ish t! be #ancin$ "hile she is ill)+ 0y#ia #eclare# hersel( satis(ie#) +4h5 yes- it "!ul# be &uch better t! "ait till Jane "as "ell% an# by that ti&e &!st li ely Ca'tain Carter "!ul# be at ,eryt!n a$ain) An# "hen y!u have $iven y!ur ball%+ she a##e#% +I shall insist !n their $ivin$ !ne als!) I shall tell C!l!nel >!rster it "ill be 9uite a sha&e i( he #!es n!t)+ ,rs) -ennet an# her #au$hters then #e'arte#% an# Eli8abeth returne# instantly t! Jane% leavin$ her !"n an# her relati!ns; behavi!r t! the re&ar s !( the t"! la#ies an# ,r) Darcy/ the latter !( "h!&% h!"ever% c!ul# n!t be 'revaile# !n t! 1!in in their censure !( her% in s'ite !( all ,iss -in$ley;s "itticis&s !n (ine eyes) CHAPTER:B CHAPTER B THE #ay 'asse# &uch as the #ay be(!re ha# #!ne) ,rs) Hurst an#

,iss -in$ley ha# s'ent s!&e h!urs !( the &!rnin$ "ith the invali#% "h! c!ntinue#% th!u$h sl!"ly% t! &en#/ an# in the evenin$ Eli8abeth 1!ine# their 'arty in the #ra"in$-r!!&) The l!!-table% h!"ever% #i# n!t a''ear) ,r) Darcy "as "ritin$% an# ,iss -in$ley% seate# near hi&% "as "atchin$ the 'r!$ress !( his letter an# re'eate#ly callin$ !(( his attenti!n by &essa$es t! his sister) ,r) Hurst an# ,r) -in$ley "ere at 'i9uet% an# ,rs) Hurst "as !bservin$ their $a&e) Eli8abeth t!! u' s!&e nee#le"!r % an# "as su((iciently a&use# in atten#in$ t! "hat 'asse# bet"een Darcy an# his c!&'ani!n) The 'er'etual c!&&en#ati!ns !( the la#y% either !n his han#-"ritin$% !r !n the evenness !( his lines% !r !n the len$th !( his letter% "ith the 'er(ect unc!ncern "ith "hich her 'raises "ere receive#% (!r&e# a curi!us #ial!$ue% an# "as e*actly in unis!n "ith her !'ini!n !( each) +H!" #eli$hte# ,iss Darcy "ill be t! receive such a letter5+ He &a#e n! ans"er) +2!u "rite unc!&&!nly (ast)+ +2!u are &ista en) I "rite rather sl!"ly)+ +H!" &any letters y!u &ust have !ccasi!n t! "rite in the c!urse !( a year5 0etters !( business% t!!5 H!" !#i!us I sh!ul# thin the&5+ +It is (!rtunate% then% that they (all t! &y l!t instea# !( t! y!urs)+ +Pray tell y!ur sister that I l!n$ t! see her)+ +I have alrea#y t!l# her s! !nce% by y!ur #esire)+ +I a& a(rai# y!u #! n!t li e y!ur 'en) 0et &e &en# it (!r y!u) I &en# 'ens re&ar ably "ell)+ +Than y!u- but I al"ays &en# &y !"n)+ +H!" can y!u c!ntrive t! "rite s! even.+ He "as silent) +Tell y!ur sister I a& #eli$hte# t! hear !( her i&'r!ve&ent !n the har'/ an# 'ray let her n!" that I a& 9uite in ra'tures "ith her beauti(ul little #esi$n (!r a table% an# I thin it in(initely su'eri!r t! ,iss ?rantley;s)+ +3ill y!u $ive &e leave t! #e(er y!ur ra'tures till I "rite a$ain. At 'resent I have n!t r!!& t! #! the& 1ustice)+ +4h5 it is !( n! c!nse9uence) I shall see her in January) -ut #! y!u al"ays "rite such char&in$ l!n$ letters t! her% ,r) Darcy.+ +They are $enerally l!n$/ but "hether al"ays char&in$ it is n!t (!r &e t! #eter&ine)+ +It is a rule "ith &e% that a 'ers!n "h! can "rite a l!n$ letter "ith ease% cann!t "rite ill)+ +That "ill n!t #! (!r a c!&'li&ent t! Darcy% Car!line%+ crie# her br!ther- +because he #!es n!t "rite "ith ease) He stu#ies t!! &uch (!r "!r#s !( (!ur syllables) D! n!t y!u% Darcy.+ +,y style !( "ritin$ is very #i((erent (r!& y!urs)+ +4h5+ crie# ,iss -in$ley% +Charles "rites in the &!st careless "ay i&a$inable) He leaves !ut hal( his "!r#s% an# bl!ts the rest)+ +,y i#eas (l!" s! ra'i#ly that I have n!t ti&e t! e*'ress the&- by "hich &eans &y letters s!&eti&es c!nvey n! i#eas at all t! &y c!rres'!n#ents)+ +2!ur hu&ility% ,r) -in$ley%+ sai# Eli8abeth% +&ust #isar& re'r!!()+ +N!thin$ is &!re #eceit(ul%+ sai# Darcy% +than the a''earance !( hu&ility) It is !(ten !nly carelessness !( !'ini!n% an# s!&eti&es an

in#irect b!ast)+ +An# "hich !( the t"! #! y!u call &y little recent 'iece !( &!#esty.+ +The in#irect b!ast/ (!r y!u are really 'r!u# !( y!ur #e(ects in "ritin$% because y!u c!nsi#er the& as 'r!cee#in$ (r!& a ra'i#ity !( th!u$ht an# carelessness !( e*ecuti!n% "hich% i( n!t esti&able% y!u thin at least hi$hly interestin$) The '!"er !( #!in$ anythin$ "ith 9uic ness is al"ays &uch 'ri8e# by the '!ssess!r% an# !(ten "ith!ut any attenti!n t! the i&'er(ecti!n !( the 'er(!r&ance) 3hen y!u t!l# ,rs) -ennet this &!rnin$% that i( y!u ever res!lve# !n 9uittin$ Nether(iel# y!u sh!ul# be $!ne in (ive &inutes% y!u &eant it t! be a s!rt !( 'ane$yric !( c!&'li&ent t! y!ursel(- an# yet "hat is there s! very lau#able in a 'reci'itance "hich &ust leave very necessary business un#!ne% an# can be !( n! real a#vanta$e t! y!ursel( !r any !ne else.+ +Nay%+ crie# -in$ley% +this is t!! &uch% t! re&e&ber at ni$ht all the (!!lish thin$s that "ere sai# in the &!rnin$) An# yet% u'!n &y h!n!r% I believe# "hat I sai# !( &ysel( t! be true% an# I believe it at this &!&ent) At least% there(!re% I #i# n!t assu&e the character !( nee#less 'reci'itance &erely t! sh!" !(( be(!re the la#ies)+ +I #are say y!u believe# it/ but I a& by n! &eans c!nvince# that y!u "!ul# be $!ne "ith such celerity) 2!ur c!n#uct "!ul# be 9uite as #e'en#ent !n chance as that !( any &an I n!"/ an# i(% as y!u "ere &!untin$ y!ur h!rse% a (rien# "ere t! say% ;-in$ley% y!u ha# better stay till ne*t "ee %; y!u "!ul# 'r!bably #! it% y!u "!ul# 'r!bably n!t $!- an# at an!ther "!r#% &i$ht stay a &!nth)+ +2!u have !nly 'r!ve# by this%+ crie# Eli8abeth% +that ,r) -in$ley #i# n!t #! 1ustice t! his !"n #is'!siti!n) 2!u have sh!"n hi& !(( n!" &uch &!re than he #i# hi&sel()+ +I a& e*cee#in$ly $rati(ie#%+ sai# -in$ley% +by y!ur c!nvertin$ "hat &y (rien# says int! a c!&'li&ent !n the s"eetness !( &y te&'er) -ut I a& a(rai# y!u are $ivin$ it a turn "hich that $entle&an #i# by n! &eans inten#/ (!r he "!ul# certainly thin the better !( &e% i( un#er such a circu&stance I "ere t! $ive a (lat #enial% an# ri#e !(( as (ast as I c!ul#)+ +3!ul# ,r) Darcy then c!nsi#er the rashness !( y!ur !ri$inal intenti!n as at!ne# (!r by y!ur !bstinacy in a#herin$ t! it.+ +U'!n &y "!r#% I cann!t e*actly e*'lain the &atter/ Darcy &ust s'ea (!r hi&sel()+ +2!u e*'ect &e t! acc!unt (!r !'ini!ns "hich y!u ch!!se t! call &ine% but "hich I have never ac n!"le#$e#) All!"in$ the case% h!"ever% t! stan# acc!r#in$ t! y!ur re'resentati!n% y!u &ust re&e&ber% ,iss -ennet% that the (rien# "h! is su''!se# t! #esire his return t! the h!use% an# the #elay !( his 'lan% has &erely #esire# it% as e# it "ith!ut !((erin$ !ne ar$u&ent in (av!r !( its 'r!'riety)+ +T! yiel# rea#ily- easily- t! the 'ersuasi!n !( a (rien# is n! &erit "ith y!u)+ +T! yiel# "ith!ut c!nvicti!n is n! c!&'li&ent t! the un#erstan#in$ !( either)+ +2!u a''ear t! &e% ,r) Darcy% t! all!" n!thin$ (!r the in(luence !( (rien#shi' an# a((ecti!n) A re$ar# (!r the re9uester "!ul# !(ten &a e !ne rea#ily yiel# t! a re9uest% "ith!ut "aitin$ (!r ar$u&ents

t! reas!n !ne int! it) I a& n!t 'articularly s'ea in$ !( such a case as y!u have su''!se# ab!ut ,r) -in$ley) 3e &ay as "ell "ait% 'erha's% till the circu&stance !ccurs be(!re "e #iscuss the #iscreti!n !( his behavi!r thereu'!n) -ut in $eneral an# !r#inary cases bet"een (rien# an# (rien#% "here !ne !( the& is #esire# by the !ther t! chan$e a res!luti!n !( n! very $reat &!&ent% sh!ul# y!u thin ill !( that 'ers!n (!r c!&'lyin$ "ith the #esire% "ith!ut "aitin$ t! be ar$ue# int! it.+ +3ill it n!t be a#visable% be(!re "e 'r!cee# !n this sub1ect% t! arran$e "ith rather &!re 'recisi!n the #e$ree !( i&'!rtance "hich is t! a''ertain t! this re9uest% as "ell as the #e$ree !( inti&acy subsistin$ bet"een the 'arties.+ +-y all &eans%+ crie# -in$ley/ +let us hear all the 'articulars% n!t (!r$ettin$ their c!&'arative hei$ht an# si8e/ (!r that "ill have &!re "ei$ht in the ar$u&ent% ,iss -ennet% than y!u &ay be a"are !() I assure y!u% that i( Darcy "ere n!t such a $reat tall (ell!"% in c!&'aris!n "ith &ysel(% I sh!ul# n!t 'ay hi& hal( s! &uch #e(erence) I #eclare I #! n!t n!" a &!re a"(ul !b1ect than Darcy% !n 'articular !ccasi!ns% an# in 'articular 'laces/ at his !"n h!use es'ecially% an# !( a 6un#ay evenin$% "hen he has n!thin$ t! #!)+ ,r) Darcy s&ile#/ but Eli8abeth th!u$ht she c!ul# 'erceive that he "as rather !((en#e#% an# there(!re chec e# her lau$h) ,iss -in$ley "ar&ly resente# the in#i$nity he ha# receive#% in an e*'!stulati!n "ith her br!ther (!r tal in$ such n!nsense) +I see y!ur #esi$n% -in$ley%+ sai# his (rien#)- +2!u #isli e an ar$u&ent% an# "ant t! silence this)+ +Perha's I #!) Ar$u&ents are t!! &uch li e #is'utes) I( y!u an# ,iss -ennet "ill #e(er y!urs till I a& !ut !( the r!!&% I shall be very than (ul/ an# then y!u &ay say "hatever y!u li e !( &e)+ +3hat y!u as %+ sai# Eli8abeth% +is n! sacri(ice !n &y si#e/ an# ,r) Darcy ha# &uch better (inish his letter)+ ,r) Darcy t!! her a#vice% an# #i# (inish his letter) 3hen that business "as !ver% he a''lie# t! ,iss -in$ley an# Eli8abeth (!r the in#ul$ence !( s!&e &usic) ,iss -in$ley &!ve# "ith alacrity t! the 'ian!(!rte/ an#% a(ter a '!lite re9uest that Eli8abeth "!ul# lea# the "ay% "hich the !ther as '!litely an# &!re earnestly ne$ative#% she seate# hersel() ,rs) Hurst san$ "ith her sister% an# "hile they "ere thus e&'l!ye#% Eli8abeth c!ul# n!t hel' !bservin$% as she turne# !ver s!&e &usic-b!! s that lay !n the instru&ent% h!" (re9uently ,r) Darcy;s eyes "ere (i*e# !n her) 6he har#ly ne" h!" t! su''!se that she c!ul# be an !b1ect !( a#&irati!n t! s! $reat a &an/ an# yet that he sh!ul# l!! at her because he #isli e# her% "as still &!re stran$e) 6he c!ul# !nly i&a$ine h!"ever at last% that she #re" his n!tice because there "as a s!&ethin$ ab!ut her &!re "r!n$ an# re'rehensible% acc!r#in$ t! his i#eas !( ri$ht% than in any !ther 'ers!n 'resent) The su''!siti!n #i# n!t 'ain her) 6he li e# hi& t!! little t! care (!r his a''r!bati!n) A(ter 'layin$ s!&e Italian s!n$s% ,iss -in$ley varie# the char& by a lively 6c!tch air/ an# s!!n a(ter"ar#s ,r) Darcy% #ra"in$ near Eli8abeth% sai# t! her+D! n!t y!u (eel a $reat inclinati!n% ,iss -ennet% t! sei8e such

an !''!rtunity !( #ancin$ a reel.+ 6he s&ile#% but &a#e n! ans"er) He re'eate# the 9uesti!n% "ith s!&e sur'rise at her silence) +4h5+ sai# she% +I hear# y!u be(!re% but I c!ul# n!t i&&e#iately #eter&ine "hat t! say in re'ly) 2!u "ante# &e% I n!"% t! say ;2es%; that y!u &i$ht have the 'leasure !( #es'isin$ &y taste/ but I al"ays #eli$ht in !verthr!"in$ th!se in# !( sche&es% an# cheatin$ a 'ers!n !( their 're&e#itate# c!nte&'t) I have% there(!re% &a#e u' &y &in# t! tell y!u% that I #! n!t "ant t! #ance a reel at all- an# n!" #es'ise &e i( y!u #are)+ +In#ee# I #! n!t #are)+ Eli8abeth% havin$ rather e*'ecte# t! a((r!nt hi&% "as a&a8e# at his $allantry/ but there "as a &i*ture !( s"eetness an# archness in her &anner "hich &a#e it #i((icult (!r her t! a((r!nt anyb!#y/ an# Darcy ha# never been s! be"itche# by any "!&an as he "as by her) He really believe#% that "ere it n!t (!r the in(eri!rity !( her c!nnecti!ns% he sh!ul# be in s!&e #an$er) ,iss -in$ley sa"% !r sus'ecte# en!u$h t! be 1eal!us/ an# her $reat an*iety (!r the rec!very !( her #ear (rien# Jane receive# s!&e assistance (r!& her #esire !( $ettin$ ri# !( Eli8abeth) 6he !(ten trie# t! 'r!v! e Darcy int! #isli in$ her $uest% by tal in$ !( their su''!se# &arria$e% an# 'lannin$ his ha''iness in such an alliance) +I h!'e%+ sai# she% as they "ere "al in$ t!$ether in the shrubbery the ne*t #ay% +y!u "ill $ive y!ur &!ther-in-la" a (e" hints% "hen this #esirable event ta es 'lace% as t! the a#vanta$e !( h!l#in$ her t!n$ue/ an# i( y!u can c!&'ass it% #! cure the y!un$er $irls !( runnin$ a(ter the !((icers)- An#% i( I &ay &enti!n s! #elicate a sub1ect% en#eav!r t! chec that little s!&ethin$% b!r#erin$ !n c!nceit an# i&'ertinence% "hich y!ur la#y '!ssesses)+ +Have y!u anythin$ else t! 'r!'!se (!r &y #!&estic (elicity.+ +4h5 yes)- D! let the '!rtraits !( y!ur uncle an# aunt Phili's be 'lace# in the $allery at Pe&berley) Put the& ne*t t! y!ur $reat-uncle the 1u#$e) They are in the sa&e 'r!(essi!n% y!u n!"/ !nly in #i((erent lines) As (!r y!ur Eli8abeth;s 'icture% y!u &ust n!t atte&'t t! have it ta en% (!r "hat 'ainter c!ul# #! 1ustice t! th!se beauti(ul eyes.+ +It "!ul# n!t be easy% in#ee#% t! teach their e*'ressi!n% but their c!l!r an# sha'e% an# the eyelashes% s! re&ar ably (ine% &i$ht be c!'ie#)+ At that &!&ent they "ere &et (r!& an!ther "al by ,rs) Hurst an# Eli8abeth hersel() +I #i# n!t n!" that y!u inten#e# t! "al %+ sai# ,iss -in$ley% in s!&e c!n(usi!n% lest they ha# been !verhear#) +2!u use# us ab!&inably ill%+ ans"ere# ,rs) Hurst% +runnin$ a"ay "ith!ut tellin$ us that y!u "ere c!&in$ !ut)+ Then ta in$ the #isen$a$e# ar& !( ,r) Darcy% she le(t Eli8abeth t! "al by hersel() The 'ath 1ust a#&itte# three) ,r) Darcy (elt their ru#eness% an# i&&e#iately sai#+This "al is n!t "i#e en!u$h (!r !ur 'arty) 3e ha# better $! int! the avenue)+ -ut Eli8abeth% "h! ha# n!t the least inclinati!n t! re&ain "ith

the&% lau$hin$ly ans"ere#+N!% n!/ stay "here y!u are) 2!u are char&in$ly $r!u'e#% an# a''ear t! unc!&&!n a#vanta$e) The 'ictures9ue "!ul# be s'!ilt by a#&ittin$ a (!urth) ?!!#-by)+ 6he then ran $ayly !((% re1!icin$% as she ra&ble# ab!ut% in the h!'e !( bein$ at h!&e a$ain in a #ay !r t"!) Jane "as alrea#y s! &uch rec!vere# as t! inten# leavin$ her r!!& (!r a c!u'le !( h!urs that evenin$) CHAPTER:BI CHAPTER BI 3HEN the la#ies re&!ve# a(ter #inner% Eli8abeth ran u' t! her sister% an# seein$ her "ell $uar#e# (r!& c!l#% atten#e# her int! the #ra"in$-r!!&% "here she "as "elc!&e# by her t"! (rien#s "ith &any 'r!(essi!ns !( 'leasure/ an# Eli8abeth ha# never seen the& s! a$reeable as they "ere #urin$ the h!ur "hich 'asse# be(!re the $entle&en a''eare#) Their '!"ers !( c!nversati!n "ere c!nsi#erable) They c!ul# #escribe an entertain&ent "ith accuracy% relate an anec#!te "ith hu&!r% an# lau$h at their ac9uaintance "ith s'irit) -ut "hen the $entle&en entere#% Jane "as n! l!n$er the (irst !b1ect/ ,iss -in$ley;s eyes "ere instantly turne# t!"ar#s Darcy% an# she ha# s!&ethin$ t! say t! hi& be(!re he ha# a#vance# &any ste's) He a##resse# hi&sel( t! ,iss -ennet% "ith a '!lite c!n$ratulati!n/ ,r) Hurst als! &a#e her a sli$ht b!"% an# sai# he "as +very $la#+/ but #i((useness an# "ar&th re&aine# (!r -in$ley;s salutati!n) He "as (ull !( 1!y an# attenti!n) The (irst hal(-h!ur "as s'ent in 'ilin$ u' the (ire% lest she sh!ul# su((er (r!& the chan$e !( r!!&/ an# she re&!ve# at his #esire t! the !ther si#e !( the (ire'lace% that she &i$ht be (arther (r!& the #!!r) He then sat #!"n by her% an# tal e# scarcely t! any !ne else) Eli8abeth% at "!r in the !''!site c!rner% sa" it all "ith $reat #eli$ht) 3hen tea "as !ver% ,r) Hurst re&in#e# his sister-in-la" !( the car#-table- but in vain) 6he ha# !btaine# 'rivate intelli$ence that ,r) Darcy #i# n!t "ish (!r car#s/ an# ,r) Hurst s!!n (!un# even his !'en 'etiti!n re1ecte#) 6he assure# hi& that n! !ne inten#e# t! 'lay% an# the silence !( the "h!le 'arty !n the sub1ect see&e# t! 1usti(y her) ,r) Hurst ha# there(!re n!thin$ t! #!% but t! stretch hi&sel( !n !ne !( the s!(as an# $! t! slee') Darcy t!! u' a b!! / ,iss -in$ley #i# the sa&e/ an# ,rs) Hurst% 'rinci'ally !ccu'ie# in 'layin$ "ith her bracelets an# rin$s% 1!ine# n!" an# then in her br!ther;s c!nversati!n "ith ,iss -ennet) ,iss -in$ley;s attenti!n "as 9uite as &uch en$a$e# in "atchin$ ,r) Darcy;s 'r!$ress thr!u$h his b!! % as in rea#in$ her !"n/ an# she "as 'er'etually either &a in$ s!&e in9uiry% !r l!! in$ at his 'a$e) 6he c!ul# n!t "in hi&% h!"ever% t! any c!nversati!n/ he &erely ans"ere# her 9uesti!n% an# rea# !n) At len$th% 9uite e*hauste# by the atte&'t t! be a&use# "ith her !"n b!! % "hich she ha# !nly ch!sen because it "as the sec!n# v!lu&e !( his% she $ave a $reat ya"n an# sai#% +H!" 'leasant it is t! s'en# an evenin$ in this "ay5 I #eclare a(ter all there is n! en1!y&ent li e rea#in$5 H!" &uch s!!ner !ne tires !( anythin$ than !( a b!! 5- 3hen I have a h!use !(

&y !"n% I shall be &iserable i( I have n!t an e*cellent library)+ N! !ne &a#e any re'ly) 6he then ya"ne# a$ain% thre" asi#e her b!! % an# cast her eyes r!un# the r!!& in 9uest !( s!&e a&use&ent/ "hen hearin$ her br!ther &enti!nin$ a ball t! ,iss -ennet% she turne# su##enly t!"ar#s hi& an# sai#+-y the bye% Charles% are y!u really seri!us in &e#itatin$ a #ance at Nether(iel#.- I "!ul# a#vise y!u% be(!re y!u #eter&ine !n it% t! c!nsult the "ishes !( the 'resent 'arty/ I a& &uch &ista en i( there are n!t s!&e a&!n$ us t! "h!& a ball "!ul# be rather a 'unish&ent than a 'leasure)+ +I( y!u &ean Darcy%+ crie# her br!ther% +he &ay $! t! be#% i( he ch!!ses% be(!re it be$ins- but as (!r the ball% it is 9uite a settle# thin$/ an# as s!!n as Nich!lls has &a#e "hite s!u' en!u$h% I shall sen# r!un# &y car#s)+ +I sh!ul# li e balls in(initely better%+ she re'lie#% +i( they "ere carrie# !n in a #i((erent &anner/ but there is s!&ethin$ insu((erably te#i!us in the usual 'r!cess !( such a &eetin$) It "!ul# surely be &uch &!re rati!nal i( c!nversati!n instea# !( #ancin$ &a#e the !r#er !( the #ay)+ +,uch &!re rati!nal% &y #ear Car!line% I #are say% but it "!ul# n!t be near s! &uch li e a ball)+ ,iss -in$ley &a#e n! ans"er% an# s!!n a(ter"ar#s $!t u' an# "al e# ab!ut the r!!&) Her (i$ure "as ele$ant% an# she "al e# "ell/- but Darcy% at "h!& it "as all ai&e# "as still in(le*ibly stu#i!us) In the #es'erati!n !( her (eelin$s% she res!lve# !n !ne e((!rt &!re% an#% turnin$ t! Eli8abeth% sai#+,iss Eli8a -ennet% let &e 'ersua#e y!u t! (!ll!" &y e*a&'le% an# ta e a turn ab!ut the r!!&)- I assure y!u it is very re(reshin$ a(ter sittin$ s! l!n$ in !ne attitu#e)+ Eli8abeth "as sur'rise#% but a$ree# t! it i&&e#iately) ,iss -in$ley succee#e# n! less in the real !b1ect !( her civility/ ,r) Darcy l!! e# u') He "as as &uch a"a e t! the n!velty !( attenti!n in that 9uarter as Eli8abeth hersel( c!ul# be% an# unc!nsci!usly cl!se# his b!! ) He "as #irectly invite# t! 1!in their 'arty% but he #ecline# it% !bservin$% that he c!ul# i&a$ine but t"! &!tives (!r their ch!!sin$ t! "al u' an# #!"n the r!!& t!$ether% "ith either !( "hich &!tives his 1!inin$ the& "!ul# inter(ere) +3hat c!ul# he &ean. she "as #yin$ t! n!" "hat c!ul# be his &eanin$+- an# as e# Eli8abeth "hether she c!ul# at all un#erstan# hi&. +N!t at all%+ "as her ans"er/ +but #e'en# u'!n it% he &eans t! be severe !n us% an# !ur surest "ay !( #isa''!intin$ hi& "ill be t! as n!thin$ ab!ut it)+ ,iss -in$ley% h!"ever% "as inca'able !( #isa''!intin$ ,r) Darcy in anythin$% an# 'ersevere# there(!re in re9uirin$ an e*'lanati!n !( his t"! &!tives) +I have n!t the s&allest !b1ecti!n t! e*'lainin$ the&%+ sai# he% as s!!n as she all!"e# hi& t! s'ea ) +2!u either ch!!se this &eth!# !( 'assin$ the evenin$ because y!u are in each !ther;s c!n(i#ence% an# have secret a((airs t! #iscuss% !r because y!u are c!nsci!us that y!ur (i$ures a''ear t! the $reatest a#vanta$e in "al in$/- i( the (irst% I sh!ul# be c!&'letely in y!ur "ay% an# i( the sec!n#% I can a#&ire y!u &uch better as I sit by the (ire)+

+4h5 sh!c in$5+ crie# ,iss -in$ley) +I never hear# anythin$ s! ab!&inable) H!" shall "e 'unish hi& (!r such a s'eech.+ +N!thin$ s! easy% i( y!u have but the inclinati!n%+ sai# Eli8abeth) +3e can all 'la$ue an# 'unish !ne an!ther) Tease hi&- lau$h at hi&)- Inti&ate as y!u are% y!u &ust n!" h!" it is t! be #!ne)+ +-ut u'!n &y h!n!r I #! n!t) I #! assure y!u that &y inti&acy has n!t yet tau$ht &e that) Tease cal&ness !( te&'er an# 'resence !( &in#5 N!% n!- I (eel he &ay #e(y us there) An# as t! lau$hter% "e "ill n!t e*'!se !urselves% i( y!u 'lease% by atte&'tin$ t! lau$h "ith!ut a sub1ect) ,r) Darcy &ay hu$ hi&sel()+ +,r) Darcy is n!t t! be lau$he# at5+ crie# Eli8abeth) +That is an unc!&&!n a#vanta$e% an# unc!&&!n I h!'e it "ill c!ntinue% (!r it "!ul# be a $reat l!ss t! &e t! have &any such ac9uaintance) I #early l!ve a lau$h)+ +,iss -in$ley%+ sai# he% +has $iven &e cre#it (!r &!re than can be) The "isest an# the best !( &en- nay% the "isest an# best !( their acti!ns- &ay be ren#ere# ri#icul!us by a 'ers!n "h!se (irst !b1ect in li(e is a 1! e)+ +Certainly%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth- +there are such 'e!'le% but I h!'e I a& n!t !ne !( the&) I h!'e I never ri#icule "hat is "ise !r $!!#) >!llies an# n!nsense% "hi&s an# inc!nsistencies% #! #ivert &e% I !"n% an# I lau$h at the& "henever I can- -ut these% I su''!se% are 'recisely "hat y!u are "ith!ut)+ +Perha's that is n!t '!ssible (!r any !ne) -ut it has been the stu#y !( &y li(e t! av!i# th!se "ea nesses "hich !(ten e*'!se a str!n$ un#erstan#in$ t! ri#icule)+ +6uch as vanity an# 'ri#e)+ +2es% vanity is a "ea ness in#ee#) -ut 'ri#e- "here there is a real su'eri!rity !( &in#% 'ri#e "ill be al"ays un#er $!!# re$ulati!n)+ Eli8abeth turne# a"ay t! hi#e a s&ile) +2!ur e*a&inati!n !( ,r) Darcy is !ver% I 'resu&e%+ sai# ,iss -in$ley/ +an# 'ray "hat is the result.+ +I a& 'er(ectly c!nvince# by it that ,r) Darcy has n! #e(ect) He !"ns it hi&sel( "ith!ut #is$uise)+ +N!+- sai# Darcy% +I have &a#e n! such 'retensi!n) I have (aults en!u$h% but they are n!t% I h!'e% !( un#erstan#in$) ,y te&'er I #are n!t v!uch (!r) It is% I believe% t!! little yiel#in$- certainly t!! little (!r the c!nvenience !( the "!rl#) I cann!t (!r$et the (!llies an# vices !( !thers s! s!!n as I !u$ht% n!r their !((enses a$ainst &ysel() ,y (eelin$s are n!t 'u((e# ab!ut "ith every atte&'t t! &!ve the&) ,y te&'er "!ul# 'erha's be calle# resent(ul)- ,y $!!# !'ini!n !nce l!st% is l!st (!r ever)+ +That is a (ailin$ in#ee#5+- crie# Eli8abeth) +I&'lacable resent&ent is a sha#e in a character) -ut y!u have ch!sen y!ur (ault "ell) I really cann!t lau$h at it) 2!u are sa(e (r!& &e)+ +There is% I believe% in every #is'!siti!n a ten#ency t! s!&e 'articular evil- a natural #e(ect% "hich n!t even the best e#ucati!n can !verc!&e)+ +An# y!ur #e(ect is a 'r!'ensity t! hate everyb!#y)+ +An# y!urs%+ he re'lie#% "ith a s&ile% +is "ill(ully t! &isun#erstan# the&)+ +D! let us have a little &usic%+ crie# ,iss -in$ley% tire# !( a

c!nversati!n in "hich she ha# n! share) +0!uisa% y!u "ill n!t &in# &y "a in$ ,r) Hurst.+ Her sister &a#e n!t the s&allest !b1ecti!n% an# the 'ian!(!rte "as !'ene#/ an# Darcy% a(ter a (e" &!&ents; rec!llecti!n% "as n!t s!rry (!r it) He be$an t! (eel the #an$er !( 'ayin$ Eli8abeth t!! &uch attenti!n) CHAPTER:BII CHAPTER BII IN c!nse9uence !( an a$ree&ent bet"een the sisters% Eli8abeth "r!te the ne*t &!rnin$ t! her &!ther% t! be$ that the carria$e &i$ht be sent (!r the& in the c!urse !( the #ay) -ut ,rs) -ennet% "h! ha# calculate# !n her #au$hters re&ainin$ at Nether(iel# till the (!ll!"in$ Tues#ay% "hich "!ul# e*actly (inish Jane;s "ee % c!ul# n!t brin$ hersel( t! receive the& "ith 'leasure be(!re) Her ans"er% there(!re% "as n!t 'r!'iti!us% at least n!t t! Eli8abeth;s "ishes% (!r she "as i&'atient t! $et h!&e) ,rs) -ennet sent the& "!r# that they c!ul# n!t '!ssibly have the carria$e be(!re Tues#ay/ an# in her '!stscri't it "as a##e#% that i( ,r) -in$ley an# his sister 'resse# the& t! stay l!n$er% she c!ul# s'are the& very "ell) A$ainst stayin$ l!n$er% h!"ever% Eli8abeth "as '!sitively res!lve#- n!r #i# she &uch e*'ect it "!ul# be as e#/ an# (ear(ul% !n the c!ntrary% as bein$ c!nsi#ere# as intru#in$ the&selves nee#lessly l!n$% she ur$e# Jane t! b!rr!" ,r) -in$ley;s carria$e i&&e#iately% an# at len$th it "as settle# that their !ri$inal #esi$n !( leavin$ Nether(iel# that &!rnin$ sh!ul# be &enti!ne#% an# the re9uest &a#e) The c!&&unicati!n e*cite# &any 'r!(essi!ns !( c!ncern/ an# en!u$h "as sai# !( "ishin$ the& t! stay at least till the (!ll!"in$ #ay t! "!r !n Jane/ an# till the &!rr!" their $!in$ "as #e(erre#) ,iss -in$ley "as then s!rry that she ha# 'r!'!se# the #elay% (!r her 1eal!usy an# #isli e !( !ne sister &uch e*cee#e# her a((ecti!n (!r the !ther) The &aster !( the h!use hear# "ith real s!rr!" that they "ere t! $! s! s!!n% an# re'eate#ly trie# t! 'ersua#e ,iss -ennet that it "!ul# n!t be sa(e (!r her- that she "as n!t en!u$h rec!vere#/ but Jane "as (ir& "here she (elt hersel( t! be ri$ht) T! ,r) Darcy it "as "elc!&e intelli$ence- Eli8abeth ha# been at Nether(iel# l!n$ en!u$h) 6he attracte# hi& &!re than he li e#- an# ,iss -in$ley "as uncivil t! her% an# &!re teasin$ than usual t! hi&sel() He "isely res!lve# t! be 'articularly care(ul that n! si$n !( a#&irati!n sh!ul# n!" esca'e hi&% n!thin$ that c!ul# elevate her "ith the h!'e !( in(luencin$ his (elicity/ sensible that i( such an i#ea ha# been su$$este#% his behavi!r #urin$ the last #ay &ust have &aterial "ei$ht in c!n(ir&in$ !r crushin$ it) 6tea#y t! his 'ur'!se% he scarcely s'! e ten "!r#s t! her thr!u$h the "h!le !( 6atur#ay% an# th!u$h they "ere at !ne ti&e le(t by the&selves (!r hal(-an-h!ur% he a#here# &!st c!nscienti!usly t! his b!! % an# "!ul# n!t even l!! at her) 4n 6un#ay% a(ter &!rnin$ service% the se'arati!n% s! a$reeable t! al&!st all% t!! 'lace) ,iss -in$ley;s civility t! Eli8abeth increase# at last very ra'i#ly% as "ell as her a((ecti!n (!r Jane/ an# "hen they

'arte#% a(ter assurin$ the latter !( the 'leasure it "!ul# al"ays $ive her t! see her either at 0!n$b!urn !r Nether(iel#% an# e&bracin$ her &!st ten#erly% she even sh!! han#s "ith the (!r&er) Eli8abeth t!! leave !( the "h!le 'arty in the liveliest s'irits) They "ere n!t "elc!&e# h!&e very c!r#ially by their &!ther) ,rs) -ennet "!n#ere# at their c!&in$% an# th!u$ht the& very "r!n$ t! $ive s! &uch tr!uble% an# "as sure Jane "!ul# have cau$ht c!l# a$ain- -ut their (ather% th!u$h very lac!nic in his e*'ressi!ns !( 'leasure% "as really $la# t! see the&/ he ha# (elt their i&'!rtance in the (a&ily circle) The evenin$ c!nversati!n% "hen they "ere all asse&ble#% ha# l!st &uch !( its ani&ati!n% an# al&!st all its sense% by the absence !( Jane an# Eli8abeth) They (!un# ,ary% as usual% #ee' in the stu#y !( th!r!u$h bass an# hu&an nature/ an# ha# s!&e ne" e*tracts t! a#&ire% an# s!&e ne" !bservati!ns !( threa#bare &!rality t! listen t!) Catherine an# 0y#ia ha# in(!r&ati!n (!r the& !( a #i((erent s!rt) ,uch ha# been #!ne an# &uch ha# been sai# in the re$i&ent since the 'rece#in$ 3e#nes#ay/ several !( the !((icers ha# #ine# lately "ith their uncle% a 'rivate ha# been (l!$$e#% an# it ha# actually been hinte# that C!l!nel >!rster "as $!in$ t! be &arrie#) CHAPTER:BIII CHAPTER BIII +I H4PE% &y #ear%+ sai# ,r) -ennet t! his "i(e% as they "ere at brea (ast the ne*t &!rnin$% +that y!u have !r#ere# a $!!# #inner t!-#ay% because I have reas!n t! e*'ect an a##iti!n t! !ur (a&ily 'arty)+ +3h! #! y!u &ean% &y #ear. I n!" !( n!b!#y that is c!&in$% I a& sure% unless Charl!tte 0ucas sh!ul# ha''en t! call in- an# I h!'e &y #inners are $!!# en!u$h (!r her) I #! n!t believe she !(ten sees such at h!&e)+ +The 'ers!n !( "h!& I s'ea is a $entle&an% an# a stran$er)+ ,rs) -ennet;s eyes s'ar le#)- +A $entle&an an# a stran$er5 It is ,r) -in$ley% I a& sure) 3hy% Jane- y!u never #r!'t a "!r# !( this/ y!u sly thin$5 3ell% I a& sure I shall be e*tre&ely $la# t! see ,r) -in$ley)- -ut- $!!# 0!r#5 h!" unluc y5 there is n!t a bit !( (ish t! be $!t t!-#ay) 0y#ia% &y l!ve% rin$ the bell- I &ust s'ea t! Hill this &!&ent)+ +It is n!t ,r) -in$ley%+ sai# her husban#/ +it is a 'ers!n "h!& I never sa" in the "h!le c!urse !( &y li(e)+ This r!use# a $eneral ast!nish&ent/ an# he ha# the 'leasure !( bein$ ea$erly 9uesti!ne# by his "i(e an# (ive #au$hters at !nce) A(ter a&usin$ hi&sel( s!&e ti&e "ith their curi!sity% he thus e*'laine#+Ab!ut a &!nth a$! I receive# this letter/ an# ab!ut a (!rtni$ht a$! I ans"ere# it% (!r I th!u$ht it a case !( s!&e #elicacy% an# re9uirin$ early attenti!n) It is (r!& &y c!usin% ,r) C!llins% "h!% "hen I a& #ea#% &ay turn y!u all !ut !( this h!use as s!!n as he 'leases)+ +4h5 &y #ear%+ crie# his "i(e% +I cann!t bear t! hear that &enti!ne#) Pray #! n!t tal !( that !#i!us &an) I #! thin it is the har#est thin$ in the "!rl#% that y!ur estate sh!ul# be entaile# a"ay

(r!& y!ur !"n chil#ren/ an# I a& sure% i( I ha# been y!u% I sh!ul# have trie# l!n$ a$! t! #! s!&ethin$ !r !ther ab!ut it)+ Jane an# Eli8abeth atte&'te# t! e*'lain t! her the nature !( an entail) They ha# !(ten atte&'te# it be(!re% but it "as a sub1ect !n "hich ,rs) -ennet "as bey!n# the reach !( reas!n% an# she c!ntinue# t! rail bitterly a$ainst the cruelty !( settlin$ an estate a"ay (r!& a (a&ily !( (ive #au$hters% in (av!r !( a &an "h!& n!b!#y care# anythin$ ab!ut) +It certainly is a &!st ini9uit!us a((air%+ sai# ,r) -ennet% +an# n!thin$ can clear ,r) C!llins (r!& the $uilt !( inheritin$ 0!n$b!urn) -ut i( y!u "ill listen t! his letter% y!u &ay 'erha's be a little s!(tene# by his &anner !( e*'ressin$ hi&sel()+ +N!% that I a& sure I shall n!t/ an# I thin it "as very i&'ertinent !( hi& t! "rite t! y!u at all% an# very hy'!critical) I hate such (alse (rien#s) 3hy c!ul# n!t he ee' !n 9uarrelin$ "ith y!u% as his (ather #i# be(!re hi&.+ +3hy% in#ee#/ he #!es see& t! have ha# s!&e (ilial scru'les !n that hea#% as y!u "ill hear)+ +Huns(!r#% near 3esterha&% <ent% +1Cth 4ct!ber) +DEAR 6IR% +The #isa$ree&ent subsistin$ bet"een y!ursel( an# &y late h!n!re# (ather al"ays $ave &e &uch uneasiness% an# since I have ha# the &is(!rtune t! l!se hi&% I have (re9uently "ishe# t! heal the breach/ but (!r s!&e ti&e I "as e't bac by &y !"n #!ubts% (earin$ lest it &i$ht see& #isres'ect(ul t! his &e&!ry (!r &e t! be !n $!!# ter&s "ith any !ne "ith "h!& it ha# al"ays 'lease# hi& t! be at variance);There% ,rs) -ennet);- ,y &in#% h!"ever% is n!" &a#e u' !n the sub1ect% (!r havin$ receive# !r#inati!n at Easter% I have been s! (!rtunate as t! be #istin$uishe# by the 'atr!na$e !( the Ri$ht H!n!rable 0a#y Catherine #e -!ur$h% "i#!" !( 6ir 0e"is #e -!ur$h% "h!se b!unty an# bene(icence has 're(erre# &e t! the valuable rect!ry !( this 'arish% "here it shall be &y earnest en#eav!r t! #e&ean &ysel( "ith $rate(ul res'ect t!"ar#s her 0a#yshi'% an# be ever rea#y t! 'er(!r& th!se rites an# cere&!nies "hich are institute# by the Church !( En$lan#) As a cler$y&an% &!re!ver% I (eel it &y #uty t! 'r!&!te an# establish the blessin$ !( 'eace in all (a&ilies "ithin the reach !( &y in(luence/ an# !n these $r!un#s I (latter &ysel( that &y 'resent !vertures !( $!!#"ill are hi$hly c!&&en#able% an# that the circu&stance !( &y bein$ ne*t in the entail !( 0!n$b!urn estate "ill be in#ly !verl!! e# !n y!ur si#e% an# n!t lea# y!u t! re1ect the !((ere# !live-branch) I cann!t be !ther"ise than c!ncerne# at bein$ the &eans !( in1urin$ y!ur a&iable #au$hters% an# be$ leave t! a'!l!$i8e (!r it% as "ell as t! assure y!u !( &y rea#iness t! &a e the& every '!ssible a&en#s%- but !( this herea(ter) I( y!u sh!ul# have n! !b1ecti!n t! receive &e int! y!ur h!use% I 'r!'!se &ysel( the satis(acti!n !( "aitin$ !n y!u an# y!ur (a&ily% ,!n#ay% N!ve&ber 18th% by (!ur !;cl!c % an# shall 'r!bably tres'ass !n y!ur h!s'itality till the 6atur#ay se;nni$ht (!ll!"in$% "hich I can #! "ith!ut any inc!nvenience% as 0a#y Catherine is (ar (r!& !b1ectin$ t! &y !ccasi!nal absence !n a 6un#ay% 'r!vi#e# that

s!&e !ther cler$y&an is en$a$e# t! #! the #uty !( the #ay)- I re&ain% #ear sir% "ith res'ect(ul c!&'li&ents t! y!ur la#y an# #au$hters% y!ur "ell-"isher an# (rien#% +3I00IA, C400IN6)+ +At (!ur !;cl!c % there(!re% "e &ay e*'ect this 'eace&a in$ $entle&an%+ sai# ,r) -ennet% as he (!l#e# u' the letter) +He see&s t! be a &!st c!nscienti!us an# '!lite y!un$ &an% u'!n &y "!r#% an# I #!ubt n!t "ill 'r!ve a valuable ac9uaintance% es'ecially i( 0a#y Catherine sh!ul# be s! in#ul$ent as t! let hi& c!&e t! us a$ain)+ +There is s!&e sense in "hat he says ab!ut the $irls% h!"ever% an# i( he is #is'!se# t! &a e the& any a&en#s% I shall n!t be the 'ers!n t! #isc!ura$e hi&)+ +Th!u$h it is #i((icult%+ sai# Jane% +t! $uess in "hat "ay he can &ean t! &a e us the at!ne&ent he thin s !ur #ue% the "ish is certainly t! his cre#it)+ Eli8abeth "as chie(ly struc "ith his e*tra!r#inary #e(erence (!r 0a#y Catherine% an# his in# intenti!n !( christenin$% &arryin$% an# buryin$ his 'arishi!ners "henever it "ere re9uire#) +He &ust be an !##ity% I thin %+ sai# she) +I cann!t &a e hi& !ut)- There is s!&ethin$ very '!&'!us in his style)- An# "hat can he &ean by a'!l!$i8in$ (!r bein$ ne*t in the entail.- 3e cann!t su''!se he "!ul# hel' it i( he c!ul#)- Can he be a sensible &an% sir.+ +N!% &y #ear/ I thin n!t) I have $reat h!'es !( (in#in$ hi& 9uite the reverse) There is a &i*ture !( servility an# sel(-i&'!rtance in his letter% "hich 'r!&ises "ell) I a& i&'atient t! see hi&)+ +In '!int !( c!&'!siti!n%+ sai# ,ary% +his letter #!es n!t see& #e(ective) The i#ea !( the !live-branch 'erha's is n!t "h!lly ne"% yet I thin it is "ell e*'resse#)+ T! Catherine an# 0y#ia% neither the letter n!r its "riter "ere in any #e$ree interestin$) It "as ne*t t! i&'!ssible that their c!usin sh!ul# c!&e in a scarlet c!at% an# it "as n!" s!&e "ee s since they ha# receive# 'leasure (r!& the s!ciety !( a &an in any !ther c!l!r) As (!r their &!ther% ,r) C!llins;s letter ha# #!ne a"ay &uch !( her ill-"ill% an# she "as 're'arin$ t! see hi& "ith a #e$ree !( c!&'!sure "hich ast!nishe# her husban# an# #au$hters) ,r) C!llins "as 'unctual t! his ti&e% an# "as receive# "ith $reat '!liteness by the "h!le (a&ily) ,r) -ennet in#ee# sai# little/ but the la#ies "ere rea#y en!u$h t! tal % an# ,r) C!llins see&e# neither in nee# !( enc!ura$e&ent% n!r incline# t! be silent hi&sel() He "as a tall% heavy-l!! in$ y!un$ &an !( (ive-an#-t"enty) His air "as $rave an# stately% an# his &anners "ere very (!r&al) He ha# n!t been l!n$ seate# be(!re he c!&'li&ente# ,rs) -ennet !n havin$ s! (ine a (a&ily !( #au$hters/ sai# he ha# hear# &uch !( their beauty% but that in this instance (a&e ha# (allen sh!rt !( the truth/ an# a##e#% that he #i# n!t #!ubt her seein$ the& all in #ue ti&e "ell #is'!se# !( in &arria$e) This $allantry "as n!t &uch t! the taste !( s!&e !( his hearers/ but ,rs) -ennet% "h! 9uarrele# "ith n! c!&'li&ents% ans"ere# &!st rea#ily) +2!u are very in#% I a& sure/ an# I "ish "ith all &y heart it &ay 'r!ve s!% (!r else they "ill be #estitute en!u$h) Thin$s are settle# s! !##ly)+

+2!u allu#e% 'erha's% t! the entail !( this estate)+ +Ah5 sir% I #! in#ee#) It is a $riev!us a((air t! &y '!!r $irls% y!u &ust c!n(ess) N!t that I &ean t! (in# (ault "ith y!u% (!r such thin$s I n!" are all chance in this "!rl#) There is n! n!"in$ h!" estates "ill $! "hen !nce they c!&e t! be entaile#)+ +I a& very sensible% &a#a&% !( the har#shi' t! &y (air c!usins% an# c!ul# say &uch !n the sub1ect% but that I a& cauti!us !( a''earin$ (!r"ar# an# 'reci'itate) -ut I can assure the y!un$ la#ies that I c!&e 're'are# t! a#&ire the&) At 'resent I "ill n!t say &!re/ but% 'erha's% "hen "e are better ac9uainte#-+ He "as interru'te# by a su&&!ns t! #inner/ an# the $irls s&ile# !n each !ther) They "ere n!t the !nly !b1ects !( ,r) C!llins;s a#&irati!n) The hall% the #inin$-r!!&% an# all its (urniture% "ere e*a&ine# an# 'raise#/ an# his c!&&en#ati!n !( everythin$ "!ul# have t!uche# ,rs) -ennet;s heart% but (!r the &!rti(yin$ su''!siti!n !( his vie"in$ it all as his !"n (uture 'r!'erty) The #inner t!! in its turn "as hi$hly a#&ire#/ an# he be$$e# t! n!" t! "hich !( his (air c!usins the e*cellency !( its c!! in$ "as !"in$) -ut here he "as set ri$ht by ,rs) -ennet% "h! assure# hi& "ith s!&e as'erity that they "ere very "ell able t! ee' a $!!# c!! % an# that her #au$hters ha# n!thin$ t! #! in the itchen) He be$$e# 'ar#!n (!r havin$ #is'lease# her) In a s!(tene# t!ne she #eclare# hersel( n!t at all !((en#e#/ but he c!ntinue# t! a'!l!$i8e (!r ab!ut a 9uarter !( an h!ur) CHAPTER:BI@ CHAPTER BI@ DURIN? #inner% ,r) -ennet scarcely s'! e at all/ but "hen the servants "ere "ith#ra"n% he th!u$ht it ti&e t! have s!&e c!nversati!n "ith his $uest% an# there(!re starte# a sub1ect in "hich he e*'ecte# hi& t! shine% by !bservin$ that he see&e# very (!rtunate in his 'atr!ness) 0a#y Catherine #e -!ur$h;s attenti!n t! his "ishes% an# c!nsi#erati!n (!r his c!&(!rt% a''eare# very re&ar able) ,r) -ennet c!ul# n!t have ch!sen better) ,r) C!llins "as el!9uent in her 'raise) The sub1ect elevate# hi& t! &!re than usual s!le&nity !( &anner% an# "ith a &!st i&'!rtant as'ect he 'r!teste# that +he ha# never in his li(e "itnesse# such behavi!r in a 'ers!n !( ran - such a((ability an# c!n#escensi!n% as he ha# hi&sel( e*'erience# (r!& 0a#y Catherine) 6he ha# been $raci!usly 'lease# t! a''r!ve !( b!th the #isc!urses "hich he ha# alrea#y ha# the h!n!r !( 'reachin$ be(!re her) 6he ha# als! as e# hi& t"ice t! #ine at R!sin$s% an# ha# sent (!r hi& !nly the 6atur#ay be(!re% t! &a e u' her '!!l !( 9ua#rille in the evenin$) 0a#y Catherine "as rec !ne# 'r!u# by &any 'e!'le he ne"% but he ha# never seen anythin$ but a((ability in her) 6he ha# al"ays s'! en t! hi& as she "!ul# t! any !ther $entle&an/ she &a#e n!t the s&allest !b1ecti!n t! his 1!inin$ in the s!ciety !( the nei$hb!rh!!# n!r t! his leavin$ his 'arish !ccasi!nally (!r a "ee !r t"!% t! visit his relati!ns) 6he ha# even c!n#escen#e# t! a#vise hi& t! &arry as s!!n as he c!ul#% 'r!vi#e# he ch!se "ith #iscreti!n/ an# ha# !nce 'ai# hi& a visit in his hu&ble 'ars!na$e% "here she ha# 'er(ectly a''r!ve# all the alterati!ns he ha# been &a in$% an# ha# even v!uchsa(e# t! su$$est s!&e hersel(- s!&e shelves in the cl!sets

u'stairs)+ +That is all very 'r!'er an# civil% I a& sure%+ sai# ,rs) -ennet% +an# I #aresay she is a very a$reeable "!&an) It is a 'ity that $reat la#ies in $eneral are n!t &!re li e her) D!es she live near y!u% sir.+ +The $ar#en in "hich stan#s &y hu&ble ab!#e is se'arate# !nly by a lane (r!& R!sin$s Par % her la#yshi';s resi#ence)+ +I thin y!u sai# she "as a "i#!"% sir. has she any (a&ily.+ +6he has !nly !ne #au$hter% the heiress !( R!sin$s% an# !( very e*tensive 'r!'erty)+ +Ah5+ crie# ,rs) -ennet% sha in$ her hea#% +then she is better !(( than &any $irls) An# "hat s!rt !( y!un$ la#y is she. is she han#s!&e.+ +6he is a &!st char&in$ y!un$ la#y in#ee#) 0a#y Catherine hersel( says that% in '!int !( true beauty% ,iss #e -!ur$h is (ar su'eri!r t! the han#s!&est !( her se*% because there is that in her (eatures "hich &ar s the y!un$ "!&an !( #istin$uishe# birth) 6he is un(!rtunately !( a sic ly c!nstituti!n% "hich has 'revente# her &a in$ that 'r!$ress in &any acc!&'lish&ents "hich she c!ul# n!t !ther"ise have (aile# !(% as I a& in(!r&e# by the la#y "h! su'erinten#e# her e#ucati!n% an# "h! still resi#es "ith the&) -ut she is 'er(ectly a&iable% an# !(ten c!n#escen#s t! #rive by &y hu&ble ab!#e in her little 'haet!n an# '!nies)+ +Has she been 'resente#. I #! n!t re&e&ber her na&e a&!n$ the la#ies at c!urt)+ +Her in#i((erent state !( health unha''ily 'revents her bein$ in t!"n/ an# by that &eans% as I t!l# 0a#y Catherine &ysel( !ne #ay% has #e'rive# the -ritish c!urt !( its bri$htest !rna&ent) Her la#yshi' see&e# 'lease# "ith the i#ea/ an# y!u &ay i&a$ine that I a& ha''y !n every !ccasi!n t! !((er th!se little #elicate c!&'li&ents "hich are al"ays acce'table t! la#ies) I have &!re than !nce !bserve# t! 0a#y Catherine that her char&in$ #au$hter see&e# b!rn t! be a #uchess% an# that the &!st elevate# ran % instea# !( $ivin$ her c!nse9uence% "!ul# be a#!rne# by her)- These are the in# !( little thin$s "hich 'lease her la#yshi'% an# it is a s!rt !( attenti!n "hich I c!nceive &ysel( 'eculiarly b!un# t! 'ay)+ +2!u 1u#$e very 'r!'erly%+ sai# ,r) -ennet% +an# it is ha''y (!r y!u that y!u '!ssess the talent !( (latterin$ "ith #elicacy) ,ay I as "hether these 'leasin$ attenti!ns 'r!cee# (r!& the i&'ulse !( the &!&ent% !r are the result !( 'revi!us stu#y.+ +They arise chie(ly (r!& "hat is 'assin$ at the ti&e% an# th!u$h I s!&eti&es a&use &ysel( "ith su$$estin$ an# arran$in$ such little ele$ant c!&'li&ents as &ay be a#a'te# t! !r#inary !ccasi!ns% I al"ays "ish t! $ive the& as unstu#ie# an air as '!ssible)+ ,r) -ennet;s e*'ectati!ns "ere (ully ans"ere#) His c!usin "as as absur# as he ha# h!'e#% an# he listene# t! hi& "ith the eenest en1!y&ent% &aintainin$ at the sa&e ti&e the &!st res!lute c!&'!sure !( c!untenance% an#% e*ce't in an !ccasi!nal $lance at Eli8abeth% re9uirin$ n! 'artner in his 'leasure) -y tea-ti&e% h!"ever% the #!se ha# been en!u$h% an# ,r) -ennet "as $la# t! ta e his $uest int! the #ra"in$-r!!& a$ain% an#% "hen tea "as !ver% $la# t! invite hi& t! rea# al!u# t! the la#ies) ,r) C!llins rea#ily assente#% an# a b!! "as 'r!#uce#/ but !n beh!l#in$ it

D(!r everythin$ ann!unce# it t! be (r!& a circulatin$ libraryE% he starte# bac % an# be$$in$ 'ar#!n% 'r!teste# that he never rea# n!vels) <itty stare# at hi&% an# 0y#ia e*clai&e#)- 4ther b!! s "ere 'r!#uce#% an# a(ter s!&e #eliberati!n he ch!se >!r#yce;s 6er&!ns) 0y#ia $a'e# as he !'ene# the v!lu&e% an# be(!re he ha#% "ith very &!n!t!n!us s!le&nity% rea# three 'a$es% she interru'te# hi& "ith+D! y!u n!"% &a&&a% that &y uncle Phili's tal s !( turnin$ a"ay Richar#/ an# i( he #!es% C!l!nel >!rster "ill hire hi&) ,y aunt t!l# &e s! hersel( !n 6atur#ay) I shall "al t! ,eryt!n t!-&!rr!" t! hear &!re ab!ut it% an# t! as "hen ,r) Denny c!&es bac (r!& t!"n)+ 0y#ia "as bi# by her t"! el#est sisters t! h!l# her t!n$ue/ but ,r) C!llins% &uch !((en#e#% lai# asi#e his b!! % an# sai#+I have !(ten !bserve# h!" little y!un$ la#ies are intereste# by b!! s !( a seri!us sta&'% th!u$h "ritten s!lely (!r their bene(it) It a&a8es &e% I c!n(ess/- (!r% certainly% there can be n!thin$ s! a#vanta$e!us t! the& as instructi!n) -ut I "ill n! l!n$er i&'!rtune &y y!un$ c!usin)+ Then turnin$ t! ,r) -ennet% he !((ere# hi&sel( as his anta$!nist at bac $a&&!n) ,r) -ennet acce'te# the challen$e% !bservin$ that he acte# very "isely in leavin$ the $irls t! their !"n tri(lin$ a&use&ents) ,rs) -ennet an# her #au$hters a'!l!$i8e# &!st civilly (!r 0y#ia;s interru'ti!n% an# 'r!&ise# that it sh!ul# n!t !ccur a$ain% i( he "!ul# resu&e his b!! / but ,r) C!llins% a(ter assurin$ the& that he b!re his y!un$ c!usin n! ill-"ill% an# sh!ul# never resent her behavi!r as any a((r!nt% seate# hi&sel( at an!ther table "ith ,r) -ennet% an# 're'are# (!r bac $a&&!n) CHAPTER:B@ CHAPTER B@ ,R) C400IN6 "as n!t a sensible &an% an# the #e(iciency !( Nature ha# been but little assiste# by e#ucati!n !r s!ciety/ the $reatest 'art !( his li(e havin$ been s'ent un#er the $ui#ance !( an illiterate an# &iserly (ather/ an# th!u$h he bel!n$e# t! !ne !( the universities% he ha# &erely e't the necessary ter&s% "ith!ut (!r&in$ at it any use(ul ac9uaintance) The sub1ecti!n in "hich his (ather ha# br!u$ht hi& u' ha# $iven hi& !ri$inally $reat hu&ility !( &anner/ but it "as n!" a $!!# #eal c!unteracte# by the sel(-c!nceit !( a "ea hea#% livin$ in retire&ent% an# the c!nse9uential (eelin$s !( early an# une*'ecte# 'r!s'erity) A (!rtunate chance ha# rec!&&en#e# hi& t! 0a#y Catherine #e -!ur$h "hen the livin$ !( Huns(!r# "as vacant/ an# the res'ect "hich he (elt (!r her hi$h ran % an# his venerati!n (!r her as his 'atr!ness% &in$lin$ "ith a very $!!# !'ini!n !( hi&sel(% !( his auth!rity as a cler$y&an% an# his ri$ht as a rect!r% &a#e hi& alt!$ether a &i*ture !( 'ri#e an# !bse9ui!usness% sel(-i&'!rtance% an# hu&ility) Havin$ n!" a $!!# h!use an# very su((icient inc!&e% he inten#e# t! &arry/ an# in see in$ a rec!nciliati!n "ith the 0!n$b!urn (a&ily he ha# a "i(e in vie"% as he &eant t! ch!!se !ne !( the #au$hters% i( he (!un# the& as han#s!&e an# a&iable as they "ere re'resente# by c!&&!n re'!rt) This "as his 'lan !( a&en#s- !( at!ne&ent- (!r inheritin$ their (ather;s estate/ an# he th!u$ht it an e*cellent

!ne% (ull !( eli$ibility an# suitableness% an# e*cessively $ener!us an# #isintereste# !n his !"n 'art) His 'lan #i# n!t vary !n seein$ the&) ,iss -ennet;s l!vely (ace c!n(ir&e# his vie"s% an# establishe# all his strictest n!ti!ns !( "hat "as #ue t! seni!rity/ an# (!r% the (irst evenin$ she "as his settle# ch!ice) The ne*t &!rnin$% h!"ever% &a#e an alterati!n/ (!r in a 9uarter !( an h!ur;s tete-a-tete "ith ,rs) -ennet be(!re brea (ast% a c!nversati!n be$innin$ "ith his 'ars!na$e-h!use% an# lea#in$ naturally t! the av!"al !( his h!'es% that a &istress (!r it &i$ht be (!un# at 0!n$b!urn% 'r!#uce# (r!& her% a&i# very c!&'laisant s&iles an# $eneral enc!ura$e&ent% a cauti!n a$ainst the very Jane he ha# (i*e# !n) +As t! her y!un$er #au$hters% she c!ul# n!t ta e u'!n her t! say- she c!ul# n!t '!sitively ans"er- but she #i# n!t n!" !( any 're'!ssessi!n/- her el#est #au$hter% she &ust 1ust &enti!n- she (elt it incu&bent !n her t! hint% "as li ely t! be very s!!n en$a$e#)+ ,r) C!llins ha# !nly t! chan$e (r!& Jane t! Eli8abeth- an# it "as s!!n #!ne- #!ne "hile ,rs) -ennet "as stirrin$ the (ire) Eli8abeth% e9ually ne*t t! Jane in birth an# beauty% succee#e# her !( c!urse) ,rs) -ennet treasure# u' the hint% an# truste# that she &i$ht s!!n have t"! #au$hters &arrie#/ an# the &an "h!& she c!ul# n!t bear t! s'ea !( the #ay be(!re "as n!" hi$h in her $!!# $races) 0y#ia;s intenti!n !( "al in$ t! ,eryt!n "as n!t (!r$!tten/ every sister e*ce't ,ary a$ree# t! $! "ith her/ an# ,r) C!llins "as t! atten# the&% at the re9uest !( ,r) -ennet% "h! "as &!st an*i!us t! $et ri# !( hi&% an# have his library t! hi&sel(/ (!r thither ,r) C!llins ha# (!ll!"e# hi& a(ter brea (ast% an# there he "!ul# c!ntinue% n!&inally en$a$e# "ith !ne !( the lar$est (!li!s in the c!llecti!n% but really tal in$ t! ,r) -ennet% "ith little cessati!n% !( his h!use an# $ar#en at Huns(!r#) 6uch #!in$s #isc!&'!se# ,r) -ennet e*cee#in$ly) In his library he ha# been al"ays sure !( leisure an# tran9uillity/ an# th!u$h 're'are#% as he t!l# Eli8abeth% t! &eet "ith (!lly an# c!nceit in every !ther r!!& in the h!use% he "as use# t! be (ree (r!& the& there/ his civility% there(!re% "as &!st 'r!&'t in invitin$ ,r) C!llins t! 1!in his #au$hters in their "al / an# ,r) C!llins% bein$ in (act &uch better (itte# (!r a "al er than a rea#er% "as e*tre&ely "ell 'lease# t! cl!se his lar$e b!! % an# $!) In '!&'!us n!thin$s !n his si#e% an# civil assents !n that !( his c!usins% their ti&e 'asse# till they entere# ,eryt!n) The attenti!n !( the y!un$er !nes "as then n! l!n$er t! be $aine# by hi&) Their eyes "ere i&&e#iately "an#erin$ u' in the street in 9uest !( the !((icers% an# n!thin$ less than a very s&art b!nnet in#ee#% !r a really ne" &uslin in a sh!' "in#!"% c!ul# recall the&) -ut the attenti!n !( every la#y "as s!!n cau$ht by a y!un$ &an% "h!& they ha# never seen be(!re% !( &!st $entle&anli e a''earance% "al in$ "ith an !((icer !n the !ther si#e !( the "ay) The !((icer "as the very ,r) Denny c!ncernin$ "h!se return (r!& 0!n#!n 0y#ia ca&e t! in9uire% an# he b!"e# as they 'asse#) All "ere struc "ith the stran$er;s air% all "!n#ere# "h! he c!ul# be/ an# <itty an# 0y#ia% #eter&ine# i( '!ssible t! (in# !ut% le# the "ay acr!ss the street% un#er 'retense !( "antin$ s!&ethin$ in an !''!site sh!'% an# (!rtunately ha# 1ust $aine# the 'ave&ent "hen the t"! $entle&en% turnin$ bac % ha# reache# the sa&e s'!t) ,r) Denny a##resse# the&

#irectly% an# entreate# 'er&issi!n t! intr!#uce his (rien#% ,r) 3ic ha&% "h! ha# returne# "ith hi& the #ay be(!re (r!& t!"n% an# he "as ha''y t! say ha# acce'te# a c!&&issi!n in their c!r's) This "as e*actly as it sh!ul# be/ (!r the y!un$ &an "ante# !nly re$i&entals t! &a e hi& c!&'letely char&in$) His a''earance "as $reatly in his (av!r/ he ha# all the best 'art !( beauty% a (ine c!untenance% a $!!# (i$ure% an# very 'leasin$ a##ress) The intr!#ucti!n "as (!ll!"e# u' !n his si#e by a ha''y rea#iness !( c!nversati!n- a rea#iness at the sa&e ti&e 'er(ectly c!rrect an# unassu&in$/ an# the "h!le 'arty "ere still stan#in$ an# tal in$ t!$ether very a$reeably% "hen the s!un# !( h!rses #re" their n!tice% an# Darcy an# -in$ley "ere seen ri#in$ #!"n the street) 4n #istin$uishin$ the la#ies !( the $r!u'% the t"! $entle&en ca&e #irectly t!"ar#s the&% an# be$an the usual civilities) -in$ley "as the 'rinci'al s'! es&an% an# ,iss -ennet the 'rinci'al !b1ect) He "as then% he sai#% !n his "ay t! 0!n$b!urn !n 'ur'!se t! in9uire a(ter her) ,r) Darcy c!rr!b!rate# it "ith a b!"% an# "as be$innin$ t! #eter&ine n!t t! (i* his eyes !n Eli8abeth% "hen they "ere su##enly arreste# by the si$ht !( the stran$er% an# Eli8abeth ha''enin$ t! see the c!untenance !( b!th as they l!! e# at each !ther% "as all ast!nish&ent at the e((ect !( the &eetin$) -!th chan$e# c!l!r% !ne l!! e# "hite% the !ther re#) ,r) 3ic ha&% a(ter a (e" &!&ents% t!uche# his hat- a salutati!n "hich ,r) Darcy 1ust #ei$ne# t! return) 3hat c!ul# be the &eanin$ !( it.- It "as i&'!ssible t! i&a$ine/ it "as i&'!ssible n!t t! l!n$ t! n!") In an!ther &inute% ,r) -in$ley% but "ith!ut see&in$ t! have n!tice# "hat 'asse#% t!! leave an# r!#e !n "ith his (rien#) ,r) Denny an# ,r) 3ic ha& "al e# "ith the y!un$ la#ies t! the #!!r !( ,r) Phili's;s h!use% an# then &a#e their b!"s% in s'ite !( ,iss 0y#ia;s 'ressin$ entreaties that they "!ul# c!&e in% an# even in s'ite !( ,rs) Phili's;s thr!"in$ u' the 'arl!r "in#!" an# l!u#ly sec!n#in$ the invitati!n) ,rs) Phili's "as al"ays $la# t! see her nieces/ an# the t"! el#est% (r!& their recent absence% "ere 'articularly "elc!&e% an# she "as ea$erly e*'ressin$ her sur'rise at their su##en return h!&e% "hich% as their !"n carria$e ha# n!t (etche# the&% she sh!ul# have n!"n n!thin$ ab!ut% i( she ha# n!t ha''ene# t! see ,r) J!nes;s sh!'-b!y in the street% "h! ha# t!l# her that they "ere n!t t! sen# any &!re #rau$hts t! Nether(iel# because the ,iss -ennets "ere c!&e a"ay% "hen her civility "as clai&e# t!"ar#s ,r) C!llins by Jane;s intr!#ucti!n !( hi&) 6he receive# hi& "ith her very best '!liteness% "hich he returne# "ith as &uch &!re% a'!l!$i8in$ (!r his intrusi!n% "ith!ut any 'revi!us ac9uaintance "ith her% "hich he c!ul# n!t hel' (latterin$ hi&sel(% h!"ever% &i$ht be 1usti(ie# by his relati!nshi' t! the y!un$ la#ies "h! intr!#uce# hi& t! her n!tice) ,rs) Phili's "as 9uite a"e# by such an e*cess !( $!!# bree#in$/ but her c!nte&'lati!n !( !ne stran$er "as s!!n 'ut an en# t! by e*cla&ati!ns an# in9uiries ab!ut the !ther/ !( "h!&% h!"ever% she c!ul# !nly tell her nieces "hat they alrea#y ne"% that ,r) Denny ha# br!u$ht hi& (r!& 0!n#!n% an# that he "as t! have a lieutenant;s c!&&issi!n in the ::shire) 6he ha# been "atchin$ hi& the last h!ur% she sai#% as he "al e# u' an# #!"n the street% an# ha# ,r) 3ic ha& a''eare#% <itty an# 0y#ia "!ul# certainly have c!ntinue# the !ccu'ati!n% but unluc ily n! !ne 'asse#

the "in#!"s n!" e*ce't a (e" !( the !((icers% "h!% in c!&'aris!n "ith the stran$er% "ere bec!&e +stu'i#% #isa$reeable (ell!"s)+ 6!&e !( the& "ere t! #ine "ith the Phili'ses the ne*t #ay% an# their aunt 'r!&ise# t! &a e her husban# call !n ,r) 3ic ha&% an# $ive hi& an invitati!n als!% i( the (a&ily (r!& 0!n$b!urn "!ul# c!&e in the evenin$) This "as a$ree# t!% an# ,rs) Phili's 'r!teste# that they "!ul# have a nice c!&(!rtable n!isy $a&e !( l!ttery tic ets% an# a little bit !( h!t su''er a(ter"ar#s) The 'r!s'ect !( such #eli$hts "as very cheerin$% an# they 'arte# in &utual $!!# s'irits) ,r) C!llins re'eate# his a'!l!$ies in 9uittin$ the r!!&% an# "as assure# "ith un"earyin$ civility that they "ere 'er(ectly nee#less) As they "al e# h!&e% Eli8abeth relate# t! Jane "hat she ha# seen 'ass bet"een the t"! $entle&en/ but th!u$h Jane "!ul# have #e(en#e# either !r b!th% ha# they a''eare# t! be "r!n$% she c!ul# n! &!re e*'lain such behavi!r than her sister) ,r) C!llins !n his return hi$hly $rati(ie# ,rs) -ennet by a#&irin$ ,rs) Phili's;s &anners an# '!liteness) He 'r!teste# that% e*ce't 0a#y Catherine an# her #au$hter% he ha# never seen a &!re ele$ant "!&an/ (!r she ha# n!t !nly receive# hi& "ith the ut&!st civility% but ha# even '!inte#ly inclu#e# hi& in her invitati!n (!r the ne*t evenin$% alth!u$h utterly un n!"n t! her be(!re) 6!&ethin$% he su''!se#% &i$ht be attribute# t! his c!nnecti!n "ith the&% but yet he ha# never &et "ith s! &uch attenti!n in the "h!le c!urse !( his li(e) CHAPTER:B@I CHAPTER B@I A6 n! !b1ecti!n "as &a#e t! the y!un$ 'e!'le;s en$a$e&ent "ith their aunt% an# all ,r) C!llins;s scru'les !( leavin$ ,r) an# ,rs) -ennet (!r a sin$le evenin$ #urin$ his visit "ere &!st stea#ily resiste#% the c!ach c!nveye# hi& an# his (ive c!usins at a suitable h!ur t! ,eryt!n/ an# the $irls ha# the 'leasure !( hearin$% as they entere# the #ra"in$-r!!&% that ,r) 3ic ha& ha# acce'te# their uncle;s invitati!n% an# "as then in the h!use) 3hen this in(!r&ati!n "as $iven% an# they ha# all ta en their seats% ,r) C!llins "as at leisure t! l!! ar!un# hi& an# a#&ire% an# he "as s! &uch struc "ith the si8e an# (urniture !( the a'art&ent% that he #eclare# he &i$ht al&!st have su''!se# hi&sel( in the s&all su&&er brea (ast 'arl!r at R!sin$s/ a c!&'aris!n that #i# n!t at (irst c!nvey &uch $rati(icati!n/ but "hen ,rs) Phili's un#erst!!# (r!& hi& "hat R!sin$s "as% an# "h! "as its 'r!'riet!r- "hen she ha# listene# t! the #escri'ti!n !( !nly !ne !( 0a#y Catherine;s #ra"in$-r!!&s% an# (!un# that the chi&ney-'iece al!ne ha# c!st ei$ht hun#re# '!un#s% she (elt all the (!rce !( the c!&'li&ent% an# "!ul# har#ly have resente# a c!&'aris!n "ith the h!use ee'er;s r!!&) In #escribin$ t! her all the $ran#eur !( 0a#y Catherine an# her &ansi!n% "ith !ccasi!nal #i$ressi!ns in 'raise !( his !"n hu&ble ab!#e% an# the i&'r!ve&ents it "as receivin$% he "as ha''ily e&'l!ye# until the $entle&en 1!ine# the&/ an# he (!un# in ,rs) Phili's a very attentive listener% "h!se !'ini!n !( his c!nse9uence increase# "ith "hat she hear#% an# "h! "as res!lvin$ t! retail it

all a&!n$ her nei$hb!rs as s!!n as she c!ul#) T! the $irls% "h! c!ul# n!t listen t! their c!usin% an# "h! ha# n!thin$ t! #! but t! "ish (!r an instru&ent% an# e*a&ine their !"n in#i((erent i&itati!ns !( china !n the &antel'iece% the interval !( "aitin$ a''eare# very l!n$) It "as !ver at last% h!"ever) The $entle&en #i# a''r!ach% an# "hen ,r) 3ic ha& "al e# int! the r!!&% Eli8abeth (elt that she ha# neither been seein$ hi& be(!re% n!r thin in$ !( hi& since% "ith the s&allest #e$ree !( unreas!nable a#&irati!n) The !((icers !( the ::shire "ere in $eneral a very cre#itable% $entle&anli e set% an# the best !( the& "ere !( the 'resent 'arty/ but ,r) 3ic ha& "as as (ar bey!n# the& all in 'ers!n% c!untenance% air% an# "al % as they "ere su'eri!r t! the br!a#-(ace#% stu((y uncle Phili's% breathin$ '!rt "ine% "h! (!ll!"e# the& int! the r!!&) ,r) 3ic ha& "as the ha''y &an t!"ar#s "h!& al&!st every (e&ale eye "as turne#% an# Eli8abeth "as the ha''y "!&an by "h!& he (inally seate# hi&sel(/ an# the a$reeable &anner in "hich he i&&e#iately (ell int! c!nversati!n% th!u$h it "as !nly !n its bein$ a "et ni$ht% an# !n the 'r!bability !( a rainy seas!n% &a#e her (eel that the c!&&!nest% #ullest% &!st threa#bare t!'ic &i$ht be ren#ere# interestin$ by the s ill !( the s'ea er) 3ith such rivals (!r the n!tice !( the (air as ,r) 3ic ha& an# the !((icers% ,r) C!llins see&e# t! sin int! insi$ni(icance/ t! the y!un$ la#ies he certainly "as n!thin$/ but he ha# still at intervals a in# listener in ,rs) Phili's% an# "as% by her "atch(ulness% &!st abun#antly su''lie# "ith c!((ee an# &u((in) 3hen the car#-tables "ere 'lace#% he ha# an !''!rtunity !( !bli$in$ her in return% by sittin$ #!"n t! "hist) +I n!" little !( the $a&e at 'resent%+ sai# he% +but I shall be $la# t! i&'r!ve &ysel(% (!r in &y situati!n in li(e-+ ,rs) Phili's "as very than (ul (!r his c!&'liance% but c!ul# n!t "ait (!r his reas!n) ,r) 3ic ha& #i# n!t 'lay at "hist% an# "ith rea#y #eli$ht "as he receive# at the !ther table bet"een Eli8abeth an# 0y#ia) At (irst there see&e# #an$er !( 0y#ia;s en$r!ssin$ hi& entirely% (!r she "as a &!st #eter&ine# tal er/ but bein$ li e"ise e*tre&ely (!n# !( l!ttery tic ets% she s!!n $re" t!! &uch intereste# in the $a&e% t!! ea$er in &a in$ bets an# e*clai&in$ a(ter 'ri8es t! have attenti!n (!r any !ne in 'articular) All!"in$ (!r the c!&&!n #e&an#s !( the $a&e% ,r) 3ic ha& "as there(!re at leisure t! tal t! Eli8abeth% an# she "as very "illin$ t! hear hi&% th!u$h "hat she chie(ly "ishe# t! hear she c!ul# n!t h!'e t! be t!l#- the hist!ry !( his ac9uaintance "ith ,r) Darcy) 6he #are# n!t even &enti!n that $entle&an) Her curi!sity% h!"ever% "as une*'ecte#ly relieve#) ,r) 3ic ha& be$an the sub1ect hi&sel() He in9uire# h!" (ar Nether(iel# "as (r!& ,eryt!n/ an#% a(ter receivin$ her ans"er% as e# in a hesitatin$ &anner h!" l!n$ ,r) Darcy ha# been stayin$ there) +Ab!ut a &!nth%+ sai# Eli8abeth/ an# then% un"illin$ t! let the sub1ect #r!'% a##e#% +He is a &an !( very lar$e 'r!'erty in Derbyshire% I un#erstan#)+ +2es%+ re'lie# 3ic ha&/- +his estate there is a n!ble !ne) A clear ten th!usan# 'er annu&) 2!u c!ul# n!t have &et "ith a 'ers!n &!re ca'able !( $ivin$ y!u certain in(!r&ati!n !n that hea# than &ysel((!r I have been c!nnecte# "ith his (a&ily in a 'articular &anner

(r!& &y in(ancy)+ Eli8abeth c!ul# n!t but l!! sur'rise#) +2!u &ay "ell be sur'rise#% ,iss -ennet% at such an asserti!n% a(ter seein$% as y!u 'r!bably &i$ht% the very c!l# &anner !( !ur &eetin$ yester#ay)- Are y!u &uch ac9uainte# "ith ,r) Darcy.+ +As &uch as I ever "ish t! be%+ crie# Eli8abeth "ar&ly)- +I have s'ent (!ur #ays in the sa&e h!use "ith hi&% an# I thin hi& very #isa$reeable)+ +I have n! ri$ht t! $ive &y !'ini!n%+ sai# 3ic ha&% +as t! his bein$ a$reeable !r !ther"ise) I a& n!t 9uali(ie# t! (!r& !ne) I have n!"n hi& t!! l!n$ an# t!! "ell t! be a (air 1u#$e) It is i&'!ssible (!r &e t! be i&'artial) -ut I believe y!ur !'ini!n !( hi& "!ul# in $eneral ast!nish- an# 'erha's y!u "!ul# n!t e*'ress it 9uite s! str!n$ly any"here else) Here y!u are in y!ur !"n (a&ily)+ +U'!n &y "!r#% I say n! &!re here than I &i$ht say in any h!use in the nei$hb!rh!!#% e*ce't Nether(iel#) He is n!t at all li e# in Hert(!r#shire) Everyb!#y is #is$uste# "ith his 'ri#e) 2!u "ill n!t (in# hi& &!re (av!rably s'! en !( by any !ne)+ +I cann!t 'reten# t! be s!rry%+ sai# 3ic ha&% a(ter a sh!rt interru'ti!n% +that he !r that any &an sh!ul# n!t be esti&ate# bey!n# their #eserts/ but "ith hi& I believe it #!es n!t !(ten ha''en) The "!rl# is blin#e# by his (!rtune an# c!nse9uence% !r (ri$htene# by his hi$h an# i&'!sin$ &anners% an# sees hi& !nly as he ch!!ses t! be seen)+ +I sh!ul# ta e hi&% even !n &y sli$ht ac9uaintance% t! be an ill-te&'ere# &an)+ 3ic ha& !nly sh!! his hea#) +I "!n#er%+ sai# he% at the ne*t !''!rtunity !( s'ea in$% +"hether he is li ely t! be in this c!untry &uch l!n$er)+ +I #! n!t at all n!"/ but I hear# n!thin$ !( his $!in$ a"ay "hen I "as at Nether(iel#) I h!'e y!ur 'lans in (av!r !( the ::shire "ill n!t be a((ecte# by his bein$ in the nei$hb!rh!!#)+ +4h5 n!- it is n!t (!r &e t! be #riven a"ay by ,r) Darcy) I( he "ishes t! av!i# seein$ &e% he &ust $!) 3e are n!t !n (rien#ly ter&s% an# it al"ays $ives &e 'ain t! &eet hi&% but I have n! reas!n (!r av!i#in$ hi& but "hat I &i$ht 'r!clai& be(!re all the "!rl#%- a sense !( very $reat ill-usa$e% an# &!st 'ain(ul re$rets at his bein$ "hat he is) His (ather% ,iss -ennet% the late ,r) Darcy% "as !ne !( the best &en that ever breathe#% an# the truest (rien# I ever ha#/ an# I can never be in c!&'any "ith this ,r) Darcy "ith!ut bein$ $rieve# t! the s!ul by a th!usan# ten#er rec!llecti!ns) His behavi!r t! &ysel( has been scan#al!us/ but I verily believe I c!ul# (!r$ive hi& anythin$ an# everythin$% rather than his #isa''!intin$ the h!'es an# #is$racin$ the &e&!ry !( his (ather)+ Eli8abeth (!un# the interest !( the sub1ect increase% an# listene# "ith all her heart/ but the #elicacy !( it 'revente# (arther in9uiry) ,r) 3ic ha& be$an t! s'ea !n &!re $eneral t!'ics% ,eryt!n% the nei$hb!rh!!#% the s!ciety% a''earin$ hi$hly 'lease# "ith all that he ha# yet seen% an# s'ea in$ !( the latter es'ecially "ith $entle but very intelli$ible $allantry) +It "as the 'r!s'ect !( c!nstant s!ciety% an# $!!# s!ciety%+ he a##e#% +"hich "as &y chie( in#uce&ent t! enter the ::shire) I ne" it t! be a &!st res'ectable% a$reeable c!r's% an# &y (rien# Denny

te&'te# &e (arther by his acc!unt !( their 'resent 9uarters% an# the very $reat attenti!ns an# e*cellent ac9uaintance ,eryt!n ha# 'r!cure# the&) 6!ciety% I !"n% is necessary t! &e) I have been a #isa''!inte# &an% an# &y s'irits "ill n!t bear s!litu#e) I &ust have e&'l!y&ent an# s!ciety) A &ilitary li(e is n!t "hat I "as inten#e# (!r% but circu&stances have n!" &a#e it eli$ible) The church !u$ht t! have been &y 'r!(essi!n- I "as br!u$ht u' (!r the church% an# I sh!ul# at this ti&e have been in '!ssessi!n !( a &!st valuable livin$% ha# it 'lease# the $entle&an "e "ere s'ea in$ !( 1ust n!")+ +In#ee#5+ +2es- the late ,r) Darcy be9ueathe# &e the ne*t 'resentati!n !( the best livin$ in his $i(t) He "as &y $!#(ather% an# e*cessively attache# t! &e) I cann!t #! 1ustice t! his in#ness) He &eant t! 'r!vi#e (!r &e a&'ly% an# th!u$ht he ha# #!ne it/ but "hen the livin$ (ell% it "as $iven else"here)+ +?!!# heavens5+ crie# Eli8abeth/ +but h!" c!ul# that be.- H!" c!ul# his "ill be #isre$ar#e#.- 3hy #i# n!t y!u see le$al re#ress.+ +There "as 1ust such an in(!r&ality in the ter&s !( the be9uest as t! $ive &e n! h!'e (r!& la") A &an !( h!n!r c!ul# n!t have #!ubte# the intenti!n% but ,r) Darcy ch!se t! #!ubt it- !r t! treat it as a &erely c!n#iti!nal rec!&&en#ati!n% an# t! assert that I ha# (!r(eite# all clai& t! it by e*trava$ance% i&'ru#ence- in sh!rt anythin$ !r n!thin$) Certain it is% that the livin$ beca&e vacant t"! years a$!% e*actly as I "as !( an a$e t! h!l# it% an# that it "as $iven t! an!ther &an/ an# n! less certain is it% that I cann!t accuse &ysel( !( havin$ really #!ne anythin$ t! #eserve t! l!se it) I have a "ar&% un$uar#e# te&'er% an# I &ay 'erha's have s!&eti&es s'! en !( &y !'ini!n !( hi&% an# t! hi&% t!! (reely) I can recall n!thin$ "!rse) -ut the (act is% that "e are very #i((erent s!rt !( &en% an# that he hates &e)+ +This is 9uite sh!c in$5- He #eserves t! be 'ublicly #is$race#)+ +6!&e ti&e !r !ther he "ill be- but it shall n!t be by &e) Till I can (!r$et his (ather% I can never #e(y !r e*'!se hi&)+ Eli8abeth h!n!re# hi& (!r such (eelin$s% an# th!u$ht hi& han#s!&er than ever as he e*'resse# the&) +-ut "hat%+ sai# she% a(ter a 'ause% +can have been his &!tive."hat can have in#uce# hi& t! behave s! cruelly.+ +A th!r!u$h% #eter&ine# #isli e !( &e- a #isli e "hich I cann!t but attribute in s!&e &easure t! 1eal!usy) Ha# the late ,r) Darcy li e# &e less% his s!n &i$ht have b!rne "ith &e better7 but his (ather;s unc!&&!n attach&ent t! &e irritate# hi&% I believe% very early in li(e) He ha# n!t a te&'er t! bear the s!rt !( c!&'etiti!n in "hich "e st!!#- the s!rt !( 're(erence "hich "as !(ten $iven &e)+ +I ha# n!t th!u$ht ,r) Darcy s! ba# as this- th!u$h I have never li e# hi&% I ha# n!t th!u$ht s! very ill !( hi&)- I ha# su''!se# hi& t! be #es'isin$ his (ell!"-creatures in $eneral% but #i# n!t sus'ect hi& !( #escen#in$ t! such &alici!us reven$e% such in1ustice% such inhu&anity as this)+ A(ter a (e" &inutes; re(lecti!n% h!"ever% she c!ntinue#- +I #! re&e&ber his b!astin$ !ne #ay% at Nether(iel#% !( the i&'lacability !( his resent&ents% !( his havin$ an un(!r$ivin$ te&'er) His #is'!siti!n &ust be #rea#(ul)+

+I "ill n!t trust &ysel( !n the sub1ect%+ re'lie# 3ic ha&/ +I can har#ly be 1ust t! hi&)+ Eli8abeth "as a$ain #ee' in th!u$ht% an# a(ter a ti&e e*clai&e#% +T! treat in such a &anner the $!#s!n% the (rien#% the (av!rite !( his (ather5+- 6he c!ul# have a##e#% +A y!un$ &an% t!!% li e y!u% "h!se very c!untenance &ay v!uch (!r y!ur bein$ a&iable+- but she c!ntente# hersel( "ith% +An# !ne% t!!% "h! ha# 'r!bably been his !"n c!&'ani!n (r!& chil#h!!#% c!nnecte# t!$ether% as I thin y!u sai#% in the cl!sest &anner5+ +3e "ere b!rn in the sa&e 'arish% "ithin the sa&e 'ar / the $reatest 'art !( !ur y!uth "as 'asse# t!$ether/ in&ates !( the sa&e h!use% sharin$ the sa&e a&use&ents% !b1ects !( the sa&e 'arental care) ,y (ather be$an li(e in the 'r!(essi!n "hich y!ur uncle% ,r) Phili's% a''ears t! #! s! &uch cre#it t!- but he $ave u' everythin$ t! be !( use t! the late ,r) Darcy% an# #ev!te# all his ti&e t! the care !( the Pe&berley 'r!'erty) He "as &!st hi$hly estee&e# by ,r) Darcy% a &!st inti&ate% c!n(i#ential (rien#) ,r) Darcy !(ten ac n!"le#$e# hi&sel( t! be un#er the $reatest !bli$ati!ns t! &y (ather;s active su'erinten#ence% an# "hen% i&&e#iately be(!re &y (ather;s #eath% ,r) Darcy $ave hi& a v!luntary 'r!&ise !( 'r!vi#in$ (!r &e% I a& c!nvince# that he (elt it t! be as &uch a #ebt !( $ratitu#e t! hi&% as !( a((ecti!n t! &ysel()+ +H!" stran$e5+ crie# Eli8abeth) +H!" ab!&inable5- I "!n#er that the very 'ri#e !( this ,r) Darcy has n!t &a#e hi& 1ust t! y!u5- I( (r!& n! better &!tive% that he sh!ul# n!t have been t!! 'r!u# t! be #ish!nest%- (!r #ish!nesty I &ust call it)+ +It is "!n#er(ul%+ re'lie# 3ic ha&%- +(!r al&!st all his acti!ns &ay be trace# t! 'ri#e/- an# 'ri#e has !(ten been his best (rien#) It has c!nnecte# hi& nearer "ith virtue than "ith any !ther (eelin$) -ut "e are n!ne !( us c!nsistent% an# in his behavi!r t! &e% there "ere str!n$er i&'ulses even than 'ri#e)+ +Can such ab!&inable 'ri#e as his have ever #!ne hi& $!!#.+ +2es) It has !(ten le# hi& t! be liberal an# $ener!us%- t! $ive his &!ney (reely% t! #is'lay h!s'itality% t! assist his tenants% an# relieve the '!!r) >a&ily 'ri#e% an# (ilial 'ri#e%- (!r he is very 'r!u# !( "hat his (ather "as% have #!ne this) N!t t! a''ear t! #is$race his (a&ily% t! #e$enerate (r!& the '!'ular 9ualities% !r l!se the in(luence !( the Pe&berley H!use% is a '!"er(ul &!tive) He has als! br!therly 'ri#e% "hich% "ith s!&e br!therly a((ecti!n% &a es hi& a very in# an# care(ul $uar#ian !( his sister% an# y!u "ill hear hi& $enerally crie# u' as the &!st attentive an# best !( br!thers)+ +3hat s!rt !( a $irl is ,iss Darcy.+ He sh!! his hea#)- +I "ish I c!ul# call her a&iable) It $ives &e 'ain t! s'ea ill !( a Darcy) -ut she is t!! &uch li e her br!ther%very% very 'r!u#) As a chil#% she "as a((ecti!nate an# 'leasin$% an# e*tre&ely (!n# !( &e/ an# I have #ev!te# h!urs an# h!urs t! her a&use&ent) -ut she is n!thin$ t! &e n!") 6he is a han#s!&e $irl% ab!ut (i(teen !r si*teen% an#% I un#erstan#% hi$hly acc!&'lishe#) 6ince her (ather;s #eath% her h!&e has been 0!n#!n% "here a la#y lives "ith her% an# su'erinten#s her e#ucati!n)+ A(ter &any 'auses an# &any trials !( !ther sub1ects% Eli8abeth c!ul#

n!t hel' revertin$ !nce &!re t! the (irst% an# sayin$+I a& ast!nishe# at his inti&acy "ith ,r) -in$ley5 H!" can ,r) -in$ley% "h! see&s $!!#-hu&!r itsel(% an# is% I really believe% truly a&iable% be in (rien#shi' "ith such a &an. H!" can they suit each !ther.- D! y!u n!" ,r) -in$ley.+ +N!t at all)+ +He is a s"eet-te&'ere#% a&iable% char&in$ &an) He cann!t n!" "hat ,r) Darcy is)+ +Pr!bably n!t/- but ,r) Darcy can 'lease "here he ch!!ses) He #!es n!t "ant abilities) He can be a c!nversible c!&'ani!n i( he thin s it "!rth his "hile) A&!n$ th!se "h! are at all his e9uals in c!nse9uence% he is a very #i((erent &an (r!& "hat he is t! the less 'r!s'er!us) His 'ri#e never #eserts hi&7 but "ith the rich he is liberal-&in#e#% 1ust% sincere% rati!nal% h!n!rable% an# 'erha's a$reeable/- all!"in$ s!&ethin$ (!r (!rtune an# (i$ure)+ The "hist 'arty s!!n a(ter"ar#s brea in$ u'% the 'layers $athere# r!un# the !ther table% an# ,r) C!llins t!! his stati!n bet"een his c!usin Eli8abeth an# ,rs) Phili's) The usual in9uiries as t! his success "as &a#e by the latter) It ha# n!t been very $reat/ he ha# l!st every '!int/ but "hen ,rs) Phili's be$an t! e*'ress her c!ncern thereu'!n% he assure# her "ith &uch earnest $ravity that it "as n!t !( the least i&'!rtance% that he c!nsi#ere# the &!ney as a &ere tri(le% an# be$$e# she "!ul# n!t &a e hersel( uneasy) +I n!" very "ell% &a#a&%+ sai# he% +that "hen 'ers!ns sit #!"n t! a car# table% they &ust ta e their chance !( these thin$s%- an# ha''ily I a& n!t in such circu&stances as t! &a e (ive shillin$s any !b1ect) There are un#!ubte#ly &any "h! c!ul# n!t say the sa&e% but than s t! 0a#y Catherine #e -!ur$h% I a& re&!ve# (ar bey!n# the necessity !( re$ar#in$ little &atters)+ ,r) 3ic ha&;s attenti!n "as cau$ht/ an# a(ter !bservin$ ,r) C!llins (!r a (e" &!&ents% he as e# Eli8abeth in a l!" v!ice "hether her relati!n "ere very inti&ately ac9uainte# "ith the (a&ily !( #e -!ur$h) +0a#y Catherine #e -!ur$h%+ she re'lie#% +has very lately $iven hi& a livin$) I har#ly n!" h!" ,r) C!llins "as (irst intr!#uce# t! her n!tice% but he certainly has n!t n!"n her l!n$)+ +2!u n!" !( c!urse that 0a#y Catherine #e -!ur$h an# 0a#y Anne Darcy "ere sisters/ c!nse9uently that she is aunt t! the 'resent ,r) Darcy)+ +N!% in#ee#% I #i# n!t)- I ne" n!thin$ at all !( 0a#y Catherine;s c!nnecti!ns) I never hear# !( her e*istence till the #ay be(!re yester#ay)+ +Her #au$hter% ,iss #e -!ur$h% "ill have a very lar$e (!rtune% an# it is believe# that she an# her c!usin "ill unite the t"! estates)+ This in(!r&ati!n &a#e Eli8abeth s&ile% as she th!u$ht !( '!!r ,iss -in$ley) @ain in#ee# &ust be all her attenti!ns% vain an# useless her a((ecti!n (!r his sister an# her 'raise !( hi&sel(% i( he "ere alrea#y sel(-#estine# t! an!ther) +,r) C!llins%+ sai# she% +s'ea s hi$hly b!th !( 0a#y Catherine an# her #au$hter/ but (r!& s!&e 'articulars that he has relate# !( her la#yshi'% I sus'ect his $ratitu#e &islea#s hi&% an# that in s'ite !( her bein$ his 'atr!ness% she is an arr!$ant% c!nceite# "!&an)+

+I believe her t! be b!th in a $reat #e$ree%+ re'lie# 3ic ha&/ +I have n!t seen her (!r &any years% but I very "ell re&e&ber that I never li e# her% an# that her &anners "ere #ictat!rial an# ins!lent) 6he has the re'utati!n !( bein$ re&ar ably sensible an# clever/ but I rather believe she #erives 'art !( her abilities (r!& her ran an# (!rtune% 'art (r!& her auth!ritative &anner% an# the rest (r!& the 'ri#e !( her ne'he"% "h! ch!!ses that every !ne c!nnecte# "ith hi& sh!ul# have an un#erstan#in$ !( the (irst class)+ Eli8abeth all!"e# that he ha# $iven a very rati!nal acc!unt !( it% an# they c!ntinue# tal in$ t!$ether "ith &utual satis(acti!n till su''er 'ut an en# t! car#s% an# $ave the rest !( the la#ies their share !( ,r) 3ic ha&;s attenti!ns) There c!ul# be n! c!nversati!n in the n!ise !( ,rs) Phili's;s su''er 'arty% but his &anners rec!&&en#e# hi& t! everyb!#y) 3hatever he sai#% "as sai# "ell/ an# "hatever he #i#% #!ne $race(ully) Eli8abeth "ent a"ay "ith her hea# (ull !( hi&) 6he c!ul# thin !( n!thin$ but !( ,r) 3ic ha&% an# !( "hat he ha# t!l# her% all the "ay h!&e/ but there "as n!t ti&e (!r her even t! &enti!n his na&e as they "ent% (!r neither 0y#ia n!r ,r) C!llins "ere !nce silent) 0y#ia tal e# incessantly !( l!ttery tic ets% !( the (ish she ha# l!st an# the (ish she ha# "!n/ an# ,r) C!llins in #escribin$ the civility !( ,r) an# ,rs) Phili's% 'r!testin$ that he #i# n!t in the least re$ar# his l!sses at "hist% enu&eratin$ all the #ishes at su''er% an# re'eate#ly (earin$ that he cr!"#e# his c!usins% ha# &!re t! say than he c!ul# "ell &ana$e be(!re the carria$e st!''e# at 0!n$b!urn H!use) CHAPTER:B@II CHAPTER B@II E0IAA-ETH relate# t! Jane the ne*t #ay "hat ha# 'asse# bet"een ,r) 3ic ha& an# hersel() Jane listene# "ith ast!nish&ent an# c!ncern/- she ne" n!t h!" t! believe that ,r) Darcy c!ul# be s! un"!rthy !( ,r) -in$ley;s re$ar#/ an# yet% it "as n!t in her nature t! 9uesti!n the veracity !( a y!un$ &an !( such a&iable a''earance as 3ic ha&) The '!ssibility !( his havin$ really en#ure# such un in#ness% "as en!u$h t! interest all her ten#er (eelin$s/ an# n!thin$ there(!re re&aine# t! FbeG #!ne% but t! thin "ell !( the& b!th% t! #e(en# the c!n#uct !( each% an# thr!" int! the acc!unt !( acci#ent !r &ista e "hatever c!ul# n!t be !ther"ise e*'laine#) +They have b!th%+ sai# she% +been #eceive#% I #are say% in s!&e "ay !r !ther% !( "hich "e can (!r& n! i#ea) Intereste# 'e!'le have 'erha's &isre'resente# each t! the !ther) It is% in sh!rt% i&'!ssible (!r us t! c!n1ecture the causes !r circu&stances "hich &ay have alienate# the&% "ith!ut actual bla&e !n either si#e)+ +@ery true% in#ee#/- an# n!"% &y #ear Jane% "hat have y!u $!t t! say in behal( !( the intereste# 'e!'le "h! have 'r!bably been c!ncerne# in the business.- D! clear the& t!!% !r "e shall be !bli$e# t! thin ill !( s!&eb!#y)+ +0au$h as &uch as y!u ch!!se% but y!u "ill n!t lau$h &e !ut !( &y !'ini!n) ,y #earest 0i88y% #! but c!nsi#er in "hat a #is$race(ul li$ht it 'laces ,r) Darcy% t! be treatin$ his (ather;s (av!rite in such a &anner%- !ne% "h!& his (ather ha# 'r!&ise# t! 'r!vi#e (!r) It is

i&'!ssible) N! &an !( c!&&!n hu&anity% n! &an "h! ha# any value (!r his character% c!ul# be ca'able !( it) Can his &!st inti&ate (rien#s be s! e*cessively #eceive# in hi&.- !h5 n!)+ +I can &uch &!re easily believe ,r) -in$ley;s bein$ i&'!se# !n% than that ,r) 3ic ha& sh!ul# invent such a hist!ry !( hi&sel( as he $ave &e last ni$ht/ na&es% (acts% everythin$ &enti!ne# "ith!ut cere&!ny) I( it be n!t s!% let ,r) Darcy c!ntra#ict it) -esi#es% there "as truth in his l!! s)+ +It is #i((icult in#ee#- it is #istressin$) 4ne #!es n!t n!" "hat t! thin )+ +I be$ y!ur 'ar#!n/ !ne n!"s e*actly "hat t! thin )+ -ut Jane c!ul# thin "ith certainty !n !nly !ne '!int- that ,r) -in$ley% i( he ha# been i&'!se# !n% "!ul# have &uch t! su((er "hen the a((air beca&e 'ublic) The t"! y!un$ la#ies "ere su&&!ne# (r!& the shrubbery% "here this c!nversati!n 'asse#% by the arrival !( s!&e !( the very 'ers!ns !( "h!& they ha# been s'ea in$7 ,r) -in$ley an# his sisters ca&e t! $ive their 'ers!nal invitati!n (!r the l!n$-e*'ecte# ball at Nether(iel#% "hich "as (i*e# (!r the (!ll!"in$ Tues#ay) The t"! la#ies "ere #eli$hte# t! see their #ear (rien# a$ain%- calle# it an a$e since they ha# &et% an# re'eate#ly as e# "hat she ha# been #!in$ "ith hersel( since their se'arati!n) T! the rest !( the (a&ily they 'ai# little attenti!n/ av!i#in$ ,rs) -ennet as &uch as '!ssible% sayin$ n!t &uch t! Eli8abeth% an# n!thin$ at all t! the !thers) They "ere s!!n $!ne a$ain% risin$ (r!& their seats "ith an activity "hich t!! their br!ther by sur'rise% an# hurryin$ !(( as i( ea$er t! esca'e (r!& ,rs) -ennet;s civilities) The 'r!s'ect !( the Nether(iel# ball "as e*tre&ely a$reeable t! every (e&ale !( the (a&ily) ,rs) -ennet ch!se t! c!nsi#er it as $iven in c!&'li&ent t! her el#est #au$hter% an# "as 'articularly (lattere# by receivin$ the invitati!n (r!& ,r) -in$ley hi&sel(% instea# !( a cere&!ni!us car#) Jane 'icture# t! hersel( a ha''y evenin$ in the s!ciety !( her t"! (rien#s% an# the attenti!ns !( their br!ther/ an# Eli8abeth th!u$ht "ith 'leasure !( #ancin$ a $reat #eal "ith ,r) 3ic ha&% an# !( seein$ a c!n(ir&ati!n !( everythin$ in ,r) Darcy;s l!! an# behavi!r) The ha''iness antici'ate# by Catherine an# 0y#ia #e'en#e# less !n any sin$le event% !r any 'articular 'ers!n% (!r th!u$h they each% li e Eli8abeth% &eant t! #ance hal( the evenin$ "ith ,r) 3ic ha&% he "as by n! &eans the !nly 'artner "h! c!ul# satis(y the&% an# a ball "as% at any rate% a ball) An# even ,ary c!ul# assure her (a&ily that she ha# n! #isinclinati!n (!r it) +3hile I can have &y &!rnin$s t! &ysel(%+ sai# she% +it is en!u$h- I thin it is n! sacri(ice t! 1!in !ccasi!nally in evenin$ en$a$e&ents) 6!ciety has clai&s !n us all/ an# I 'r!(ess &ysel( !ne !( th!se "h! c!nsi#er intervals !( recreati!n an# a&use&ent as #esirable (!r everyb!#y)+ Eli8abeth;s s'irits "ere s! hi$h !n the !ccasi!n% that th!u$h she #i# n!t !(ten s'ea unnecessarily t! ,r) C!llins% she c!ul# n!t hel' as in$ hi& "hether he inten#e# t! acce't ,r) -in$ley;s invitati!n% an# i( he #i#% "hether he "!ul# thin it 'r!'er t! 1!in in the evenin$;s a&use&ent/ an# she "as rather sur'rise# t! (in# that he entertaine# n! scru'le "hatever !n that hea#% an# "as very (ar (r!& #rea#in$ a rebu e

either (r!& the Archbish!'% !r 0a#y Catherine #e -!ur$h% by venturin$ t! #ance) +I a& by n! &eans !( !'ini!n% I assure y!u%+ sai# he% +that a ball !( this in#% $iven by a y!un$ &an !( character% t! res'ectable 'e!'le% can have any evil ten#ency/ an# I a& s! (ar (r!& !b1ectin$ t! #ancin$ &ysel(% that I shall h!'e t! be h!n!re# "ith the han#s !( all &y (air c!usins in the c!urse !( the evenin$/ an# I ta e this !''!rtunity !( s!licitin$ y!urs% ,iss Eli8abeth% (!r the t"! (irst #ances es'ecially%- a 're(erence "hich I trust &y c!usin Jane "ill attribute t! the ri$ht cause% an# n!t t! any #isres'ect (!r her)+ Eli8abeth (elt hersel( c!&'letely ta en in) 6he ha# (ully 'r!'!se# bein$ en$a$e# by ,r) 3ic ha& (!r th!se very #ances/ an# t! have ,r) C!llins instea#5 her liveliness ha# been never "!rse ti&e#) There "as n! hel' (!r it% h!"ever) ,r) 3ic ha&;s ha''iness an# her !"n "as 'er(!rce #elaye# a little l!n$er% an# ,r) C!llins;s 'r!'!sal acce'te# "ith as $!!# a $race as she c!ul#) 6he "as n!t the better 'lease# "ith his $allantry (r!& the i#ea it su$$este# !( s!&ethin$ &!re) It n!" (irst struc her% that she "as selecte# (r!& a&!n$ her sisters as "!rthy !( bein$ the &istress !( Huns(!r# Pars!na$e% an# !( assistin$ t! (!r& a 9ua#rille table at R!sin$s% in the absence !( &!re eli$ible visit!rs) The i#ea s!!n reache# t! c!nvicti!n% as she !bserve# his increasin$ civilities t!"ar# hersel(% an# hear# his (re9uent atte&'t at a c!&'li&ent !n her "it an# vivacity/ an# th!u$h &!re ast!nishe# than $rati(ie# hersel( by this e((ect !( her char&s% it "as n!t l!n$ be(!re her &!ther $ave her t! un#erstan# that the 'r!bability !( their &arria$e "as e*cee#in$ly a$reeable t! her) Eli8abeth% h!"ever% #i# n!t ch!!se t! ta e the hint% bein$ "ell a"are that a seri!us #is'ute &ust be the c!nse9uence !( any re'ly) ,r) C!llins &i$ht never &a e the !((er% an#% till he #i#% it "as useless t! 9uarrel ab!ut hi&) I( there ha# n!t been a Nether(iel# ball t! 're'are (!r an# tal !(% the y!un$er ,iss -ennets "!ul# have been in a 'itiable state at this ti&e% (!r (r!& the #ay !( the invitati!n% t! the #ay !( the ball% there "as such a successi!n !( rain as 'revente# their "al in$ t! ,eryt!n !nce) N! aunt% n! !((icers% n! ne"s c!ul# be s!u$ht a(ter- the very sh!e-r!ses (!r Nether(iel# "ere $!t by 'r!*y) Even Eli8abeth &i$ht have (!un# s!&e trial !( her 'atience in "eather "hich t!tally sus'en#e# the i&'r!ve&ent !( her ac9uaintance "ith ,r) 3ic ha&/ an# n!thin$ less than a #ance !n Tues#ay% c!ul# have &a#e such a >ri#ay% 6atur#ay% 6un#ay% an# ,!n#ay en#urable t! <itty an# 0y#ia) CHAPTER:B@III CHAPTER B@III TI00 Eli8abeth entere# the #ra"in$-r!!& at Nether(iel#% an# l!! e# in vain (!r ,r) 3ic ha& a&!n$ the cluster !( re# c!ats there asse&ble#% a #!ubt !( his bein$ 'resent ha# never !ccurre# t! her) The certainty !( &eetin$ hi& ha# n!t been chec e# by any !( th!se rec!llecti!ns that &i$ht n!t unreas!nably have alar&e# her) 6he ha# #resse# "ith &!re than usual care% an# 're'are# in the hi$hest s'irits (!r the c!n9uest !( all that re&aine# unsub#ue# !( his heart% trustin$ that it "as n!t &!re than &i$ht be "!n in the c!urse !( the evenin$)

-ut in an instant ar!se the #rea#(ul sus'ici!n !( his bein$ 'ur'!sely !&itte# (!r ,r) Darcy;s 'leasure in the -in$leys; invitati!n t! the !((icers/ an# th!u$h this "as n!t e*actly the case% the abs!lute (act !( his absence "as 'r!n!unce# by his (rien# ,r) Denny% t! "h!& 0y#ia ea$erly a''lie#% an# "h! t!l# the& that 3ic ha& ha# been !bli$e# t! $! t! t!"n !n business the #ay be(!re% an# "as n!t yet returne#/ a##in$% "ith a si$ni(icant s&ile% +I #! n!t i&a$ine his business "!ul# have calle# hi& a"ay 1ust n!"% i( he ha# n!t "ishe# t! av!i# a certain $entle&an here)+ This 'art !( his intelli$ence% th!u$h unhear# by 0y#ia% "as cau$ht by Eli8abeth% an# as it assure# her that Darcy "as n!t less ans"erable (!r 3ic ha&;s absence than i( her (irst sur&ise ha# been 1ust% every (eelin$ !( #is'leasure a$ainst the (!r&er "as s! shar'ene# by i&&e#iate #isa''!int&ent% that she c!ul# har#ly re'ly "ith t!lerable civility t! the '!lite in9uiries "hich he #irectly a(ter"ar#s a''r!ache# t! &a e) Attenti!n% (!rbearance% 'atience "ith Darcy% "as in1ury t! 3ic ha&) 6he "as res!lve# a$ainst any s!rt !( c!nversati!n "ith hi&% an# turne# a"ay "ith a #e$ree !( ill-hu&!r "hich she c!ul# n!t "h!lly sur&!unt even in s'ea in$ t! ,r) -in$ley% "h!se blin# 'artiality 'r!v! e# her) -ut Eli8abeth "as n!t (!r&e# (!r ill-hu&!r/ an# th!u$h every 'r!s'ect !( her !"n "as #estr!ye# (!r the evenin$% it c!ul# n!t #"ell l!n$ !n her s'irits/ an# havin$ t!l# all her $rie(s t! Charl!tte 0ucas% "h!& she ha# n!t seen (!r a "ee % she "as s!!n able t! &a e a v!luntary transiti!n t! the !##ities !( her c!usin% an# t! '!int hi& !ut t! her 'articular n!tice) The t"! (irst #ances% h!"ever% br!u$ht a return !( #istress/ they "ere #ances !( &!rti(icati!n) ,r) C!llins% a" "ar# an# s!le&n% a'!l!$i8in$ instea# !( atten#in$% an# !(ten &!vin$ "r!n$ "ith!ut bein$ a"are !( it% $ave her all the sha&e an# &isery "hich a #isa$reeable 'artner (!r a c!u'le !( #ances can $ive) The &!&ent !( her release (r!& hi& "as ecstasy) 6he #ance# ne*t "ith an !((icer% an# ha# the re(resh&ent !( tal in$ !( 3ic ha&% an# !( hearin$ that he "as universally li e#) 3hen th!se #ances "ere !ver% she returne# t! Charl!tte 0ucas% an# "as in c!nversati!n "ith her% "hen she (!un# hersel( su##enly a##resse# by ,r) Darcy% "h! t!! her s! &uch by sur'rise in his a''licati!n (!r her han#% that% "ith!ut n!"in$ "hat she #i#% she acce'te# hi&) He "al e# a"ay a$ain i&&e#iately% an# she "as le(t t! (ret !ver her !"n "ant !( 'resence !( &in#/ Charl!tte trie# t! c!ns!le her) +I #are say y!u "ill (in# hi& very a$reeable)+ +Heaven (!rbi#5- That "!ul# be the $reatest &is(!rtune !( all5- T! (in# a &an a$reeable "h!& !ne is #eter&ine# t! hate5- D! n!t "ish &e such an evil)+ 3hen the #ancin$ rec!&&ence#% h!"ever% an# Darcy a''r!ache# t! clai& her han#% Charl!tte c!ul# n!t hel' cauti!nin$ her in a "his'er% n!t t! be a si&'let!n% an# all!" her (ancy (!r 3ic ha& t! &a e her a''ear un'leasant in the eyes !( a &an !( ten ti&es his c!nse9uence) Eli8abeth &a#e n! ans"er% an# t!! her 'lace in the set% a&a8e# at the #i$nity t! "hich she "as arrive# in bein$ all!"e# t! stan# !''!site t! ,r) Darcy% an# rea#in$ in her nei$hb!rs; l!! s% their e9ual a&a8e&ent in beh!l#in$ it) They st!!# (!r s!&e ti&e "ith!ut s'ea in$ a "!r#/ an# she be$an t! i&a$ine that their silence "as t! last

thr!u$h the t"! #ances% an# at (irst "as res!lve# n!t t! brea it/ till su##enly (ancyin$ that it "!ul# be the $reater 'unish&ent t! her 'artner t! !bli$e hi& t! tal % she &a#e s!&e sli$ht !bservati!n !n the #ance) He re'lie#% an# "as a$ain silent) A(ter a 'ause !( s!&e &inutes% she a##resse# hi& a sec!n# ti&e "ith- +It is y!ur turn t! say s!&ethin$ n!"% ,r) Darcy) I tal e# ab!ut the #ance% an# y!u !u$ht t! &a e s!&e in# !( re&ar !n the si8e !( the r!!&% !r the nu&ber !( c!u'les)+ He s&ile#% an# assure# her that "hatever she "ishe# hi& t! say sh!ul# be sai#) +@ery "ell) That re'ly "ill #! (!r the 'resent) Perha's by an# by I &ay !bserve that 'rivate balls are &uch 'leasanter than 'ublic !nes) -ut n!" "e &ay be silent)+ +D! y!u tal by rule% then% "hile y!u are #ancin$.+ +6!&eti&es) 4ne &ust s'ea a little% y!u n!") It "!ul# l!! !## t! be entirely silent (!r hal( an h!ur t!$ether/ an# yet (!r the a#vanta$e !( s!&e% c!nversati!n !u$ht t! be s! arran$e#% as that they &ay have the tr!uble !( sayin$ as little as '!ssible)+ +Are y!u c!nsultin$ y!ur !"n (eelin$s in the 'resent case% !r #! y!u i&a$ine that y!u are $rati(yin$ &ine.+ +-!th%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth% archly/ +(!r I have al"ays seen a $reat si&ilarity in the turn !( !ur &in#s) 3e are each !( an uns!cial% taciturn #is'!siti!n% un"illin$ t! s'ea % unless "e e*'ect t! say s!&ethin$ that "ill a&a8e the "h!le r!!&% an# be han#e# #!"n t! '!sterity "ith all the eclat !( a 'r!verb)+ +This is n! very stri in$ rese&blance !( y!ur !"n character% I a& sure%+ sai# he) +H!" near it &ay be t! &ine% I cann!t 'reten# t! say) 2!u thin it a (aith(ul '!rtrait un#!ubte#ly)+ +I &ust n!t #eci#e !n &y !"n 'er(!r&ance)+ He &a#e n! ans"er% an# they "ere a$ain silent till they ha# $!ne #!"n the #ance% "hen he as e# her i( she an# her sisters #i# n!t very !(ten "al t! ,eryt!n. 6he ans"ere# in the a((ir&ative/ an#% unable t! resist the te&'tati!n% a##e#% +3hen y!u &et us there the !ther #ay% "e ha# 1ust been (!r&in$ a ne" ac9uaintance)+ The e((ect "as i&&e#iate) A #ee'er sha#e !( hauteur !vers'rea# his (eatures% but he sai# n!t a "!r#% an# Eli8abeth% th!u$h bla&in$ hersel( (!r her !"n "ea ness% c!ul# n!t $! !n) At len$th Darcy s'! e% an# in a c!nstraine# &anner sai#% +,r) 3ic ha& is blesse# "ith such ha''y &anners as &ay ensure his &a in$ (rien#s- "hether he &ay be e9ually ca'able !( retainin$ the&% is less certain)+ +He has been s! unluc y as t! l!se y!ur (rien#shi'%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth "ith e&'hasis% +an# in a &anner "hich he is li ely t! su((er (r!& all his li(e)+ Darcy &a#e n! ans"er% an# see&e# #esir!us !( chan$in$ the sub1ect) At that &!&ent 6ir 3illia& 0ucas a''eare# cl!se t! the&% &eanin$ t! 'ass thr!u$h the set t! the !ther si#e !( the r!!&/ but !n 'erceivin$ ,r) Darcy% he st!''e# "ith a b!" !( su'eri!r c!urtesy t! c!&'li&ent hi& !n his #ancin$ an# his 'artner) +I have been &!st hi$hly $rati(ie# in#ee#% &y #ear sir) 6uch very su'eri!r #ancin$ is n!t !(ten seen) It is evi#ent that y!u bel!n$ t! the (irst circles) All!" &e t! say% h!"ever% that y!ur (air 'artner #!es n!t #is$race y!u% an# that I &ust h!'e t! have this 'leasure

!(ten re'eate#% es'ecially "hen a certain #esirable event% &y #ear ,iss Eli8a% D$lancin$ at her sister an# -in$ley%E shall ta e 'lace) 3hat c!n$ratulati!ns "ill then (l!" in5 I a''eal t! ,r) Darcy7- but let &e n!t interru't y!u% sir)- 2!u "ill n!t than &e (!r #etainin$ y!u (r!& the be"itchin$ c!nverse !( that y!un$ la#y% "h!se bri$ht eyes are als! u'brai#in$ &e)+ The latter 'art !( this a##ress "as scarcely hear# by Darcy/ but 6ir 3illia&;s allusi!n t! his (rien# see&e# t! stri e hi& (!rcibly% an# his eyes "ere #irecte# "ith a very seri!us e*'ressi!n t!"ar#s -in$ley an# Jane% "h! "ere #ancin$ t!$ether) Rec!verin$ hi&sel(% h!"ever% sh!rtly% he turne# t! his 'artner% an# sai#% +6ir 3illia&;s interru'ti!n has &a#e &e (!r$et "hat "e "ere tal in$ !()+ +I #! n!t thin "e "ere s'ea in$ at all) 6ir 3illia& c!ul# n!t have interru'te# any t"! 'e!'le in the r!!& "h! ha# less t! say (!r the&selves) 3e have trie# t"! !r three sub1ects alrea#y "ith!ut success% an# "hat "e are t! tal !( ne*t I cann!t i&a$ine)+ +3hat thin y!u !( b!! s.+ sai# he% s&ilin$) +-!! s- 4h5 n!) I a& sure "e never rea# the sa&e% !r n!t "ith the sa&e (eelin$s)+ +I a& s!rry y!u thin s!/ but i( that be the case% there can at least be n! "ant !( sub1ect) ;3e &ay c!&'are !ur #i((erent !'ini!ns)+ +N!- I cann!t tal !( b!! s in a ball-r!!&/ &y hea# is al"ays (ull !( s!&ethin$ else)+ +The 'resent al"ays !ccu'ies y!u in such scenes- #!es it.+ sai# he% "ith a l!! !( #!ubt) +2es% al"ays%+ she re'lie#% "ith!ut n!"in$ "hat she sai#% (!r her th!u$hts ha# "an#ere# (ar (r!& the sub1ect% as s!!n a(ter"ar#s a''eare# by her su##enly e*clai&in$% +I re&e&ber hearin$ y!u !nce say% ,r) Darcy% that y!u har#ly ever (!r$ave% that y!ur resent&ent !nce create# "as una''easable) 2!u are very cauti!us% I su''!se% as t! its bein$ create#)+ +I a&%+ sai# he% "ith a (ir& v!ice) +An# never all!" y!ursel( t! be blin#e# by 're1u#ice.+ +I h!'e n!t)+ +It is 'articularly incu&bent !n th!se "h! never chan$e their !'ini!n% t! be secure !( 1u#$in$ 'r!'erly at (irst)+ +,ay I as t! "hat these 9uesti!ns ten#.+ +,erely t! the illustrati!n !( y!ur character%+ sai# she% en#eav!rin$ t! sha e !(( her $ravity) +I a& tryin$ t! &a e it !ut)+ +An# "hat is y!ur success.+ 6he sh!! her hea#% +I #! n!t $et !n at all) I hear such #i((erent acc!unts !( y!u as 'u88le &e e*cee#in$ly)+ +I can rea#ily believe%+ ans"ere# he $ravely% +that re'!rts &ay vary $reatly "ith res'ect t! &e/ an# I c!ul# "ish% ,iss -ennet% that y!u "ere n!t t! s etch &y character at the 'resent &!&ent% as there is reas!n t! (ear that the 'er(!r&ance "!ul# re(lect n! cre#it !n either)+ +-ut i( I #! n!t ta e y!ur li eness n!"% I &ay never have an!ther !''!rtunity)+ +I "!ul# by n! &eans sus'en# any 'leasure !( y!urs%+ he c!l#ly re'lie#) 6he sai# n! &!re% an# they "ent #!"n the !ther #ance an# 'arte# in silence/ !n each si#e #issatis(ie#% th!u$h n!t t! an e9ual

#e$ree% (!r in Darcy;s breast there "as a t!lerable '!"er(ul (eelin$ t!"ar#s her% "hich s!!n 'r!cure# her 'ar#!n% an# #irecte# all his an$er a$ainst an!ther) They ha# n!t l!n$ se'arate#% "hen ,iss -in$ley ca&e t!"ar#s her% an# "ith an e*'ressi!n !( civil #is#ain thus acc!ste# her7- +6!% ,iss Eli8a% I hear y!u are 9uite #eli$hte# "ith ?e!r$e 3ic ha&5 2!ur sister has been tal in$ t! &e ab!ut hi&% an# as in$ &e a th!usan# 9uesti!ns/ an# I (in# that the y!un$ &an (!r$!t t! tell y!u% a&!n$ his !ther c!&&unicati!ns% that he "as the s!n !( !l# 3ic ha&% the late ,r) Darcy;s ste"ar#) 0et &e rec!&&en# y!u% h!"ever% as a (rien#% n!t t! $ive i&'licit c!n(i#ence t! all his asserti!ns/ (!r as t! ,r) Darcy;s usin$ hi& ill% it is 'er(ectly (alse/ (!r% !n the c!ntrary% he has been al"ays re&ar ably in# t! hi&% th!u$h ?e!r$e 3ic ha& has treate# ,r) Darcy in a &!st in(a&!us &anner) I #! n!t n!" the 'articulars% but I n!" very "ell that ,r) Darcy is n!t in the least t! bla&e% that he cann!t bear t! hear ?e!r$e 3ic ha& &enti!ne#% an# that th!u$h &y br!ther th!u$ht he c!ul# n!t "ell av!i# inclu#in$ hi& in his invitati!n t! the !((icers% he "as e*cessively $la# t! (in# that he ha# ta en hi&sel( !ut !( the "ay) His c!&in$ int! the c!untry at all is a &!st ins!lent thin$% in#ee#% an# I "!n#er h!" he c!ul# 'resu&e t! #! it) I 'ity y!u% ,iss Eli8a% (!r this #isc!very !( y!ur (av!rite;s $uilt/ but really% c!nsi#erin$ his #escent% !ne c!ul# n!t e*'ect &uch better)+ +His $uilt an# his #escent a''ear by y!ur acc!unt t! be the sa&e%+ sai# Eli8abeth an$rily/ +(!r I have hear# y!u accuse hi& !( n!thin$ "!rse than !( bein$ the s!n !( ,r) Darcy;s ste"ar#% an# !( that% I can assure y!u% he in(!r&e# &e hi&sel()+ +I be$ y!ur 'ar#!n%+ re'lie# ,iss -in$ley% turnin$ a"ay "ith a sneer) +E*cuse &y inter(erence7 it "as in#ly &eant)+ +Ins!lent $irl5+ sai# Eli8abeth t! hersel() +2!u are &uch &ista en i( y!u e*'ect t! in(luence &e by such a 'altry attac as this) I see n!thin$ in it but y!ur !"n "ill(ul i$n!rance an# the &alice !( ,r) Darcy)+ 6he then s!u$ht her el#est sister% "h! ha# un#erta en t! &a e in9uiries !n the sa&e sub1ect !( -in$ley) Jane &et her "ith a s&ile !( such s"eet c!&'lacency% a $l!" !( such ha''y e*'ressi!n% as su((iciently &ar e# h!" "ell she "as satis(ie# "ith the !ccurrences !( the evenin$) Eli8abeth instantly rea# her (eelin$s% an# at that &!&ent s!licitu#e (!r 3ic ha&% resent&ent a$ainst his ene&ies% an# everythin$ else% $ave "ay be(!re the h!'e !( Jane;s bein$ in the (airest "ay (!r ha''iness) +I "ant t! n!"%+ sai# she% "ith a c!untenance n! less s&ilin$ than her sister;s% +"hat y!u have learnt ab!ut ,r) 3ic ha&) -ut 'erha's y!u have been t!! 'leasantly en$a$e# t! thin !( any thir# 'ers!n/ in "hich case y!u &ay be sure !( &y 'ar#!n)+ +N!%+ re'lie# Jane% +I have n!t (!r$!tten hi&/ but I have n!thin$ satis(act!ry t! tell y!u) ,r) -in$ley #!es n!t n!" the "h!le !( his hist!ry% an# is 9uite i$n!rant !( the circu&stances "hich have 'rinci'ally !((en#e# ,r) Darcy/ but he "ill v!uch (!r the $!!# c!n#uct% the 'r!bity% an# h!n!r !( his (rien#% an# is 'er(ectly c!nvince# that ,r) 3ic ha& has #eserve# &uch less attenti!n (r!& ,r) Darcy than he has receive#/ an# I a& s!rry t! say that by his acc!unt as "ell as his sister;s% ,r) 3ic ha& is by n! &eans a

res'ectable y!un$ &an) I a& a(rai# he has been very i&'ru#ent% an# has #eserve# t! l!se ,r) Darcy;s re$ar#)+ +,r) -in$ley #!es n!t n!" ,r) 3ic ha& hi&sel(.+ +N!/ he never sa" hi& till the !ther &!rnin$ at ,eryt!n)+ +This acc!unt then is "hat he has receive# (r!& ,r) Darcy) I a& satis(ie#) -ut "hat #!es he say !( the livin$.+ +He #!es n!t e*actly rec!llect the circu&stances% th!u$h he has hear# the& (r!& ,r) Darcy &!re than !nce% but he believes that it "as le(t t! hi& c!n#iti!nally !nly)+ +I have n!t a #!ubt !( ,r) -in$ley;s sincerity%+ sai# Eli8abeth "ar&ly7 +but y!u &ust e*cuse &y n!t bein$ c!nvince# by assurances !nly) ,r) -in$ley;s #e(ense !( his (rien# "as a very able !ne% I #are say/ but since he is unac9uainte# "ith several 'arts !( the st!ry% an# has learnt the rest (r!& that (rien# hi&sel(% I shall venture still t! thin !( b!th $entle&en as I #i# be(!re)+ 6he then chan$e# the #isc!urse t! !ne &!re $rati(yin$ t! each% an# !n "hich there c!ul# be n! #i((erence !( senti&ent) Eli8abeth listene# "ith #eli$ht t! the ha''y% th!u$h &!#est h!'es "hich Jane entertaine# !( -in$ley;s re$ar#% an# sai# all in her '!"er t! hei$hten her c!n(i#ence in it) 4n their bein$ 1!ine# by ,r) -in$ley hi&sel(% Eli8abeth "ith#re" t! ,iss 0ucas/ t! "h!se in9uiry a(ter the 'leasantness !( her last 'artner she ha# scarcely re'lie#% be(!re ,r) C!llins ca&e u' t! the&% an# t!l# her "ith $reat e*ultati!n that he ha# 1ust been s! (!rtunate as t! &a e a &!st i&'!rtant #isc!very) +I have (!un# !ut%+ sai# he% +by a sin$ular acci#ent% that there is n!" in the r!!& a near relati!n !( &y 'atr!ness) I ha''ene# t! !verhear the $entle&an hi&sel( &enti!nin$ t! the y!un$ la#y "h! #!es the h!n!rs !( this h!use the na&es !( his c!usin ,iss #e -!ur$h% an# !( her &!ther 0a#y Catherine) H!" "!n#er(ully these s!rt !( thin$s !ccur5 3h! "!ul# have th!u$ht !( &y &eetin$ "ith% 'erha's% a ne'he" !( 0a#y Catherine #e -!ur$h in this asse&bly5 I a& &!st than (ul that the #isc!very is &a#e in ti&e (!r &e t! 'ay &y res'ects t! hi&% "hich I a& n!" $!in$ t! #!% an# trust he "ill e*cuse &y n!t havin$ #!ne it be(!re) ,y t!tal i$n!rance !( the c!nnecti!n &ust 'lea# &y a'!l!$y)+ +2!u are n!t $!in$ t! intr!#uce y!ursel( t! ,r) Darcy5+ +In#ee# I a&) I shall entreat his 'ar#!n (!r n!t havin$ #!ne it earlier) I believe hi& t! be 0a#y Catherine;s ne'he") It "ill be in &y '!"er t! assure hi& that her la#yshi' "as 9uite "ell yester#ay se;nni$ht)+ Eli8abeth trie# har# t! #issua#e hi& (r!& such a sche&e% assurin$ hi& that ,r) Darcy "!ul# c!nsi#er his a##ressin$ hi& "ith!ut intr!#ucti!n as an i&'ertinent (ree#!&% rather than a c!&'li&ent t! his aunt/ that it "as n!t in the least necessary there sh!ul# be any n!tice !n either si#e/ an# that i( it "ere% it &ust bel!n$ t! ,r) Darcy% the su'eri!r in c!nse9uence% t! be$in the ac9uaintance) ,r) C!llins listene# t! her "ith the #eter&ine# air !( (!ll!"in$ his !"n inclinati!n% an#% "hen she cease# s'ea in$% re'lie# thus7- +,y #ear ,iss Eli8abeth% I have the hi$hest !'ini!n in the "!rl# !( y!ur e*cellent 1u#$&ent in all &atters "ithin the sc!'e !( y!ur un#erstan#in$/ but 'er&it &e t! say% that there &ust be a "i#e #i((erence bet"een the establishe# (!r&s !( cere&!ny a&!n$st the laity% an# th!se "hich re$ulate the cler$y/ (!r% $ive &e leave t!

!bserve that I c!nsi#er the clerical !((ice as e9ual in '!int !( #i$nity "ith the hi$hest ran in the in$#!&- 'r!vi#e# that a 'r!'er hu&ility !( behavi!r is at the sa&e ti&e &aintaine#) 2!u &ust there(!re all!" &e t! (!ll!" the #ictates !( &y c!nscience !n this !ccasi!n% "hich lea#s &e t! 'er(!r& "hat I l!! !n as a '!int !( #uty) Par#!n &e (!r ne$lectin$ t! 'r!(it by y!ur a#vice% "hich !n every !ther sub1ect shall be &y c!nstant $ui#e% th!u$h in the case be(!re us I c!nsi#er &ysel( &!re (itte# by e#ucati!n an# habitual stu#y t! #eci#e !n "hat is ri$ht than a y!un$ la#y li e y!ursel()+ An# "ith a l!" b!" he le(t her t! attac ,r) Darcy% "h!se rece'ti!n !( his a#vances she ea$erly "atche#% an# "h!se ast!nish&ent at bein$ s! a##resse# "as very evi#ent) Her c!usin 're(ace# his s'eech "ith a s!le&n b!"7 an# th!u$h she c!ul# n!t hear a "!r# !( it% she (elt as i( hearin$ it all% an# sa" in the &!ti!n !( his li's the "!r#s +a'!l!$y%+ +Huns(!r#%+ an# +0a#y Catherine #e -!ur$h)+ It ve*e# her t! see hi& e*'!se hi&sel( t! such a &an) ,r) Darcy "as eyein$ hi& "ith unrestraine# "!n#er% an# "hen at last ,r) C!llins all!"e# hi& ti&e t! s'ea % re'lie# "ith an air !( #istant civility) ,r) C!llins% h!"ever% "as n!t #isc!ura$e# (r!& s'ea in$ a$ain% an# ,r) Darcy;s c!nte&'t see&e# abun#antly increasin$ "ith the len$th !( his sec!n# s'eech% an# at the en# !( it he !nly &a#e hi& a sli$ht b!"% an# &!ve# an!ther "ay) ,r) C!llins then returne# t! Eli8abeth) +I have n! reas!n% I assure y!u%+ sai# he% +t! be #issatis(ie# "ith &y rece'ti!n) ,r) Darcy see&e# &uch 'lease# "ith the attenti!n) He ans"ere# &e "ith the ut&!st civility% an# even 'ai# &e the c!&'li&ent !( sayin$% that he "as s! "ell c!nvince# !( 0a#y Catherine;s #iscern&ent as t! be certain she c!ul# never best!" a (av!r un"!rthily) It "as really a very han#s!&e th!u$ht) U'!n the "h!le% I a& &uch 'lease# "ith hi&)+ As Eli8abeth ha# n! l!n$er any interest !( her !"n t! 'ursue% she turne# her attenti!n al&!st entirely !n her sister an# ,r) -in$ley/ an# the train !( a$reeable re(lecti!ns "hich her !bservati!ns $ave birth t!% &a#e her 'erha's al&!st as ha''y as Jane) 6he sa" her in i#ea settle# in that very h!use% in all the (elicity "hich a &arria$e !( true a((ecti!n c!ul# best!"/ an# she (elt ca'able% un#er such circu&stances% !( en#eav!rin$ even t! li e -in$ley;s t"! sisters) Her &!ther;s th!u$hts she 'lainly sa" "ere bent the sa&e "ay% an# she #eter&ine# n!t t! venture near her% lest she &i$ht hear t!! &uch) 3hen they sat #!"n t! su''er% there(!re% she c!nsi#ere# it a &!st unluc y 'erverseness "hich 'lace# the& "ithin !ne !( each !ther/ an# #ee'ly "as she ve*e# t! (in# that her &!ther "as tal in$ t! that !ne 'ers!n D0a#y 0ucasE (reely% !'enly% an# !( n!thin$ else but !( her e*'ectati!n that Jane "!ul# be s!!n &arrie# t! ,r) -in$ley)- It "as an ani&atin$ sub1ect% an# ,rs) -ennet see&e# inca'able !( (ati$ue "hile enu&eratin$ the a#vanta$es !( the &atch) His bein$ such a char&in$ y!un$ &an% an# s! rich% an# livin$ but three &iles (r!& the&% "ere the (irst '!ints !( sel(-$ratulati!n/ an# then it "as such a c!&(!rt t! thin h!" (!n# the t"! sisters "ere !( Jane% an# t! be certain that they &ust #esire the c!nnecti!n as &uch as she c!ul# #!) It "as% &!re!ver% such a 'r!&isin$ thin$ (!r her y!un$er #au$hters% as Jane;s &arryin$ s! $reatly &ust thr!" the& in the "ay !( !ther rich &en/ an# lastly% it "as s! 'leasant at her ti&e !( li(e

t! be able t! c!nsi$n her sin$le #au$hters t! the care !( their sister% that she &i$ht n!t be !bli$e# t! $! int! c!&'any &!re than she li e#) It "as necessary t! &a e this circu&stance a &atter !( 'leasure% because !n such !ccasi!ns it is the eti9uette/ but n! !ne "as less li ely than ,rs) -ennet t! (in# c!&(!rt in stayin$ at h!&e at any 'eri!# !( her li(e) 6he c!nclu#e# "ith &any $!!# "ishes that 0a#y 0ucas &i$ht s!!n be e9ually (!rtunate% th!u$h evi#ently an# triu&'hantly believin$ there "as n! chance !( it) In vain #i# Eli8abeth en#eav!r t! chec the ra'i#ity !( her &!ther;s "!r#s% !r 'ersua#e her t! #escribe her (elicity in a less au#ible "his'er/ (!r% t! her ine*'ressible ve*ati!n% she c!ul# 'erceive that the chie( !( it "as !verhear# by ,r) Darcy% "h! sat !''!site t! the&) Her &!ther !nly sc!l#e# her (!r bein$ n!nsensical) +3hat is ,r) Darcy t! &e% 'ray% that I sh!ul# be a(rai# !( hi&. I a& sure "e !"e hi& n! such 'articular civility as t! be !bli$e# t! say n!thin$ he &ay n!t li e t! hear)+ +>!r heaven;s sa e% &a#a&% s'ea l!"er)- 3hat a#vanta$e can it be t! y!u t! !((en# ,r) Darcy.- 2!u "ill never rec!&&en# y!ursel( t! his (rien# by s! #!in$5+ N!thin$ that she c!ul# say% h!"ever% ha# any in(luence) Her &!ther "!ul# tal !( her vie"s in the sa&e intelli$ible t!ne) Eli8abeth blushe# an# blushe# a$ain "ith sha&e an# ve*ati!n) 6he c!ul# n!t hel' (re9uently $lancin$ her eye at ,r) Darcy% th!u$h every $lance c!nvince# her !( "hat she #rea#e#/ (!r th!u$h he "as n!t al"ays l!! in$ at her &!ther% she "as c!nvince# that his attenti!n "as invariably (i*e# by her) The e*'ressi!n !( his (ace chan$e# $ra#ually (r!& in#i$nant c!nte&'t t! a c!&'!se# an# stea#y $ravity) At len$th% h!"ever% ,rs) -ennet ha# n! &!re t! say/ an# 0a#y 0ucas% "h! ha# been l!n$ ya"nin$ at the re'etiti!n !( #eli$hts "hich she sa" n! li elih!!# !( sharin$% "as le(t t! the c!&(!rts !( c!l# ha& an# chic en) Eli8abeth n!" be$an t! revive) -ut n!t l!n$ "as the interval !( tran9uillity/ (!r% "hen su''er "as !ver% sin$in$ "as tal e# !(% an# she ha# the &!rti(icati!n !( seein$ ,ary% a(ter very little entreaty% 're'arin$ t! !bli$e the c!&'any) -y &any si$ni(icant l!! s an# silent entreaties% #i# she en#eav!r t! 'revent such a 'r!!( !( c!&'laisance%- but in vain/ ,ary "!ul# n!t un#erstan# the&/ such an !''!rtunity !( e*hibitin$ "as #eli$ht(ul t! her% an# she be$an her s!n$) Eli8abeth;s eyes "ere (i*e# !n her "ith &!st 'ain(ul sensati!ns% an# she "atche# her 'r!$ress thr!u$h the several stan8as "ith an i&'atience "hich "as very ill re"ar#e# at their cl!se/ (!r ,ary% !n receivin$% a&!n$st the than s !( the table% the hint !( a h!'e that she &i$ht be 'revaile# !n t! (av!r the& a$ain% a(ter the 'ause !( hal( a &inute be$an an!ther) ,ary;s '!"ers "ere by n! &eans (itte# (!r such a #is'lay/ her v!ice "as "ea % an# her &anner a((ecte#)- Eli8abeth "as in a$!nies) 6he l!! e# at Jane% t! see h!" she b!re it/ but Jane "as very c!&'!se#ly tal in$ t! -in$ley) 6he l!! e# at his t"! sisters% an# sa" the& &a in$ si$ns !( #erisi!n at each !ther% an# at Darcy% "h! c!ntinue#% h!"ever% i&'enetrably $rave) 6he l!! e# at her (ather t! entreat his inter(erence% lest ,ary sh!ul# be sin$in$ all ni$ht) He t!! the hint% an# "hen ,ary ha# (inishe# her sec!n# s!n$% sai# al!u#% +That "ill #! e*tre&ely "ell% chil#) 2!u have #eli$hte# us l!n$ en!u$h) 0et the

!ther y!un$ la#ies have ti&e t! e*hibit)+ ,ary% th!u$h 'reten#in$ n!t t! hear% "as s!&e"hat #isc!ncerte#/ an# Eli8abeth% s!rry (!r her% an# s!rry (!r her (ather;s s'eech% "as a(rai# her an*iety ha# #!ne n! $!!#) 4thers !( the 'arty "ere n!" a''lie# t!) +I( I%+ sai# ,r) C!llins% +"ere s! (!rtunate as t! be able t! sin$% I sh!ul# have $reat 'leasure% I a& sure% in !bli$in$ the c!&'any "ith an air/ (!r I c!nsi#er &usic as a very inn!cent #iversi!n% an# 'er(ectly c!&'atible "ith the 'r!(essi!n !( a cler$y&an)- I #! n!t &ean% h!"ever% t! assert that "e can be 1usti(ie# in #ev!tin$ t!! &uch !( !ur ti&e t! &usic% (!r there are certainly !ther thin$s t! be atten#e# t!) The rect!r !( a 'arish has &uch t! #!)- In the (irst 'lace% he &ust &a e such an a$ree&ent (!r tythes as &ay be bene(icial t! hi&sel( an# n!t !((ensive t! his 'atr!n) He &ust "rite his !"n ser&!ns/ an# the ti&e that re&ains "ill n!t be t!! &uch (!r his 'arish #uties% an# the care an# i&'r!ve&ent !( his #"ellin$% "hich he cann!t be e*cuse# (r!& &a in$ as c!&(!rtable as '!ssible) An# I #! n!t thin it !( li$ht i&'!rtance that he sh!ul# have attentive an# c!nciliat!ry &anners t!"ar#s everyb!#y% es'ecially t!"ar#s th!se t! "h!& he !"es his 're(er&ent) I cann!t ac9uit hi& !( that #uty/ n!r c!ul# I thin "ell !( the &an "h! sh!ul# !&it an !ccasi!n !( testi(yin$ his res'ect t!"ar#s anyb!#y c!nnecte# "ith the (a&ily)+ An# "ith a b!" t! ,r) Darcy% he c!nclu#e# his s'eech% "hich ha# been s'! en s! l!u# as t! be hear# by hal( the r!!&)- ,any stare#- &any s&ile#/ but n! !ne l!! e# &!re a&use# than ,r) -ennet hi&sel(% "hile his "i(e seri!usly c!&&en#e# ,r) C!llins (!r havin$ s'! en s! sensibly% an# !bserve# in a hal(-"his'er t! 0a#y 0ucas% that he "as a re&ar ably clever% $!!# in# !( y!un$ &an) T! Eli8abeth it a''eare#% that ha# her (a&ily &a#e an a$ree&ent t! e*'!se the&selves as &uch as they c!ul# #urin$ the evenin$% it "!ul# have been i&'!ssible (!r the& t! 'lay their 'arts "ith &!re s'irit !r (iner success/ an# ha''y #i# she thin it (!r -in$ley an# her sister that s!&e !( the e*hibiti!n ha# esca'e# his n!tice% an# that his (eelin$s "ere n!t !( a s!rt t! be &uch #istresse# by the (!lly "hich he &ust have "itnesse#) That his t"! sisters an# ,r) Darcy% h!"ever% sh!ul# have such an !''!rtunity !( ri#iculin$ her relati!ns% "as ba# en!u$h% an# she c!ul# n!t #eter&ine "hether the silent c!nte&'t !( the $entle&an% !r the ins!lent s&iles !( the la#ies% "ere &!re int!lerable) The rest !( the evenin$ br!u$ht her little a&use&ent) 6he "as tease# by ,r) C!llins% "h! c!ntinue# &!st 'erseverin$ly by her si#e% an# th!u$h he c!ul# n!t 'revail "ith her t! #ance "ith hi& a$ain% 'ut it !ut !( her '!"er t! #ance "ith !thers) In vain #i# she entreat hi& t! stan# u' "ith s!&eb!#y else% an# !((er t! intr!#uce hi& t! any y!un$ la#y in the r!!&) He assure# her% that as t! #ancin$% he "as 'er(ectly in#i((erent t! it/ that his chie( !b1ect "as by #elicate attenti!ns t! rec!&&en# hi&sel( t! her% an# that he sh!ul# there(!re &a e a '!int !( re&ainin$ cl!se t! her the "h!le evenin$) There "as n! ar$uin$ u'!n such a 'r!1ect) 6he !"e# her $reatest relie( t! her (rien# ,iss 0ucas% "h! !(ten 1!ine# the&% an# $!!#-nature#ly en$a$e# ,r) C!llins;s c!nversati!n t! hersel() 6he "as at least (ree (r!& the !((ense !( ,r) Darcy;s (urther

n!tice/ th!u$h !(ten stan#in$ "ithin a very sh!rt #istance !( her% 9uite #isen$a$e#% he never ca&e near en!u$h t! s'ea ) 6he (elt it t! be the 'r!bable c!nse9uence !( her allusi!ns t! ,r) 3ic ha&% an# re1!ice# in it) The 0!n$b!urn 'arty "ere the last !( all the c!&'any t! #e'art% an#% by a &aneuver !( ,rs) -ennet% ha# t! "ait (!r their carria$e a 9uarter !( an h!ur a(ter everyb!#y else "as $!ne% "hich $ave the& ti&e t! see h!" heartily they "ere "ishe# a"ay by s!&e !( the (a&ily) ,rs) Hurst an# her sister scarcely !'ene# their &!uths% e*ce't t! c!&'lain !( (ati$ue% an# "ere evi#ently i&'atient t! have the h!use t! the&selves) They re'ulse# every atte&'t !( ,rs) -ennet at c!nversati!n% an# by s! #!in$ thre" a lan$u!r !ver the "h!le 'arty% "hich "as very little relieve# by the l!n$ s'eeches !( ,r) C!llins% "h! "as c!&'li&entin$ ,r) -in$ley an# his sisters !n the ele$ance !( their entertain&ent% an# the h!s'itality an# '!liteness "hich ha# &ar e# their behavi!r t! their $uests) Darcy sai# n!thin$ at all) ,r) -ennet% in e9ual silence% "as en1!yin$ the scene) ,r) -in$ley an# Jane "ere stan#in$ t!$ether% a little #etache# (r!& the rest% an# tal e# !nly t! each !ther) Eli8abeth 'reserve# as stea#y a silence as either ,rs) Hurst !r ,iss -in$ley/ an# even 0y#ia "as t!! &uch (ati$ue# t! utter &!re than the !ccasi!nal e*cla&ati!n !( +0!r#% h!" tire# I a&5+ acc!&'anie# by a vi!lent ya"n) 3hen at len$th they ar!se t! ta e leave% ,rs) -ennet "as &!st 'ressin$ly civil in her h!'e !( seein$ the "h!le (a&ily s!!n at 0!n$b!urn% an# a##resse# hersel( 'articularly t! ,r) -in$ley% t! assure hi& h!" ha''y he "!ul# &a e the& by eatin$ a (a&ily #inner "ith the& at any ti&e% "ith!ut the cere&!ny !( a (!r&al invitati!n) -in$ley "as all $rate(ul 'leasure% an# he rea#ily en$a$e# (!r ta in$ the earliest !''!rtunity !( "aitin$ !n her% a(ter his return (r!& 0!n#!n% "hither he "as !bli$e# t! $! the ne*t #ay (!r a sh!rt ti&e) ,rs) -ennet "as 'er(ectly satis(ie#% an# 9uitte# the h!use un#er the #eli$ht(ul 'ersuasi!n that% all!"in$ (!r the necessary 're'arati!ns !( settle&ents% ne" carria$es% an# "e##in$ cl!thes% she sh!ul# un#!ubte#ly see her #au$hter settle# at Nether(iel# in the c!urse !( three !r (!ur &!nths) 4( havin$ an!ther #au$hter &arrie# t! ,r) C!llins% she th!u$ht "ith e9ual certainty% an# "ith c!nsi#erable% th!u$h n!t e9ual% 'leasure) Eli8abeth "as the least #ear t! her !( all her chil#ren/ an# th!u$h the &an an# the &atch "ere 9uite $!!# en!u$h (!r her% the "!rth !( each "as ecli'se# by ,r) -in$ley an# Nether(iel#) CHAPTER:BIB CHAPTER BIB THE ne*t #ay !'ene# a ne" scene at 0!n$b!urn) ,r) C!llins &a#e his #eclarati!n in (!r&) Havin$ res!lve# t! #! it "ith!ut l!ss !( ti&e% as his leave !( absence e*ten#e# !nly t! the (!ll!"in$ 6atur#ay% an# havin$ n! (eelin$s !( #i((i#ence t! &a e it #istressin$ t! hi&sel( even at the &!&ent% he set ab!ut it in a very !r#erly &anner% "ith all the !bservances% "hich he su''!se# a re$ular 'art !( the business) 4n (in#in$ ,rs) -ennet% Eli8abeth% an# !ne !( the y!un$er $irls t!$ether% s!!n a(ter brea (ast% he a##resse# the &!ther in these

"!r#s7 +,ay I h!'e% &a#a&% (!r y!ur interest "ith y!ur (air #au$hter Eli8abeth% "hen I s!licit (!r the h!n!r !( a 'rivate au#ience "ith her in the c!urse !( this &!rnin$.+ -e(!re Eli8abeth ha# ti&e (!r anythin$ but a blush !( sur'rise% ,rs) -ennet instantly ans"ere#% +4h% #ear5- 2es- certainly) I a& sure 0i88y "ill be very ha''y- I a& sure she can have n! !b1ecti!n) C!&e% <itty% I "ant y!u u'stairs)+ An#% $atherin$ her "!r t!$ether% she "as hastenin$ a"ay% "hen Eli8abeth calle# !ut% +Dear &a#a&% #! n!t $!) I be$ y!u "ill n!t $!) ,r) C!llins &ust e*cuse &e) He can have n!thin$ t! say t! &e that anyb!#y nee# n!t hear) I a& $!in$ a"ay &ysel()+ +N!% n!% n!nsense% 0i88y) I #esire y!u "ill stay "here y!u are)+ An# u'!n Eli8abeth;s see&in$ really% "ith ve*e# an# e&barrasse# l!! s% ab!ut t! esca'e% she a##e#% +0i88y% I insist u'!n y!ur stayin$ an# hearin$ ,r) C!llins)+ Eli8abeth "!ul# n!t !''!se such an in1uncti!n- an# a &!&ent;s c!nsi#erati!n &a in$ her als! sensible that it "!ul# be "isest t! $et it !ver as s!!n an# as 9uietly as '!ssible% she sat #!"n a$ain% an# trie# t! c!nceal% by incessant e&'l!y&ent% the (eelin$s "hich "ere #ivi#e# bet"een #istress an# #iversi!n) ,rs) -ennet an# <itty "al e# !((% an# as s!!n as they "ere $!ne ,r) C!llins be$an) +-elieve &e% &y #ear ,iss Eli8abeth% that y!ur &!#esty% s! (ar (r!& #!in$ y!u any #isservice% rather a##s t! y!ur !ther 'er(ecti!ns) 2!u "!ul# have been less a&iable in &y eyes ha# there n!t been this little un"illin$ness/ but all!" &e t! assure y!u% that I have y!ur res'ecte# &!ther;s 'er&issi!n (!r this a##ress) 2!u can har#ly #!ubt the 'ur'!rt !( &y #isc!urse% h!"ever y!ur natural #elicacy &ay lea# y!u t! #isse&ble/ &y attenti!ns have been t!! &ar e# t! be &ista en) Al&!st as s!!n as I entere# the h!use% I sin$le# y!u !ut as the c!&'ani!n !( &y (uture li(e) -ut be(!re I a& run a"ay "ith by &y (eelin$s !n this sub1ect% 'erha's it "!ul# be a#visable (!r &e t! state &y reas!ns (!r &arryin$- an#% &!re!ver% (!r c!&in$ int! Hert(!r#shire "ith the #esi$n !( selectin$ a "i(e% as I certainly #i#)+ The i#ea !( ,r) C!llins% "ith all his s!le&n c!&'!sure% bein$ run a"ay "ith by his (eelin$s% &a#e Eli8abeth s! near lau$hin$% that she c!ul# n!t use the sh!rt 'ause he all!"e# in any atte&'t t! st!' hi& (arther% an# he c!ntinue#7+,y reas!ns (!r &arryin$ are% (irst% that I thin it a ri$ht thin$ (!r every cler$y&an in easy circu&stances Dli e &ysel(E t! set the e*a&'le !( &atri&!ny in his 'arish/ sec!n#ly% that I a& c!nvince# it "ill a## very $reatly t! &y ha''iness/ an# thir#ly- "hich 'erha's I !u$ht t! have &enti!ne# earlier% that it is the 'articular a#vice an# rec!&&en#ati!n !( the very n!ble la#y "h!& I have the h!n!r !( callin$ 'atr!ness) T"ice has she c!n#escen#e# t! $ive &e her !'ini!n Dunas e# t!!5E !n this sub1ect/ an# it "as but the very 6atur#ay ni$ht be(!re I le(t Huns(!r#- bet"een !ur '!!ls at 9ua#rille% "hile ,rs) Jen ins!n "as arran$in$ ,iss #e -!ur$h;s (!!tst!!l% that she sai#% ;,r) C!llins% y!u &ust &arry) A cler$y&an li e y!u &ust &arry)- Ch!!se 'r!'erly% ch!!se a $entle"!&an (!r &y sa e/ an# (!r y!ur !"n% let her be an active% use(ul s!rt !( 'ers!n% n!t br!u$ht u' hi$h% but able t! &a e a s&all inc!&e $! a $!!# "ay) This is &y a#vice) >in# such a

"!&an as s!!n as y!u can% brin$ her t! Huns(!r#% an# I "ill visit her); All!" &e% by the "ay% t! !bserve% &y (air c!usin% that I #! n!t rec !n the n!tice an# in#ness !( 0a#y Catherine #e -!ur$h as a&!n$ the least !( the a#vanta$es in &y '!"er t! !((er) 2!u "ill (in# her &anners bey!n# anythin$ I can #escribe% an# y!ur "it an# vivacity% I thin % &ust be acce'table t! her% es'ecially "hen te&'ere# "ith the silence an# res'ect "hich her ran "ill inevitably e*cite) Thus &uch (!r &y $eneral intenti!n in (av!r !( &atri&!ny/ it re&ains t! be t!l# "hy &y vie"s "ere #irecte# t! 0!n$b!urn instea# !( &y !"n nei$hb!rh!!#% "here I assure y!u there are &any a&iable y!un$ "!&en) -ut the (act is% that bein$% as I a&% t! inherit this estate a(ter the #eath !( y!ur h!n!re# (ather D"h!% h!"ever% &ay live &any years l!n$erE% I c!ul# n!t satis(y &ysel( "ith!ut res!lvin$ t! ch!!se a "i(e (r!& a&!n$ his #au$hters% that the l!ss t! the& &i$ht be as little as '!ssible% "hen the &elanch!ly event ta es 'lace- "hich% h!"ever% as I have alrea#y sai#% &ay n!t be (!r several years) This has been &y &!tive% &y (air c!usin% an# I (latter &ysel( it "ill n!t sin &e in y!ur estee&) An# n!" n!thin$ re&ains (!r &e but t! assure y!u in the &!st ani&ate# lan$ua$e !( the vi!lence !( &y a((ecti!n) T! (!rtune I a& 'er(ectly in#i((erent% an# shall &a e n! #e&an# !( that nature !n y!ur (ather% since I a& "ell a"are that it c!ul# n!t be c!&'lie# "ith/ an# that !ne th!usan# '!un#s in the H 'er cents)% "hich "ill n!t be y!urs till a(ter y!ur &!ther;s #ecease% is all that y!u &ay ever be entitle# t!) 4n that hea#% there(!re% I shall be uni(!r&ly silent/ an# y!u &ay assure y!ursel( that n! un$ener!us re'r!ach shall ever 'ass &y li's "hen "e are &arrie#)+ It "as abs!lutely necessary t! interru't hi& n!") +2!u are t!! hasty% sir%+ she crie#) +2!u (!r$et that I have &a#e n! ans"er) 0et &e #! it "ith!ut (urther l!ss !( ti&e) Acce't &y than s (!r the c!&'li&ent y!u are 'ayin$ &e) I a& very sensible !( the h!n!r !( y!ur 'r!'!sals% but it is i&'!ssible (!r &e t! #! !ther"ise than #ecline the&)+ +I a& n!t n!" t! learn%+ re'lie# ,r) C!llins% "ith a (!r&al "ave !( the han#% +that it is usual "ith y!un$ la#ies t! re1ect the a##resses !( the &an "h!& they secretly &ean t! acce't% "hen he (irst a''lies (!r their (av!r/ an# that s!&eti&es the re(usal is re'eate# a sec!n# !r even a thir# ti&e) I a& there(!re by n! &eans #isc!ura$e# by "hat y!u have 1ust sai#% an# shall h!'e t! lea# y!u t! the altar ere l!n$)+ +U'!n &y "!r#% sir%+ crie# Eli8abeth% +y!ur h!'e is rather an e*tra!r#inary !ne a(ter &y #eclarati!n) I #! assure y!u that I a& n!t !ne !( th!se y!un$ la#ies Di( such y!un$ la#ies there areE "h! are s! #arin$ as t! ris their ha''iness !n the chance !( bein$ as e# a sec!n# ti&e) I a& 'er(ectly seri!us in &y re(usal) 2!u c!ul# n!t &a e &e ha''y% an# I a& c!nvince# that I a& the last "!&an in the "!rl# "h! "!ul# &a e y!u s!) Nay% "ere y!ur (rien# 0a#y Catherine t! n!" &e% I a& 'ersua#e# she "!ul# (in# &e in every res'ect ill 9uali(ie# (!r the situati!n)+ +3ere it certain that 0a#y Catherine "!ul# thin s!%+ sai# ,r) C!llins very $ravely- +but I cann!t i&a$ine that her la#yshi' "!ul# at all #isa''r!ve !( y!u) An# y!u &ay be certain that "hen I have the h!n!r !( seein$ her a$ain% I shall s'ea in the hi$hest ter&s !(

y!ur &!#esty% ec!n!&y% an# !ther a&iable 9uali(icati!ns)+ +In#ee#% ,r) C!llins% all 'raise !( &e "ill be unnecessary) 2!u &ust $ive &e leave t! 1u#$e (!r &ysel(% an# 'ay &e the c!&'li&ent !( believin$ "hat I say) I "ish y!u very ha''y an# very rich% an# by re(usin$ y!ur han#% #! all in &y '!"er t! 'revent y!ur bein$ !ther"ise) In &a in$ &e the !((er% y!u &ust have satis(ie# the #elicacy !( y!ur (eelin$s "ith re$ar# t! &y (a&ily% an# &ay ta e '!ssessi!n !( 0!n$b!urn estate "henever it (alls% "ith!ut any sel(-re'r!ach) This &atter &ay be c!nsi#ere#% there(!re% as (inally settle#)+ An# risin$ as she thus s'! e% she "!ul# have 9uitte# the r!!&% ha# n!t ,r) C!llins thus a##resse# her7 +3hen I #! &ysel( the h!n!r !( s'ea in$ t! y!u ne*t !n the sub1ect% I shall h!'e t! receive a &!re (av!rable ans"er than y!u have n!" $iven &e/ th!u$h I a& (ar (r!& accusin$ y!u !( cruelty at 'resent% because I n!" it t! be the establishe# cust!& !( y!ur se* t! re1ect a &an !n the (irst a''licati!n% an# 'erha's y!u have even n!" sai# as &uch t! enc!ura$e &y suit as "!ul# be c!nsistent "ith the true #elicacy !( the (e&ale character)+ +Really% ,r) C!llins%+ crie# Eli8abeth "ith s!&e "ar&th% +y!u 'u88le &e e*cee#in$ly) I( "hat I have hithert! sai# can a''ear t! y!u in the (!r& !( enc!ura$e&ent% I n!" n!t h!" t! e*'ress &y re(usal in such a "ay as &ay c!nvince y!u !( its bein$ !ne)+ +2!u &ust $ive &e leave t! (latter &ysel(% &y #ear c!usin% that y!ur re(usal !( &y a##resses is &erely "!r#s !( c!urse) ,y reas!ns (!r believin$ it are brie(ly these7- It #!es n!t a''ear t! &e that &y han# is un"!rthy y!ur acce'tance% !r that the establish&ent I can !((er "!ul# be any !ther than hi$hly #esirable) ,y situati!n in li(e% &y c!nnecti!ns "ith the (a&ily !( De -!ur$h% an# &y relati!nshi' t! y!ur !"n% are circu&stances hi$hly in &y (av!r/ an# y!u sh!ul# ta e it int! (urther c!nsi#erati!n% that in s'ite !( y!ur &ani(!l# attracti!ns% it is by n! &eans certain that an!ther !((er !( &arria$e &ay ever be &a#e y!u) 2!ur '!rti!n is unha''ily s! s&all% that it "ill in all li elih!!# un#! the e((ects !( y!ur l!veliness an# a&iable 9uali(icati!ns) As I &ust there(!re c!nclu#e that y!u are n!t seri!us in y!ur re1ecti!n !( &e% I shall ch!!se t! attribute it t! y!ur "ish !( increasin$ &y l!ve by sus'ense% acc!r#in$ t! the usual 'ractice !( ele$ant (e&ales)+ +I #! assure y!u% sir% that I have n! 'retensi!ns "hatever t! that in# !( ele$ance "hich c!nsists in t!r&entin$ a res'ectable &an) I "!ul# rather be 'ai# the c!&'li&ent !( bein$ believe# sincere) I than y!u a$ain an# a$ain (!r the h!n!r y!u have #!ne &e in y!ur 'r!'!sals% but t! acce't the& is abs!lutely i&'!ssible) ,y (eelin$s in every res'ect (!rbi# it) Can I s'ea 'lainer. D! n!t c!nsi#er &e n!" as an ele$ant (e&ale% inten#in$ t! 'la$ue y!u% but as a rati!nal creature% s'ea in$ the truth (r!& her heart)+ +2!u are uni(!r&ly char&in$5+ crie# he% "ith an air !( a" "ar# $allantry/ +an# I a& 'ersua#e# that "hen sancti!ne# by the e*'ress auth!rity !( b!th y!ur e*cellent 'arents% &y 'r!'!sals "ill n!t (ail !( bein$ acce'table)+ T! such 'erseverance in "ill(ul sel(-#ece'ti!n Eli8abeth "!ul# &a e n! re'ly% an# i&&e#iately an# in silence "ith#re"/ #eter&ine#% that i( he 'ersiste# in c!nsi#erin$ her re'eate# re(usals as

(latterin$ enc!ura$e&ent% t! a''ly t! her (ather% "h!se ne$ative &i$ht be uttere# in such a &anner as &ust be #ecisive% an# "h!se behavi!r at least c!ul# n!t be &ista en (!r the a((ectati!n an# c!9uetry !( an ele$ant (e&ale) CHAPTER:BB CHAPTER BB ,R) C400IN6 "as n!t le(t l!n$ t! the silent c!nte&'lati!n !( his success(ul l!ve/ (!r ,rs) -ennet% havin$ #a"#le# ab!ut in the vestibule t! "atch (!r the en# !( the c!n(erence% n! s!!ner sa" Eli8abeth !'en the #!!r an# "ith 9uic ste' 'ass her t!"ar#s the staircase% than she entere# the brea (ast-r!!&% an# c!n$ratulate# b!th hi& an# hersel( in "ar& ter&s !n the ha''y 'r!s'ect !( their nearer c!nnecti!n) ,r) C!llins receive# an# returne# these (elicitati!ns "ith e9ual 'leasure% an# then 'r!cee#e# t! relate the 'articulars !( their intervie"% "ith the result !( "hich he truste# he ha# every reas!n t! be satis(ie#% since the re(usal "hich his c!usin ha# stea#(astly $iven hi& "!ul# naturally (l!" (r!& her bash(ul &!#esty an# the $enuine #elicacy !( her character) This in(!r&ati!n% h!"ever% startle# ,rs) -ennet/- she "!ul# have been $la# t! be e9ually satis(ie# that her #au$hter ha# &eant t! enc!ura$e hi& by 'r!testin$ a$ainst his 'r!'!sals% but she #are# n!t believe it% an# c!ul# n!t hel' sayin$ s!) +-ut% #e'en# u'!n it% ,r) C!llins%+ she a##e#% +that 0i88y shall be br!u$ht t! reas!n) I "ill s'ea t! her ab!ut it &ysel( #irectly) 6he is a very hea#str!n$% (!!lish $irl% an# #!es n!t n!" her !"n interest/ but I "ill &a e her n!" it)+ +Par#!n &e (!r interru'tin$ y!u% &a#a&%+ crie# ,r) C!llins7 +but i( she is really hea#str!n$ an# (!!lish% I n!" n!t "hether she "!ul# alt!$ether be a very #esirable "i(e t! a &an in &y situati!n% "h! naturally l!! s (!r ha''iness in the &arria$e state) I( there(!re she actually 'ersists in re1ectin$ &y suit% 'erha's it "ere better n!t t! (!rce her int! acce'tin$ &e% because i( liable t! such #e(ects !( te&'er% she c!ul# n!t c!ntribute &uch t! &y (elicity)+ +6ir% y!u 9uite &isun#erstan# &e%+ sai# ,rs) -ennet% alar&e#) +0i88y is !nly hea#str!n$ in such &atters as these) In everythin$ else she is as $!!#-nature# a $irl as ever live#) I "ill $! #irectly t! ,r) -ennet% an# "e shall very s!!n settle it "ith her% I a& sure)+ 6he "!ul# n!t $ive hi& ti&e t! re'ly% but hurryin$ instantly t! her husban#% calle# !ut as she entere# the library% +4h5 ,r) -ennet% y!u are "ante# i&&e#iately/ "e are all in an u'r!ar) 2!u &ust c!&e an# &a e 0i88y &arry ,r) C!llins% (!r she v!"s she "ill n!t have hi&% an# i( y!u #! n!t &a e haste he "ill chan$e his &in# an# n!t have her)+ ,r) -ennet raise# his eyes (r!& his b!! as she entere#% an# (i*e# the& !n her (ace "ith a cal& unc!ncern "hich "as n!t in the least altere# by her c!&&unicati!n) +I have n!t the 'leasure !( un#erstan#in$ y!u%+ sai# he% "hen she ha# (inishe# her s'eech) +4( "hat are y!u tal in$.+ +4( ,r) C!llins an# 0i88y) 0i88y #eclares she "ill n!t have ,r) C!llins% an# ,r) C!llins be$ins t! say that he "ill n!t have 0i88y)+

+An# "hat a& I t! #! !n the !ccasi!n.- It see&s an h!'eless business)+ +6'ea t! 0i88y ab!ut it y!ursel() Tell her that y!u insist u'!n her &arryin$ hi&)+ +0et her be calle# #!"n) 6he shall hear &y !'ini!n)+ ,rs) -ennet ran$ the bell% an# ,iss Eli8abeth "as su&&!ne# t! the library) +C!&e here% chil#%+ crie# her (ather as she a''eare#) +I have sent (!r y!u !n an a((air !( i&'!rtance) I un#erstan# that ,r) C!llins has &a#e y!u an !((er !( &arria$e) Is it true.+ Eli8abeth re'lie# that it "as) +@ery "ell- an# this !((er !( &arria$e y!u have re(use#.+ +I have% sir)+ +@ery "ell) 3e n!" c!&e t! the '!int) 2!ur &!ther insists u'!n y!ur acce'tin$ it) Is it n!t s!% ,rs) -ennet.+ +2es% !r I "ill never see her a$ain)+ +An unha''y alternative is be(!re y!u% Eli8abeth) >r!& this #ay y!u &ust be a stran$er t! !ne !( y!ur 'arents) 2!ur &!ther "ill never see y!u a$ain i( y!u #! n!t &arry ,r) C!llins% an# I "ill never see y!u a$ain i( y!u #!)+ Eli8abeth c!ul# n!t but s&ile at such a c!nclusi!n !( such a be$innin$/ but ,rs) -ennet% "h! ha# 'ersua#e# hersel( that her husban# re$ar#e# the a((air as she "ishe#% "as e*cessively #isa''!inte#) +3hat #! y!u &ean% ,r) -ennet% by tal in$ in this "ay. 2!u 'r!&ise# &e t! insist u'!n her &arryin$ hi&)+ +,y #ear%+ re'lie# her husban#% +I have t"! s&all (av!rs t! re9uest) >irst% that y!u "ill all!" &e the (ree use !( &y un#erstan#in$ !n the 'resent !ccasi!n/ an# sec!n#ly% !( &y r!!&) I shall be $la# t! have the library t! &ysel( as s!!n as &ay be)+ N!t yet% h!"ever% in s'ite !( her #isa''!int&ent in her husban#% #i# ,rs) -ennet $ive u' the '!int) 6he tal e# t! Eli8abeth a$ain an# a$ain/ c!a*e# an# threatene# her by turns) 6he en#eav!re# t! secure Jane in her interest/ but Jane% "ith all '!ssible &il#ness% #ecline# inter(erin$/ an# Eli8abeth% s!&eti&es "ith real earnestness% an# s!&eti&es "ith 'lay(ul $ayety% re'lie# t! her attac s) Th!u$h her &anner varie#% h!"ever% her #eter&inati!n never #i#) ,r) C!llins% &ean"hile% "as &e#itatin$ in s!litu#e !n "hat ha# 'asse#) He th!u$ht t!! "ell !( hi&sel( t! c!&'rehen# !n "hat &!tive his c!usin c!ul# re(use hi&/ an# th!u$h his 'ri#e "as hurt% he su((ere# in n! !ther "ay) His re$ar# (!r her "as 9uite i&a$inary/ an# the '!ssibility !( her #eservin$ her &!ther;s re'r!ach 'revente# his (eelin$ any re$ret) 3hile the (a&ily "ere in this c!n(usi!n% Charl!tte 0ucas ca&e t! s'en# the #ay "ith the&) 6he "as &et in the vestibule by 0y#ia% "h!% (lyin$ t! her% crie# in a hal( "his'er% +I a& $la# y!u are c!&e% (!r there is such (un here5- 3hat #! y!u thin has ha''ene# this &!rnin$.,r) C!llins has &a#e an !((er t! 0i88y% an# she "ill n!t have hi&)+ Charl!tte ha# har#ly ti&e t! ans"er% be(!re they "ere 1!ine# by <itty% "h! ca&e t! tell the sa&e ne"s/ an# n! s!!ner ha# they entere# the brea (ast-r!!&% "here ,rs) -ennet "as al!ne% than she li e"ise be$an !n the sub1ect% callin$ !n ,iss 0ucas (!r her c!&'assi!n% an# entreatin$ her t! 'ersua#e her (rien# 0i88y t! c!&'ly "ith the "ishes !( all her (a&ily) +Pray #!% &y #ear ,iss

0ucas%+ she a##e# in a &elanch!ly t!ne% +(!r n!b!#y is !n &y si#e% n!b!#y ta es 'art "ith &e% I a& cruelly use#% n!b!#y (eels (!r &y '!!r nerves)+ Charl!tte;s re'ly "as s'are# by the entrance !( Jane an# Eli8abeth) +Aye% there she c!&es%+ c!ntinue# ,rs) -ennet% +l!! in$ as unc!ncerne# as &ay be% an# carin$ n! &!re (!r us than i( "e "ere at 2!r % 'r!vi#e# she can have her !"n "ay)- -ut I tell y!u "hat% ,iss 0i88y- i( y!u ta e it int! y!ur hea# t! $! !n re(usin$ every !((er !( &arria$e in this "ay% y!u "ill never $et a husban# at all- an# I a& sure I #! n!t n!" "h! is t! &aintain y!u "hen y!ur (ather is #ea#)- I shall n!t be able t! ee' y!u- an# s! I "arn y!u)- I have #!ne "ith y!u (r!& this very #ay)- I t!l# y!u in the library% y!u n!"% that I sh!ul# never s'ea t! y!u a$ain% an# y!u "ill (in# &e as $!!# as &y "!r#) I have n! 'leasure in tal in$ t! un#uti(ul chil#ren)- N!t that I have &uch 'leasure% in#ee#% in tal in$ t! anyb!#y) Pe!'le "h! su((er as I #! (r!& nerv!us c!&'laints can have n! $reat inclinati!n (!r tal in$) N!b!#y can tell "hat I su((er5- -ut it is al"ays s!) Th!se "h! #! n!t c!&'lain are never 'itie#)+ Her #au$hters listene# in silence t! this e((usi!n% sensible that any atte&'t t! reas!n "ith !r s!!the her "!ul# !nly increase the irritati!n) 6he tal e# !n% there(!re% "ith!ut interru'ti!n (r!& any !( the&% till they "ere 1!ine# by ,r) C!llins% "h! entere# "ith an air &!re stately than usual% an# !n 'erceivin$ "h!&% she sai# t! the $irls% +N!"% I #! insist u'!n it% that y!u% all !( y!u h!l# y!ur t!n$ues% an# let ,r) C!llins an# &e have a little c!nversati!n t!$ether)+ Eli8abeth 'asse# 9uietly !ut !( the r!!&% Jane an# <itty (!ll!"e#% but 0y#ia st!!# her $r!un#% #eter&ine# t! hear all she c!ul#/ an# Charl!tte% #etaine# (irst by the civility !( ,r) C!llins% "h!se in9uiries a(ter hersel( an# all her (a&ily "ere very &inute% an# then by a little curi!sity% satis(ie# hersel( "ith "al in$ t! the "in#!" an# 'reten#in$ n!t t! hear) In a #!le(ul v!ice ,rs) -ennet thus be$an the 'r!1ecte# c!nversati!n7- +4h5 ,r) C!llins5+ +,y #ear &a#a&%+ re'lie# he% +let us be (!rever silent !n this '!int) >ar be it (r!& &e%+ he 'resently c!ntinue#% in a v!ice that &ar e# his #is'leasure% +t! resent the behavi!r !( y!ur #au$hter) Resi$nati!n t! inevitable evils is the #uty !( us all/ the 'eculiar #uty !( a y!un$ &an "h! has been s! (!rtunate as I have been in early 're(er&ent/ an# I trust I a& resi$ne#) Perha's n!t the less s! (r!& (eelin$ a #!ubt !( &y '!sitive ha''iness ha# &y (air c!usin h!n!re# &e "ith her han#/ (!r I have !(ten !bserve# that resi$nati!n is never s! 'er(ect as "hen the blessin$ #enie# be$ins t! l!se s!&e"hat !( its value in !ur esti&ati!n) 2!u "ill n!t% I h!'e% c!nsi#er &e as sh!"in$ any #isres'ect t! y!ur (a&ily% &y #ear &a#a&% by thus "ith#ra"in$ &y 'retensi!ns t! y!ur #au$hter;s (av!r% "ith!ut havin$ 'ai# y!ursel( an# ,r) -ennet the c!&'li&ent !( re9uestin$ y!u t! inter'!se y!ur auth!rity in &y behal() ,y c!n#uct &ay% I (ear% be !b1ecti!nable in havin$ acce'te# &y #is&issi!n (r!& y!ur #au$hter;s li's instea# !( y!ur !"n) -ut "e are all liable t! err!r) I have certainly &eant "ell thr!u$h the "h!le a((air) ,y !b1ect has been t! secure an a&iable c!&'ani!n (!r &ysel(% "ith #ue c!nsi#erati!n (!r the a#vanta$e !( all y!ur (a&ily% an# i( &y &anner has been at all

re'rehensible% I here be$ leave t! a'!l!$i8e)+ CHAPTER:BBI CHAPTER BBI THE #iscussi!n !( ,r) C!llins;s !((er "as n!" nearly at an en#% an# Eli8abeth ha# !nly t! su((er (r!& the unc!&(!rtable (eelin$s necessarily atten#in$ it% an# !ccasi!nally (r!& s!&e 'eevish allusi!n !( her &!ther) As (!r the $entle&an hi&sel(% his (eelin$s "ere chie(ly e*'resse#% n!t by e&barrass&ent !r #e1ecti!n% !r by tryin$ t! av!i# her% but by sti((ness !( &anner an# resent(ul silence) He scarcely ever s'! e t! her% an# the assi#u!us attenti!ns "hich he ha# been s! sensible !( hi&sel( "ere trans(erre# (!r the rest !( the #ay t! ,iss 0ucas% "h!se civility in listenin$ t! hi& "as a seas!nable relie( t! the& all% an# es'ecially t! her (rien#) The &!rr!" 'r!#uce# n! abate&ent !( ,rs) -ennet;s ill hu&!r !r ill health) ,r) C!llins "as als! in the sa&e state !( an$ry 'ri#e) Eli8abeth ha# h!'e# that his resent&ent &i$ht sh!rten his visit% but his 'lan #i# n!t a''ear in the least a((ecte# by it) He "as al"ays t! have $!ne !n 6atur#ay% an# t! 6atur#ay he still &eant t! stay) A(ter brea (ast% the $irls "al e# t! ,eryt!n t! in9uire i( ,r) 3ic ha& "ere returne#% an# t! la&ent !ver his absence (r!& the Nether(iel# ball) He 1!ine# the& !n their enterin$ the t!"n% an# atten#e# the& t! their aunt;s% "here his re$ret an# ve*ati!n% an# the c!ncern !( everyb!#y% "as "ell tal e# !ver)- T! Eli8abeth% h!"ever% he v!luntarily ac n!"le#$e# that the necessity !( his absence ha# been sel(-i&'!se#) +I (!un#%+ sai# he% +as the ti&e #re" near that I ha# better n!t &eet ,r) Darcy/- that t! be in the sa&e r!!&% the sa&e 'arty "ith hi& (!r s! &any h!urs t!$ether% &i$ht be &!re than I c!ul# bear% an# that scenes &i$ht arise un'leasant t! &!re than &ysel()+ 6he hi$hly a''r!ve# his (!rbearance% an# they ha# leisure (!r a (ull #iscussi!n !( it% an# (!r all the c!&&en#ati!n "hich they civilly best!"e# !n each !ther% as 3ic ha& an# an!ther !((icer "al e# bac "ith the& t! 0!n$b!urn% an# #urin$ the "al he 'articularly atten#e# t! her) His acc!&'anyin$ the& "as a #!uble a#vanta$e/ she (elt all the c!&'li&ent it !((ere# t! hersel(% an# it "as &!st acce'table as an !ccasi!n !( intr!#ucin$ hi& t! her (ather an# &!ther) 6!!n a(ter their return% a letter "as #elivere# t! ,iss -ennet/ it ca&e (r!& Nether(iel#% an# "as !'ene# i&&e#iately) The envel!'e c!ntaine# a sheet !( ele$ant% little% h!t-'resse# 'a'er% "ell c!vere# "ith a la#y;s (air% (l!"in$ han#/ an# Eli8abeth sa" her sister;s c!untenance chan$e as she rea# it% an# sa" her #"ellin$ intently !n s!&e 'articular 'assa$es) Jane rec!llecte# hersel( s!!n% an# 'uttin$ the letter a"ay% trie# t! 1!in "ith her usual cheer(ulness in the $eneral c!nversati!n/ but Eli8abeth (elt an an*iety !n the sub1ect "hich #re" !(( her attenti!n even (r!& 3ic ha&/ an# n! s!!ner ha# he an# his c!&'ani!n ta en leave% than a $lance (r!& Jane invite# her t! (!ll!" her u'stairs) 3hen they ha# $aine# their !"n r!!&% Jane% ta in$ !ut her letter% sai#% +This is (r!& Car!line -in$ley/ "hat it c!ntains has sur'rise# &e a $!!# #eal) The "h!le 'arty have le(t Nether(iel# by this ti&e% an# are !n their "ay t!

t!"n- an# "ith!ut any intenti!n !( c!&in$ bac a$ain) 2!u shall hear "hat she says)+ 6he then rea# the (irst sentence al!u#% "hich c!&'rise# the in(!r&ati!n !( their havin$ 1ust res!lve# t! (!ll!" their br!ther t! t!"n #irectly% an# !( their &eanin$ t! #ine that #ay in ?r!sven!r 6treet% "here ,r) Hurst ha# a h!use) The ne*t "as in these "!r#s7 +I #! n!t 'reten# t! re$ret anythin$ I shall leave in Hert(!r#shire% e*ce't y!ur s!ciety% &y #earest (rien#/ but "e "ill h!'e% at s!&e (uture 'eri!#% t! en1!y &any returns !( that #eli$ht(ul interc!urse "e have n!"n% an# in the &ean"hile &ay lessen the 'ain !( se'arati!n by a very (re9uent an# &!st unreserve# c!rres'!n#ence) I #e'en# !n y!u (!r that)+ T! these hi$h-(l!"n e*'ressi!ns Eli8abeth listene# "ith all the insensibility !( #istrust/ an# th!u$h the su##enness !( their re&!val sur'rise# her% she sa" n!thin$ in it really t! la&ent7 it "as n!t t! be su''!se# that their absence (r!& Nether(iel# "!ul# 'revent ,r) -in$ley;s bein$ there/ an# as t! the l!ss !( their s!ciety% she "as 'ersua#e# that Jane &ust cease t! re$ar# it% in the en1!y&ent !( his) +It is unluc y%+ sai# she% a(ter a sh!rt 'ause% +that y!u sh!ul# n!t be able t! see y!ur (rien#s be(!re they leave the c!untry) -ut &ay "e n!t h!'e that the 'eri!# !( (uture ha''iness t! "hich ,iss -in$ley l!! s (!r"ar# &ay arrive earlier than she is a"are% an# that the #eli$ht(ul interc!urse y!u have n!"n as (rien#s "ill be rene"e# "ith yet $reater satis(acti!n as sisters. ,r) -in$ley "ill n!t be #etaine# in 0!n#!n by the&)+ +Car!line #eci#e#ly says that n!ne !( the 'arty "ill return int! Hert(!r#shire this "inter) I "ill rea# it t! y!u7+;3hen &y br!ther le(t us yester#ay% he i&a$ine# that the business "hich t!! hi& t! 0!n#!n &i$ht be c!nclu#e# in three !r (!ur #ays/ but as "e are certain it cann!t be s!% an# at the sa&e ti&e c!nvince# that "hen Charles $ets t! t!"n he "ill be in n! hurry t! leave it a$ain% "e have #eter&ine# !n (!ll!"in$ hi& thither% that he &ay n!t be !bli$e# t! s'en# his vacant h!urs in a c!&(!rtless h!tel) ,any !( &y ac9uaintance are alrea#y there (!r the "inter/ I "ish I c!ul# hear that y!u% &y #earest (rien#% ha# any intenti!n !( &a in$ !ne in the cr!"#- but !( that I #es'air) I sincerely h!'e y!ur Christ&as in Hert(!r#shire &ay ab!un# in the $ayeties "hich that seas!n $enerally brin$s% an# that y!ur beau* "ill be s! nu&er!us as t! 'revent y!ur (eelin$ the l!ss !( the three !( "h!& "e shall #e'rive y!u);+ +It is evi#ent by this%+ a##e# Jane% +that he c!&es bac n! &!re this "inter)+ +It is !nly evi#ent that ,iss -in$ley #!es n!t &ean he sh!ul#)+ +3hy "ill y!u thin s!. It &ust be his !"n #!in$) He is his !"n &aster) -ut y!u #! n!t n!" all) I "ill rea# y!u the 'assa$e "hich 'articularly hurts &e) I "ill have n! reserves (r!& y!u) +;,r) Darcy is i&'atient t! see his sister/ an#% t! c!n(ess the truth% "e are scarcely less ea$er t! &eet her a$ain) I really #! n!t thin ?e!r$iana Darcy has her e9ual (!r beauty% ele$ance% an# acc!&'lish&ents/ an# the a((ecti!n she ins'ires in 0!uisa an# &ysel( is hei$htene# int! s!&ethin$ still &!re interestin$% (r!& the h!'e "e #are t! entertain !( her bein$ herea(ter !ur sister) I #! n!t n!" "hether I ever be(!re &enti!ne# t! y!u &y (eelin$s !n this

sub1ect/ but I "ill n!t leave the c!untry "ith!ut c!n(i#in$ the&% an# I trust y!u "ill n!t estee& the& unreas!nable) ,y br!ther a#&ires her $reatly alrea#y/ he "ill have (re9uent !''!rtunity n!" !( seein$ her !n the &!st inti&ate (!!tin$/ her relati!ns all "ish the c!nnecti!n as &uch as his !"n/ an# a sister;s 'artiality is n!t &islea#in$ &e% I thin % "hen I call Charles &!st ca'able !( en$a$in$ any "!&an;s heart) 3ith all these circu&stances t! (av!r an attach&ent% an# n!thin$ t! 'revent it% a& I "r!n$% &y #earest Jane% in in#ul$in$ the h!'e !( an event "hich "ill secure the ha''iness !( s! &any.; +3hat thin y!u !( this sentence% &y #ear 0i88y.+ sai# Jane as she (inishe# it) +Is it n!t clear en!u$h. D!es it n!t e*'ressly #eclare that Car!line neither e*'ects n!r "ishes &e t! be her sister/ that she is 'er(ectly c!nvince# !( her br!ther;s in#i((erence/ an# that i( she sus'ects the nature !( &y (eelin$s (!r hi&% she &eans D&!st in#ly5E t! 'ut &e !n &y $uar#. Can there be any !ther !'ini!n !n the sub1ect.+ +2es% there can/ (!r &ine is t!tally #i((erent)- 3ill y!u hear it.+ +,!st "illin$ly)+ +2!u shall have it in a (e" "!r#s) ,iss -in$ley sees that her br!ther is in l!ve "ith y!u% an# "ants hi& t! &arry ,iss Darcy) 6he (!ll!"s hi& t! t!"n in the h!'e !( ee'in$ hi& there% an# tries t! 'ersua#e y!u that he #!es n!t care ab!ut y!u)+ Jane sh!! her hea#) +In#ee#% Jane% y!u !u$ht t! believe &e)- N! !ne "h! has ever seen y!u t!$ether can #!ubt his a((ecti!n) ,iss -in$ley% I a& sure% cann!t) 6he is n!t such a si&'let!n) C!ul# she have seen hal( as &uch l!ve in ,r) Darcy (!r hersel(% she "!ul# have !r#ere# her "e##in$ cl!thes) -ut the case is this7- 3e are n!t rich en!u$h !r $ran# en!u$h (!r the&/ an# she is the &!re an*i!us t! $et ,iss Darcy (!r her br!ther% (r!& the n!ti!n that "hen there has been !ne inter&arria$e% she &ay have less tr!uble in achievin$ a sec!n#7 in "hich there is certainly s!&e in$enuity% an# I #are say it "!ul# succee#% i( ,iss #e -!ur$h "ere !ut !( the "ay) -ut% &y #earest Jane% y!u cann!t seri!usly i&a$ine that because ,iss -in$ley tells y!u her br!ther $reatly a#&ires ,iss Darcy% he is in the s&allest #e$ree less sensible !( y!ur &erit than "hen he t!! leave !( y!u !n Tues#ay% !r that it "ill be in her '!"er t! 'ersua#e hi& that% instea# !( bein$ in l!ve "ith y!u% he is very &uch in l!ve "ith her (rien#)+ +I( "e th!u$ht ali e !( ,iss -in$ley%+ re'lie# Jane% +y!ur re'resentati!n !( all this &i$ht &a e &e 9uite easy) -ut I n!" the (!un#ati!n is un1ust) Car!line is inca'able !( "ill(ully #eceivin$ any !ne/ an# all that I can h!'e in this case is that she is #eceive# hersel()+ +That is ri$ht)- 2!u c!ul# n!t have starte# a &!re ha''y i#ea% since y!u "ill n!t ta e c!&(!rt in &ine) -elieve her t! be #eceive#% by all &eans) 2!u have n!" #!ne y!ur #uty by her% an# &ust (ret n! l!n$er)+ +-ut% &y #ear sister% can I be ha''y% even su''!sin$ the best% in acce'tin$ a &an "h!se sisters an# (rien#s are all "ishin$ hi& t! &arry else"here.+ +2!u &ust #eci#e (!r y!ursel(%+ sai# Eli8abeth/ +an# i(% u'!n &ature

#eliberati!n% y!u (in# that the &isery !( #is!bli$in$ his t"! sisters is &!re than e9uivalent t! the ha''iness !( bein$ his "i(e% I a#vise y!u by all &eans t! re(use hi&)+ +H!" can y!u tal s!.+ sai# Jane% (aintly s&ilin$) +2!u &ust n!" that th!u$h I sh!ul# be e*cee#in$ly $rieve# at their #isa''r!bati!n% I c!ul# n!t hesitate)+ +I #i# n!t thin y!u "!ul#7 an# that bein$ the case% I cann!t c!nsi#er y!ur situati!n "ith &uch c!&'assi!n)+ +-ut i( he returns n! &!re this "inter% &y ch!ice "ill never be re9uire#) A th!usan# thin$s &ay arise in si* &!nths5+ The i#ea !( his returnin$ n! &!re Eli8abeth treate# "ith the ut&!st c!nte&'t) It a''eare# t! her &erely the su$$esti!n !( Car!line;s intereste# "ishes% an# she c!ul# n!t (!r a &!&ent su''!se that th!se "ishes% h!"ever !'enly !r art(ully s'! en% c!ul# in(luence a y!un$ &an s! t!tally in#e'en#ent !( every !ne) 6he re'resente# t! her sister as (!rcibly as '!ssible "hat she (elt !n the sub1ect% an# ha# s!!n the 'leasure !( seein$ its ha''y e((ect) Jane;s te&'er "as n!t #es'!n#in$% an# she "as $ra#ually le# t! h!'e% th!u$h the #i((i#ence !( a((ecti!n s!&eti&es !verca&e the h!'e% that -in$ley "!ul# return t! Nether(iel# an# ans"er every "ish !( her heart) They a$ree# that ,rs) -ennet sh!ul# !nly hear !( the #e'arture !( the (a&ily% "ith!ut bein$ alar&e# !n the sc!re !( the $entle&an;s c!n#uct/ but even this 'artial c!&&unicati!n $ave her a $reat #eal !( c!ncern% an# she be"aile# it as e*cee#in$ly unluc y that the la#ies sh!ul# ha''en t! $! a"ay 1ust as they "ere all $ettin$ s! inti&ate t!$ether) A(ter la&entin$ it% h!"ever% at s!&e len$th% she ha# the c!ns!lati!n !( thin in$ that ,r) -in$ley "!ul# be s!!n #!"n a$ain an# s!!n #inin$ at 0!n$b!urn% an# the c!nclusi!n !( all "as the c!&(!rtable #eclarati!n% that th!u$h he ha# been invite# !nly t! a (a&ily #inner% she "!ul# ta e care t! have t"! (ull c!urses) CHAPTER:BBII CHAPTER BBII THE -ennets "ere en$a$e# t! #ine "ith the 0ucases% an# a$ain #urin$ the chie( !( the #ay "as ,iss 0ucas s! in# as t! listen t! ,r) C!llins) Eli8abeth t!! an !''!rtunity !( than in$ her) +It ee's hi& in $!!# hu&!r%+ sai# she% +an# I a& &!re !bli$e# t! y!u than I can e*'ress)+ Charl!tte assure# her (rien# !( her satis(acti!n in bein$ use(ul% an# that it a&'ly re'ai# her (!r the little sacri(ice !( her ti&e) This "as very a&iable% but Charl!tte;s in#ness e*ten#e# (arther than Eli8abeth ha# any c!nce'ti!n !(/- its !b1ect "as n!thin$ else than t! secure her (r!& any return !( ,r) C!llins;s a##resses% by en$a$in$ the& t!"ar#s hersel() 6uch "as ,iss 0ucas;s sche&e/ an# a''earances "ere s! (av!rable% that "hen they 'arte# at ni$ht% she "!ul# have (elt al&!st sure !( success i( he ha# n!t been t! leave Hert(!r#shire s! very s!!n) -ut here she #i# in1ustice t! the (ire an# in#e'en#ence !( his character% (!r it le# hi& t! esca'e !ut !( 0!n$b!urn H!use the ne*t &!rnin$ "ith a#&irable slyness% an# hasten t! 0ucas 0!#$e t! thr!" hi&sel( at her (eet) He "as an*i!us t! av!i# the n!tice !( his c!usins% (r!& a c!nvicti!n that i( they sa" hi&

#e'art% they c!ul# n!t (ail t! c!n1ecture his #esi$n% an# he "as n!t "illin$ t! have the atte&'t n!"n till its success c!ul# be n!"n li e"ise/ (!r th!u$h (eelin$ al&!st secure% an# "ith reas!n% (!r Charl!tte ha# been t!lerably enc!ura$in$% he "as c!&'aratively #i((i#ent since the a#venture !( 3e#nes#ay) His rece'ti!n% h!"ever% "as !( the &!st (latterin$ in#) ,iss 0ucas 'erceive# hi& (r!& an u''er "in#!" as he "al e# t!"ar#s the h!use% an# instantly set !ut t! &eet hi& acci#entally in the lane) -ut little ha# she #are# t! h!'e that s! &uch l!ve an# el!9uence a"aite# her there) In as sh!rt a ti&e as ,r) C!llins;s l!n$ s'eeches "!ul# all!"% everythin$ "as settle# bet"een the& t! the satis(acti!n !( b!th/ an# as they entere# the h!use he earnestly entreate# her t! na&e the #ay that "as t! &a e hi& the ha''iest !( &en/ an# th!u$h such a s!licitati!n &ust be "aive# (!r the 'resent% the la#y (elt n! inclinati!n t! tri(le "ith his ha''iness) The stu'i#ity "ith "hich he "as (av!re# by nature &ust $uar# his c!urtshi' (r!& any char& that c!ul# &a e a "!&an "ish (!r its c!ntinuance/ an# ,iss 0ucas% "h! acce'te# hi& s!lely (r!& the 'ure an# #isintereste# #esire !( an establish&ent% care# n!t h!" s!!n that establish&ent "ere $aine#) 6ir 3illia& an# 0a#y 0ucas "ere s'ee#ily a''lie# t! (!r their c!nsent/ an# it "as best!"e# "ith a &!st 1!y(ul alacrity) ,r) C!llins;s 'resent circu&stances &a#e it a &!st eli$ible &atch (!r their #au$hter% t! "h!& they c!ul# $ive little (!rtune/ an# his 'r!s'ects !( (uture "ealth "ere e*cee#in$ly (air) 0a#y 0ucas be$an #irectly t! calculate% "ith &!re interest than the &atter ha# ever e*cite# be(!re% h!" &any years l!n$er ,r) -ennet "as li ely t! live/ an# 6ir 3illia& $ave it as his #eci#e# !'ini!n% that "henever ,r) C!llins sh!ul# be in '!ssessi!n !( the 0!n$b!urn estate% it "!ul# be hi$hly e*'e#ient that b!th he an# his "i(e sh!ul# &a e their a''earance at 6t) Ja&es;s) The "h!le (a&ily% in sh!rt% "ere 'r!'erly !ver1!ye# !n the !ccasi!n) The y!un$er $irls (!r&e# h!'es !( c!&in$ !ut a year !r t"! s!!ner than they &i$ht !ther"ise have #!ne/ an# the b!ys "ere relieve# (r!& their a''rehensi!n !( Charl!tte;s #yin$ an !l# &ai#) Charl!tte hersel( "as t!lerably c!&'!se#) 6he ha# $aine# her '!int% an# ha# ti&e t! c!nsi#er !( it) Her re(lecti!ns "ere in $eneral satis(act!ry) ,r) C!llins% t! be sure% "as neither sensible n!r a$reeable/ his s!ciety "as ir s!&e% an# his attach&ent t! her &ust be i&a$inary) -ut still he "!ul# be her husban#) 3ith!ut thin in$ hi$hly either !( &en !r !( &atri&!ny% &arria$e ha# al"ays been her !b1ect/ it "as the !nly h!n!rable 'r!visi!n (!r "ell-e#ucate# y!un$ "!&en !( s&all (!rtune% an# h!"ever uncertain !( $ivin$ ha''iness% &ust be their 'leasantest 'reservative (r!& "ant) This 'reservative she ha# n!" !btaine#/ an# at the a$e !( t"enty seven% "ith!ut havin$ ever been han#s!&e% she (elt all the $!!# luc !( it) The least a$reeable circu&stance in the business "as the sur'rise it &ust !ccasi!n t! Eli8abeth -ennet% "h!se (rien#shi' she value# bey!n# that !( any !ther 'ers!n) Eli8abeth "!ul# "!n#er% an# 'r!bably "!ul# bla&e her/ an# th!u$h her res!luti!n "as n!t t! be sha en% her (eelin$s &ust be hurt by such a #isa''r!bati!n) 6he res!lve# t! $ive her the in(!r&ati!n hersel(% an# there(!re char$e# ,r) C!llins% "hen he returne# t! 0!n$b!urn t! #inner% t! #r!' n! hint !( "hat ha# 'asse# be(!re any !( the (a&ily) A 'r!&ise !( secrecy "as !( c!urse very

#uti(ully $iven% but it c!ul# n!t be e't "ith!ut #i((iculty/ (!r the curi!sity e*cite# by his l!n$ absence burst (!rth in such very #irect 9uesti!ns !n his return as re9uire# s!&e in$enuity t! eva#e% an# he "as at the sa&e ti&e e*ercisin$ $reat sel(-#enial% (!r he "as l!n$in$ t! 'ublish his 'r!s'er!us l!ve) As he "as t! be$in his 1!urney t!! early !n the &!rr!" t! see any !( the (a&ily% the cere&!ny !( leave-ta in$ "as 'er(!r&e# "hen the la#ies &!ve# (!r the ni$ht/ an# ,rs) -ennet% "ith $reat '!liteness an# c!r#iality% sai# h!" ha''y they sh!ul# be t! see hi& at 0!n$b!urn a$ain% "henever his !ther en$a$e&ents &i$ht all!" hi& t! visit the&) +,y #ear &a#a&%+ he re'lie#% +this invitati!n is 'articularly $rati(yin$% because it is "hat I have been h!'in$ t! receive/ an# y!u &ay be very certain that I shall avail &ysel( !( it as s!!n as '!ssible)+ They "ere all ast!nishe#/ an# ,r) -ennet% "h! c!ul# by n! &eans "ish (!r s! s'ee#y a return% i&&e#iately sai#+-ut is there n!t #an$er !( 0a#y Catherine;s #isa''r!bati!n here% &y $!!# sir. 2!u ha# better ne$lect y!ur relati!ns than run the ris !( !((en#in$ y!ur 'atr!ness)+ +,y #ear sir%+ re'lie# ,r) C!llins% +I a& 'articularly !bli$e# t! y!u (!r this (rien#ly cauti!n% an# y!u &ay #e'en# u'!n &y n!t ta in$ s! &aterial a ste' "ith!ut her la#yshi';s c!ncurrence)+ +2!u cann!t be t!! &uch !n y!ur $uar#) Ris anythin$ rather than her #is'leasure/ an# i( y!u (in# it li ely t! be raise# by y!ur c!&in$ t! us a$ain% "hich I sh!ul# thin e*cee#in$ly 'r!bable% stay 9uietly at h!&e% an# be satis(ie# that "e shall ta e n! !((ense)+ +-elieve &e% &y #ear sir% &y $ratitu#e is "ar&ly e*cite# by such a((ecti!nate attenti!n/ an# #e'en# u'!n it% y!u "ill s'ee#ily receive (r!& &e a letter !( than s (!r this% as (!r every !ther &ar !( y!ur re$ar# #urin$ &y stay in Hert(!r#shire) As (!r &y (air c!usins% th!u$h &y absence &ay n!t be l!n$ en!u$h t! ren#er it necessary% I shall n!" ta e the liberty !( "ishin$ the& health an# ha''iness% n!t e*ce'tin$ &y c!usin Eli8abeth)+ 3ith 'r!'er civilities the la#ies then "ith#re"/ all !( the& e9ually sur'rise# t! (in# that he &e#itate# a 9uic return) ,rs) -ennet "ishe# t! un#erstan# by it that he th!u$ht !( 'ayin$ his a##resses t! !ne !( her y!un$er $irls% an# ,ary &i$ht have been 'revaile# !n t! acce't hi&) 6he rate# his abilities &uch hi$her than any !( the !thers/ there "as a s!li#ity in his re(lecti!ns "hich !(ten struc her% an# th!u$h by n! &eans s! clever as hersel(% she th!u$ht that i( enc!ura$e# t! rea# an# i&'r!ve hi&sel( by such an e*a&'le as hers% he &i$ht bec!&e a very a$reeable c!&'ani!n) -ut !n the (!ll!"in$ &!rnin$% every h!'e !( this in# "as #!ne a"ay) ,iss 0ucas calle# s!!n a(ter brea (ast% an# in a 'rivate c!n(erence "ith Eli8abeth relate# the event !( the #ay be(!re) The '!ssibility !( ,r) C!llins;s (ancyin$ hi&sel( in l!ve "ith her (rien# ha# !nce !ccurre# t! Eli8abeth "ithin the last #ay !r t"!/ but that Charl!tte c!ul# enc!ura$e hi& see&e# al&!st as (ar (r!& '!ssibility as she c!ul# enc!ura$e hi& hersel(% an# her ast!nish&ent "as c!nse9uently s! $reat as t! !verc!&e at (irst the b!un#s !( #ec!ru&% an# she c!ul# n!t hel' cryin$ !ut+En$a$e# t! ,r) C!llins5 &y #ear Charl!tte%- i&'!ssible5+

The stea#y c!untenance "hich ,iss 0ucas ha# c!&&an#e# in tellin$ her st!ry% $ave "ay t! a &!&entary c!n(usi!n here !n receivin$ s! #irect a re'r!ach/ th!u$h% as it "as n! &!re than she e*'ecte#% she s!!n re$aine# her c!&'!sure% an# cal&ly re'lie#+3hy sh!ul# y!u be sur'rise#% &y #ear Eli8a.- D! y!u thin it incre#ible that ,r) C!llins sh!ul# be able t! 'r!cure any "!&an;s $!!# !'ini!n% because he "as n!t s! ha''y as t! succee# "ith y!u.+ -ut Eli8abeth ha# n!" rec!llecte# hersel(% an# &a in$ a str!n$ e((!rt (!r it% "as able t! assure her "ith t!lerable (ir&ness that the 'r!s'ect !( their relati!nshi' "as hi$hly $rate(ul t! her% an# that she "ishe# her all i&a$inable ha''iness) +I see "hat y!u are (eelin$%+ re'lie# Charl!tte%- +y!u &ust be sur'rise#% very &uch sur'rise#- s! lately as ,r) C!llins "as "ishin$ t! &arry y!u) -ut "hen y!u have ha# ti&e t! thin it all !ver% I h!'e y!u "ill be satis(ie# "ith "hat I have #!ne) I a& n!t r!&antic% y!u n!"/ I never "as) I as !nly a c!&(!rtable h!&e/ an# c!nsi#erin$ ,r) C!llins;s character% c!nnecti!ns% an# situati!n in li(e% I a& c!nvince# that &y chance !( ha''iness "ith hi& is as (air as &!st 'e!'le can b!ast !n enterin$ the &arria$e state)+ Eli8abeth 9uietly ans"ere# +Un#!ubte#ly/+- an# a(ter an a" "ar# 'ause% they returne# t! the rest !( the (a&ily) Charl!tte #i# n!t stay &uch l!n$er% an# Eli8abeth "as then le(t t! re(lect !n "hat she ha# hear#) It "as a l!n$ ti&e be(!re she beca&e at all rec!ncile# t! the i#ea !( s! unsuitable a &atch) The stran$eness !( ,r) C!llins;s &a in$ t"! !((ers !( &arria$e "ithin three #ays "as n!thin$ in c!&'aris!n !( his bein$ n!" acce'te#) 6he ha# al"ays (elt that Charl!tte;s !'ini!n !( &atri&!ny "as n!t e*actly li e her !"n% but she c!ul# n!t have su''!se# it '!ssible that% "hen calle# int! acti!n% she "!ul# have sacri(ice# every better (eelin$ t! "!rl#ly a#vanta$e) Charl!tte the "i(e !( ,r) C!llins% "as a &!st hu&iliatin$ 'icture5- An# t! the 'an$ !( a (rien# #is$racin$ hersel( an# sun in her estee&% "as a##e# the #istressin$ c!nvicti!n that it "as i&'!ssible (!r that (rien# t! be t!lerably ha''y in the l!t she ha# ch!sen) CHAPTER:BBIII CHAPTER BBIII E0IAA-ETH "as sittin$ "ith her &!ther an# sisters% re(lectin$ !n "hat she ha# hear#% an# #!ubtin$ "hether she "as auth!ri8e# t! &enti!n it% "hen 6ir 3illia& 0ucas hi&sel( a''eare#% sent by his #au$hter% t! ann!unce her en$a$e&ent t! the (a&ily) 3ith &any c!&'li&ents t! the&% an# &uch sel(-$ratulati!n !n the 'r!s'ect !( a c!nnecti!n bet"een the h!uses% he un(!l#e# the &atter- t! an au#ience n!t &erely "!n#erin$% but incre#ul!us/ (!r ,rs) -ennet% "ith &!re 'erseverance than '!liteness% 'r!teste# he &ust be entirely &ista en/ an# 0y#ia% al"ays un$uar#e# an# !(ten uncivil% b!ister!usly e*clai&e#+?!!# 0!r#5 6ir 3illia&% h!" can y!u tell such a st!ry. D! n!t y!u n!" that ,r) C!llins "ants t! &arry 0i88y.+ N!thin$ less than the c!&'laisance !( a c!urtier c!ul# have b!rne "ith!ut an$er such treat&ent/ but 6ir 3illia&;s $!!# bree#in$ carrie# hi& thr!u$h it all/ an# th!u$h he be$$e# leave t! be

'!sitive as t! the truth !( his in(!r&ati!n% he listene# t! all their i&'ertinence "ith the &!st (!rbearin$ c!urtesy) Eli8abeth% (eelin$ it incu&bent !n her t! relieve hi& (r!& s! un'leasant a situati!n% n!" 'ut hersel( (!r"ar# t! c!n(ir& his acc!unt% by &enti!nin$ her 'ri!r n!"le#$e !( it (r!& Charl!tte hersel(/ an# en#eav!re# t! 'ut a st!' t! the e*cla&ati!ns !( her &!ther an# sisters by the earnestness !( her c!n$ratulati!ns t! 6ir 3illia&% in "hich she "as rea#ily 1!ine# by Jane% an# by &a in$ a variety !( re&ar s !n the ha''iness that &i$ht be e*'ecte# (r!& the &atch% the e*cellent character !( ,r) C!llins% an# the c!nvenient #istance !( Huns(!r# (r!& 0!n#!n) ,rs) -ennet "as in (act t!! &uch !ver'!"ere# t! say a $reat #eal "hile 6ir 3illia& re&aine#/ but n! s!!ner ha# he le(t the& than her (eelin$s (!un# a ra'i# vent) In the (irst 'lace% she 'ersiste# in #isbelievin$ the "h!le !( the &atter/ sec!n#ly% she "as very sure that ,r) C!llins ha# been ta en in/ thir#ly% she truste# that they "!ul# never be ha''y t!$ether/ an# (!urthly% that the &atch &i$ht be br! en !(() T"! in(erences% h!"ever% "ere 'lainly #e#uce# (r!& the "h!le7 !ne% that Eli8abeth "as the real cause !( all the &ischie(/ an# the !ther that she hersel( ha# been barbar!usly use# by the& all7 an# !n these t"! '!ints she 'rinci'ally #"elt #urin$ the rest !( the #ay) N!thin$ c!ul# c!ns!le an# n!thin$ a''ease her) N!r #i# that #ay "ear !ut her resent&ent) A "ee ela'se# be(!re she c!ul# see Eli8abeth "ith!ut sc!l#in$ her% a &!nth 'asse# a"ay be(!re she c!ul# s'ea t! 6ir 3illia& !r 0a#y 0ucas "ith!ut bein$ ru#e% an# &any &!nths "ere $!ne be(!re she c!ul# at all (!r$ive their #au$hter) ,r) -ennet;s e&!ti!ns "ere &uch &!re tran9uil !n the !ccasi!n% an# such as he #i# e*'erience he 'r!n!unce# t! be !( a &!st a$reeable s!rt/ (!r it $rati(ie# hi&% he sai#% t! #isc!ver that Charl!tte 0ucas% "h!& he ha# been use# t! thin t!lerably sensible% "as as (!!lish as his "i(e% an# &!re (!!lish than his #au$hter5 Jane c!n(esse# hersel( a little sur'rise# at the &atch/ but she sai# less !( her ast!nish&ent than !( her earnest #esire (!r their ha''iness/ n!r c!ul# Eli8abeth 'ersua#e her t! c!nsi#er it as i&'r!bable) <itty an# 0y#ia "ere (ar (r!& envyin$ ,iss 0ucas% (!r ,r) C!llins "as !nly a cler$y&an/ an# it a((ecte# the& in n! !ther "ay than as a 'iece !( ne"s t! s'rea# at ,eryt!n) 0a#y 0ucas c!ul# n!t be insensible !( triu&'h !n bein$ able t! ret!rt !n ,rs) -ennet the c!&(!rt !( havin$ a #au$hter "ell &arrie#/ an# she calle# at 0!n$b!urn rather !(tener than usual t! say h!" ha''y she "as% th!u$h ,rs) -ennet;s s!ur l!! s an# ill-nature# re&ar s &i$ht have been en!u$h t! #rive ha''iness a"ay) -et"een Eli8abeth an# Charl!tte there "as a restraint "hich e't the& &utually silent !n the sub1ect/ an# Eli8abeth (elt 'ersua#e# that n! real c!n(i#ence c!ul# ever subsist bet"een the& a$ain) Her #isa''!int&ent in Charl!tte &a#e her turn "ith (!n#er re$ar# t! her sister% !( "h!se rectitu#e an# #elicacy she "as sure her !'ini!n c!ul# never be sha en% an# (!r "h!se ha''iness she $re" #aily &!re an*i!us% as -in$ley ha# n!" been $!ne a "ee % an# n!thin$ "as hear# !( his return) Jane ha# sent Car!line an early ans"er t! her letter% an# "as c!untin$ the #ays till she &i$ht reas!nably h!'e t! hear a$ain) The

'r!&ise# letter !( than s (r!& ,r) C!llins arrive# !n Tues#ay% a##resse# t! their (ather% an# "ritten "ith all the s!le&nity !( $ratitu#e "hich a t"elve&!nth;s ab!#e in the (a&ily &i$ht have 'r!&'te#) A(ter #ischar$in$ his c!nscience !n that hea#% he F'r!cee#e#G t! in(!r& the&% "ith &any ra'tur!us e*'ressi!ns% !( his ha''iness in havin$ !btaine# the a((ecti!n !( their a&iable nei$hb!r% ,iss 0ucas% an# then e*'laine# that it "as &erely "ith the vie" !( en1!yin$ her s!ciety that he ha# been s! rea#y t! cl!se "ith their in# "ish !( seein$ hi& a$ain at 0!n$b!urn% "hither he h!'e# t! be able t! return !n ,!n#ay (!rtni$ht/ (!r 0a#y Catherine% he a##e#% s! heartily a''r!ve# his &arria$e% that she "ishe# it t! ta e 'lace as s!!n as '!ssible% "hich he truste# "!ul# be an unans"erable ar$u&ent "ith his a&iable Charl!tte t! na&e an early #ay (!r &a in$ hi& the ha''iest !( &en) ,r) C!llins;s return int! Hert(!r#shire "as n! l!n$er a &atter !( 'leasure t! ,rs) -ennet) 4n the c!ntrary% she "as as &uch #is'!se# t! c!&'lain !( it as her husban#)- It "as very stran$e that he sh!ul# c!&e t! 0!n$b!urn instea# !( t! 0ucas 0!#$e/ it "as als! very inc!nvenient an# e*cee#in$ly tr!ubles!&e)- 6he hate# havin$ visit!rs in the h!use "hile her health "as s! in#i((erent% an# l!vers "ere !( all 'e!'le the &!st #isa$reeable) 6uch "ere the $entle &ur&urs !( ,rs) -ennet% an# they $ave "ay !nly t! the $reater #istress !( ,r) -in$ley;s c!ntinue# absence) Neither Jane n!r Eli8abeth "ere c!&(!rtable !n this sub1ect) Day a(ter #ay 'asse# a"ay "ith!ut brin$in$ any !ther ti#in$s !( hi& than the re'!rt "hich sh!rtly 'revaile# in ,eryt!n !( his c!&in$ n! &!re t! Nether(iel# the "h!le "inter/ a re'!rt "hich hi$hly incense# ,rs) -ennet% an# "hich she never (aile# t! c!ntra#ict as a &!st scan#al!us (alseh!!#) Even Eli8abeth be$an t! (ear- n!t that -in$ley "as in#i((erentbut that his sisters "!ul# be success(ul in ee'in$ hi& a"ay) Un"illin$ as she "as t! a#&it an i#ea s! #estructive !( Jane;s ha''iness% an# s! #ish!n!rable t! the stability !( her l!ver% she c!ul# n!t 'revent its (re9uently recurrin$) The unite# e((!rts !( his t"! un(eelin$ sisters an# !( his !ver'!"erin$ (rien#% assiste# by the attracti!ns !( ,iss Darcy an# the a&use&ents !( 0!n#!n% &i$ht be t!! &uch% she (eare#% (!r the stren$th !( his attach&ent) As (!r Jane% her an*iety un#er this sus'ense "as% !( c!urse% &!re 'ain(ul than Eli8abeth;s7 but "hatever she (elt she "as #esir!us !( c!ncealin$% an# bet"een hersel( an# Eli8abeth% there(!re% the sub1ect "as never allu#e# t!) -ut as n! such #elicacy restraine# her &!ther% an h!ur sel#!& 'asse# in "hich she #i# n!t tal !( -in$ley% e*'ress her i&'atience (!r his arrival% !r even re9uire Jane t! c!n(ess that i( he #i# n!t c!&e bac she sh!ul# thin hersel( very ill use#) It nee#e# all Jane;s stea#y &il#ness t! bear these attac s "ith t!lerable tran9uillity) ,r) C!llins returne# &!st 'unctually !n the ,!n#ay (!rtni$ht% but his rece'ti!n at 0!n$b!urn "as n!t 9uite s! $raci!us as it ha# been !n his (irst intr!#ucti!n) He "as t!! ha''y% h!"ever% t! nee# &uch attenti!n/ an#% luc ily (!r the !thers% the business !( l!ve-&a in$ relieve# the& (r!& a $reat #eal !( his c!&'any) The chie( !( every #ay "as s'ent by hi& at 0ucas 0!#$e% an# he s!&eti&es returne# t!

0!n$b!urn !nly in ti&e t! &a e an a'!l!$y (!r his absence be(!re the (a&ily "ent t! be#) ,rs) -ennet "as really in a &!st 'itiable state) The very &enti!n !( anythin$ c!ncernin$ the &atch thre" her int! an a$!ny !( ill-hu&!r% an# "herever she "ent she "as sure !( hearin$ it tal e# !() The si$ht !( ,iss 0ucas "as !#i!us t! her) As her success!r in that h!use% she re$ar#e# her "ith 1eal!us abh!rrence) 3henever Charl!tte ca&e t! see the&% she c!nclu#e# her t! be antici'atin$ the h!ur !( '!ssessi!n/ an# "henever she s'! e in a l!" v!ice t! ,r) C!llins% "as c!nvince# that they "ere tal in$ !( the 0!n$b!urn estate% an# res!lvin$ t! turn hersel( an# her #au$hters !ut !( the h!use% as s!!n as ,r) -ennet "ere #ea#) 6he c!&'laine# bitterly !( all this t! her husban#) +In#ee#% ,r) -ennet%+ sai# she% +it is very har# t! thin that Charl!tte 0ucas sh!ul# ever be &istress !( this h!use% that I sh!ul# be (!rce# t! &a e "ay (!r her% an# live t! see her ta e &y 'lace in it5+ +,y #ear% #! n!t $ive "ay t! such $l!!&y th!u$hts) 0et us h!'e (!r better thin$s) 0et us (latter !urselves that I &ay be the surviv!r)+ This "as n!t very c!ns!lin$ t! ,rs) -ennet% an#% there(!re% instea# !( &a in$ any ans"er% she "ent !n as be(!re) +I cann!t bear t! thin that they sh!ul# have all this estate) I( it "as n!t (!r the entail% I sh!ul# n!t &in# it)+ +3hat sh!ul# n!t y!u &in#.+ +I sh!ul# n!t &in# anythin$ at all)+ +0et us be than (ul that y!u are 'reserve# (r!& a state !( such insensibility)+ +I never can be than (ul% ,r) -ennet% (!r anythin$ ab!ut the entail) H!" any !ne c!ul# have the c!nscience t! entail a"ay an estate (r!& !ne;s !"n #au$hters) I cann!t un#erstan#/ an# all (!r the sa e !( ,r) C!llins t!!5- 3hy sh!ul# he have it &!re than anyb!#y else.+ +I leave it t! y!ursel( t! #eter&ine%+ sai# ,r) -ennet) CHAPTER:BBI@ CHAPTER BBI@ ,I66 -IN?0E2;6 letter arrive#% an# 'ut an en# t! #!ubt) The very (irst sentence c!nveye# the assurance !( their bein$ all settle# in 0!n#!n (!r the "inter% an# c!nclu#e# "ith her br!ther;s re$ret at n!t havin$ ha# ti&e t! 'ay his res'ects t! his (rien#s in Hert(!r#shire be(!re he le(t the c!untry) H!'e "as !ver% entirely !ver/ an# "hen Jane c!ul# atten# t! the rest !( the letter% she (!un# little% e*ce't the 'r!(esse# a((ecti!n !( the "riter% that c!ul# $ive her any c!&(!rt) ,iss Darcy;s 'raise !ccu'ie# the chie( !( it) Her &any attracti!ns "ere a$ain #"elt !n% an# Car!line b!aste# 1!y(ully !( their increasin$ inti&acy% an# venture# t! 're#ict the acc!&'lish&ent !( the "ishes "hich ha# been un(!l#e# in her (!r&er letter) 6he "r!te als! "ith $reat 'leasure !( her br!ther;s bein$ an in&ate !( ,r) Darcy;s h!use% an# &enti!ne# "ith ra'tures s!&e 'lans !( the latter "ith re$ar# t! ne" (urniture) Eli8abeth% t! "h!& Jane very s!!n c!&&unicate# the chie( !( all this% hear# it in silent in#i$nati!n) Her heart "as #ivi#e# bet"een c!ncern (!r her sister% an# resent&ent a$ainst all !thers) T!

Car!line;s asserti!n !( her br!ther;s bein$ 'artial t! ,iss Darcy she 'ai# n! cre#it) That he "as really (!n# !( Jane% she #!ubte# n! &!re than she ha# ever #!ne/ an# &uch as she ha# al"ays been #is'!se# t! li e hi&% she c!ul# n!t thin "ith!ut an$er% har#ly "ith!ut c!nte&'t% !n that easiness !( te&'er% that "ant !( 'r!'er res!luti!n% "hich n!" &a#e hi& the slave !( his #esi$nin$ (rien#s% an# le# hi& t! sacri(ice his !"n ha''iness t! the ca'rice !( their inclinati!ns) Ha# his !"n ha''iness% h!"ever% been the !nly sacri(ice% he &i$ht have been all!"e# t! s'!rt "ith it in "hatever &anner he th!u$ht best% but her sister;s "as inv!lve# in it% as she th!u$ht he &ust be sensible hi&sel() It "as a sub1ect% in sh!rt% !n "hich re(lecti!n "!ul# be l!n$ in#ul$e#% an# &ust be unavailin$) 6he c!ul# thin !( n!thin$ else/ an# yet "hether -in$ley;s re$ar# ha# really #ie# a"ay% !r "ere su''resse# by his (rien#s; inter(erence/ "hether he ha# been a"are !( Jane;s attach&ent% !r "hether it ha# esca'e# his !bservati!n/ "hatever "ere the case% th!u$h her !'ini!n !( hi& &ust be &aterially a((ecte# by the #i((erence% her sister;s situati!n re&aine# the sa&e% her 'eace e9ually "!un#e#) A #ay !r t"! 'asse# be(!re Jane ha# c!ura$e t! s'ea !( her (eelin$s t! Eli8abeth/ but at last% !n ,rs) -ennet;s leavin$ the& t!$ether% a(ter a l!n$er irritati!n than usual ab!ut Nether(iel# an# its &aster% she c!ul# n!t hel' sayin$% +4h% that &y #ear &!ther ha# &!re c!&&an# !ver hersel(5 she can have n! i#ea !( the 'ain she $ives &e by her c!ntinual re(lecti!ns !n hi&) -ut I "ill n!t re'ine) It cann!t last l!n$) He "ill be (!r$!t% an# "e shall all be as "e "ere be(!re)+ Eli8abeth l!! e# at her sister "ith incre#ul!us s!licitu#e% but sai# n!thin$) +2!u #!ubt &e%+ crie# Jane% sli$htly c!l!rin$/ +in#ee# y!u have n! reas!n) He &ay live in &y &e&!ry as the &!st a&iable &an !( &y ac9uaintance% but that is all) I have n!thin$ either t! h!'e !r (ear% an# n!thin$ t! re'r!ach hi& "ith) Than ?!#5 I have n!t that 'ain) A little ti&e there(!re- I shall certainly try t! $et the better)+ 3ith a str!n$er v!ice she s!!n a##e#% +I have this c!&(!rt i&&e#iately% that it has n!t been &!re than an err!r !( (ancy !n &y si#e% an# that it has #!ne n! har& t! any !ne but &ysel()+ +,y #ear Jane5+ e*clai&e# Eli8abeth% +y!u are t!! $!!#) 2!ur s"eetness an# #isintereste#ness are really an$elic/ I #! n!t n!" "hat t! say t! y!u) I (eel as i( I ha# never #!ne y!u 1ustice% !r l!ve# y!u as y!u #eserve)+ ,iss -ennet ea$erly #isclai&e# all e*tra!r#inary &erit% an# thre" bac the 'raise !n her sister;s "ar& a((ecti!n) +Nay%+ sai# Eli8abeth% +this is n!t (air) 2!u "ish t! thin all the "!rl# res'ectable% an# are hurt i( I s'ea ill !( anyb!#y) I !nly "ant t! thin y!u 'er(ect% an# y!u set y!ursel( a$ainst it) D! n!t be a(rai# !( &y runnin$ int! any e*cess% !( &y encr!achin$ !n y!ur 'rivile$e !( universal $!!#-"ill) 2!u nee# n!t) There are (e" 'e!'le "h!& I really l!ve% an# still (e"er !( "h!& I thin "ell) The &!re I see !( the "!rl#% the &!re a& I #issatis(ie# "ith it/ an# every #ay c!n(ir&s &y belie( !( the inc!nsistency !( all hu&an characters% an# !( the little #e'en#ence that can be 'lace# !n the a''earance !(

either &erit !r sense) I have &et "ith t"! instances lately% !ne I "ill n!t &enti!n/ the !ther is Charl!tte;s &arria$e) It is unacc!untable5 in every vie" it is unacc!untable5+ +,y #ear 0i88y% #! n!t $ive "ay t! such (eelin$s as these) They "ill ruin y!ur ha''iness) 2!u #! n!t &a e all!"ance en!u$h (!r #i((erence !( situati!n an# te&'er) C!nsi#er ,r) C!llins;s res'ectability% an# Charl!tte;s 'ru#ent% stea#y character) Re&e&ber that she is !ne !( a lar$e (a&ily/ that as t! (!rtune% it is a &!st eli$ible &atch/ an# be rea#y t! believe% (!r everyb!#y;s sa e% that she &ay (eel s!&ethin$ li e re$ar# an# estee& (!r !ur c!usin)+ +T! !bli$e y!u% I "!ul# try t! believe al&!st anythin$% but n! !ne else c!ul# be bene(ite# by such a belie( as this/ (!r "ere I 'ersua#e# that Charl!tte ha# any re$ar# (!r hi&% I sh!ul# !nly thin "!rse !( her un#erstan#in$ than I n!" #! !( her heart) ,y #ear Jane% ,r) C!llins is a c!nceite#% '!&'!us% narr!"-&in#e#% silly &an/ y!u n!" he is% as "ell as I #!7 an# y!u &ust (eel% as "ell as I #!% that the "!&an "h! &arries hi& cann!t have a 'r!'er "ay !( thin in$) 2!u shall n!t #e(en# her% th!u$h it is Charl!tte 0ucas) 2!u shall n!t% (!r the sa e !( !ne in#ivi#ual% chan$e the &eanin$ !( 'rinci'le an# inte$rity% n!r en#eav!r t! 'ersua#e y!ursel( !r &e% that sel(ishness is 'ru#ence% an# insensibility !( #an$er security (!r ha''iness)+ +I &ust thin y!ur lan$ua$e t!! str!n$ in s'ea in$ !( b!th%+ re'lie# Jane/ +an# I h!'e y!u "ill be c!nvince# !( it% by seein$ the& ha''y t!$ether) -ut en!u$h !( this) 2!u allu#e# t! s!&ethin$ else) 2!u &enti!ne# t"! instances) I cann!t &isun#erstan# y!u% but I entreat y!u% #ear 0i88y% n!t t! 'ain &e by thin in$ that 'ers!n t! bla&e% an# sayin$ y!ur !'ini!n !( hi& is sun ) 3e &ust n!t be s! rea#y t! (ancy !urselves intenti!nally in1ure#) 3e &ust n!t e*'ect a lively y!un$ &an t! be al"ays s! $uar#e# an# circu&s'ect) It is very !(ten n!thin$ but !ur !"n vanity that #eceives us) 3!&en (ancy a#&irati!n &eans &!re than it #!es)+ +An# &en ta e care that they sh!ul#)+ +I( it is #esi$ne#ly #!ne% they cann!t be 1usti(ie#/ but I have n! i#ea !( there bein$ s! &uch #esi$n in the "!rl# as s!&e 'ers!ns i&a$ine)+ +I a& (ar (r!& attributin$ any 'art !( ,r) -in$ley;s c!n#uct t! #esi$n%+ sai# Eli8abeth/ +but "ith!ut sche&in$ t! #! "r!n$% !r t! &a e !thers unha''y% there &ay be err!r% an# there &ay be &isery) Th!u$htlessness% "ant !( attenti!n t! !ther 'e!'le;s (eelin$s% an# "ant !( res!luti!n% "ill #! the business)+ +An# #! y!u i&'ute it t! either !( th!se.+ +2es/ t! the last) -ut i( I $! !n% I shall #is'lease y!u by sayin$ "hat I thin !( 'ers!ns y!u estee&) 6t!' &e "hilst y!u can)+ +2!u 'ersist% then% in su''!sin$ his sisters in(luence hi&.+ +2es% in c!n1uncti!n "ith his (rien#)+ +I cann!t believe it) 3hy sh!ul# they try t! in(luence hi&. They can !nly "ish his ha''iness/ an# i( he is attache# t! &e% n! !ther "!&an can secure it)+ +2!ur (irst '!siti!n is (alse) They &ay "ish &any thin$s besi#es his ha''iness/ they &ay "ish his increase !( "ealth an# c!nse9uence/ they &ay "ish hi& t! &arry a $irl "h! has all the i&'!rtance !( &!ney% $reat c!nnecti!ns an# 'ri#e)+

+-ey!n# a #!ubt% they #! "ish hi& t! ch!!se ,iss Darcy%+ re'lie# Jane/ +but this &ay be (r!& better (eelin$s than y!u are su''!sin$) They have n!"n her &uch l!n$er than they have n!"n &e/ n! "!n#er i( they l!ve her better) -ut% "hatever &ay be their !"n "ishes% it is very unli ely they sh!ul# have !''!se# their br!ther;s) 3hat sister "!ul# thin hersel( at liberty t! #! it% unless there "ere s!&ethin$ very !b1ecti!nable. I( they believe# hi& attache# t! &e% they "!ul# n!t try t! 'art us/ i( he "ere s!% they c!ul# n!t succee#) -y su''!sin$ such an a((ecti!n% y!u &a e everyb!#y actin$ unnaturally an# "r!n$% an# &e &!st unha''y) D! n!t #istress &e by the i#ea) I a& n!t asha&e# !( havin$ been &ista en- !r% at least% it is sli$ht% it is n!thin$ in c!&'aris!n !( "hat I sh!ul# (eel in thin in$ ill !( hi& !r his sisters) 0et &e ta e it in the best li$ht% in the li$ht in "hich it &ay be un#erst!!#)+ Eli8abeth c!ul# n!t !''!se such a "ish/ an# (r!& this ti&e ,r) -in$ley;s na&e "as scarcely ever &enti!ne# bet"een the&) ,rs) -ennet still c!ntinue# t! "!n#er an# re'ine at his returnin$ n! &!re% an# th!u$h a #ay sel#!& 'asse# in "hich Eli8abeth #i# n!t acc!unt (!r it clearly% there see&e# little chance !( her ever c!nsi#erin$ it "ith less 'er'le*ity) Her #au$hter en#eav!re# t! c!nvince her !( "hat she #i# n!t believe hersel(% that his attenti!ns t! Jane ha# been &erely the e((ect !( a c!&&!n an# transient li in$% "hich cease# "hen he sa" her n! &!re/ but th!u$h the 'r!bability !( the state&ent "as a#&itte# at the ti&e% she ha# the sa&e st!ry t! re'eat every #ay) ,rs) -ennet;s best c!&(!rt "as that ,r) -in$ley &ust be #!"n a$ain in the su&&er) ,r) -ennet treate# the &atter #i((erently) +6!% 0i88y%+ sai# he !ne #ay% +y!ur sister is cr!sse# in l!ve% I (in#% c!n$ratulate her) Ne*t t! bein$ &arrie#% a $irl li es t! be cr!sse# in l!ve a little n!" an# then) It is s!&ethin$ t! thin !(% an# $ives her a s!rt !( #istincti!n a&!n$ her c!&'ani!ns) 3hen is y!ur turn t! c!&e. 2!u "ill har#ly bear t! be l!n$ !ut#!ne by Jane) N!" is y!ur ti&e) Here are !((icers en!u$h at ,eryt!n t! #isa''!int all the y!un$ la#ies in the c!untry) 0et 3ic ha& be y!ur &an) He is a 'leasant (ell!"% an# "!ul# 1ilt y!u cre#itably)+ +Than y!u% sir% but a less a$reeable &an "!ul# satis(y &e) 3e &ust n!t all e*'ect Jane;s $!!# (!rtune)+ +True%+ sai# ,r) -ennet% +but it is a c!&(!rt t! thin that "hatever !( that in# &ay be(all y!u% y!u have an a((ecti!nate &!ther "h! "ill al"ays &a e the &!st !( it)+ ,r) 3ic ha&;s s!ciety "as !( &aterial service in #is'ellin$ the $l!!& "hich the late 'erverse !ccurrences ha# thr!"n !n &any !( the 0!n$b!urn (a&ily) They sa" hi& !(ten% an# t! his !ther rec!&&en#ati!ns "as n!" a##e# that !( $eneral unreserve) The "h!le !( "hat Eli8abeth ha# alrea#y hear#% his clai&s !n ,r) Darcy% an# all that he ha# su((ere# (r!& hi&% "as n!" !'enly ac n!"le#$e# an# 'ublicly canvasse#/ an# everyb!#y "as 'lease# t! thin h!" &uch they ha# al"ays #isli e# ,r) Darcy be(!re they ha# n!"n anythin$ !( the &atter) ,iss -ennet "as the !nly creature "h! c!ul# su''!se there &i$ht be any e*tenuatin$ circu&stances in the case% un n!"n t! the s!ciety !( Hert(!r#shire/ her &il# an# stea#y can#!r al"ays 'lea#e# (!r all!"ances% an# ur$e# the '!ssibility !( &ista es- but by everyb!#y

else ,r) Darcy "as c!n#e&ne# as the "!rst !( &en) CHAPTER:BB@ CHAPTER BB@ A>TER a "ee s'ent in 'r!(essi!ns !( l!ve an# sche&es !( (elicity% ,r) C!llins "as calle# (r!& his a&iable Charl!tte by the arrival !( 6atur#ay) The 'ain !( se'arati!n% h!"ever% &i$ht be alleviate# !n his si#e% by 're'arati!ns (!r the rece'ti!n !( his bri#e/ as he ha# reas!n t! h!'e% that sh!rtly a(ter his ne*t return int! Hert(!r#shire% the #ay "!ul# be (i*e# that "as t! &a e hi& the ha''iest !( &en) He t!! leave !( his relati!ns at 0!n$b!urn "ith as &uch s!le&nity as be(!re/ "ishe# his (air c!usins health an# ha''iness a$ain% an# 'r!&ise# their (ather an!ther letter !( than s) 4n the (!ll!"in$ ,!n#ay% ,rs) -ennet ha# the 'leasure !( receivin$ her br!ther an# his "i(e% "h! ca&e as usual t! s'en# the Christ&as at 0!n$b!urn) ,r) ?ar#iner "as a sensible% $entle&anli e &an% $reatly su'eri!r t! his sister% as "ell by nature as e#ucati!n) The Nether(iel# la#ies "!ul# have ha# #i((iculty in believin$ that a &an "h! live# by tra#e% an# "ithin vie" !( his !"n "areh!uses% c!ul# have been s! "ell-bre# an# a$reeable) ,rs) ?ar#iner% "h! "as several years y!un$er than ,rs) -ennet an# ,rs) Phili's% "as an a&iable% intelli$ent% ele$ant "!&an% an# a $reat (av!rite "ith all her 0!n$b!urn nieces) -et"een the t"! el#est an# hersel( es'ecially% there subsiste# a very 'articular re$ar#) They ha# (re9uently been stayin$ "ith her in t!"n) The (irst 'art !( ,rs) ?ar#iner;s business !n her arrival "as t! #istribute her 'resents an# #escribe the ne"est (ashi!ns) 3hen this "as #!ne she ha# a less active 'art t! 'lay) It beca&e her turn t! listen) ,rs) -ennet ha# &any $rievances t! relate% an# &uch t! c!&'lain !() They ha# all been very ill-use# since she last sa" her sister) T"! !( her $irls ha# been !n the '!int !( &arria$e% an# a(ter all there "as n!thin$ in it) +I #! n!t bla&e Jane%+ she c!ntinue#% +(!r Jane "!ul# have $!t ,r) -in$ley i( she c!ul#) -ut 0i88y5 !h% sister5 it is very har# t! thin that she &i$ht have been ,r) C!llins;s "i(e by this ti&e% ha# n!t it been (!r her !"n 'erverseness) He &a#e her an !((er in this very r!!&% an# she re(use# hi&) The c!nse9uence !( it is% that 0a#y 0ucas "ill have a #au$hter &arrie# be(!re I have% an# that 0!n$b!urn estate is 1ust as &uch entaile# as ever) The 0ucases are very art(ul 'e!'le in#ee#% sister) They are all (!r "hat they can $et) I a& s!rry t! say it !( the&% but s! it is) It &a es &e very nerv!us an# '!!rly% t! be th"arte# s! in &y !"n (a&ily% an# t! have nei$hb!rs "h! thin !( the&selves be(!re anyb!#y else) H!"ever% y!ur c!&in$ 1ust at this ti&e is the $reatest !( c!&(!rts% an# I a& very $la# t! hear "hat y!u tell us% !( l!n$ sleeves)+ ,rs) ?ar#iner% t! "h!& the chie( !( this ne"s ha# been $iven be(!re% in the c!urse !( Jane an# Eli8abeth;s c!rres'!n#ence "ith her% &a#e her sister a sli$ht ans"er% an#% in c!&'assi!n t! her nieces% turne# the c!nversati!n) 3hen al!ne "ith Eli8abeth a(ter"ar#s% she s'! e &!re !n the sub1ect) +It see&s li ely t! have been a #esirable &atch (!r Jane%+ sai# she)

+I a& s!rry it "ent !(() -ut these thin$s ha''en s! !(ten5 A y!un$ &an% such as y!u #escribe ,r) -in$ley% s! easily (alls in l!ve "ith a 'retty $irl (!r a (e" "ee s% an# "hen acci#ent se'arates the&% s! easily (!r$ets her% that these s!rt !( inc!nstancies are very (re9uent)+ +An e*cellent c!ns!lati!n in its "ay%+ sai# Eli8abeth% +but it "ill n!t #! (!r us) 3e #! n!t su((er by acci#ent) It #!es n!t !(ten ha''en that the inter(erence !( (rien#s "ill 'ersua#e a y!un$ &an !( in#e'en#ent (!rtune t! thin n! &!re !( a $irl "h!& he "as vi!lently in l!ve "ith !nly a (e" #ays be(!re)+ +-ut that e*'ressi!n !( ;vi!lently in l!ve; is s! hac neye#% s! #!ubt(ul% s! in#e(inite% that it $ives &e very little i#ea) It is as !(ten a''lie# t! (eelin$s "hich arise (r!& an hal(-h!ur;s ac9uaintance% as t! a real% str!n$ attach&ent) Pray% h!" vi!lent "as ,r) -in$ley;s l!ve.+ +I never sa" a &!re 'r!&isin$ inclinati!n/ he "as $r!"in$ 9uite inattentive t! !ther 'e!'le% an# "h!lly en$r!sse# by her) Every ti&e they &et% it "as &!re #eci#e# an# re&ar able) At his !"n ball he !((en#e# t"! !r three y!un$ la#ies% by n!t as in$ the& t! #ance/ an# I s'! e t! hi& t"ice &ysel(% "ith!ut receivin$ an ans"er) C!ul# there be (iner sy&'t!&s. Is n!t $eneral incivility the very essence !( l!ve.+ +4h% yes5- !( that in# !( l!ve "hich I su''!se hi& t! have (elt) P!!r Jane5 I a& s!rry (!r her% because% "ith her #is'!siti!n% she &ay n!t $et !ver it i&&e#iately) It ha# better have ha''ene# t! y!u% 0i88y/ y!u "!ul# have lau$he# y!ursel( !ut !( it s!!ner) -ut #! y!u thin she "!ul# be 'revaile# !n t! $! bac "ith us. Chan$e !( scene &i$ht be !( service- an# 'erha's a little relie( (r!& h!&e &ay be as use(ul as anythin$)+ Eli8abeth "as e*cee#in$ly 'lease# "ith this 'r!'!sal% an# (elt 'ersua#e# !( her sister;s rea#y ac9uiescence) +I h!'e%+ a##e# ,rs) ?ar#iner% +that n! c!nsi#erati!n "ith re$ar# t! this y!un$ &an "ill in(luence her) 3e live in s! #i((erent a 'art !( t!"n% all !ur c!nnecti!ns are s! #i((erent% an#% as y!u "ell n!"% "e $! !ut s! little% that it is very i&'r!bable that they sh!ul# &eet at all% unless he really c!&es t! see her)+ +An# that is 9uite i&'!ssible/ (!r he is n!" in the cust!#y !( his (rien#% an# ,r) Darcy "!ul# n! &!re su((er hi& t! call !n Jane in such a 'art !( 0!n#!n5 ,y #ear aunt% h!" c!ul# y!u thin !( it. ,r) Darcy &ay 'erha's have hear# !( such a 'lace as ?racechurch 6treet% but he "!ul# har#ly thin a &!nth;s abluti!n en!u$h t! cleanse hi& (r!& its i&'urities% "ere he !nce t! enter it/ an# #e'en# u'!n it% ,r) -in$ley never stirs "ith!ut hi&)+ +6! &uch the better) I h!'e they "ill n!t &eet at all) -ut #!es n!t Jane c!rres'!n# "ith his sister. 6he "ill n!t be able t! hel' callin$)+ +6he "ill #r!' the ac9uaintance entirely)+ -ut in s'ite !( the certainty in "hich Eli8abeth a((ecte# t! 'lace this '!int% as "ell as the still &!re interestin$ !ne !( -in$ley;s bein$ "ithhel# (r!& seein$ Jane% she (elt a s!licitu#e !n the sub1ect "hich c!nvince# her% !n e*a&inati!n% that she #i# n!t c!nsi#er it entirely h!'eless) It "as '!ssible% an# s!&eti&es she th!u$ht it 'r!bable% that his a((ecti!n &i$ht be reani&ate#% an# the in(luence !(

his (rien#s success(ully c!&bate# by the &!re natural in(luence !( Jane;s attracti!ns) ,iss -ennet acce'te# her aunt;s invitati!n "ith 'leasure/ an# the -in$leys "ere n! !ther"ise in her th!u$hts at the sa&e ti&e% than as she h!'e# by Car!line;s n!t livin$ in the sa&e h!use "ith her br!ther% she &i$ht !ccasi!nally s'en# a &!rnin$ "ith her% "ith!ut any #an$er !( seein$ hi&) The ?ar#iners staye# a "ee at 0!n$b!urn/ an# "hat "ith the Phili'ses% the 0ucases% an# the !((icers% there "as n!t a #ay "ith!ut its en$a$e&ent) ,rs) -ennet ha# s! care(ully 'r!vi#e# (!r the entertain&ent !( her br!ther an# sister% that they #i# n!t !nce sit #!"n t! a (a&ily #inner) 3hen the en$a$e&ent "as (!r h!&e% s!&e !( the !((icers al"ays &a#e 'art !( it- !( "hich !((icers ,r) 3ic ha& "as sure t! be !ne/ an# !n these !ccasi!ns% ,rs) ?ar#iner% ren#ere# sus'ici!us by Eli8abeth;s "ar& c!&&en#ati!n !( hi&% narr!"ly !bserve# the& b!th) 3ith!ut su''!sin$ the&% (r!& "hat she sa"% t! be very seri!usly in l!ve% their 're(erence !( each !ther "as 'lain en!u$h t! &a e her a little uneasy/ an# she res!lve# t! s'ea t! Eli8abeth !n the sub1ect be(!re she le(t Hert(!r#shire% an# re'resent t! her the i&'ru#ence !( enc!ura$in$ such an attach&ent) T! ,rs) ?ar#iner% 3ic ha& ha# !ne &eans !( a((!r#in$ 'leasure% unc!nnecte# "ith his $eneral '!"ers) Ab!ut ten !r a #!8en years a$!% be(!re her &arria$e% she ha# s'ent a c!nsi#erable ti&e in that very 'art !( Derbyshire t! "hich he bel!n$e#) They ha#% there(!re% &any ac9uaintance in c!&&!n/ an# th!u$h 3ic ha& ha# been little there since the #eath !( Darcy;s (ather% (ive years be(!re% it "as yet in his '!"er t! $ive her (resher intelli$ence !( her (!r&er (rien#s than she ha# been in the "ay !( 'r!curin$) ,rs) ?ar#iner ha# seen Pe&berley% an# n!"n the late ,r) Darcy by character 'er(ectly "ell) Here c!nse9uently "as an ine*haustible sub1ect !( #isc!urse) In c!&'arin$ her rec!llecti!n !( Pe&berley "ith the &inute #escri'ti!n "hich 3ic ha& c!ul# $ive% an# in best!"in$ her tribute !( 'raise !n the character !( its late '!ssess!r% she "as #eli$htin$ b!th hi& an# hersel() 4n bein$ &a#e ac9uainte# "ith the 'resent ,r) Darcy;s treat&ent !( hi&% she trie# t! re&e&ber s!&ethin$ !( that $entle&an;s re'ute# #is'!siti!n "hen 9uite a la# "hich &i$ht a$ree "ith it% an# "as c!n(i#ent at last that she rec!llecte# havin$ hear# ,r) >it8"illia& Darcy (!r&erly s'! en !( as a very 'r!u#% ill-nature# b!y) CHAPTER:BB@I CHAPTER BB@I ,R6) ?ARDINER;6 cauti!n t! Eli8abeth "as 'unctually an# in#ly $iven !n the (irst (av!rable !''!rtunity !( s'ea in$ t! her al!ne/ a(ter h!nestly tellin$ her "hat she th!u$ht% she thus "ent !n7+2!u are t!! sensible a $irl% 0i88y% t! (all in l!ve &erely because y!u are "arne# a$ainst it/ an#% there(!re% I a& n!t a(rai# !( s'ea in$ !'enly) 6eri!usly% I "!ul# have y!u be !n y!ur $uar#) D! n!t inv!lve y!ursel( !r en#eav!r t! inv!lve hi& in an a((ecti!n "hich the "ant !( (!rtune "!ul# &a e s! very i&'ru#ent) I have n!thin$ t! say a$ainst hi&/ he is a &!st interestin$ y!un$ &an/ an# i( he

ha# the (!rtune he !u$ht t! have% I sh!ul# thin y!u c!ul# n!t #! better) -ut as it is% y!u &ust n!t let y!ur (ancy run a"ay "ith y!u) 2!u have sense% an# "e all e*'ect y!u t! use it) 2!ur (ather "!ul# #e'en# !n y!ur res!luti!n an# $!!# c!n#uct% I a& sure) 2!u &ust n!t #isa''!int y!ur (ather)+ +,y #ear aunt% this is bein$ seri!us in#ee#)+ +2es% an# I h!'e t! en$a$e y!u t! be seri!us li e"ise)+ +3ell% then% y!u nee# n!t be un#er any alar&) I "ill ta e care !( &ysel(% an# !( ,r) 3ic ha& t!!) He shall n!t be in l!ve "ith &e% i( I can 'revent it)+ +Eli8abeth% y!u are n!t seri!us n!")+ +I be$ y!ur 'ar#!n% I "ill try a$ain) At 'resent I a& n!t in l!ve "ith ,r) 3ic ha&/ n!% I certainly a& n!t) -ut he is% bey!n# all c!&'aris!n% the &!st a$reeable &an I ever sa"- an# i( he bec!&es really attache# t! &e- I believe it "ill be better that he sh!ul# n!t) I see the i&'ru#ence !( it)- 4h5 that ab!&inable ,r) Darcy5- ,y (ather;s !'ini!n !( &e #!es &e the $reatest h!n!r% an# I sh!ul# be &iserable t! (!r(eit it) ,y (ather% h!"ever% is 'artial t! ,r) 3ic ha&) In sh!rt% &y #ear aunt% I sh!ul# be very s!rry t! be the &eans !( &a in$ any !( y!u unha''y/ but since "e see every #ay that "here there is a((ecti!n% y!un$ 'e!'le are sel#!& "ithhel# by i&&e#iate "ant !( (!rtune (r!& enterin$ int! en$a$e&ents "ith each !ther% h!" can I 'r!&ise t! be "iser than s! &any !( &y (ell!"-creatures i( I a& te&'te#% !r h!" a& I even t! n!" that it "!ul# be "is#!& t! resist. All that I can 'r!&ise y!u% there(!re% is n!t t! be in a hurry) I "ill n!t be in a hurry t! believe &ysel( his (irst !b1ect) 3hen I a& in c!&'any "ith hi&% I "ill n!t be "ishin$) In sh!rt% I "ill #! &y best)+ +Perha's it "ill be as "ell i( y!u #isc!ura$e his c!&in$ here s! very !(ten) At least% y!u sh!ul# n!t re&in# y!ur &!ther !( invitin$ hi&)+ +As I #i# the !ther #ay%+ sai# Eli8abeth "ith a c!nsci!us s&ile7 +very true% it "ill be "ise in &e t! re(rain (r!& that) -ut #! n!t i&a$ine that he is al"ays here s! !(ten) It is !n y!ur acc!unt that he has been s! (re9uently invite# this "ee ) 2!u n!" &y &!ther;s i#eas as t! the necessity !( c!nstant c!&'any (!r her (rien#s) -ut really% an# u'!n &y h!n!r% I "ill try t! #! "hat I thin t! be the "isest/ an# n!" I h!'e y!u are satis(ie#)+ Her aunt assure# her that she "as% an# Eli8abeth havin$ than e# her (!r the in#ness !( her hints% they 'arte#/ a "!n#er(ul instance !( a#vice bein$ $iven !n such a '!int% "ith!ut bein$ resente#) ,r) C!llins returne# int! Hert(!r#shire s!!n a(ter it ha# been 9uitte# by the ?ar#iners an# Jane/ but as he t!! u' his ab!#e "ith the 0ucases% his arrival "as n! $reat inc!nvenience t! ,rs) -ennet) His &arria$e "as n!" (ast a''r!achin$% an# she "as at len$th s! (ar resi$ne# as t! thin it inevitable% an# even re'eate#ly t! say% in an ill-nature# t!ne% that she +"ishe# they &i$ht be ha''y)+ Thurs#ay "as t! be the "e##in$ #ay% an# !n 3e#nes#ay ,iss F0ucasG 'ai# her (are"ell visit/ an# "hen she r!se t! ta e leave% Eli8abeth% asha&e# !( her &!ther;s un$raci!us an# reluctant $!!# "ishes% an# sincerely a((ecte# hersel(% acc!&'anie# her !ut !( the r!!&) As they "ent #!"n stairs t!$ether% Charl!tte sai#-

+I shall #e'en# !n hearin$ (r!& y!u very !(ten% Eli8a)+ +That y!u certainly shall)+ +An# I have an!ther (av!r t! as ) 3ill y!u c!&e an# see &e.+ +3e shall !(ten &eet% I h!'e% in Hert(!r#shire)+ +I a& n!t li ely t! leave <ent (!r s!&e ti&e) Pr!&ise &e% there(!re% t! c!&e t! Huns(!r#)+ Eli8abeth c!ul# n!t re(use% th!u$h she (!resa" little 'leasure in the visit) +,y (ather an# ,aria are t! c!&e t! &e in ,arch%+ a##e# Charl!tte% +an# I h!'e y!u "ill c!nsent t! be !( the 'arty) In#ee#% Eli8a% y!u "ill be as "elc!&e t! &e as either !( the&)+ The "e##in$ t!! 'lace7 the bri#e an# bri#e$r!!& set !(( (!r <ent (r!& the church #!!r% an# everyb!#y ha# as &uch t! say% !r t! hear% !n the sub1ect as usual) Eli8abeth s!!n hear# (r!& her (rien#/ an# their c!rres'!n#ence "as as re$ular an# (re9uent as it ha# ever been/ that it sh!ul# be e9ually unreserve# "as i&'!ssible) Eli8abeth c!ul# never a##ress her "ith!ut (eelin$ that all the c!&(!rt !( inti&acy "as !ver% an# th!u$h #eter&ine# n!t t! slac en as a c!rres'!n#ent% it "as (!r the sa e !( "hat ha# been% rather than "hat "as) Charl!tte;s (irst letters "ere receive# "ith a $!!# #eal !( ea$erness/ there c!ul# n!t but be curi!sity t! n!" h!" she "!ul# s'ea !( her ne" h!&e% h!" she "!ul# li e 0a#y Catherine% an# h!" ha''y she "!ul# #are 'r!n!unce hersel( t! be/ th!u$h% "hen the letters "ere rea#% Eli8abeth (elt that Charl!tte e*'resse# hersel( !n every '!int e*actly as she &i$ht have (!reseen) 6he "r!te cheer(ully% see&e# surr!un#e# "ith c!&(!rts% an# &enti!ne# n!thin$ "hich she c!ul# n!t 'raise) The h!use% (urniture% nei$hb!rh!!#% an# r!a#s% "ere all t! her taste an# 0a#y Catherine;s behavi!r "as &!st (rien#ly an# !bli$in$) It "as ,r) C!llins;s 'icture !( Huns(!r# an# R!sin$s rati!nally s!(tene#/ an# Eli8abeth 'erceive# that she &ust "ait (!r her !"n visit there% t! n!" the rest) Jane ha# alrea#y "ritten a (e" lines t! her sister t! ann!unce their sa(e arrival in 0!n#!n/ an# "hen she "r!te a$ain% Eli8abeth h!'e# it "!ul# be in her '!"er t! say s!&ethin$ !( the -in$leys) Her i&'atience (!r this sec!n# letter "as as "ell re"ar#e# as i&'atience $enerally is) Jane ha# been a "ee in t!"n "ith!ut either seein$ !r hearin$ (r!& Car!line) 6he acc!unte# (!r it% h!"ever% by su''!sin$ that her last letter t! her (rien# (r!& 0!n$b!urn ha# by s!&e acci#ent been l!st) +,y aunt%+ she c!ntinue#% +is $!in$ t!-&!rr!" int! that 'art !( the t!"n% an# I shall ta e the !''!rtunity !( callin$ in ?r!sven!r 6treet)+ 6he "r!te a$ain "hen the visit "as 'ai#% an# she ha# seen ,iss -in$ley) +I #i# n!t thin Car!line in s'irits%+ "ere her "!r#s% +but she "as very $la# t! see &e% an# re'r!ache# &e (!r $ivin$ her n! n!tice !( &y c!&in$ t! 0!n#!n) I "as ri$ht% there(!re/ &y last letter ha# never reache# her) I in9uire# a(ter their br!ther% !( c!urse) He "as "ell% but s! &uch en$a$e# "ith ,r) Darcy that they scarcely ever sa" hi&) I (!un# that ,iss Darcy "as e*'ecte# t! #inner) I "ish I c!ul# see her) ,y visit "as n!t l!n$% as Car!line an# ,rs) Hurst "ere $!in$ !ut) I #are say I shall s!!n see the& here)+ Eli8abeth sh!! her hea# !ver this letter) It c!nvince# her that

acci#ent !nly c!ul# #isc!ver t! ,r) -in$ley her sister;s bein$ in t!"n) >!ur "ee s 'asse# a"ay% an# Jane sa" n!thin$ !( hi&) 6he en#eav!re# t! 'ersua#e hersel( that she #i# n!t re$ret it/ but she c!ul# n! l!n$er be blin# t! ,iss -in$ley;s inattenti!n) A(ter "aitin$ at h!&e every &!rnin$ (!r a (!rtni$ht% an# inventin$ every evenin$ a (resh e*cuse (!r her% the visit!r #i# at last a''ear/ but the sh!rtness !( her stay% an# yet &!re% the alterati!n !( her &anner% "!ul# all!" Jane t! #eceive hersel( n! l!n$er) The letter "hich she "r!te !n this !ccasi!n t! her sister "ill 'r!ve "hat she (elt) +,y #earest 0i88y "ill% I a& sure% be inca'able !( triu&'hin$ in her better 1u#$&ent% at &y e*'ense% "hen I c!n(ess &ysel( t! have been entirely #eceive# in ,iss -in$ley;s re$ar# (!r &e) -ut% &y #ear sister% th!u$h the event has 'r!ve# y!u ri$ht% #! n!t thin &e !bstinate i( I still assert% that% c!nsi#erin$ "hat her behavi!r "as% &y c!n(i#ence "as as natural as y!ur sus'ici!n) I #! n!t at all c!&'rehen# her reas!n (!r "ishin$ t! be inti&ate "ith &e/ but i( the sa&e circu&stances "ere t! ha''en a$ain% I a& sure I sh!ul# be #eceive# a$ain) Car!line #i# n!t return &y visit till yester#ay/ an# n!t a n!te% n!t a line% #i# I receive in the &eanti&e) 3hen she #i# c!&e% it "as very evi#ent that she ha# n! 'leasure in it/ she &a#e a sli$ht% (!r&al a'!l!$y% (!r n!t callin$ be(!re% sai# n!t a "!r# !( "ishin$ t! see &e a$ain% an# "as in every res'ect s! altere# a creature% that "hen she "ent a"ay I "as 'er(ectly res!lve# t! c!ntinue the ac9uaintance n! l!n$er) I 'ity% th!u$h I cann!t hel' bla&in$ her) 6he "as very "r!n$ in sin$lin$ &e !ut as she #i#/ I can sa(ely say that every a#vance t! inti&acy be$an !n her si#e) -ut I 'ity her% because she &ust (eel that she has been actin$ "r!n$% an# because I a& very sure that an*iety (!r her br!ther is the cause !( it) I nee# n!t e*'lain &ysel( (arther/ an# th!u$h "e n!" this an*iety t! be 9uite nee#less% yet i( she (eels it% it "ill easily acc!unt (!r her behavi!r t! &e/ an# s! #eserve#ly #ear as he is t! his sister% "hatever an*iety she &ay (eel !n his behal( is natural an# a&iable) I cann!t but "!n#er% h!"ever% at her havin$ any such (ears n!"% because% i( he ha# at all care# ab!ut &e% "e &ust have &et l!n$% l!n$ a$!) He n!"s !( &y bein$ in t!"n% I a& certain% (r!& s!&ethin$ she sai# hersel(/ an# yet it "!ul# see&% by her &anner !( tal in$% as i( she "ante# t! 'ersua#e hersel( that he is really 'artial t! ,iss Darcy) I cann!t un#erstan# it) I( I "ere n!t a(rai# !( 1u#$in$ harshly% I sh!ul# be al&!st te&'te# t! say that there is a str!n$ a''earance !( #u'licity in all this) -ut I "ill en#eav!r t! banish every 'ain(ul th!u$ht% an# thin !nly !( "hat "ill &a e &e ha''y- y!ur a((ecti!n% an# the invariable in#ness !( &y #ear uncle an# aunt) 0et &e hear (r!& y!u very s!!n) ,iss -in$ley sai# s!&ethin$ !( his never returnin$ t! Nether(iel# a$ain% !( $ivin$ u' the h!use% but n!t "ith any certainty) 3e ha# better n!t &enti!n it) I a& e*tre&ely $la# that y!u have such 'leasant acc!unts (r!& !ur (rien#s at Huns(!r#) Pray $! t! see the&% "ith 6ir 3illia& an# ,aria) I a& sure y!u "ill be very c!&(!rtable there)- 2!urs% =c)+ This letter $ave Eli8abeth s!&e 'ain/ but her s'irits returne# as

she c!nsi#ere# that Jane "!ul# n! l!n$er be #u'e#% by the sister at least) All e*'ectati!n (r!& the br!ther "as n!" abs!lutely !ver) 6he "!ul# n!t even "ish (!r any rene"al !( his attenti!ns) His character sun !n every revie" !( it/ an# as a 'unish&ent (!r hi&% as "ell as a '!ssible a#vanta$e t! Jane% she seri!usly h!'e# he &i$ht really s!!n &arry ,r) Darcy;s sister% as by 3ic ha&;s acc!unt% she "!ul# &a e hi& abun#antly re$ret "hat he ha# thr!"n a"ay) ,rs) ?ar#iner ab!ut this ti&e re&in#e# Eli8abeth !( her 'r!&ise c!ncernin$ that $entle&an% an# re9uire# in(!r&ati!n/ an# Eli8abeth ha# such t! sen# as &i$ht rather $ive c!ntent&ent t! her aunt than t! hersel() His a''arent 'artiality ha# subsi#e#% his attenti!ns "ere !ver% he "as the a#&irer !( s!&e !ne else) Eli8abeth "as "atch(ul en!u$h t! see it all% but she c!ul# see it an# "rite !( it "ith!ut &aterial 'ain) Her heart ha# been but sli$htly t!uche#% an# her vanity "as satis(ie# "ith believin$ that she "!ul# have been his !nly ch!ice% ha# (!rtune 'er&itte# it) The su##en ac9uisiti!n !( ten th!usan# '!un#s "as the &!st re&ar able char& !( the y!un$ la#y t! "h!& he "as n!" ren#erin$ hi&sel( a$reeable/ but Eli8abeth% less clear-si$hte# 'erha's in this case than in Charl!tte;s% #i# n!t 9uarrel "ith hi& (!r his "ish !( in#e'en#ence) N!thin$% !n the c!ntrary% c!ul# be &!re natural/ an# "hile able t! su''!se that it c!st hi& a (e" stru$$les t! relin9uish her% she "as rea#y t! all!" it a "ise an# #esirable &easure (!r b!th% an# c!ul# very sincerely "ish hi& ha''y) All this "as ac n!"le#$e# t! ,rs) ?ar#iner/ an# a(ter relatin$ the circu&stances% she thus "ent !n7- +I a& n!" c!nvince#% &y #ear aunt% that I have never been &uch in l!ve/ (!r ha# I really e*'erience# that 'ure an# elevatin$ 'assi!n% I sh!ul# at 'resent #etest his very na&e% an# "ish hi& all &anner !( evil) -ut &y (eelin$s are n!t !nly c!r#ial t!"ar#s hi&/ they are even i&'artial t!"ar#s ,iss <in$) I cann!t (in# !ut that I hate her at all% !r that I a& in the least un"illin$ t! thin her a very $!!# s!rt !( $irl) There can be n! l!ve in all this) ,y "atch(ulness has been e((ectual/ an# th!u$h I sh!ul# certainly be a &!re interestin$ !b1ect t! all &y ac9uaintance "ere I #istracte#ly in l!ve "ith hi&% I cann!t say that I re$ret &y c!&'arative insi$ni(icance) I&'!rtance &ay s!&eti&es be 'urchase# t!! #early) <itty an# 0y#ia ta e his #e(ecti!n &uch &!re t! heart than I #!) They are y!un$ in the "ays !( the "!rl#% an# n!t yet !'en t! the &!rti(yin$ c!nvicti!n that han#s!&e y!un$ &en &ust have s!&ethin$ t! live !n as "ell as the 'lain)+ CHAPTER:BB@II CHAPTER BB@II 3ITH n! $reater events than these in the 0!n$b!urn (a&ily% an# !ther"ise #iversi(ie# by little bey!n# the "al s t! ,eryt!n% s!&eti&es #irty an# s!&eti&es c!l#% #i# January an# >ebruary 'ass a"ay) ,arch "as t! ta e Eli8abeth t! Huns(!r#) 6he ha# n!t at (irst th!u$ht very seri!usly !( $!in$ thither/ but Charl!tte% she s!!n (!un#% "as #e'en#in$ !n the 'lan% an# she $ra#ually learne# t! c!nsi#er it hersel( "ith $reater 'leasure as "ell as $reater certainty) Absence ha# increase# her #esire !( seein$ Charl!tte a$ain% an# "ea ene# her #is$ust !( ,r) C!llins) There "as n!velty in the sche&e% an# as%

"ith such a &!ther an# such unc!&'ani!nable sisters% h!&e c!ul# n!t be (aultless% a little chan$e "as n!t un"elc!&e (!r its !"n sa e) The 1!urney "!ul# &!re!ver $ive her a 'ee' at Jane/ an#% in sh!rt% as the ti&e #re" near% she "!ul# have been very s!rry (!r any #elay) Everythin$% h!"ever% "ent !n s&!!thly% an# "as (inally settle# acc!r#in$ t! Charl!tte;s (irst s etch) 6he "as t! acc!&'any 6ir 3illia& an# his sec!n# #au$hter) The i&'r!ve&ent !( s'en#in$ a ni$ht in 0!n#!n "as a##e# in ti&e% an# the 'lan beca&e 'er(ect as 'lan c!ul# be) The !nly 'ain "as in leavin$ her (ather% "h! "!ul# certainly &iss her% an# "h!% "hen it ca&e t! the '!int% s! little li e# her $!in$% that he t!l# her t! "rite t! hi&% an# al&!st 'r!&ise# t! ans"er her letter) The (are"ell bet"een hersel( an# ,r) 3ic ha& "as 'er(ectly (rien#ly/ !n his si#e even &!re) His 'resent 'ursuit c!ul# n!t &a e hi& (!r$et that Eli8abeth ha# been the (irst t! e*cite an# t! #eserve his attenti!n% the (irst t! listen an# t! 'ity% the (irst t! be a#&ire#/ an# in his &anner !( bi##in$ her a#ieu% "ishin$ her every en1!y&ent% re&in#in$ her !( "hat she "as t! e*'ect in 0a#y Catherine #e -!ur$h% an# trustin$ their !'ini!n !( her- their !'ini!n !( everyb!#y- "!ul# al"ays c!inci#e% there "as a s!licitu#e% an interest "hich she (elt &ust ever attach her t! hi& "ith a &!st sincere re$ar#/ an# she 'arte# (r!& hi& c!nvince# that% "hether &arrie# !r sin$le% he &ust al"ays be her &!#el !( the a&iable an# 'leasin$) Her (ell!"-travelers the ne*t #ay "ere n!t !( a in# t! &a e her thin hi& less a$reeable) 6ir 3illia& 0ucas% an# his #au$hter ,aria% a $!!#-hu&!re# $irl% but as e&'ty-hea#e# as hi&sel(% ha# n!thin$ t! say that c!ul# be "!rth hearin$% an# "ere listene# t! "ith ab!ut as &uch #eli$ht as the rattle !( the chaise) Eli8abeth l!ve# absur#ities% but she ha# n!"n 6ir 3illia&;s t!! l!n$) He c!ul# tell her n!thin$ ne" !( the "!n#ers !( his 'resentati!n an# ni$hth!!#/ an# his civilities "ere "!rn !ut% li e his in(!r&ati!n) It "as a 1!urney !( !nly t"enty-(!ur &iles% an# they be$an it s! early as t! be in ?racechurch 6treet by n!!n) As they #r!ve t! ,r) ?ar#iner;s #!!r% Jane "as at a #ra"in$-r!!& "in#!" "atchin$ their arrival/ "hen they entere# the 'assa$e she "as there t! "elc!&e the&% an# Eli8abeth% l!! in$ earnestly in her (ace% "as 'lease# t! see it health(ul an# l!vely as ever) 4n the stairs "ere a tr!!' !( little b!ys an# $irls% "h!se ea$erness (!r their c!usin;s a''earance "!ul# n!t all!" the& t! "ait in the #ra"in$-r!!&% an# "h!se shyness% as they ha# n!t seen her (!r a t"elve&!nth% 'revente# their c!&in$ l!"er) All "as 1!y an# in#ness) The #ay 'asse# &!st 'leasantly a"ay/ the &!rnin$ in bustle an# sh!''in$% an# the evenin$ at !ne !( the theaters) Eli8abeth then c!ntrive# t! sit by her aunt) Their (irst sub1ect "as her sister/ an# she "as &!re $rieve# than ast!nishe# t! hear% in re'ly t! her &inute in9uiries% that th!u$h Jane al"ays stru$$le# t! su''!rt her s'irits% there "ere 'eri!#s !( #e1ecti!n) It "as reas!nable% h!"ever% t! h!'e that they "!ul# n!t c!ntinue l!n$) ,rs) ?ar#iner $ave her the 'articulars als! !( ,iss -in$ley;s visit in ?racechurch 6treet% an# re'eate# c!nversati!ns !ccurrin$ at #i((erent ti&es bet"een Jane an# hersel(% "hich 'r!ve# that the (!r&er

ha#% (r!& her heart% $iven u' the ac9uaintance) ,rs) ?ar#iner then rallie# her niece !n 3ic ha&;s #eserti!n% an# c!&'li&ente# her !n bearin$ it s! "ell) +-ut% &y #ear Eli8abeth%+ she a##e#% +"hat s!rt !( $irl is ,iss <in$. I sh!ul# be s!rry t! thin !ur (rien# &ercenary)+ +Pray% &y #ear aunt% "hat is the #i((erence in &atri&!nial a((airs% bet"een the &ercenary an# the 'ru#ent &!tive. 3here #!es #iscreti!n en#% an# avarice be$in. 0ast Christ&as y!u "ere a(rai# !( his &arryin$ &e% because it "!ul# be i&'ru#ent/ an# n!"% because he is tryin$ t! $et a $irl "ith !nly ten th!usan# '!un#s% y!u "ant t! (in# !ut that he is &ercenary)+ +I( y!u "ill !nly tell &e "hat s!rt !( $irl ,iss <in$ is% I shall n!" "hat t! thin )+ +6he is a very $!!# in# !( $irl% I believe) I n!" n! har& !( her)+ +-ut he 'ai# her n!t the s&allest attenti!n till her $ran#(ather;s #eath &a#e her &istress !( this (!rtune)+ +N!- "hy sh!ul# he. I( it "ere n!t all!"able (!r hi& t! $ain &y a((ecti!ns because I ha# n! &!ney% "hat !ccasi!n c!ul# there be (!r &a in$ l!ve t! a $irl "h!& he #i# n!t care ab!ut% an# "h! "as e9ually '!!r.+ +-ut there see&s in#elicacy in #irectin$ his attenti!n t!"ar#s her s! s!!n a(ter this event)+ +A &an in #istresse# circu&stances has n!t ti&e (!r all th!se ele$ant #ec!ru&s "hich !ther 'e!'le &ay !bserve) I( she #!es n!t !b1ect t! it% "hy sh!ul# "e.+ +Her n!t !b1ectin$ #!es n!t 1usti(y hi&) It !nly sh!"s her bein$ #e(icient in s!&ethin$ hersel(- sense !r (eelin$)+ +3ell%+ crie# Eli8abeth% +have it as y!u ch!!se) He shall be &ercenary% an# she shall be (!!lish)+ +N!% 0i88y% that is "hat I #! n!t ch!!se) I sh!ul# be s!rry% y!u n!"% t! thin ill !( a y!un$ &an "h! has live# s! l!n$ in Derbyshire)+ +4h5 i( that is all% I have a very '!!r !'ini!n !( y!un$ &en "h! live in Derbyshire/ an# their inti&ate (rien#s "h! live in Hert(!r#shire are n!t &uch better) I a& sic !( the& all) Than Heaven5 I a& $!in$ t!-&!rr!" "here I shall (in# a &an "h! has n!t !ne a$reeable 9uality% "h! has neither &anner n!r sense t! rec!&&en# hi&) 6tu'i# &en are the !nly !nes "!rth n!"in$% a(ter all)+ +Ta e care% 0i88y/ that s'eech sav!rs str!n$ly !( #isa''!int&ent)+ -e(!re they "ere se'arate# by the c!nclusi!n !( the 'lay% she ha# the une*'ecte# ha''iness !( an invitati!n t! acc!&'any her uncle an# aunt in a t!ur !( 'leasure "hich they 'r!'!se# ta in$ in the su&&er) +3e have n!t 9uite #eter&ine# h!" (ar it shall carry us%+ sai# ,rs) ?ar#iner% +but% 'erha's% t! the 0a es)+ N! sche&e c!ul# have been &!re a$reeable t! Eli8abeth% an# her acce'tance !( the invitati!n "as &!st rea#y an# $rate(ul) +,y #ear% #ear aunt%+ she ra'tur!usly crie#% +"hat #eli$ht5 "hat (elicity5 2!u $ive &e (resh li(e an# vi$!r) A#ieu t! #isa''!int&ent an# s'leen) 3hat are &en t! r!c s an# &!untains. 4h5 "hat h!urs !( trans'!rt "e shall s'en#5 An# "hen "e #! return% it shall n!t be li e !ther travelers% "ith!ut bein$ able t! $ive !ne accurate i#ea !( anythin$) 3e "ill n!" "here "e have $!ne- "e "ill rec!llect "hat "e have seen) 0a es%

&!untains% an# rivers shall n!t be 1u&ble# t!$ether in !ur i&a$inati!ns/ n!r "hen "e atte&'t t! #escribe any 'articular scene% "ill "e be$in 9uarrelin$ ab!ut its relative situati!n) 0et !ur (irst e((usi!ns be less insu''!rtable than th!se !( the $enerality !( travelers)+ CHAPTER:BB@III CHAPTER BB@III E@ER2 !b1ect in the ne*t #ay;s 1!urney "as ne" an# interestin$ t! Eli8abeth/ an# her s'irits "ere in a state !( en1!y&ent/ (!r she ha# seen her sister l!! in$ s! "ell as t! banish all (ear (!r her health% an# the 'r!s'ect !( her n!rthern t!ur "as a c!nstant s!urce !( #eli$ht) 3hen they le(t the hi$h r!a# (!r the lane t! Huns(!r#% every eye "as in search !( the Pars!na$e% an# every turnin$ e*'ecte# t! brin$ it in vie") The 'alin$ !( R!sin$s Par "as their b!un#ary !n !ne si#e) Eli8abeth s&ile# at the rec!llecti!n !( all that she ha# hear# !( its inhabitants) At len$th the Pars!na$e "as #iscernible) The $ar#en sl!'in$ t! the r!a#% the h!use stan#in$ in it% the $reen 'ales% an# the laurel he#$e% everythin$ #eclare# they "ere arrivin$) ,r) C!llins an# Charl!tte a''eare# at the #!!r% an# the carria$e st!''e# at the s&all $ate "hich le# by a sh!rt $ravel "al t! the h!use a&i#st the n!#s an# s&iles !( the "h!le 'arty) In a &!&ent they "ere all !ut !( the chaise% re1!icin$ at the si$ht !( each !ther) ,rs) C!llins "elc!&e# her (rien# "ith the liveliest 'leasure% an# Eli8abeth "as &!re an# &!re satis(ie# "ith c!&in$ "hen she (!un# hersel( s! a((ecti!nately receive#) 6he sa" instantly that her c!usin;s &anners "ere n!t altere# by his &arria$e/ his (!r&al civility "as 1ust "hat it ha# been% an# he #etaine# her s!&e &inutes at the $ate t! hear an# satis(y his in9uiries a(ter all her (a&ily) They "ere then% "ith n! !ther #elay than his '!intin$ !ut the neatness !( the entrance% ta en int! the h!use/ an# as s!!n as they "ere in the 'arl!r he "elc!&e# the& a sec!n# ti&e% "ith !stentati!us (!r&ality% t! his hu&ble ab!#e% an# 'unctually re'eate# all his "i(e;s !((ers !( re(resh&ent) Eli8abeth "as 're'are# t! see hi& in his $l!ry/ an# she c!ul# n!t hel' (ancyin$ that in #is'layin$ the $!!# 'r!'!rti!n !( the r!!&% its as'ect an# its (urniture% he a##resse# hi&sel( 'articularly t! her% as i( "ishin$ t! &a e her (eel "hat she ha# l!st in re(usin$ hi&) -ut th!u$h everythin$ see&e# neat an# c!&(!rtable% she "as n!t able t! $rati(y hi& by any si$h !( re'entance% an# rather l!! e# "ith "!n#er at her (rien# that she c!ul# have s! cheer(ul an air "ith such a c!&'ani!n) 3hen ,r) C!llins sai# anythin$ !( "hich his "i(e &i$ht reas!nably be asha&e#% "hich certainly "as n!t unsel#!&% she inv!luntarily turne# her eye !n Charl!tte) 4nce !r t"ice she c!ul# #iscern a (aint blush/ but in $eneral Charl!tte "isely #i# n!t hear) A(ter sittin$ l!n$ en!u$h t! a#&ire every article !( (urniture in the r!!&% (r!& the si#eb!ar# t! the (en#er% t! $ive an acc!unt !( their 1!urney% an# !( all that ha# ha''ene# in 0!n#!n% ,r) C!llins invite# the& t! ta e a str!ll in the $ar#en% "hich "as lar$e an# "ell lai# !ut% an# t! the cultivati!n !( "hich he atten#e# hi&sel() T!

"!r in his $ar#en "as !ne !( his &!st res'ectable 'leasures/ an# Eli8abeth a#&ire# the c!&&an# !( c!untenance "ith "hich Charl!tte tal e# !( the health(ulness !( the e*ercise% an# !"ne# she enc!ura$e# it as &uch as '!ssible) Here% lea#in$ the "ay thr!u$h every "al an# cr!ss "al % an# scarcely all!"in$ the& an interval t! utter the 'raises he as e# (!r% every vie" "as '!inte# !ut "ith a &inuteness "hich le(t beauty entirely behin#) He c!ul# nu&ber the (iel#s in every #irecti!n% an# c!ul# tell h!" &any trees there "ere in the &!st #istant clu&') -ut !( all the vie"s "hich his $ar#en% !r "hich the c!untry !r the in$#!& c!ul# b!ast% n!ne "ere t! be c!&'are# "ith the 'r!s'ect !( R!sin$s% a((!r#e# by an !'enin$ in the trees that b!r#ere# the 'ar nearly !''!site the (r!nt !( his h!use) It "as a han#s!&e &!#ern buil#in$% "ell situate# !n risin$ $r!un#) >r!& his $ar#en% ,r) C!llins "!ul# have le# the& r!un# his t"! &ea#!"s/ but the la#ies% n!t havin$ sh!es t! enc!unter the re&ains !( a "hite (r!st% turne# bac / an# "hile 6ir 3illia& acc!&'anie# hi&% Charl!tte t!! her sister an# (rien# !ver the h!use% e*tre&ely "ell 'lease#% 'r!bably% t! have the !''!rtunity !( sh!"in$ it "ith!ut her husban#;s hel') It "as rather s&all% but "ell built an# c!nvenient/ an# everythin$ "as (itte# u' an# arran$e# "ith a neatness an# c!nsistency !( "hich Eli8abeth $ave Charl!tte all the cre#it) 3hen ,r) C!llins c!ul# be (!r$!tten% there "as really a $reat air !( c!&(!rt thr!u$h!ut% an# by Charl!tte;s evi#ent en1!y&ent !( it% Eli8abeth su''!se# he &ust be !(ten (!r$!tten) 6he ha# alrea#y learnt that 0a#y Catherine "as still in the c!untry) It "as s'! en !( a$ain "hile they "ere at #inner% "hen ,r) C!llins 1!inin$ in% !bserve#+2es% ,iss Eli8abeth% y!u "ill have the h!n!r !( seein$ 0a#y Catherine #e -!ur$h !n the ensuin$ 6un#ay at Church% an# I nee# n!t say y!u "ill be #eli$hte# "ith her) 6he is all a((ability an# c!n#escensi!n% an# I #!ubt n!t but y!u "ill be h!n!re# "ith s!&e '!rti!n !( her n!tice "hen service is !ver) I have scarcely any hesitati!n in sayin$ that she "ill inclu#e y!u an# &y sister ,aria in every invitati!n "ith "hich she h!n!rs us #urin$ y!ur stay here) Her behavi!r t! &y #ear Charl!tte is char&in$) 3e #ine at R!sin$s t"ice every "ee % an# are never all!"e# t! "al h!&e) Her la#yshi';s carria$e is re$ularly !r#ere# (!r us) I sh!ul# say% !ne !( her la#yshi';s carria$es% (!r she has several)+ +0a#y Catherine is a very res'ectable% sensible "!&an in#ee#%+ a##e# Charl!tte% +an# a &!st attentive nei$hb!r)+ +@ery true% &y #ear% that is e*actly "hat I say) 6he is the s!rt !( "!&an "h!& !ne cann!t re$ar# "ith t!! &uch #e(erence)+ The evenin$ "as s'ent chie(ly in tal in$ !ver Hert(!r#shire ne"s% an# tellin$ a$ain "hat ha# been alrea#y "ritten/ an# "hen it cl!se#% Eli8abeth% in the s!litu#e !( her cha&ber% ha# t! &e#itate u'!n Charl!tte;s #e$ree !( c!ntent&ent% t! un#erstan# her a##ress in $ui#in$% an# c!&'!sure in bearin$ "ith% her husban#% an# t! ac n!"le#$e that it "as all #!ne very "ell) 6he ha# als! t! antici'ate h!" her visit "!ul# 'ass% the 9uiet ten!r !( their usual e&'l!y&ents% the ve*ati!us interru'ti!ns !( ,r) C!llins% an# the $ayeties !( their interc!urse "ith R!sin$s) A lively i&a$inati!n s!!n settle# it all)

Ab!ut the &i##le !( the ne*t #ay% as she "as in her r!!& $ettin$ rea#y (!r a "al % a su##en n!ise bel!" see&e# t! s'ea the "h!le h!use in c!n(usi!n/ an#% a(ter listenin$ a &!&ent% she hear# s!&eb!#y runnin$ u'stairs in a vi!lent hurry% an# callin$ l!u#ly a(ter her) 6he !'ene# the #!!r an# &et ,aria in the lan#in$ 'lace% "h!% breathless "ith a$itati!n% crie# !ut+4h% &y #ear Eli8a5 'ray &a e haste an# c!&e int! the #inin$-r!!&% (!r there is such a si$ht t! be seen5 I "ill n!t tell y!u "hat it is) ,a e haste% an# c!&e #!"n this &!&ent)+ Eli8abeth as e# 9uesti!ns in vain/ ,aria "!ul# tell her n!thin$ &!re% an# #!"n they ran int! the #inin$-r!!&% "hich (r!nte# the lane% in 9uest !( this "!n#er5 it "as t"! la#ies st!''in$ in a l!" 'haet!n at the $ar#en $ate) +An# is this all.+ crie# Eli8abeth) +I e*'ecte# at least that the 'i$s "ere $!t int! the $ar#en% an# here is n!thin$ but 0a#y Catherine an# her #au$hter5+ +0a5 &y #ear%+ sai# ,aria% 9uite sh!c e# at the &ista e% +it is n!t 0a#y Catherine) The !l# la#y is ,rs) Jen ins!n% "h! lives "ith the&/ the !ther is ,iss #e -!ur$h) 4nly l!! at her) 6he is 9uite a little creature) 3h! "!ul# have th!u$ht she c!ul# be s! thin an# s&all5+ +6he is ab!&inably ru#e t! ee' Charl!tte !ut !( #!!rs in all this "in#) 3hy #!es she n!t c!&e in.+ +4h% Charl!tte says she har#ly ever #!es) It is the $reatest !( (av!rs "hen ,iss #e -!ur$h c!&es in)+ +I li e her a''earance%+ sai# Eli8abeth% struc "ith !ther i#eas) +6he l!! s sic ly an# cr!ss) 2es% she "ill #! (!r hi& very "ell) 6he "ill &a e hi& a very 'r!'er "i(e)+ ,r) C!llins an# Charl!tte "ere b!th stan#in$ at the $ate in c!nversati!n "ith the la#ies/ an# 6ir 3illia&% t! Eli8abeth;s hi$h #iversi!n% "as stati!ne# in the #!!r"ay% in earnest c!nte&'lati!n !( the $reatness be(!re hi&% an# c!nstantly b!"in$ "henever ,iss #e -!ur$h l!! e# that "ay) At len$th there "as n!thin$ &!re t! be sai#/ the la#ies #r!ve !n% an# the !thers returne# int! the h!use) ,r) C!llins n! s!!ner sa" the t"! $irls than he be$an t! c!n$ratulate the& !n their $!!# (!rtune% "hich Charl!tte e*'laine# by lettin$ the& n!" that the "h!le 'arty "as as e# t! #ine at R!sin$s the ne*t #ay) CHAPTER:BBIB CHAPTER BBIB ,R) C400IN6;6 triu&'h% in c!nse9uence !( this invitati!n% "as c!&'lete) The '!"er !( #is'layin$ the $ran#eur !( his 'atr!ness t! his "!n#erin$ visit!rs% an# !( lettin$ the& see her civility t!"ar#s hi&sel( an# his "i(e% "as e*actly "hat he ha# "ishe# (!r/ an# that an !''!rtunity !( #!in$ it sh!ul# be $iven s! s!!n% "as such an instance !( 0a#y Catherine;s c!n#escensi!n% as he ne" n!t h!" t! a#&ire en!u$h) +I c!n(ess%+ sai# he% +that I sh!ul# n!t have been at all sur'rise# by her la#yshi';s as in$ us !n 6un#ay t! #rin tea an# s'en# the evenin$ at R!sin$s) I rather e*'ecte#% (r!& &y n!"le#$e !( her

a((ability% that it "!ul# ha''en) -ut "h! c!ul# have (!reseen such an attenti!n as this. 3h! c!ul# have i&a$ine# that "e sh!ul# receive an invitati!n t! #ine there Dan invitati!n% &!re!ver% inclu#in$ the "h!le 'artyE s! i&&e#iately a(ter y!ur arrival5+ +I a& the less sur'rise# at "hat has ha''ene#%+ re'lie# 6ir 3illia&% +(r!& that n!"le#$e !( "hat the &anners !( the $reat really are% "hich &y situati!n in li(e has all!"e# &e t! ac9uire) Ab!ut the c!urt% such instances !( ele$ant bree#in$ are n!t unc!&&!n)+ 6carcely anythin$ "as tal e# !( the "h!le #ay !r ne*t &!rnin$ but their visit t! R!sin$s) ,r) C!llins "as care(ully instructin$ the& in "hat they "ere t! e*'ect% that the si$ht !( such r!!&s% s! &any servants% an# s! s'len#i# a #inner% &i$ht n!t "h!lly !ver'!"er the&) 3hen the la#ies "ere se'aratin$ (!r the t!ilette% he sai# t! Eli8abeth+D! n!t &a e y!ursel( uneasy% &y #ear c!usin% ab!ut y!ur a''arel) 0a#y Catherine is (ar (r!& re9uirin$ that ele$ance !( #ress in us "hich bec!&es hersel( an# #au$hter) I "!ul# a#vise y!u &erely t! 'ut !n "hatever !( y!ur cl!thes is su'eri!r t! the rest- there is n! !ccasi!n (!r anythin$ &!re) 0a#y Catherine "ill n!t thin the "!rse !( y!u (!r bein$ si&'ly #resse#) 6he li es t! have the #istincti!n !( ran 'reserve#)+ 3hile they "ere #ressin$% he ca&e t"! !r three ti&es t! their #i((erent #!!rs% t! rec!&&en# their bein$ 9uic % as 0a#y Catherine very &uch !b1ecte# t! be e't "aitin$ (!r her #inner) 6uch (!r&i#able acc!unts !( her la#yshi'% an# her &anner !( livin$% 9uite (ri$htene# ,aria 0ucas% "h! ha# been little use# t! c!&'any% an# she l!! e# (!r"ar# t! her intr!#ucti!n at R!sin$s "ith as &uch a''rehensi!n as her (ather ha# #!ne t! his 'resentati!n at 6t) Ja&es;s) As the "eather "as (ine% they ha# a 'leasant "al !( ab!ut hal( a &ile acr!ss the 'ar ) Every 'ar has its beauty an# its 'r!s'ects/ an# Eli8abeth sa" &uch t! be 'lease# "ith% th!u$h she c!ul# n!t be in such ra'tures as ,r) C!llins e*'ecte# the scene t! ins'ire% an# "as but sli$htly a((ecte# by his enu&erati!n !( the "in#!"s in (r!nt !( the h!use% an# his relati!n !( "hat the $la8in$ alt!$ether ha# !ri$inally c!st 6ir 0e"is #e -!ur$h) 3hen they ascen#e# the ste's t! the hall% ,aria;s alar& "as every &!&ent increasin$% an# even 6ir 3illia& #i# n!t l!! 'er(ectly cal&) Eli8abeth;s c!ura$e #i# n!t (ail her) 6he ha# hear# n!thin$ !( 0a#y Catherine that s'! e her a"(ul (r!& any e*tra!r#inary talents !r &iracul!us virtue% an# the &ere stateliness !( &!ney an# ran she th!u$ht she c!ul# "itness "ith!ut tre'i#ati!n) >r!& the entrance-hall% !( "hich ,r) C!llins '!inte# !ut% "ith a ra'tur!us air% the (ine 'r!'!rti!n an# (inishe# !rna&ents% they (!ll!"e# the servants thr!u$h an antecha&ber% t! the r!!& "here 0a#y Catherine% her #au$hter% an# ,rs) Jen ins!n "ere sittin$) Her la#yshi'% "ith $reat c!n#escensi!n% ar!se t! receive the&/ an# as ,rs) C!llins ha# settle# it "ith her husban# that the !((ice !( intr!#ucti!n sh!ul# be hers% it "as 'er(!r&e# in a 'r!'er &anner% "ith!ut any !( th!se a'!l!$ies an# than s "hich he "!ul# have th!u$ht necessary) In s'ite !( havin$ been at 6t) Ja&es;s 6ir 3illia& "as s! c!&'letely

a"e# by the $ran#eur surr!un#in$ hi&% that he ha# but 1ust c!ura$e en!u$h t! &a e a very l!" b!"% an# ta e his seat "ith!ut sayin$ a "!r#/ an# his #au$hter% (ri$htene# al&!st !ut !( her senses% sat !n the e#$e !( her chair% n!t n!"in$ "hich "ay t! l!! ) Eli8abeth (!un# hersel( 9uite e9ual t! the scene% an# c!ul# !bserve the three la#ies be(!re her c!&'!se#ly)- 0a#y Catherine "as a tall% lar$e "!&an% "ith str!n$ly-&ar e# (eatures% "hich &i$ht !nce have been han#s!&e) Her air "as n!t c!nciliatin$% n!r "as her &anner !( receivin$ the& such as t! &a e her visit!rs (!r$et their in(eri!r ran ) 6he "as n!t ren#ere# (!r&i#able by silence/ but "hatever she sai# "as s'! en in s! auth!ritative a t!ne% as &ar e# her sel(-i&'!rtance% an# br!u$ht ,r) 3ic ha& i&&e#iately t! Eli8abeth;s &in#/ an# (r!& the !bservati!n !( the #ay alt!$ether% she believe# 0a#y Catherine t! be e*actly "hat he ha# re'resente#) 3hen% a(ter e*a&inin$ the &!ther% in "h!se c!untenance an# #e'!rt&ent she s!!n (!un# s!&e rese&blance !( ,r) Darcy% she turne# her eyes !n the #au$hter% she c!ul# al&!st have 1!ine# in ,aria;s ast!nish&ent at her bein$ s! thin an# s! s&all) There "as neither in (i$ure n!r (ace any li eness bet"een the la#ies) ,iss #e -!ur$h "as 'ale an# sic ly/ her (eatures% th!u$h n!t 'lain% "ere insi$ni(icant/ an# she s'! e very little% e*ce't in a l!" v!ice% t! ,rs) Jen ins!n% in "h!se a''earance there "as n!thin$ re&ar able% an# "h! "as entirely en$a$e# in listenin$ t! "hat she sai#% an# 'lacin$ a screen in the 'r!'er #irecti!n be(!re her eyes) A(ter sittin$ a (e" &inutes% they "ere all sent t! !ne !( the "in#!"s t! a#&ire the vie"% ,r) C!llins atten#in$ the& t! '!int !ut its beauties% an# 0a#y Catherine in#ly in(!r&in$ the& that it "as &uch better "!rth l!! in$ at in the su&&er) The #inner "as e*cee#in$ly han#s!&e% an# there "ere all the servants an# all the articles !( 'late "hich ,r) C!llins ha# 'r!&ise#/ an#% as he ha# li e"ise (!ret!l#% he t!! his seat at the b!tt!& !( the table% by her la#yshi';s #esire% an# l!! e# as i( he (elt that li(e c!ul# (urnish n!thin$ $reater) He carve#% an# ate% an# 'raise# "ith #eli$hte# alacrity/ an# every #ish "as c!&&en#e#% (irst by hi& an# then by 6ir 3illia&% "h! "as n!" en!u$h rec!vere# t! ech! "hatever his s!n-in-la" sai#% in a &anner "hich Eli8abeth "!n#ere# 0a#y Catherine c!ul# bear) -ut 0a#y Catherine see&e# $rati(ie# by their e*cessive a#&irati!n% an# $ave &!st $raci!us s&iles% es'ecially "hen any #ish !n the table 'r!ve# a n!velty t! the&) The 'arty #i# n!t su''ly &uch c!nversati!n) Eli8abeth "as rea#y t! s'ea "henever there "as an !'enin$% but she "as seate# bet"een Charl!tte an# ,iss #e -!ur$hthe (!r&er !( "h!& "as en$a$e# in listenin$ t! 0a#y Catherine% an# the latter sai# n!t a "!r# t! her all #inner-ti&e) ,rs) Jen ins!n "as chie(ly e&'l!ye# in "atchin$ h!" little ,iss #e -!ur$h ate% 'ressin$ her t! try s!&e !ther #ish% an# (earin$ she "as in#is'!se#) ,aria th!u$ht s'ea in$ !ut !( the 9uesti!n% an# the $entle&en #i# n!thin$ but eat an# a#&ire) 3hen the la#ies returne# t! the #ra"in$-r!!&% there "as little t! be #!ne but t! hear 0a#y Catherine tal % "hich she #i# "ith!ut any inter&issi!n till c!((ee ca&e in% #eliverin$ her !'ini!n !n every sub1ect in s! #ecisive a &anner% as 'r!ve# that she "as n!t use# t! have her 1u#$&ent c!ntr!verte#) 6he in9uire# int! Charl!tte;s #!&estic

c!ncerns (a&iliarly an# &inutely% an# $ave her a $reat #eal !( a#vice as t! the &ana$e&ent !( the& all/ t!l# her h!" everythin$ !u$ht t! be re$ulate# in s! s&all a (a&ily as hers% an# instructe# her as t! the care !( her c!"s an# her '!ultry) Eli8abeth (!un# that n!thin$ "as beneath this $reat la#y;s attenti!n% "hich c!ul# (urnish her "ith an !ccasi!n !( #ictatin$ t! !thers) In the intervals !( her #isc!urse "ith ,rs) C!llins% she a##resse# a variety !( 9uesti!ns t! ,aria an# Eli8abeth% but es'ecially t! the latter% !( "h!se c!nnecti!ns she ne" the least% an# "h! she !bserve# t! ,rs) C!llins "as a very $enteel% 'retty in# !( $irl) 6he as e# her% at #i((erent ti&es% h!" &any sisters she ha#% "hether they "ere !l#er !r y!un$er than hersel(% "hether any !( the& "ere li ely t! be &arrie#% "hether they "ere han#s!&e% "here they ha# been e#ucate#% "hat carria$e her (ather e't% an# "hat ha# been her &!ther;s &ai#en na&e.- Eli8abeth (elt all the i&'ertinence !( her 9uesti!ns% but ans"ere# the& very c!&'!se#ly)0a#y Catherine then !bserve#% +2!ur (ather;s estate is entaile# !n ,r) C!llins% I thin ) >!r y!ur sa e%+ turnin$ t! Charl!tte% +I a& $la# !( it/ but !ther"ise I see n! !ccasi!n (!r entailin$ estates (r!& the (e&ale line)- It "as n!t th!u$ht necessary in 6ir 0e"is #e -!ur$h;s (a&ily) D! y!u 'lay an# sin$% ,iss -ennet.+ +A little)+ +4h5 then- s!&e ti&e !r !ther "e shall be ha''y t! hear y!u) 4ur instru&ent is a ca'ital !ne% 'r!bably su'eri!r t!- 2!u shall try it s!&e #ay) D! y!ur sisters 'lay an# sin$.+ +4ne !( the& #!es)+ +3hy #i# n!t y!u all learn.- 2!u !u$ht all t! have learne#) The ,iss 3ebbs all 'lay% an# their (ather has n!t s! $!!# an inc!&e as y!urs)- D! y!u #ra".+ +N!% n!t at all)+ +3hat% n!ne !( y!u.+ +N!t !ne)+ +That is very stran$e) -ut I su''!se y!u ha# n! !''!rtunity) 2!ur &!ther sh!ul# have ta en y!u t! t!"n every s'rin$ (!r the bene(it !( &asters)+ +,y &!ther "!ul# have ha# n! !b1ecti!n% but &y (ather hates 0!n#!n)+ +Has y!ur $!verness le(t y!u.+ +3e never ha# any $!verness)+ +N! $!verness5 H!" "as that '!ssible. >ive #au$hters br!u$ht u' at h!&e "ith!ut a $!verness5 I never hear# !( such a thin$) 2!ur &!ther &ust have been 9uite a slave t! y!ur e#ucati!n)+ Eli8abeth c!ul# har#ly hel' s&ilin$ as she assure# her that ha# n!t been the case) +Then% "h! tau$ht y!u. "h! atten#e# t! y!u. 3ith!ut a $!verness% y!u &ust have been ne$lecte#)+ +C!&'are# "ith s!&e (a&ilies% I believe "e "ere/ but such !( us as "ishe# t! learn never "ante# the &eans) 3e "ere al"ays enc!ura$e# t! rea#% an# ha# all the &asters that "ere necessary) Th!se "h! ch!se t! be i#le% certainly &i$ht)+ +Aye% n! #!ubt/ but that is "hat a $!verness "ill 'revent% an# i( I ha# n!"n y!ur &!ther% I sh!ul# have a#vise# her &!st strenu!usly t! en$a$e !ne) I al"ays say that n!thin$ is t! be #!ne in e#ucati!n

"ith!ut stea#y an# re$ular instructi!n% an# n!b!#y but a $!verness can $ive it) It is "!n#er(ul h!" &any (a&ilies I have been the &eans !( su''lyin$ in that "ay) I a& al"ays $la# t! $et a y!un$ 'ers!n "ell 'lace# !ut) >!ur nieces !( ,rs) Jen ins!n are &!st #eli$ht(ully situate# thr!u$h &y &eans/ an# it "as but the !ther #ay that I rec!&&en#e# an!ther y!un$ 'ers!n% "h! "as &erely acci#entally &enti!ne# t! &e% an# the (a&ily are 9uite #eli$hte# "ith her) ,rs) C!llins% #i# I tell y!u !( 0a#y ,etcal(;s callin$ yester#ay t! than &e. 6he (in#s ,iss P!'e a treasure) ;0a#y Catherine%; sai# she% ;y!u have $iven &e a treasure); Are any !( y!ur y!un$er sisters !ut% ,iss -ennet.+ +2es% &a;a&% all)+ +All5- 3hat% all (ive !ut at !nce. @ery !##5- An# y!u !nly the sec!n#)- The y!un$er !nes !ut be(!re the el#er are &arrie#5- 2!ur y!un$er sisters &ust be very y!un$.+ +2es% &y y!un$est is n!t si*teen) Perha's she is (ull y!un$ t! be &uch in c!&'any) -ut really% &a;a&% I thin it "!ul# be very har# u'!n y!un$er sisters% that they sh!ul# n!t have their share !( s!ciety an# a&use&ent% because the el#er &ay n!t have the &eans !r inclinati!n t! &arry early) The last-b!rn has as $!!# a ri$ht t! the 'leasures !( y!uth as the (irst) An# t! be e't bac !n such a &!tive5 I thin it "!ul# n!t be very li ely t! 'r!&!te sisterly a((ecti!n !r #elicacy !( &in#)+ +U'!n &y "!r#%+ sai# her la#yshi'% +y!u $ive y!ur !'ini!n very #eci#e#ly (!r s! y!un$ a 'ers!n) Pray% "hat is y!ur a$e.+ +3ith three y!un$er sisters $r!"n u'%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth% s&ilin$% +y!ur la#yshi' can har#ly e*'ect &e t! !"n it)+ 0a#y Catherine see&e# 9uite ast!nishe# at n!t receivin$ a #irect ans"er/ an# Eli8abeth sus'ecte# hersel( t! be the (irst creature "h! ha# ever #are# t! tri(le "ith s! &uch #i$ni(ie# i&'ertinence) +2!u cann!t be &!re than t"enty% I a& sure%- there(!re y!u nee# n!t c!nceal y!ur a$e)+ +I a& n!t !ne-an#-t"enty)+ 3hen the $entle&en ha# 1!ine# the&% an# tea "as !ver% the car#-tables "ere 'lace#) 0a#y Catherine% 6ir 3illia&% an# ,r) an# ,rs) C!llins sat #!"n t! 9ua#rille/ an# as ,iss #e -!ur$h ch!se t! 'lay at cassin!% the t"! $irls ha# the h!n!r !( assistin$ ,rs) Jen ins!n t! &a e u' her 'arty) Their table "as su'erlatively stu'i#) 6carcely a syllable "as uttere# that #i# n!t relate t! the $a&e% e*ce't "hen ,rs) Jen ins!n e*'resse# her (ears !( ,iss #e -!ur$h;s bein$ t!! h!t !r t!! c!l#% !r havin$ t!! &uch !r t!! little li$ht) A $reat #eal &!re 'asse# at the !ther table) 0a#y Catherine "as $enerally s'ea in$- statin$ the &ista es !( the three !thers% !r relatin$ s!&e anec#!te !( hersel() ,r) C!llins "as e&'l!ye# in a$reein$ t! everythin$ her la#yshi' sai#% than in$ her (!r every (ish he "!n% an# a'!l!$i8in$ i( he th!u$ht he "!n t!! &any) 6ir 3illia& #i# n!t say &uch) He "as st!rin$ his &e&!ry "ith anec#!tes an# n!ble na&es) 3hen 0a#y Catherine an# her #au$hter ha# 'laye# as l!n$ as they ch!se% the tables "ere br! en u'% the carria$e "as !((ere# t! ,rs) C!llins% $rate(ully acce'te#% an# i&&e#iately !r#ere#) The 'arty then $athere# r!un# the (ire t! hear 0a#y Catherine #eter&ine "hat "eather they "ere t! have !n the &!rr!") >r!& these instructi!ns

they "ere su&&!ne# by the arrival !( the c!ach/ an# "ith &any s'eeches !( than (ulness !n ,r) C!llins;s si#e% an# as &any b!"s !n 6ir 3illia&;s% they #e'arte#) As s!!n as they ha# #riven (r!& the #!!r% Eli8abeth "as calle# !n by her c!usin t! $ive her !'ini!n !( all that she ha# seen at R!sin$s% "hich% (!r Charl!tte;s sa e% she &a#e &!re (av!rable than it really "as) -ut her c!&&en#ati!n% th!u$h c!stin$ her s!&e tr!uble% c!ul# by n! &eans satis(y ,r) C!llins% an# he "as very s!!n !bli$e# t! ta e her la#yshi';s 'raise int! his !"n han#s) CHAPTER:BBB CHAPTER BBB ,R 3I00IA, staye# !nly a "ee at Huns(!r#% but his visit "as l!n$ en!u$h t! c!nvince hi& !( his #au$hter;s bein$ &!st c!&(!rtably settle#% an# !( her '!ssessin$ such a husban# an# such a nei$hb!r as "ere n!t !(ten &et "ith) 3hile 6ir 3illia& "as "ith the&% ,r) C!llins #ev!te# his &!rnin$ t! #rivin$ hi& !ut in his $i$% an# sh!"in$ hi& the c!untry/ but "hen he "ent a"ay% the "h!le (a&ily returne# t! their usual e&'l!y&ents% an# Eli8abeth "as than (ul t! (in# that they #i# n!t see &!re !( her c!usin by the alterati!n% (!r the chie( !( the ti&e bet"een brea (ast an# #inner "as n!" 'asse# by hi& either at "!r in the $ar#en% !r in rea#in$ an# "ritin$% an# l!! in$ !ut !( the "in#!" in his !"n b!! -r!!&% "hich (r!nte# the r!a#) The r!!& in "hich the la#ies sat "as bac "ar#s) Eli8abeth at (irst ha# rather "!n#ere# that Charl!tte sh!ul# n!t 're(er the #inin$-'arl!r (!r c!&&!n use/ it "as a better si8e# r!!&% an# ha# a 'leasanter as'ect/ but she s!!n sa" that her (rien# ha# an e*cellent reas!n (!r "hat she #i#% (!r ,r) C!llins "!ul# un#!ubte#ly have been &uch less in his !"n a'art&ent ha# they sat in !ne e9ually lively/ an# she $ave Charl!tte cre#it (!r the arran$e&ent) >r!& the #ra"in$-r!!& they c!ul# #istin$uish n!thin$ in the lane% an# "ere in#ebte# t! ,r) C!llins (!r the n!"le#$e !( "hat carria$es "ent al!n$% an# h!" !(ten es'ecially ,iss #e -!ur$h #r!ve by in her 'haet!n% "hich he never (aile# c!&in$ t! in(!r& the& !(% th!u$h it ha''ene# al&!st every #ay) 6he n!t un(re9uently st!''e# at the Pars!na$e% an# ha# a (e" &inutes; c!nversati!n "ith Charl!tte% but "as scarcely ever 'revaile# !n t! $et !ut) @ery (e" #ays 'asse# in "hich ,r) C!llins #i# n!t "al t! R!sin$s% an# n!t &any in "hich his "i(e #i# n!t thin it necessary t! $! li e"ise/ an# till Eli8abeth rec!llecte# that there &i$ht be !ther (a&ily livin$s t! be #is'!se# !(% she c!ul# n!t un#erstan# the sacri(ice !( s! &any h!urs) N!" an# then they "ere h!n!re# "ith a call (r!& her la#yshi'% an# n!thin$ esca'e# her !bservati!n that "as 'assin$ in the r!!& #urin$ these visits) 6he e*a&ine# int! their e&'l!y&ents% l!! e# at their "!r % an# a#vise# the& t! #! it #i((erently/ (!un# (ault "ith the arran$e&ent !( the (urniture/ !r #etecte# the h!use&ai# in ne$li$ence/ an# i( she acce'te# any re(resh&ent% see&e# t! #! it !nly (!r the sa e !( (in#in$ !ut that ,rs) C!llins;s 1!ints !( &eat "ere t!! lar$e (!r her (a&ily) Eli8abeth s!!n 'erceive#% that th!u$h this $reat la#y "as n!t in the c!&&issi!n !( the 'eace (!r the c!unty% she "as a &!st active

&a$istrate in her !"n 'arish% the &inutest c!ncerns !( "hich "ere carrie# t! her by ,r) C!llins/ an# "henever any !( the c!tta$ers "ere #is'!se# t! be 9uarrels!&e% #isc!ntente#% !r t!! '!!r% she sallie# (!rth int! the villa$e t! settle their #i((erences% silence their c!&'laints% an# sc!l# the& int! har&!ny an# 'lenty) The entertain&ent !( #inin$ at R!sin$s "as re'eate# ab!ut t"ice a "ee / an#% all!"in$ (!r the l!ss !( 6ir 3illia&% an# there bein$ !nly !ne car#-table in the evenin$% every such entertain&ent "as the c!unter'art !( the (irst) Their !ther en$a$e&ents "ere (e"% as the style !( livin$ !( the nei$hb!rh!!# in $eneral "as bey!n# the C!llinses; reach) This% h!"ever% "as n! evil t! Eli8abeth% an# u'!n the "h!le she s'ent her ti&e c!&(!rtably en!u$h/ there "ere hal(-h!urs !( 'leasant c!nversati!n "ith Charl!tte% an# the "eather "as s! (ine (!r the ti&e !( year that she ha# !(ten $reat en1!y&ent !ut !( #!!rs) Her (av!rite "al % an# "here she (re9uently "ent "hile the !thers "ere callin$ !n 0a#y Catherine% "as al!n$ the !'en $r!ve "hich e#$e# that si#e !( the 'ar % "here there "as a nice sheltere# 'ath% "hich n! !ne see&e# t! value but hersel(% an# "here she (elt bey!n# the reach !( 0a#y Catherine;s curi!sity) In this 9uiet "ay% the (irst (!rtni$ht !( her visit s!!n 'asse# a"ay) Easter "as a''r!achin$% an# the "ee 'rece#in$ it "as t! brin$ an a##iti!n t! the (a&ily at R!sin$s% "hich in s! s&all a circle &ust be i&'!rtant) Eli8abeth ha# hear# s!!n a(ter her arrival that ,r) Darcy "as e*'ecte# there in the c!urse !( a (e" "ee s% an# th!u$h there "ere n!t &any !( her ac9uaintance "h!& she #i# n!t 're(er% his c!&in$ "!ul# (urnish !ne c!&'aratively ne" t! l!! at in their R!sin$s 'arties% an# she &i$ht be a&use# in seein$ h!" h!'eless ,iss -in$ley;s #esi$ns !n hi& "ere% by his behavi!r t! his c!usin% (!r "h!& he "as evi#ently #estine# by 0a#y Catherine% "h! tal e# !( his c!&in$ "ith the $reatest satis(acti!n% s'! e !( hi& in ter&s !( the hi$hest a#&irati!n% an# see&e# al&!st an$ry t! (in# that he ha# alrea#y been (re9uently seen by ,iss 0ucas an# hersel() His arrival "as s!!n n!"n at the Pars!na$e/ (!r ,r) C!llins "as "al in$ the "h!le &!rnin$ "ithin vie" !( the l!#$es !'enin$ int! Huns(!r# 0ane% in !r#er t! have the earliest assurance !( it% an# a(ter &a in$ his b!" as the carria$e turne# int! the Par % hurrie# h!&e "ith the $reat intelli$ence) 4n the (!ll!"in$ &!rnin$ he hastene# t! R!sin$s t! 'ay his res'ects) There "ere t"! ne'he"s !( 0a#y Catherine t! re9uire the&% (!r ,r) Darcy ha# br!u$ht "ith hi& a C!l!nel >it8"illia&% the y!un$er s!n !( his uncle 0!r# ::% an#% t! the $reat sur'rise !( all the 'arty% "hen ,r) C!llins returne#% the $entle&en acc!&'anie# hi&) Charl!tte ha# seen the& (r!& her husban#;s r!!&% cr!ssin$ the r!a#% an# i&&e#iately runnin$ int! the !ther% t!l# the $irls "hat an h!n!r they &i$ht e*'ect% a##in$+I &ay than y!u% Eli8a% (!r this 'iece !( civility) ,r) Darcy "!ul# never have c!&e s! s!!n t! "ait u'!n &e)+ Eli8abeth ha# scarcely ti&e t! #isclai& all ri$ht t! the c!&'li&ent% be(!re their a''r!ach "as ann!unce# by the #!!r-bell% an# sh!rtly a(ter"ar#s the three $entle&en entere# the r!!&) C!l!nel >it8"illia&% "h! le# the "ay% "as ab!ut thirty% n!t han#s!&e% but in 'ers!n an# a##ress &!st truly the $entle&an) Dr) Darcy l!! e# 1ust as he ha# been use# t! l!! in Hert(!r#shire- 'ai# his c!&'li&ents%

"ith his usual reserve% t! ,rs) C!llins% an# "hatever &i$ht be his (eelin$s t!"ar#s her (rien#% &et her "ith every a''earance !( c!&'!sure) Eli8abeth &erely curtseye# t! hi&% "ith!ut sayin$ a "!r#) C!l!nel >it8"illia& entere# int! c!nversati!n #irectly "ith the rea#iness an# ease !( a "ell-bre# &an% an# tal e# very 'leasantly/ but his c!usin% a(ter havin$ a##resse# a sli$ht !bservati!n !n the h!use an# $ar#en t! ,rs) C!llins% sat (!r s!&e ti&e "ith!ut s'ea in$ t! anyb!#y) At len$th% h!"ever% his civility "as s! (ar a"a ene# as t! in9uire !( Eli8abeth a(ter the health !( her (a&ily) 6he ans"ere# hi& in the usual "ay% an#% a(ter a &!&ent;s 'ause% a##e#+,y el#est sister has been in t!"n these three &!nths) Have y!u never ha''ene# t! see her there.+ 6he "as 'er(ectly sensible that he never ha#/ but she "ishe# t! see "hether he "!ul# betray any c!nsci!usness !( "hat ha# 'asse# bet"een the -in$leys an# Jane% an# she th!u$ht he l!! e# a little c!n(use# as he ans"ere# that he ha# never been s! (!rtunate as t! &eet ,iss -ennet) The sub1ect "as 'ursue# n! (arther% an# the $entle&en s!!n a(ter"ar#s "ent a"ay) CHAPTER:BBBI CHAPTER BBBI C404NE0 >ITA3I00IA,;6 &anners "ere very &uch a#&ire# at the Pars!na$e% an# the la#ies all (elt that he &ust a## c!nsi#erably t! the 'leasure !( their en$a$e&ents at R!sin$s) It "as s!&e #ays% h!"ever% be(!re they receive# any invitati!n thither- (!r "hile there "ere visit!rs in the h!use% they c!ul# n!t be necessary/ an# it "as n!t till Easter-#ay% al&!st a "ee a(ter the $entle&en;s arrival% that they "ere h!n!re# by such an attenti!n% an# then they "ere &erely as e# !n leavin$ church t! c!&e there in the evenin$) >!r the last "ee they ha# seen very little !( either 0a#y Catherine !r her #au$hter) C!l!nel >it8"illia& ha# calle# at the Pars!na$e &!re than !nce #urin$ the ti&e% but ,r) Darcy they ha# !nly seen at church) The invitati!n "as acce'te# !( c!urse% an# at a 'r!'er h!ur they 1!ine# the 'arty in 0a#y Catherine;s #ra"in$-r!!&) Her la#yshi' receive# the& civilly% but it "as 'lain that their c!&'any "as by n! &eans s! acce'table as "hen she c!ul# $et n!b!#y else/ an# she "as% in (act% al&!st en$r!sse# by her ne'he"s% s'ea in$ t! the&% es'ecially t! Darcy% &uch &!re than t! any !ther 'ers!n in the r!!&) C!l!nel >it8"illia& see&e# really $la# t! see the&/ anythin$ "as a "elc!&e relie( t! hi& at R!sin$s/ an# ,rs) C!llins;s 'retty (rien# ha# &!re!ver cau$ht his (ancy very &uch) He n!" seate# hi&sel( by her% an# tal e# s! a$reeably !( <ent an# Hert(!r#shire% !( travelin$ an# stayin$ at h!&e% !( ne" b!! s an# &usic% that Eli8abeth ha# never been hal( s! "ell entertaine# in that r!!& be(!re/ an# they c!nverse# "ith s! &uch s'irit an# (l!"% as t! #ra" the attenti!n !( 0a#y Catherine hersel(% as "ell as !( ,r) Darcy) His eyes ha# been s!!n an# re'eate#ly turne# t!"ar#s the& "ith a l!! !( curi!sity/ an# that her la#yshi'% a(ter a "hile% share# the (eelin$% "as &!re !'enly ac n!"le#$e#% (!r she #i# n!t scru'le t! call !ut+3hat is that y!u are sayin$% >it8"illia&. 3hat is it y!u are

tal in$ !(. 3hat are y!u tellin$ ,iss -ennet. 0et &e hear "hat it is)+ +3e are s'ea in$ !( &usic% &a#a&%+ sai# he% "hen n! l!n$er able t! av!i# a re'ly) +4( &usic5 Then 'ray s'ea al!u#) It is !( all sub1ects &y #eli$ht) I &ust have &y share in the c!nversati!n i( y!u are s'ea in$ !( &usic) There are (e" 'e!'le in En$lan#% I su''!se% "h! have &!re true en1!y&ent !( &usic than &ysel(% !r a better natural taste) I( I ha# ever learnt% I sh!ul# have been a $reat 'r!(icient) An# s! "!ul# Anne% i( her health ha# all!"e# her t! a''ly) I a& c!n(i#ent that she "!ul# have 'er(!r&e# #eli$ht(ully) H!" #!es ?e!r$iana $et !n% Darcy.+ ,r) Darcy s'! e "ith a((ecti!nate 'raise !( his sister;s 'r!(iciency) +I a& very $la# t! hear such a $!!# acc!unt !( her%+ sai# 0a#y Catherine/ +an# 'ray tell her (r!& &e% that she cann!t e*'ect t! e*cel i( she #!es n!t 'ractice a $reat #eal)+ +I assure y!u% &a#a&%+ he re'lie#% +that she #!es n!t nee# such a#vice) 6he 'ractices very c!nstantly)+ +6! &uch the better) It cann!t be #!ne t!! &uch/ an# "hen I ne*t "rite t! her% I shall char$e her n!t t! ne$lect it !n any acc!unt) I !(ten tell y!un$ la#ies that n! e*cellence in &usic is t! be ac9uire# "ith!ut c!nstant 'ractice) I have t!l# ,iss -ennet several ti&es% that she "ill never 'lay really "ell unless she 'ractices &!re/ an# th!u$h ,rs) C!llins has n! instru&ent% she is very "elc!&e% as I have !(ten t!l# her% t! c!&e t! R!sin$s every #ay% an# 'lay !n the 'ian!(!rte in ,rs) Jen ins!n;s r!!&) 6he "!ul# be in n!b!#y;s "ay% y!u n!"% in that 'art !( the h!use)+ ,r) Darcy l!! e# a little asha&e# !( his aunt;s ill-bree#in$% an# &a#e n! ans"er) 3hen c!((ee "as !ver% C!l!nel >it8"illia& re&in#e# Eli8abeth !( havin$ 'r!&ise# t! 'lay t! hi&/ an# she sat #!"n #irectly t! the instru&ent) He #re" a chair near her) 0a#y Catherine listene# t! hal( a s!n$% an# then tal e#% as be(!re% t! her !ther ne'he"/ till the latter "al e# a"ay (r!& her% an# &a in$ "ith his usual #eliberati!n t!"ar#s the 'ian!(!rte% stati!ne# hi&sel( s! as t! c!&&an# a (ull vie" !( the (air 'er(!r&er;s c!untenance) Eli8abeth sa" "hat he "as #!in$% an# at the (irst c!nvenient 'ause% turne# t! hi& "ith an arch s&ile% an# sai#+2!u &ean t! (ri$hten &e% ,r) Darcy% by c!&in$ in all this state t! hear &e. -ut I "ill n!t be alar&e# th!u$h y!ur sister #!es 'lay s! "ell) There is a stubb!rnness ab!ut &e that never can bear t! be (ri$htene# at the "ill !( !thers) ,y c!ura$e al"ays rises "ith every atte&'t t! inti&i#ate &e)+ +I shall n!t say that y!u are &ista en%+ he re'lie#% +because y!u c!ul# n!t really believe &e t! entertain any #esi$n !( alar&in$ y!u7 an# I have ha# the 'leasure !( y!ur ac9uaintance l!n$ en!u$h t! n!" that y!u (in# $reat en1!y&ent in !ccasi!nally 'r!(essin$ !'ini!ns "hich in (act are n!t y!ur !"n)+ Eli8abeth lau$he# heartily at this 'icture !( hersel(% an# sai# t! C!l!nel >it8"illia&% +2!ur c!usin "ill $ive y!u a very 'retty n!ti!n !( &e% an# teach y!u n!t t! believe a "!r# I say) I a& 'articularly unluc y in &eetin$ "ith a 'ers!n s! "ell able t! e*'!se &y real

character% in a 'art !( the "!rl# "here I ha# h!'e# t! 'ass &ysel( !(( "ith s!&e #e$ree !( cre#it) In#ee#% ,r) Darcy% it is very un$ener!us in y!u t! &enti!n all that y!u ne" t! &y #isa#vanta$e in Hert(!r#shire- an#% $ive &e leave t! say% very i&'!litic t!!- (!r it is 'r!v! in$ &e t! retaliate% an# such thin$s &ay c!&e !ut as "ill sh!c y!ur relati!ns t! hear)+ +I a& n!t a(rai# !( y!u%+ sai# he% s&ilin$ly) +Pray let &e hear "hat y!u have t! accuse hi& !(%+ crie# C!l!nel >it8"illia&) +I sh!ul# li e t! n!" h!" he behaves a&!n$ stran$ers)+ +2!u shall hear then- but 're'are y!ursel( (!r s!&ethin$ very #rea#(ul) The (irst ti&e !( &y ever seein$ hi& in Hert(!r#shire% y!u &ust n!"% "as at a ball- an# at this ball% "hat #! y!u thin he #i#. He #ance# !nly (!ur #ances5 I a& s!rry t! 'ain y!u- but s! it "as) He #ance# !nly (!ur #ances% th!u$h $entle&en "ere scarce/ an#% t! &y certain n!"le#$e% &!re than !ne y!un$ la#y "as sittin$ #!"n in "ant !( a 'artner) ,r) Darcy% y!u cann!t #eny the (act)+ +I ha# n!t at that ti&e the h!n!r !( n!"in$ any la#y in the asse&bly bey!n# &y !"n 'arty)+ +True/ an# n!b!#y can ever be intr!#uce# in a ballr!!&) 3ell% C!l!nel >it8"illia&% "hat #! I 'lay ne*t. ,y (in$ers "ait y!ur !r#ers)+ +Perha's%+ sai# Darcy% +I sh!ul# have 1u#$e# better% ha# I s!u$ht an intr!#ucti!n/ but I a& ill 9uali(ie# t! rec!&&en# &ysel( t! stran$ers)+ +6hall "e as y!ur c!usin the reas!n !( this.+ sai# Eli8abeth% still a##ressin$ C!l!nel >it8"illia&) +6hall "e as hi& "hy a &an !( sense an# e#ucati!n% an# "h! has live# in the "!rl#% is ill 9uali(ie# t! rec!&&en# hi&sel( t! stran$ers.+ +I can ans"er y!ur 9uesti!n%+ sai# >it8"illia&% +"ith!ut lyin$ t! hi&) It is because he "ill n!t $ive hi&sel( the tr!uble)+ +I certainly have n!t the talent "hich s!&e 'e!'le '!ssess%+ sai# Darcy% +!( c!nversin$ easily "ith th!se I have never seen be(!re) I cann!t catch their t!ne !( c!nversati!n% !r a''ear intereste# in their c!ncerns% as I !(ten see #!ne)+ +,y (in$ers%+ sai# Eli8abeth% +#! n!t &!ve !ver this instru&ent in the &asterly &anner "hich I see s! &any "!&en;s #!) They have n!t the sa&e (!rce !r ra'i#ity% an# #! n!t 'r!#uce the sa&e e*'ressi!n) -ut then I have al"ays su''!se# it t! be &y !"n (ault- because I "!ul# n!t ta e the tr!uble !( 'racticin$) It is n!t that I #! n!t believe &y (in$ers as ca'able as any !ther "!&an;s !( su'eri!r e*ecuti!n)+ Darcy s&ile# an# sai#% +2!u are 'er(ectly ri$ht) 2!u have e&'l!ye# y!ur ti&e &uch better) N! !ne a#&itte# t! the 'rivile$e !( hearin$ y!u can thin anythin$ "antin$) 3e neither !( us 'er(!r& t! stran$ers)+ Here they "ere interru'te# by 0a#y Catherine% "h! calle# !ut t! n!" "hat they "ere tal in$ !() Eli8abeth i&&e#iately be$an 'layin$ a$ain) 0a#y Catherine a''r!ache#% an#% a(ter listenin$ (!r a (e" &inutes% sai# t! Darcy+,iss -ennet "!ul# n!t 'lay at all a&iss i( she 'ractice# &!re% an# c!ul# have the a#vanta$e !( a 0!n#!n ,aster) 6he has a very $!!# n!ti!n !( (in$erin$% th!u$h her taste is n!t e9ual t! Anne;s) Anne "!ul# have been a #eli$ht(ul 'er(!r&er% ha# her health all!"e# her t! learn)+

Eli8abeth l!! e# at Darcy t! see h!" c!r#ially he assente# t! his c!usin;s 'raise/ but neither at that &!&ent n!r at any !ther c!ul# she #iscern any sy&'t!& !( l!ve/ an# (r!& the "h!le !( his behavi!r t! ,iss #e -!ur$h she #erive# this c!&(!rt (!r ,iss -in$ley% that he &i$ht have been 1ust as li ely t! &arry her% ha# she been his relati!n) 0a#y Catherine c!ntinue# her re&ar s !n Eli8abeth;s 'er(!r&ance% &i*in$ "ith the& &any instructi!ns !n e*ecuti!n an# taste) Eli8abeth receive# the& "ith all the (!rbearance !( civility% an#% at the re9uest !( the $entle&en% re&aine# at the instru&ent till her la#yshi';s carria$e "as rea#y t! ta e the& all h!&e) CHAPTER:BBBII CHAPTER BBBII E0IAA-ETH "as sittin$ by hersel( the ne*t &!rnin$% an# "ritin$ t! Jane% "hile ,rs) C!llins an# ,aria "ere $!ne !n business int! the villa$e% "hen she "as startle# by a rin$ at the #!!r% the certain si$nal !( a visit!r) As she ha# hear# n! carria$e% she th!u$ht it n!t unli ely t! be 0a#y Catherine% an# un#er that a''rehensi!n "as 'uttin$ a"ay her hal(-(inishe# letter that she &i$ht esca'e all i&'ertinent 9uesti!ns% "hen the #!!r !'ene#% an#% t! her very $reat sur'rise% ,r) Darcy% an# ,r) Darcy !nly% entere# the r!!&) He see&e# ast!nishe# t!! !n (in#in$ her al!ne% an# a'!l!$i8e# (!r his intrusi!n by lettin$ her n!" that he ha# un#erst!!# all the la#ies t! be "ithin) They then sat #!"n% an# "hen her in9uiries a(ter R!sin$s "ere &a#e% see&e# in #an$er !( sin in$ int! t!tal silence) It "as abs!lutely necessary% there(!re% t! thin !( s!&ethin$% an# in this e&er$ence rec!llectin$ "hen she ha# seen hi& last in Hert(!r#shire% an# (eelin$ curi!us t! n!" "hat he "!ul# say !n the sub1ect !( their hasty #e'arture% she !bserve#+H!" very su##enly y!u all 9uitte# Nether(iel# last N!ve&ber% ,r) Darcy5 It &ust have been a &!st a$reeable sur'rise t! ,r) -in$ley t! see y!u all a(ter hi& s! s!!n/ (!r% i( I rec!llect ri$ht% he "ent but the #ay be(!re) He an# his sisters "ere "ell% I h!'e% "hen y!u le(t 0!n#!n.+ +Per(ectly s!% I than y!u)+ 6he (!un# that she "as t! receive n! !ther ans"er% an#% a(ter a sh!rt 'ause% a##e#+I thin I have un#erst!!# that ,r) -in$ley has n!t &uch i#ea !( ever returnin$ t! Nether(iel# a$ain.+ +I have never hear# hi& say s!/ but it is 'r!bable that he &ay s'en# very little !( his ti&e there in (uture) He has &any (rien#s% an# he is at a ti&e !( li(e "hen (rien#s an# en$a$e&ents are c!ntinually increasin$)+ +I( he &eans t! be but little at Nether(iel#% it "!ul# be better (!r the nei$hb!rh!!# that he sh!ul# $ive u' the 'lace entirely% (!r then "e &i$ht '!ssibly $et a settle# (a&ily there) -ut% 'erha's% ,r) -in$ley #i# n!t ta e the h!use s! &uch (!r the c!nvenience !( the nei$hb!rh!!# as (!r his !"n% an# "e &ust e*'ect hi& t! ee' !r 9uit it !n the sa&e 'rinci'le)+

+I sh!ul# n!t be sur'rise#%+ sai# Darcy% +i( he "ere t! $ive it u' as s!!n as any eli$ible 'urchase !((ers)+ Eli8abeth &a#e n! ans"er) 6he "as a(rai# !( tal in$ l!n$er !( his (rien#/ an#% havin$ n!thin$ else t! say% "as n!" #eter&ine# t! leave the tr!uble !( (in#in$ a sub1ect t! hi&) He t!! the hint% an# s!!n be$an "ith% +This see&s a very c!&(!rtable h!use) 0a#y Catherine% I believe% #i# a $reat #eal t! it "hen ,r) C!llins (irst ca&e t! Huns(!r#)+ +I believe she #i#- an# I a& sure she c!ul# n!t have best!"e# her in#ness !n a &!re $rate(ul !b1ect)+ +,r) C!llins a''ears very (!rtunate in his ch!ice !( a "i(e)+ +2es% in#ee#/ his (rien#s &ay "ell re1!ice in his havin$ &et "ith !ne !( the very (e" sensible "!&en "h! "!ul# have acce'te# hi&% !r have &a#e hi& ha''y i( they ha#) ,y (rien# has an e*cellent un#erstan#in$- th!u$h I a& n!t certain that I c!nsi#er her &arryin$ ,r) C!llins as the "isest thin$ she ever #i#) 6he see&s 'er(ectly ha''y% h!"ever% an# in a 'ru#ential li$ht it is certainly a very $!!# &atch (!r her)+ +It &ust be very a$reeable t! her t! be settle# "ithin s! easy a #istance !( her !"n (a&ily an# (rien#s)+ +An easy #istance% #! y!u call it. It is nearly (i(ty &iles)+ +An# "hat is (i(ty &iles !( $!!# r!a#. 0ittle &!re than hal( a #ay;s 1!urney) 2es% I call it a very easy #istance)+ +I sh!ul# never have c!nsi#ere# the #istance as !ne !( the a#vanta$es !( the &atch%+ crie# Eli8abeth) +I sh!ul# never have sai# ,rs) C!llins "as settle# near her (a&ily)+ +It is a 'r!!( !( y!ur !"n attach&ent t! Hert(!r#shire) Anythin$ bey!n# the very nei$hb!rh!!# !( 0!n$b!urn% I su''!se% "!ul# a''ear (ar)+ As he s'! e there "as a s!rt !( s&ile "hich Eli8abeth (ancie# she un#erst!!#/ he &ust be su''!sin$ her t! be thin in$ !( Jane an# Nether(iel#% an# she blushe# as she ans"ere#+I #! n!t &ean t! say that a "!&an &ay n!t be settle# t!! near her (a&ily) The (ar an# the near &ust be relative% an# #e'en# !n &any varyin$ circu&stances) 3here there is (!rtune t! &a e the e*'enses !( travelin$ uni&'!rtant% #istance bec!&es n! evil) -ut that is n!t the case here) ,r) an# ,rs) C!llins have a c!&(!rtable inc!&e% but n!t such a !ne as "ill all!" !( (re9uent 1!urneys- an# I a& 'ersua#e# &y (rien# "!ul# n!t call hersel( near her (a&ily un#er less than hal( the 'resent #istance)+ ,r) Darcy #re" his chair a little t!"ar#s her% an# sai#% +2!u cann!t have a ri$ht t! such very str!n$ l!cal attach&ent) 2!u cann!t have been al"ays at 0!n$b!urn)+ Eli8abeth l!! e# sur'rise#) The $entle&an e*'erience# s!&e chan$e !( (eelin$/ he #re" bac his chair% t!! a ne"s'a'er (r!& the table% an#% $lancin$ !ver it% sai#% in a c!l#er v!ice+Are y!u 'lease# "ith <ent.+ A sh!rt #ial!$ue !n the sub1ect !( the c!unty ensue#% !n either si#e cal& an# c!ncise- an# s!!n 'ut an en# t! by the entrance !( Charl!tte an# her sister% 1ust returne# (r!& their "al ) The tete-a-tete sur'rise# the&) ,r) Darcy relate# the &ista e "hich ha# !ccasi!ne# his intru#in$ !n ,iss -ennet% an# a(ter sittin$ a (e"

&inutes l!n$er "ith!ut sayin$ &uch t! anyb!#y% "ent a"ay) +3hat can be the &eanin$ !( this.+ sai# Charl!tte% as s!!n as he "as $!ne) +,y #ear Eli8a% he &ust be in l!ve "ith y!u% !r he "!ul# never have calle# !n us in this (a&iliar "ay)+ -ut "hen Eli8abeth t!l# !( his silence% it #i# n!t see& very li ely% even t! Charl!tte;s "ishes% t! be the case/ an# a(ter vari!us c!n1ectures% they c!ul# at last !nly su''!se his visit t! 'r!cee# (r!& the #i((iculty !( (in#in$ anythin$ t! #!% "hich "as the &!re 'r!bable (r!& the ti&e !( year) All (iel# s'!rts "ere !ver) 3ithin #!!rs there "as 0a#y Catherine% b!! s% an# a billiar#-table% but $entle&en cann!t be al"ays "ithin #!!rs/ an# in the nearness !( the Pars!na$e% !r the 'leasantness !( the "al t! it% !r !( the 'e!'le "h! live# in it% the t"! c!usins (!un# a te&'tati!n (r!& this 'eri!# !( "al in$ thither al&!st every #ay) They calle# at vari!us ti&es !( the &!rnin$% s!&eti&es se'arately% s!&eti&es t!$ether% an# n!" an# then acc!&'anie# by their aunt) It "as 'lain t! the& all that C!l!nel >it8"illia& ca&e because he ha# 'leasure in their s!ciety% a 'ersuasi!n "hich !( c!urse rec!&&en#e# hi& still &!re/ an# Eli8abeth "as re&in#e# by her !"n satis(acti!n in bein$ "ith hi&% as "ell as by his evi#ent a#&irati!n !( her% !( her (!r&er (av!rite ?e!r$e 3ic ha&/ an# th!u$h% in c!&'arin$ the&% she sa" there "as less ca'tivatin$ s!(tness in C!l!nel >it8"illia&;s &anners% she believe# he &i$ht have the best in(!r&e# &in#) -ut "hy ,r) Darcy ca&e s! !(ten t! the Pars!na$e% it "as &!re #i((icult t! un#erstan#) It c!ul# n!t be (!r s!ciety% as he (re9uently sat there ten &inutes t!$ether "ith!ut !'enin$ his li's/ an# "hen he #i# s'ea % it see&e# the e((ect !( necessity rather than !( ch!icea sacri(ice t! 'r!'riety% n!t a 'leasure t! hi&sel() He sel#!& a''eare# really ani&ate#) ,rs) C!llins ne" n!t "hat t! &a e !( hi&) C!l!nel >it8"illia&;s !ccasi!nally lau$hin$ at his stu'i#ity% 'r!ve# that he "as $enerally #i((erent% "hich her !"n n!"le#$e !( hi& c!ul# n!t have t!l# her/ an# as she "!ul# have li e# t! believe this chan$e the e((ect !( l!ve% an# the !b1ect !( that l!ve her (rien# Eli8a% she set hersel( seri!usly t! "!r t! (in# it !ut) 6he "atche# hi& "henever they "ere at R!sin$s% an# "henever he ca&e t! Huns(!r#/ but "ith!ut &uch success) He certainly l!! e# at her (rien# a $reat #eal% but the e*'ressi!n !( that l!! "as #is'utable) It "as an earnest% stea#(ast $a8e% but she !(ten #!ubte# "hether there "ere &uch a#&irati!n in it% an# s!&eti&es it see&e# n!thin$ but absence !( &in#) 6he ha# !nce !r t"ice su$$este# t! Eli8abeth the '!ssibility !( his bein$ 'artial t! her% but Eli8abeth al"ays lau$he# at the i#ea/ an# ,rs) C!llins #i# n!t thin it ri$ht t! 'ress the sub1ect% (r!& the #an$er !( raisin$ e*'ectati!ns "hich &i$ht !nly en# in #isa''!int&ent/ (!r in her !'ini!n it a#&itte# n!t !( a #!ubt% that all her (rien#;s #isli e "!ul# vanish% i( she c!ul# su''!se hi& t! be in her '!"er) In her in# sche&es (!r Eli8abeth% she s!&eti&es 'lanne# her &arryin$ C!l!nel >it8"illia&) He "as bey!n# c!&'aris!n the 'leasantest &an/ he certainly a#&ire# her% an# his situati!n in li(e "as &!st eli$ible/ but% t! c!unterbalance these a#vanta$es% ,r) Darcy ha# c!nsi#erable 'atr!na$e in the church% an# his c!usin c!ul# have n!ne at all)

CHAPTER:BBBIII CHAPTER BBBIII ,4RE than !nce #i# Eli8abeth% in her ra&ble "ithin the 'ar % une*'ecte#ly &eet ,r) Darcy) 6he (elt all the 'erverseness !( the &ischance that sh!ul# brin$ hi& "here n! !ne else "as br!u$ht% an#% t! 'revent its ever ha''enin$ a$ain% t!! care t! in(!r& hi& at (irst that it "as a (av!rite haunt !( hers) H!" it c!ul# !ccur a sec!n# ti&e% there(!re% "as very !##5 2et it #i#% an# even the thir#) It see&e# li e "ill(ul ill-nature% !r a v!luntary 'enance% (!r !n these !ccasi!ns it "as n!t &erely a (e" (!r&al in9uiries an# an a" "ar# 'ause an# then a"ay% but he actually th!u$ht it necessary t! turn bac an# "al "ith her) He never sai# a $reat #eal% n!r #i# she $ive hersel( the tr!uble !( tal in$ !r !( listenin$ &uch/ but it struc her in the c!urse !( their thir# renc!ntre that he "as as in$ s!&e !## unc!nnecte# 9uesti!ns- ab!ut her 'leasure in bein$ at Huns(!r#% her l!ve !( s!litary "al s% an# her !'ini!n !( ,r) an# ,rs) C!llins;s ha''iness/ an# that in s'ea in$ !( R!sin$s an# her n!t 'er(ectly un#erstan#in$ the h!use% he see&e# t! e*'ect that "henever she ca&e int! <ent a$ain she "!ul# be stayin$ there t!!) His "!r#s see&e# t! i&'ly it) C!ul# he have C!l!nel >it8"illia& in his th!u$hts. 6he su''!se#% i( he &eant anythin$% he &ust &ean an illusi!n t! "hat &i$ht arise in that 9uarter) It #istresse# her a little% an# she "as 9uite $la# t! (in# hersel( at the $ate in the 'ales !''!site the Pars!na$e) 6he "as en$a$e# !ne #ay as she "al e# in re'erusin$ Jane;s last letter% an# #"ellin$ !n s!&e 'assa$e "hich 'r!ve# that Jane ha# n!t "ritten in s'irits% "hen% instea# !( bein$ a$ain sur'rise# by ,r) Darcy% she sa" !n l!! in$ u' that C!l!nel >it8"illia& "as &eetin$ her) Puttin$ a"ay the letter i&&e#iately an# (!rcin$ a s&ile% she sai#+I #i# n!t n!" be(!re that y!u ever "al e# this "ay)+ +I have been &a in$ the t!ur !( the 'ar %+ he re'lie#% +as I $enerally #! every year% an# inten# t! cl!se it "ith a call at the Pars!na$e) Are y!u $!in$ &uch (arther.+ +N!% I sh!ul# have turne# in a &!&ent)+ An# acc!r#in$ly she #i# turn% an# they "al e# t!"ar#s the Pars!na$e t!$ether) +D! y!u certainly leave <ent !n 6atur#ay.+ sai# she) +2es- i( Darcy #!es n!t 'ut it !(( a$ain) -ut I a& at his #is'!sal) He arran$es the business 1ust as he 'leases)+ +An# i( n!t able t! 'lease hi&sel( in the arran$e&ent% he has at least $reat 'leasure in the '!"er !( ch!ice) I #! n!t n!" anyb!#y "h! see&s &!re t! en1!y the '!"er !( #!in$ "hat he li es than ,r) Darcy)+ +He li es t! have his !"n "ay very "ell%+ re'lie# C!l!nel >it8"illia&) +-ut s! "e all #!) It is !nly that he has better &eans !( havin$ it than &any !thers% because he is rich% an# &any !thers are '!!r) I s'ea (eelin$ly) A y!un$er s!n% y!u n!"% &ust be enure# t! sel(-#enial an# #e'en#ence)+ +In &y !'ini!n% the y!un$er s!n !( an earl can n!" very little !( either) N!"% seri!usly% "hat have y!u ever n!"n !( sel(-#enial an# #e'en#ence. 3hen have y!u been 'revente# by "ant !( &!ney (r!& $!in$ "herever y!u ch!se% !r 'r!curin$ anythin$ y!u ha# a (ancy (!r.+ +These are h!&e 9uesti!ns- an# 'erha's I cann!t say that I have

e*'erience# &any har#shi's !( that nature) -ut in &atters !( $reater "ei$ht% I &ay su((er (r!& the "ant !( &!ney) 2!un$er s!ns cann!t &arry "here they li e)+ +Unless "here they li e "!&en !( (!rtune% "hich I thin they very !(ten #!)+ +4ur habits !( e*'ense &a e us t!! #e'en#ent% an# there are n!t &any in &y ran !( li(e "h! can a((!r# t! &arry "ith!ut s!&e attenti!n t! &!ney)+ +Is this%+ th!u$ht Eli8abeth% +&eant (!r &e.+ an# she c!l!re# at the i#ea/ but% rec!verin$ hersel(% sai# in a lively t!ne% +An# 'ray% "hat is the usual 'rice !( an earl;s y!un$er s!n. Unless the el#er br!ther is very sic ly% I su''!se y!u "!ul# n!t as ab!ve (i(ty th!usan# '!un#s)+ He ans"ere# her in the sa&e style% an# the sub1ect #r!''e#) T! interru't a silence "hich &i$ht &a e hi& (ancy her a((ecte# "ith "hat ha# 'asse#% she s!!n a(ter"ar#s sai#+I i&a$ine y!ur c!usin br!u$ht y!u #!"n "ith hi& chie(ly (!r the sa e !( havin$ s!&eb!#y at his #is'!sal) I "!n#er he #!es n!t &arry% t! secure a lastin$ c!nvenience !( that in#) -ut% 'erha's% his sister #!es as "ell (!r the 'resent% an#% as she is un#er his s!le care% he &ay #! "hat he li es "ith her)+ +N!%+ sai# C!l!nel >it8"illia&% +that is an a#vanta$e "hich he &ust #ivi#e "ith &e) I a& 1!ine# "ith hi& in the $uar#ianshi' !( ,iss Darcy)+ +Are y!u in#ee#. An# 'ray "hat s!rt !( $uar#ians #! y!u &a e. D!es y!ur char$e $ive y!u &uch tr!uble. 2!un$ la#ies !( her a$e are s!&eti&es a little #i((icult t! &ana$e% an# i( she has the true Darcy s'irit% she &ay li e t! have her !"n "ay)+ As she s'! e she !bserve# hi& l!! in$ at her earnestly/ an# the &anner in "hich he i&&e#iately as e# her "hy she su''!se# ,iss Darcy li ely t! $ive the& any uneasiness% c!nvince# her that she ha# s!&eh!" !r !ther $!t 'retty near the truth) 6he #irectly re'lie#+2!u nee# n!t be (ri$htene#) I never hear# any har& !( her/ an# I #are say she is !ne !( the &!st tractable creatures in the "!rl#) 6he is a very $reat (av!rite "ith s!&e la#ies !( &y ac9uaintance% ,rs) Hurst an# ,iss -in$ley) I thin I have hear# y!u say that y!u n!" the&)+ +I n!" the& a little) Their br!ther is a 'leasant $entle&anli e &an- he is a $reat (rien# !( Darcy;s)+ +4h5 yes%+ sai# Eli8abeth #rily- +,r) Darcy is unc!&&!nly in# t! ,r) -in$ley% an# ta es a 'r!#i$i!us #eal !( care !( hi&)+ +Care !( hi&5- 2es% I really believe Darcy #!es ta e care !( hi& in th!se '!ints "here he &!st "ants care) >r!& s!&ethin$ that he t!l# &e in !ur 1!urney hither% I have reas!n t! thin -in$ley very &uch in#ebte# t! hi&) -ut I !u$ht t! be$ his 'ar#!n% (!r I have n! ri$ht t! su''!se that -in$ley "as the 'ers!n &eant) It "as all c!n1ecture)+ +3hat is it y!u &ean.+ +It is a circu&stance "hich Darcy !( c!urse c!ul# n!t "ish t! be $enerally n!"n% because i( it "ere t! $et r!un# t! the la#y;s (a&ily% it "!ul# be an un'leasant thin$)+ +2!u &ay #e'en# u'!n &y n!t &enti!nin$ it)+

+An# re&e&ber that I have n!t &uch reas!n (!r su''!sin$ it t! be -in$ley) 3hat he t!l# &e "as &erely this7 that he c!n$ratulate# hi&sel( !n havin$ lately save# a (rien# (r!& the inc!nveniences !( a &!st i&'ru#ent &arria$e% but "ith!ut &enti!nin$ na&es !r any !ther 'articulars% an# I !nly sus'ecte# it t! be -in$ley (r!& believin$ hi& the in# !( y!un$ &an t! $et int! a scra'e !( that s!rt% an# (r!& n!"in$ the& t! have been t!$ether the "h!le !( last su&&er)+ +Di# ,r) Darcy $ive y!u his reas!ns (!r this inter(erence.+ +I un#erst!!# that there "ere s!&e very str!n$ !b1ecti!ns a$ainst the la#y)+ +An# "hat arts #i# he use t! se'arate the&.+ +He #i# n!t tal t! &e !( his !"n arts%+ sai# >it8"illia&% s&ilin$) +He !nly t!l# &e "hat I have n!" t!l# y!u)+ Eli8abeth &a#e n! ans"er% an# "al e# !n% her heart s"ellin$ "ith in#i$nati!n) A(ter "atchin$ her a little% >it8"illia& as e# her "hy she "as s! th!u$ht(ul) +I a& thin in$ !( "hat y!u have been tellin$ &e%+ sai# she) +2!ur c!usin;s c!n#uct #!es n!t suit &y (eelin$s) 3hy "as he t! be the 1u#$e.+ +2!u are rather #is'!se# t! call his inter(erence !((ici!us.+ +I #! n!t see "hat ri$ht ,r) Darcy ha# t! #eci#e !n the 'r!'riety !( his (rien#;s inclinati!n% !r "hy% u'!n his !"n 1u#$&ent al!ne% he "as t! #eter&ine an# #irect in "hat &anner that (rien# "as t! be ha''y) -ut%+ she c!ntinue#% rec!llectin$ hersel(% +as "e n!" n!ne !( the 'articulars% it is n!t (air t! c!n#e&n hi&) It is n!t t! be su''!se# that there "as &uch a((ecti!n in the case)+ +That is n!t an unnatural sur&ise%+ sai# >it8"illia&% +but it is lessenin$ the h!n!r !( &y c!usin;s triu&'h very sa#ly)+ This "as s'! en 1estin$ly/ but it a''eare# t! her s! 1ust a 'icture !( ,r) Darcy% that she "!ul# n!t trust hersel( "ith an ans"er% an# there(!re% abru'tly chan$in$ the c!nversati!n% tal e# !n in#i((erent &atters till they reache# the Pars!na$e) There% shut int! her !"n r!!&% as s!!n as their visit!r le(t the&% she c!ul# thin "ith!ut interru'ti!n !( all that she ha# hear#) It "as n!t t! be su''!se# that any !ther 'e!'le c!ul# be &eant than th!se "ith "h!& she "as c!nnecte#) There c!ul# n!t e*ist in the "!rl# t"! &en !ver "h!& ,r) Darcy c!ul# have such b!un#less in(luence) That he ha# been c!ncerne# in the &easures ta en t! se'arate ,r) -in$ley an# Jane she ha# never #!ubte#/ but she ha# al"ays attribute# t! ,iss -in$ley the 'rinci'al #esi$n an# arran$e&ent !( the&) I( his !"n vanity% h!"ever% #i# n!t &islea# hi&% he "as the cause% his 'ri#e an# ca'rice "ere the cause% !( all that Jane ha# su((ere#% an# still c!ntinue# t! su((er) He ha# ruine# (!r a "hile every h!'e !( ha''iness (!r the &!st a((ecti!nate% $ener!us heart in the "!rl#/ an# n! !ne c!ul# say h!" lastin$ an evil he &i$ht have in(licte#) +There "ere s!&e very str!n$ !b1ecti!ns a$ainst the la#y%+ "ere C!l!nel >it8"illia&;s "!r#s/ an# these str!n$ !b1ecti!ns 'r!bably "ere% her havin$ !ne uncle "h! "as a c!untry att!rney% an# an!ther "h! "as in business in 0!n#!n) +T! Jane hersel(%+ she e*clai&e#% +there c!ul# be n! '!ssibility !( !b1ecti!n/ all l!veliness an# $!!#ness as she is5 her un#erstan#in$ e*cellent% her &in# i&'r!ve#% an# her &anners ca'tivatin$) Neither

c!ul# anythin$ be ur$e# a$ainst &y (ather% "h!% th!u$h "ith s!&e 'eculiarities% has abilities "hich ,r) Darcy hi&sel( nee# n!t #is#ain% an# res'ectability "hich he "ill 'r!bably never reach)+ 3hen she th!u$ht !( her &!ther% in#ee#% her c!n(i#ence $ave "ay a little/ but she "!ul# n!t all!" that any !b1ecti!ns there ha# &aterial "ei$ht "ith ,r) Darcy% "h!se 'ri#e% she "as c!nvince#% "!ul# receive a #ee'er "!un# (r!& the "ant !( i&'!rtance in his (rien#;s c!nnecti!ns% than (r!& their "ant !( sense/ an# she "as 9uite #eci#e# at last% that he ha# been 'artly $!verne# by this "!rst in# !( 'ri#e% an# 'artly by the "ish !( retainin$ ,r) -in$ley (!r his sister) The a$itati!n an# tears "hich the sub1ect !ccasi!ne#% br!u$ht !n a hea#ache/ an# it $re" s! &uch "!rse t!"ar#s the evenin$% that% a##e# t! her un"illin$ness t! see ,r) Darcy% it #eter&ine# her n!t t! atten# her c!usins t! R!sin$s% "here they "ere en$a$e# t! #rin tea) ,rs) C!llins% seein$ that she "as really un"ell% #i# n!t 'ress her t! $!% an# as &uch as '!ssible 'revente# her husban# (r!& 'ressin$ her/ but ,r) C!llins c!ul# n!t c!nceal his a''rehensi!n !( 0a#y Catherine;s bein$ rather #is'lease# by her stayin$ at h!&e) CHAPTER:BBBI@ CHAPTER BBBI@ 3HEN they "ere $!ne% Eli8abeth% as i( inten#in$ t! e*as'erate hersel( as &uch as '!ssible a$ainst ,r) Darcy% ch!se (!r her e&'l!y&ent the e*a&inati!n !( all the letters "hich Jane ha# "ritten t! her since her bein$ in <ent) They c!ntaine# n! actual c!&'laint% n!r "as there any revival !( 'ast !ccurrences% !r any c!&&unicati!n !( 'resent su((erin$) -ut in all% an# in al&!st every line !( each% there "as a "ant !( that cheer(ulness "hich ha# been use# t! characteri8e her style% an# "hich% 'r!cee#in$ (r!& the serenity !( a &in# at ease "ith itsel( an# in#ly #is'!se# t!"ar#s every !ne% ha# been scarcely ever cl!u#e#) Eli8abeth n!tice# every sentence c!nveyin$ the i#ea !( uneasiness% "ith an attenti!n "hich it ha# har#ly receive# !n the (irst 'erusal) ,r) Darcy;s sha&e(ul b!ast !( "hat &isery he ha# been able t! in(lict $ave her a eener sense !( her sister;s su((erin$s) It "as s!&e c!ns!lati!n t! thin that his visit t! R!sin$s "as t! en# !n the #ay a(ter the ne*t%- an#% a still $reater% that in less than a (!rtni$ht she sh!ul# hersel( be "ith Jane a$ain% an# enable# t! c!ntribute t! the rec!very !( her s'irits% by all that a((ecti!n c!ul# #!) 6he c!ul# n!t thin !( Darcy;s leavin$ <ent "ith!ut re&e&berin$ that his c!usin "as t! $! "ith hi&/ but C!l!nel >it8"illia& ha# &a#e it clear that he ha# n! intenti!ns at all% an# a$reeable as he "as% she #i# n!t &ean t! be unha''y ab!ut hi&) 3hile settlin$ this '!int% she "as su##enly r!use# by the s!un# !( the #!!r-bell% an# her s'irits "ere a little (luttere# by the i#ea !( its bein$ C!l!nel >it8"illia& hi&sel(% "h! ha# !nce be(!re calle# late in the evenin$% an# &i$ht n!" c!&e t! in9uire 'articularly a(ter her) -ut this i#ea "as s!!n banishe#% an# her s'irits "ere very #i((erently a((ecte#% "hen% t! her utter a&a8e&ent% she sa" ,r) Darcy "al int! the r!!&) In an hurrie# &anner he i&&e#iately be$an an in9uiry a(ter her health% i&'utin$ his visit t! a "ish !( hearin$ that

she "ere better) 6he ans"ere# hi& "ith c!l# civility) He sat #!"n (!r a (e" &!&ents% an# then $ettin$ u'% "al e# ab!ut the r!!&) Eli8abeth "as sur'rise#% but sai# n!t a "!r#) A(ter a silence !( several &inutes% he ca&e t!"ar#s her in an a$itate# &anner% an# thus be$an+In vain have I stru$$le#) It "ill n!t #!) ,y (eelin$s "ill n!t be re'resse#) 2!u &ust all!" &e t! tell y!u h!" ar#ently I a#&ire an# l!ve y!u)+ Eli8abeth;s ast!nish&ent "as bey!n# e*'ressi!n) 6he stare#% c!l!re#% #!ubte#% an# "as silent) This he c!nsi#ere# su((icient enc!ura$e&ent/ an# the av!"al !( all that he (elt% an# ha# l!n$ (elt (!r her% i&&e#iately (!ll!"e#) He s'! e "ell/ but there "ere (eelin$s besi#es th!se !( the heart t! be #etaile#% an# he "as n!t &!re el!9uent !n the sub1ect !( ten#erness than !( 'ri#e) His sense !( her in(eri!rity- !( its bein$ a #e$ra#ati!n- !( the (a&ily !bstacles "hich 1u#$&ent ha# al"ays !''!se# t! inclinati!n% "ere #"elt !n "ith a "ar&th "hich see&e# #ue t! the c!nse9uence he "as "!un#in$% but "as very unli ely t! rec!&&en# his suit) In s'ite !( her #ee'ly-r!!te# #isli e% she c!ul# n!t be insensible t! the c!&'li&ent !( such a &an;s a((ecti!n% an# th!u$h her intenti!ns #i# n!t vary (!r an instant% she "as at (irst s!rry (!r the 'ain he "as t! receive/ till% r!use# t! resent&ent by his subse9uent lan$ua$e% she l!st all c!&'assi!n in an$er) 6he trie#% h!"ever% t! c!&'!se hersel( t! ans"er hi& "ith 'atience% "hen he sh!ul# have #!ne) He c!nclu#e# "ith re'resentin$ t! her the stren$th !( that attach&ent "hich% in s'ite !( all his en#eav!rs% he ha# (!un# i&'!ssible t! c!n9uer/ an# "ith e*'ressin$ his h!'e that it "!ul# n!" be re"ar#e# by her acce'tance !( his han#) As he sai# this% she c!ul# easily see that he ha# n! #!ubt !( a (av!rable ans"er) He s'! e !( a''rehensi!n an# an*iety% but his c!untenance e*'resse# real security) 6uch a circu&stance c!ul# !nly e*as'erate (arther% an#% "hen he cease#% the c!l!r r!se int! her chee s% an# she sai#+In such cases as this% it is% I believe% the establishe# &!#e t! e*'ress a sense !( !bli$ati!n (!r the senti&ents av!"e#% h!"ever une9ually they &ay be returne#) It is natural that !bli$ati!n sh!ul# be (elt% an# i( I c!ul# (eel $ratitu#e% I "!ul# n!" than y!u) -ut I cann!t- I have never #esire# y!ur $!!# !'ini!n% an# y!u have certainly best!"e# it &!st un"illin$ly) I a& s!rry t! have !ccasi!ne# 'ain t! any !ne) It has been &!st unc!nsci!usly #!ne% h!"ever% an# I h!'e "ill be !( sh!rt #urati!n) The (eelin$s "hich% y!u tell &e% have l!n$ 'revente# the ac n!"le#$&ent !( y!ur re$ar#% can have little #i((iculty in !verc!&in$ it a(ter this e*'lanati!n)+ ,r) Darcy% "h! "as leanin$ a$ainst the &antel-'iece "ith his eyes (i*e# !n her (ace% see&e# t! catch her "!r#s "ith n! less resent&ent than sur'rise) His c!&'le*i!n beca&e 'ale "ith an$er% an# the #isturbance !( his &in# "as visible in every (eature) He "as stru$$lin$ (!r the a''earance !( c!&'!sure% an# "!ul# n!t !'en his li's till he believe# hi&sel( t! have attaine# it) The 'ause "as t! Eli8abeth;s (eelin$s #rea#(ul) At len$th% in a v!ice !( (!rce# cal&ness% he sai#+An# this is all the re'ly "hich I a& t! have the h!n!r !( e*'ectin$5 I &i$ht% 'erha's% "ish t! be in(!r&e# "hy% "ith s! little

en#eav!r at civility% I a& thus re1ecte#) -ut it is !( s&all i&'!rtance)+ +I &i$ht as "ell in9uire%+ re'lie# she% +"hy "ith s! evi#ent a #esi$n !( !((en#in$ an# insultin$ &e% y!u ch!se t! tell &e that y!u li e# &e a$ainst y!ur "ill% a$ainst y!ur reas!n% an# even a$ainst y!ur character. 3as n!t this s!&e e*cuse (!r incivility% i( I "as uncivil. -ut I have !ther 'r!v!cati!ns) 2!u n!" I have) Ha# n!t &y !"n (eelin$s #eci#e# a$ainst y!u- ha# they been in#i((erent% !r ha# they even been (av!rable% #! y!u thin that any c!nsi#erati!n "!ul# te&'t &e t! acce't the &an "h! has been the &eans !( ruinin$% 'erha's (!r ever% the ha''iness !( a &!st bel!ve# sister.+ As she 'r!n!unce# these "!r#s% ,r) Darcy chan$e# c!l!r/ but the e&!ti!n "as sh!rt% an# he listene# "ith!ut atte&'tin$ t! interru't her "hile she c!ntinue#+I have every reas!n in the "!rl# t! thin ill !( y!u) N! &!tive can e*cuse the un1ust an# un$ener!us 'art y!u acte# there) 2!u #are n!t% y!u cann!t #eny that y!u have been the 'rinci'al% i( n!t the !nly &eans !( #ivi#in$ the& (r!& each !ther- !( e*'!sin$ !ne t! the censure !( the "!rl# (!r ca'rice an# instability% the !ther t! its #erisi!n (!r #isa''!inte# h!'es% an# inv!lvin$ the& b!th in &isery !( the acutest in#)+ 6he 'ause#% an# sa" "ith n! sli$ht in#i$nati!n that he "as listenin$ "ith an air "hich 'r!ve# hi& "h!lly un&!ve# by any (eelin$ !( re&!rse) He even l!! e# at her "ith a s&ile !( a((ecte# incre#ulity) +Can y!u #eny that y!u have #!ne it.+ she re'eate#) 3ith assu&e# tran9uillity he then re'lie#% +I have n! "ish !( #enyin$ that I #i# everythin$ in &y '!"er t! se'arate &y (rien# (r!& y!ur sister% !r that I re1!ice in &y success) T!"ar#s hi& I have been in#er than t!"ar#s &ysel()+ Eli8abeth #is#aine# the a''earance !( n!ticin$ this civil re(lecti!n% but its &eanin$ #i# n!t esca'e% n!r "as it li ely t! c!nciliate her) +-ut it is n!t &erely this a((air%+ she c!ntinue#% +!n "hich &y #isli e is (!un#e#) 0!n$ be(!re it ha# ta en 'lace &y !'ini!n !( y!u "as #eci#e#) 2!ur character "as un(!l#e# in the recital "hich I receive# &any &!nths a$! (r!& ,r) 3ic ha&) 4n this sub1ect% "hat can y!u have t! say. In "hat i&a$inary act !( (rien#shi' can y!u here #e(en# y!ursel(. !r un#er "hat &isre'resentati!n can y!u here i&'!se u'!n !thers.+ +2!u ta e an ea$er interest in that $entle&an;s c!ncerns%+ sai# Darcy% in a less tran9uil t!ne% an# "ith a hei$htene# c!l!r) +3h! that n!"s "hat his &is(!rtunes have been% can hel' (eelin$ an interest in hi&.+ +His &is(!rtunes5+ re'eate# Darcy c!nte&'tu!usly/ +yes% his &is(!rtunes have been $reat in#ee#)+ +An# !( y!ur in(licti!n%+ crie# Eli8abeth "ith ener$y) +2!u have re#uce# hi& t! his 'resent state !( '!verty- c!&'arative '!verty) 2!u have "ithhel# the a#vanta$es "hich y!u &ust n!" t! have been #esi$ne# (!r hi&) 2!u have #e'rive# the best years !( his li(e !( that in#e'en#ence "hich "as n! less his #ue than his #esert) 2!u have #!ne all this5 an# yet y!u can treat the &enti!n !( his &is(!rtunes "ith c!nte&'t an# ri#icule)+

+An# this%+ crie# Darcy% as he "al e# "ith 9uic ste's acr!ss the r!!&% +is y!ur !'ini!n !( &e5 This is the esti&ati!n in "hich y!u h!l# &e5 I than y!u (!r e*'lainin$ it s! (ully) ,y (aults% acc!r#in$ t! this calculati!n% are heavy in#ee#5 -ut 'erha's%+ a##e# he% st!''in$ in his "al % an# turnin$ t!"ar#s her% +these !((enses &i$ht have been !verl!! e#% ha# n!t y!ur 'ri#e been hurt by &y h!nest c!n(essi!n !( the scru'les that ha# l!n$ 'revente# &y (!r&in$ any seri!us #esi$n) These bitter accusati!ns &i$ht have been su''resse#% ha# I% "ith $reater '!licy% c!nceale# &y stru$$les% an# (lattere# y!u int! the belie( !( &y bein$ i&'elle# by un9uali(ie#% unall!ye# inclinati!n/ by reas!n% by re(lecti!n% by everythin$) -ut #is$uise !( every s!rt is &y abh!rrence) N!r a& I asha&e# !( the (eelin$s I relate#) They "ere natural an# 1ust) C!ul# y!u e*'ect &e t! re1!ice in the in(eri!rity !( y!ur c!nnecti!ns.- t! c!n$ratulate &ysel( !n the h!'e !( relati!ns% "h!se c!n#iti!n in li(e is s! #eci#e#ly beneath &y !"n.+ Eli8abeth (elt hersel( $r!"in$ &!re an$ry every &!&ent/ yet she trie# t! the ut&!st t! s'ea "ith c!&'!sure "hen she sai#+2!u are &ista en% ,r) Darcy% i( y!u su''!se that the &!#e !( y!ur #eclarati!n a((ecte# &e in any !ther "ay% than as it s'are# &e the c!ncern "hich I &i$ht have (elt in re(usin$ y!u% ha# y!u behave# in a &!re $entle&anli e &anner)+ 6he sa" hi& start at this% but he sai# n!thin$% an# she c!ntinue#+2!u c!ul# n!t have &a#e &e the !((er !( y!ur han# in any '!ssible "ay that "!ul# have te&'te# &e t! acce't it)+ A$ain his ast!nish&ent "as !bvi!us/ an# he l!! e# at her "ith an e*'ressi!n !( &in$le# incre#ulity an# &!rti(icati!n) 6he "ent !n+>r!& the very be$innin$- (r!& the (irst &!&ent% I &ay al&!st say!( &y ac9uaintance "ith y!u% y!ur &anners% i&'ressin$ &e "ith the (ullest belie( !( y!ur arr!$ance% y!ur c!nceit% an# y!ur sel(ish #is#ain !( the (eelin$s !( !thers% "ere such as t! (!r& that $r!un#"!r !( #isa''r!bati!n !n "hich succee#in$ events have built s! i&&!veable a #isli e/ an# I ha# n!t n!"n y!u a &!nth be(!re I (elt that y!u "ere the last &an in the "!rl# "h!& I c!ul# ever be 'revaile# !n t! &arry)+ +2!u have sai# 9uite en!u$h% &a#a&) I 'er(ectly c!&'rehen# y!ur (eelin$s% an# have n!" !nly t! be asha&e# !( "hat &y !"n have been) >!r$ive &e (!r havin$ ta en u' s! &uch !( y!ur ti&e% an# acce't &y best "ishes (!r y!ur health an# ha''iness)+ An# "ith these "!r#s he hastily le(t the r!!&% an# Eli8abeth hear# hi& the ne*t &!&ent !'en the (r!nt #!!r an# 9uit the h!use) The tu&ult !( her &in# "as n!" 'ain(ully $reat) 6he ne" n!t h!" t! su''!rt hersel(% an# (r!& actual "ea ness sat #!"n an# crie# (!r hal(-an-h!ur) Her ast!nish&ent% as she re(lecte# !n "hat ha# 'asse#% "as increase# by every revie" !( it) That she sh!ul# receive an !((er !( &arria$e (r!& ,r) Darcy5 that he sh!ul# have been in l!ve "ith her (!r s! &any &!nths5 s! &uch in l!ve as t! "ish t! &arry her in s'ite !( all the !b1ecti!ns "hich ha# &a#e hi& 'revent his (rien#;s &arryin$ her sister% an# "hich &ust a''ear at least "ith e9ual (!rce in his !"n case- "as al&!st incre#ible5- it "as $rati(yin$ t! have ins'ire# unc!nsci!usly s! str!n$ an a((ecti!n) -ut his 'ri#e% his ab!&inable 'ri#e- his sha&eless av!"al !( "hat he ha# #!ne "ith

res'ect t! Jane- his un'ar#!nable assurance in ac n!"le#$in$% th!u$h he c!ul# n!t 1usti(y it% an# the un(eelin$ &anner in "hich he ha# &enti!ne# ,r) 3ic ha&% his cruelty t!"ar#s "h!& he ha# n!t atte&'te# t! #eny% s!!n !verca&e the 'ity "hich the c!nsi#erati!n !( his attach&ent ha# (!r a &!&ent e*cite#) 6he c!ntinue# in very a$itatin$ re(lecti!ns till the s!un# !( 0a#y Catherine;s carria$e &a#e her (eel h!" une9ual she "as t! enc!unter Charl!tte;s !bservati!n% an# hurrie# her a"ay t! her r!!&) CHAPTER:BBB@ CHAPTER BBB@ E0IAA-ETH a"! e the ne*t &!rnin$ t! the sa&e th!u$hts an# &e#itati!ns "hich ha# at len$th cl!se# her eyes) 6he c!ul# n!t yet rec!ver (r!& the sur'rise !( "hat ha# ha''ene#/ it "as i&'!ssible t! thin !( anythin$ else/ an#% t!tally in#is'!se# (!r e&'l!y&ent% she res!lve#% s!!n a(ter brea (ast% t! in#ul$e hersel( in air an# e*ercise) 6he "as 'r!cee#in$ #irectly t! her (av!rite "al % "hen the rec!llecti!n !( ,r) Darcy;s s!&eti&es c!&in$ there st!''e# her% an# instea# !( enterin$ the 'ar % she turne# u' the lane% "hich le# her (arther (r!& the turn'i e-r!a#) The 'ar 'alin$ "as still the b!un#ary !n !ne si#e% an# she s!!n 'asse# !ne !( the $ates int! the $r!un#) A(ter "al in$ t"! !r three ti&es al!n$ that 'art !( the lane% she "as te&'te#% by the 'leasantness !( the &!rnin$% t! st!' at the $ates an# l!! int! the 'ar ) The (ive "ee s "hich she ha# n!" 'asse# in <ent ha# &a#e a $reat #i((erence in the c!untry% an# every #ay "as a##in$ t! the ver#ure !( the early trees) 6he "as !n the '!int !( c!ntinuin$ her "al % "hen she cau$ht a $li&'se !( a $entle&an "ithin the s!rt !( $r!ve "hich e#$e# the 'ar / he "as &!vin$ that "ay/ an#% (ear(ul !( its bein$ ,r) Darcy% she "as #irectly retreatin$) -ut the 'ers!n "h! a#vance# "as n!" near en!u$h t! see her% an# ste''in$ (!r"ar# "ith ea$erness% 'r!n!unce# her na&e) 6he ha# turne# a"ay/ but !n hearin$ hersel( calle#% th!u$h in a v!ice "hich 'r!ve# it t! be ,r) Darcy% she &!ve# a$ain t!"ar#s the $ate) He ha# by that ti&e reache# it als!% an#% h!l#in$ !ut a letter% "hich she instinctively t!! % sai#% "ith a l!! !( hau$hty c!&'!sure% +I have been "al in$ in the $r!ve s!&e ti&e in the h!'e !( &eetin$ y!u) 3ill y!u #! &e the h!n!r !( rea#in$ that letter.+ An# then% "ith a sli$ht b!"% turne# a$ain int! the 'lantati!n% an# "as s!!n !ut !( si$ht) 3ith n! e*'ectati!n !( 'leasure% but "ith the str!n$est curi!sity% Eli8abeth !'ene# the letter% an#% t! her still-increasin$ "!n#er% 'erceive# an envel!'e c!ntainin$ t"! sheets !( letter-'a'er% "ritten 9uite thr!u$h% in a very cl!se han#) The envel!'e itsel( "as li e"ise (ull) Pursuin$ her "ay al!n$ the lane% she then be$an it) It "as #ate# (r!& R!sin$s% at ei$ht !;cl!c in the &!rnin$% an# "as as (!ll!"s7+-e n!t alar&e#% &a#a&% !n receivin$ this letter% by the a''rehensi!n !( its c!ntainin$ any re'etiti!n !( th!se senti&ents !r rene"al !( th!se !((ers "hich "ere last ni$ht s! #is$ustin$ t! y!u) I "rite "ith!ut any intenti!n !( 'ainin$ y!u% !r hu&blin$ &ysel(% by #"ellin$ !n "ishes "hich% (!r the ha''iness !( b!th% cann!t be t!!

s!!n (!r$!tten7 an# the e((!rt "hich the (!r&ati!n an# the 'erusal !( this letter &ust !ccasi!n% sh!ul# have been s'are# ha# n!t &y character re9uire# it t! be "ritten an# rea#) 2!u &ust% there(!re% 'ar#!n the F(ree#!&G "ith "hich I #e&an# y!ur attenti!n/ y!ur (eelin$s% I n!"% "ill best!" it un"illin$ly% but I #e&an# it !( y!ur 1ustice) +T"! !((enses !( a very #i((erent nature% an# by n! &eans !( e9ual &a$nitu#e% y!u last ni$ht lai# t! &y char$e) The (irst-&enti!ne# "as% that% re$ar#less !( the senti&ents !( either% I ha# #etache# ,r) -in$ley (r!& y!ur sister%- an# the !ther% that I ha#% in #e(iance !( vari!us clai&s% in #e(iance !( h!n!r an# hu&anity% ruine# the i&&e#iate 'r!s'erity an# blaste# the 'r!s'ects !( ,r) 3ic ha&)- 3ill(ully an# "ant!nly t! have thr!"n !(( the c!&'ani!n !( &y y!uth% the ac n!"le#$e# (av!rite !( &y (ather% a y!un$ &an "h! ha# scarcely any !ther #e'en#ence than !n !ur 'atr!na$e% an# "h! ha# been br!u$ht u' t! e*'ect its e*erti!n% "!ul# be a #e'ravity% t! "hich the se'arati!n !( t"! y!un$ 'ers!ns% "h!se a((ecti!n c!ul# be the $r!"th !( !nly a (e" "ee s% c!ul# bear n! c!&'aris!n) -ut (r!& the severity !( that bla&e "hich "as last ni$ht s! liberally best!"e#% res'ectin$ each circu&stance% I shall h!'e t! be in (uture secure#% "hen the (!ll!"in$ acc!unt !( &y acti!ns an# their &!tives has been rea#) I(% in the e*'lanati!n !( the&% "hich is #ue t! &ysel(% I a& un#er the necessity !( relatin$ (eelin$s "hich &ay be !((ensive t! y!urs% I can !nly say that I a& s!rry) The necessity &ust be !beye#% an# (urther a'!l!$y "!ul# be absur#) +I ha# n!t been l!n$ in Hert(!r#shire% be(!re I sa"% in c!&&!n "ith !thers% that -in$ley 're(erre# y!ur el#er sister t! any !ther y!un$ "!&an in the c!untry) -ut it "as n!t till the evenin$ !( the #ance at Nether(iel# that I ha# any a''rehensi!n !( his (eelin$ a seri!us attach&ent) I ha# !(ten seen hi& in l!ve be(!re) At that ball% "hile I ha# the h!n!r !( #ancin$ "ith y!u% I "as (irst &a#e ac9uainte#% by 6ir 3illia& 0ucas;s acci#ental in(!r&ati!n% that -in$ley;s attenti!ns t! y!ur sister ha# $iven rise t! a $eneral e*'ectati!n !( their &arria$e) He s'! e !( it as a certain event% !( "hich the ti&e al!ne c!ul# be un#eci#e#) >r!& that &!&ent I !bserve# &y (rien#;s behavi!r attentively/ an# I c!ul# then 'erceive that his 'artiality (!r ,iss -ennet "as bey!n# "hat I ha# ever "itnesse# in hi&) 2!ur sister I als! "atche#) Her l!! an# &anners "ere !'en% cheer(ul% an# en$a$in$ as ever% but "ith!ut any sy&'t!& !( 'eculiar re$ar#% an# I re&aine# c!nvince# (r!& the evenin$;s scrutiny% that th!u$h she receive# his attenti!ns "ith 'leasure% she #i# n!t invite the& by any 'artici'ati!n !( senti&ent) I( y!u have n!t been &ista en here% I &ust have been in an err!r) 2!ur su'eri!r n!"le#$e !( y!ur sister &ust &a e the latter 'r!bable)- I( it be s!% i( I have been &isle# by such err!r t! in(lict 'ain !n her% y!ur resent&ent has n!t been unreas!nable) -ut I shall n!t scru'le t! assert% that the serenity !( y!ur sister;s c!untenance an# air "as such as &i$ht have $iven the &!st acute !bserver a c!nvicti!n that% h!"ever a&iable her te&'er% her heart "as n!t li ely t! be easily t!uche#) That I "as #esir!us !( believin$ her in#i((erent is certain- but I "ill venture t! say that &y investi$ati!ns an# #ecisi!ns are n!t usually in(luence# by &y h!'es !r (ears) I #i# n!t believe her t! be in#i((erent

because I "ishe# it/- I believe# it !n i&'artial c!nvicti!n% as truly as I "ishe# it in reas!n) ,y !b1ecti!ns t! the &arria$e "ere n!t &erely th!se "hich I last ni$ht ac n!"le#$e# t! have re9uire# the ut&!st (!rce !( 'assi!n t! 'ut asi#e% in &y !"n case/ the "ant !( c!nnecti!n c!ul# n!t be s! $reat an evil t! &y (rien# as t! &e) -ut there "ere !ther causes !( re'u$nance/- causes "hich% th!u$h still e*istin$% an# e*istin$ t! an e9ual #e$ree in b!th instances% I ha# &ysel( en#eav!re# t! (!r$et% because they "ere n!t i&&e#iately be(!re &e) These causes &ust be state#% th!u$h brie(ly) The situati!n !( y!ur &!ther;s (a&ily% th!u$h !b1ecti!nable% "as n!thin$ in c!&'aris!n !( that t!tal "ant !( 'r!'riety s! (re9uently% s! al&!st uni(!r&ly betraye# by hersel(% by y!ur three y!un$er sisters% an# !ccasi!nally even by y!ur (ather) Par#!n &e) It 'ains &e t! !((en# y!u) -ut a&i#st y!ur c!ncern (!r the #e(ects !( y!ur nearest relati!ns% an# y!ur #is'leasure at this re'resentati!n !( the&% let it $ive y!u c!ns!lati!n t! c!nsi#er that% t! have c!n#ucte# y!urselves s! as t! av!i# any share !( the li e censure% is 'raise n! less $enerally best!"e# !n y!u an# y!ur el#est sister% that it is h!n!rable t! the sense an# #is'!siti!n !( b!th) I "ill !nly say (arther that (r!& "hat 'asse# that evenin$% &y !'ini!n !( all 'arties "as c!n(ir&e#% an# every in#uce&ent hei$htene# "hich c!ul# have le# &e be(!re t! 'reserve &y (rien# (r!& "hat I estee&e# a &!st unha''y c!nnecti!n) He le(t Nether(iel# (!r 0!n#!n% !n the #ay (!ll!"in$% as y!u% I a& certain% re&e&ber% "ith the #esi$n !( s!!n returnin$) +The 'art "hich I acte# is n!" t! be e*'laine#) His sisters; uneasiness ha# been e9ually e*cite# "ith &y !"n/ !ur c!inci#ence !( (eelin$ "as s!!n #isc!vere#% an#% ali e sensible that n! ti&e "as t! be l!st in #etachin$ their br!ther% "e sh!rtly res!lve# !n 1!inin$ hi& #irectly in 0!n#!n) 3e acc!r#in$ly "ent- an# there I rea#ily en$a$e# in the !((ice !( '!intin$ !ut t! &y (rien# the certain evils !( such a ch!ice) I #escribe#% an# en(!rce# the& earnestly) -ut% h!"ever this re&!nstrance &i$ht have sta$$ere# !r #elaye# his #eter&inati!n% I #! n!t su''!se that it "!ul# ulti&ately have 'revente# the &arria$e% ha# it n!t been sec!n#e# by the assurance "hich I hesitate# n!t in $ivin$% !( y!ur sister;s in#i((erence) He ha# be(!re believe# her t! return his a((ecti!n "ith sincere% i( n!t "ith e9ual re$ar#) -ut -in$ley has $reat natural &!#esty% "ith a str!n$er #e'en#ence !n &y 1u#$&ent than !n his !"n) T! c!nvince hi&% there(!re% that he ha# #eceive# hi&sel(% "as n! very #i((icult '!int) T! 'ersua#e hi& a$ainst returnin$ int! Hert(!r#shire% "hen that c!nvicti!n ha# been $iven% "as scarcely the "!r !( a &!&ent) I cann!t bla&e &ysel( (!r havin$ #!ne thus &uch) There is but !ne 'art !( &y c!n#uct in the "h!le a((air !n "hich I #! n!t re(lect "ith satis(acti!n/ it is% that I c!n#escen#e# t! a#!'t the &easures !( art s! (ar as t! c!nceal (r!& hi& y!ur sister;s bein$ in t!"n) I ne" it &ysel(% as it "as n!"n t! ,iss -in$ley/ but her br!ther is even yet i$n!rant !( it) That they &i$ht have &et "ith!ut ill c!nse9uence is 'erha's 'r!bable/ but his re$ar# #i# n!t a''ear t! &e en!u$h e*tin$uishe# (!r hi& t! see her "ith!ut s!&e #an$er) Perha's this c!nceal&ent% this #is$uise "as beneath &e/ it is #!ne% h!"ever% an# it "as #!ne (!r the best)- 4n this sub1ect I have n!thin$ &!re t! say% n! !ther a'!l!$y t! !((er) I( I have "!un#e# y!ur sister;s (eelin$s% it "as un n!"in$ly #!ne/ an#

th!u$h the &!tives "hich $!verne# &e &ay t! y!u very naturally a''ear insu((icient% I have n!t yet learnt t! c!n#e&n the&) +3ith res'ect t! that !ther% &!re "ei$hty accusati!n% !( havin$ in1ure# ,r) 3ic ha&% I can !nly re(ute it by layin$ be(!re y!u the "h!le !( his c!nnecti!n "ith &y (a&ily) 4( "hat he has 'articularly accuse# &e I a& i$n!rant/ but !( the truth !( "hat I shall relate% I can su&&!n &!re than !ne "itness !( un#!ubte# veracity) +,r) 3ic ha& is the s!n !( a very res'ectable &an% "h! ha# (!r &any years the &ana$e&ent !( all the Pe&berley estates% an# "h!se $!!# c!n#uct in the #ischar$e !( his trust naturally incline# &y (ather t! be !( service t! hi&/ an# !n ?e!r$e 3ic ha&% "h! "as his $!#s!n% his in#ness "as there(!re liberally best!"e#) ,y (ather su''!rte# hi& at sch!!l% an# a(ter"ar#s at Ca&bri#$e%- &!st i&'!rtant assistance% as his !"n (ather% al"ays '!!r (r!& the e*trava$ance !( his "i(e% "!ul# have been unable t! $ive hi& a $entle&an;s e#ucati!n) ,y (ather "as n!t !nly (!n# !( this y!un$ &an;s s!ciety% "h!se &anners "ere al"ays en$a$in$/ he ha# als! the hi$hest !'ini!n !( hi&% an# h!'in$ the church "!ul# be his 'r!(essi!n% inten#e# t! 'r!vi#e (!r hi& in it) As (!r &ysel(% it is &any% &any years since I (irst be$an t! thin !( hi& in a very #i((erent &anner) The vici!us 'r!'ensities- the "ant !( 'rinci'le% "hich he "as care(ul t! $uar# (r!& the n!"le#$e !( his best (rien#% c!ul# n!t esca'e the !bservati!n !( a y!un$ &an !( nearly the sa&e a$e "ith hi&sel(% an# "h! ha# !''!rtunities !( seein$ hi& in un$uar#e# &!&ents% "hich ,r) Darcy c!ul# n!t have) Here a$ain I shall $ive y!u 'ain- t! "hat #e$ree y!u !nly can tell) -ut "hatever &ay be the senti&ents "hich ,r) 3ic ha& has create#% a sus'ici!n !( their nature shall n!t 'revent &e (r!& un(!l#in$ his real character- it a##s even an!ther &!tive) +,y e*cellent (ather #ie# ab!ut (ive years a$!/ an# his attach&ent t! ,r) 3ic ha& "as t! the last s! stea#y% that in his "ill he 'articularly rec!&&en#e# it t! &e% t! 'r!&!te his a#vance&ent in the best &anner that his 'r!(essi!n &i$ht all!"- an# i( he t!! !r#ers% #esire# that a valuable (a&ily livin$ &i$ht be his as s!!n as it beca&e vacant) There "as als! a le$acy !( !ne th!usan# '!un#s) His !"n (ather #i# n!t l!n$ survive &ine% an# "ithin hal( a year (r!& these events ,r) 3ic ha& "r!te t! in(!r& &e that havin$ (inally res!lve# a$ainst ta in$ !r#ers% he h!'e# I sh!ul# n!t thin it unreas!nable (!r hi& t! e*'ect s!&e &!re i&&e#iate 'ecuniary a#vanta$e% in lieu !( the F're(er&entG% by "hich he c!ul# n!t be bene(ite#) He ha# s!&e intenti!n% he a##e#% !( stu#yin$ the la"% an# I &ust be a"are that the interest !( !ne th!usan# '!un#s "!ul# be a very insu((icient su''!rt therein) I rather "ishe#% than believe# hi& t! be sincere- but% at any rate% "as 'er(ectly rea#y t! acce#e t! his 'r!'!sal) I ne" that ,r) 3ic ha& !u$ht n!t t! be a cler$y&an/ the business "as there(!re s!!n settle#- he resi$ne# all clai& t! assistance in the church% "ere it '!ssible that he c!ul# ever be in a situati!n t! receive it% an# acce'te# in return three th!usan# '!un#s) All c!nnecti!n bet"een us see&e# n!" #iss!lve#) I th!u$ht t!! ill !( hi& t! invite hi& t! Pe&berley% !r a#&it his s!ciety in t!"n) In t!"n I believe he chie(ly live#% but his stu#yin$ the la" "as a &ere 'retense% an# bein$ n!" (ree (r!& all restraint% his li(e "as a li(e !( i#leness an# #issi'ati!n) >!r ab!ut three years I hear# little !( hi&/ but !n the

#ecease !( the incu&bent !( the livin$ "hich ha# been #esi$ne# (!r hi&% he a''lie# t! &e a$ain by letter (!r the 'resentati!n) His circu&stances% he assure# &e% an# I ha# n! #i((iculty in believin$ it% "ere e*cee#in$ly ba#) He ha# (!un# the la" a &!st un'r!(itable stu#y% an# "as n!" abs!lutely res!lve# !n bein$ !r#aine#% i( I "!ul# 'resent hi& t! the livin$ in 9uesti!n- !( "hich he truste# there c!ul# be little #!ubt% as he "as "ell assure# that I ha# n! !ther 'ers!n t! 'r!vi#e (!r% an# I c!ul# n!t have (!r$!tten &y revere# (ather;s intenti!ns) 2!u "ill har#ly bla&e &e (!r re(usin$ t! c!&'ly "ith this entreaty% !r (!r resistin$ every re'etiti!n !( it) His resent&ent "as in 'r!'!rti!n t! the #istress !( his circu&stances- an# he "as #!ubtless as vi!lent in his abuse !( &e t! !thers as in his re'r!aches t! &ysel() A(ter this 'eri!# every a''earance !( ac9uaintance "as #r!''e#) H!" he live# I n!" n!t) -ut last su&&er he "as a$ain &!st 'ain(ully !btru#e# !n &y n!tice) +I &ust n!" &enti!n a circu&stance "hich I "!ul# "ish t! (!r$et &ysel(% an# "hich n! !bli$ati!n less than the 'resent sh!ul# in#uce &e t! un(!l# t! any hu&an bein$) Havin$ sai# thus &uch% I (eel n! #!ubt !( y!ur secrecy) ,y sister% "h! is &!re than ten years &y 1uni!r% "as le(t t! the $uar#ianshi' !( &y &!ther;s ne'he"% C!l!nel >it8"illia&% an# &ysel() Ab!ut a year a$!% she "as ta en (r!& sch!!l% an# an establish&ent (!r&e# (!r her in 0!n#!n/ an# last su&&er she "ent "ith the la#y "h! 'resi#e# !ver it% t! Ra&s$ate/ an# thither als! "ent ,r) 3ic ha&% un#!ubte#ly by #esi$n/ (!r there 'r!ve# t! have been a 'ri!r ac9uaintance bet"een hi& an# ,rs) 2!un$e% in "h!se character "e "ere &!st unha''ily #eceive#/ an# by her c!nnivance an# ai#% he s! (ar rec!&&en#e# hi&sel( t! ?e!r$iana% "h!se a((ecti!nate heart retaine# a str!n$ i&'ressi!n !( his in#ness t! her as a chil#% that she "as 'ersua#e# t! believe hersel( in l!ve% an# t! c!nsent t! an el!'e&ent) 6he "as then but (i(teen% "hich &ust be her e*cuse/ an# a(ter statin$ her i&'ru#ence% I a& ha''y t! a##% that I !"e# the n!"le#$e !( it t! hersel() I 1!ine# the& une*'ecte#ly a #ay !r t"! be(!re the inten#e# el!'e&ent% an# then ?e!r$iana% unable t! su''!rt the i#ea !( $rievin$ an# !((en#in$ a br!ther "h!& she al&!st l!! e# u' t! as a (ather% ac n!"le#$e# the "h!le t! &e) 2!u &ay i&a$ine "hat I (elt an# h!" I acte#) Re$ar# (!r &y sister;s cre#it an# (eelin$s 'revente# any 'ublic e*'!sure/ but I "r!te t! ,r) 3ic ha&% "h! le(t the 'lace i&&e#iately% an# ,rs) 2!un$e "as !( c!urse re&!ve# (r!& her char$e) ,r) 3ic ha&;s chie( !b1ect "as un9uesti!nably &y sister;s (!rtune% "hich is thirty th!usan# '!un#s/ but I cann!t hel' su''!sin$ that the h!'e !( reven$in$ hi&sel( !n &e "as a str!n$ in#uce&ent) His reven$e "!ul# have been c!&'lete in#ee#) +This% &a#a&% is a (aith(ul narrative !( every event in "hich "e have been c!ncerne# t!$ether/ an# i( y!u #! n!t abs!lutely re1ect it as (alse% y!u "ill% I h!'e% ac9uit &e hence(!rth !( cruelty t!"ar#s ,r) 3ic ha&) I n!" n!t in "hat &anner% un#er "hat (!r& !( (alseh!!# he has i&'!se# !n y!u/ but his success is n!t 'erha's t! be "!n#ere# at% i$n!rant as y!u 'revi!usly "ere !( everythin$ c!ncernin$ either) Detecti!n c!ul# n!t be in y!ur '!"er% an# sus'ici!n certainly n!t in y!ur inclinati!n) +2!u &ay '!ssibly "!n#er "hy all this "as n!t t!l# y!u last ni$ht/ but I "as n!t then &aster en!u$h !( &ysel( t! n!" "hat c!ul# !r !u$ht

t! be reveale#) >!r the truth !( everythin$ here relate#% I can a''eal &!re 'articularly t! the testi&!ny !( C!l!nel >it8"illia&% "h!% (r!& !ur near relati!nshi' an# c!nstant inti&acy% an#% still &!re% as !ne !( the e*ecut!rs !( &y (ather;s "ill% has been unav!i#ably ac9uainte# "ith every 'articular !( these transacti!ns) I( y!ur abh!rrence !( &e sh!ul# &a e &y asserti!ns valueless% y!u cann!t be 'revente# by the sa&e cause (r!& c!n(i#in$ in &y c!usin/ an# that there &ay be the '!ssibility !( c!nsultin$ hi&% I shall en#eav!r t! (in# s!&e !''!rtunity !( 'uttin$ this letter in y!ur han#s in the c!urse !( the &!rnin$) I "ill !nly a##% ?!# bless y!u) +>ITA3I00IA, DARC2)+ CHAPTER:BBB@I CHAPTER BBB@I I> Eli8abeth% "hen ,r) Darcy $ave her the letter% #i# n!t e*'ect it t! c!ntain a rene"al !( his !((ers% she ha# (!r&e# n! e*'ectati!n at all !( its c!ntents) -ut such as they "ere% it &ay be "ell su''!se# h!" ea$erly she "ent thr!u$h the&% an# "hat a c!ntrariety !( e&!ti!n they e*cite#) Her (eelin$s as she rea# "ere scarcely t! be #e(ine#) 3ith a&a8e&ent #i# she (irst un#erstan# that he believe# any a'!l!$y t! be in his '!"er/ an# stea#(astly "as she 'ersua#e#% that he c!ul# have n! e*'lanati!n t! $ive% "hich a 1ust sense !( sha&e "!ul# n!t c!nceal) 3ith a str!n$ 're1u#ice a$ainst everythin$ he &i$ht say% she be$an his acc!unt !( "hat ha# ha''ene# at Nether(iel#) 6he rea# "ith an ea$erness "hich har#ly le(t her '!"er !( c!&'rehensi!n% an# (r!& i&'atience !( n!"in$ "hat the ne*t sentence &i$ht brin$% "as inca'able !( atten#in$ t! the sense !( the !ne be(!re her eyes) His belie( !( her sister;s insensibility she instantly res!lve# t! be (alse/ an# his acc!unt !( the real% the "!rst !b1ecti!ns t! the &atch% &a#e her t!! an$ry t! have any "ish !( #!in$ hi& 1ustice) He e*'resse# n! re$ret (!r "hat he ha# #!ne "hich satis(ie# her/ his style "as n!t 'enitent% but hau$hty) It "as all 'ri#e an# ins!lence) -ut "hen this sub1ect "as succee#e# by his acc!unt !( ,r) 3ic ha&%- "hen she rea# "ith s!&e"hat clearer attenti!n a relati!n !( events "hich% i( true% &ust !verthr!" every cherishe# !'ini!n !( his "!rth% an# "hich b!re s! alar&in$ an a((inity t! his !"n hist!ry !( hi&sel(%- her (eelin$s "ere yet &!re acutely 'ain(ul an# &!re #i((icult !( #e(initi!n) Ast!nish&ent% a''rehensi!n% an# even h!rr!r% !''resse# her) 6he "ishe# t! #iscre#it it entirely% re'eate#ly e*clai&in$% +This &ust be (alse5 This cann!t be5 This &ust be the $r!ssest (alseh!!#5+- an# "hen she ha# $!ne thr!u$h the "h!le letter% th!u$h scarcely n!"in$ anythin$ !( the last 'a$e !r t"!% 'ut it hastily a"ay% 'r!testin$ that she "!ul# n!t re$ar# it% that she "!ul# never l!! in it a$ain) In this 'erturbe# state !( &in#% "ith th!u$hts that c!ul# rest !n n!thin$% she "al e# !n/ but it "!ul# n!t #!/ in hal( a &inute the letter "as un(!l#e# a$ain% an# c!llectin$ hersel( as "ell as she c!ul#% she a$ain be$an the &!rti(yin$ 'erusal !( all that relate# t! 3ic ha&% an# c!&&an#e# hersel( s! (ar as t! e*a&ine the &eanin$ !( every sentence) The acc!unt !( his c!nnecti!n "ith the Pe&berley (a&ily "as e*actly "hat he ha# relate# hi&sel(/ an# the in#ness !(

the late ,r) Darcy% th!u$h she ha# n!t be(!re n!"n its e*tent% a$ree# e9ually "ell "ith his !"n "!r#s) 6! (ar each recital c!n(ir&e# the !ther/ but "hen she ca&e t! the "ill% the #i((erence "as $reat) 3hat 3ic ha& ha# sai# !( the livin$ "as (resh in her &e&!ry% an# as she recalle# his very "!r#s% it "as i&'!ssible n!t t! (eel that there "as $r!ss #u'licity !n !ne si#e !r the !ther/ an#% (!r a (e" &!&ents% she (lattere# hersel( that her "ishes #i# n!t err) -ut "hen she rea# an# rerea# "ith the cl!sest attenti!n% the 'articulars i&&e#iately (!ll!"in$ !( 3ic ha&;s resi$nin$ all 'retensi!ns t! the livin$% !( his receivin$ in lieu s! c!nsi#erable a su& as three th!usan# '!un#s% a$ain "as she (!rce# t! hesitate) 6he 'ut #!"n the letter% "ei$he# every circu&stance "ith "hat she &eant t! be i&'artiality- #eliberate# !n the 'r!bability !( each state&ent- but "ith little success) 4n b!th si#es it "as !nly asserti!n) A$ain she rea# !n/ but every line 'r!ve# &!re clearly that the a((air% "hich she ha# believe# it i&'!ssible that any c!ntrivance c!ul# s! re'resent as t! ren#er ,r) Darcy;s c!n#uct in it less than in(a&!us% "as ca'able !( a turn "hich &ust &a e hi& entirely bla&eless thr!u$h!ut the "h!le) The e*trava$ance an# $eneral 'r!(li$acy "hich he scru'le# n!t t! lay t! ,r) 3ic ha&;s char$e% e*cee#in$ly sh!c e# her/ the &!re s!% as she c!ul# brin$ n! 'r!!( !( its in1ustice) 6he ha# never hear# !( hi& be(!re his entrance int! the ::shire ,ilitia% in "hich he ha# en$a$e# at the 'ersuasi!n !( the y!un$ &an "h!% !n &eetin$ hi& acci#entally in t!"n% ha# there rene"e# a sli$ht ac9uaintance) 4( his (!r&er "ay !( li(e n!thin$ ha# been n!"n in Hert(!r#shire but "hat he t!l# hi&sel() As t! his real character% ha# in(!r&ati!n been in her '!"er% she ha# never (elt a "ish !( in9uirin$) His c!untenance% v!ice% an# &anner ha# establishe# hi& at !nce in the '!ssessi!n !( every virtue) 6he trie# t! rec!llect s!&e instance !( $!!#ness% s!&e #istin$uishe# trait !( inte$rity !r benev!lence% that &i$ht rescue hi& (r!& the attac s !( ,r) Darcy/ !r at least% by the 're#!&inance !( virtue% at!ne (!r th!se casual err!rs un#er "hich she "!ul# en#eav!r t! class "hat ,r) Darcy ha# #escribe# as the i#leness an# vice !( &any years; c!ntinuance) -ut n! such rec!llecti!n be(rien#e# her) 6he c!ul# see hi& instantly be(!re her% in every char& !( air an# a##ress/ but she c!ul# re&e&ber n! &!re substantial $!!# than the $eneral a''r!bati!n !( the nei$hb!rh!!#% an# the re$ar# "hich his s!cial '!"ers ha# $aine# hi& in the &ess) A(ter 'ausin$ !n this '!int a c!nsi#erable "hile% she !nce &!re c!ntinue# t! rea#) -ut% alas5 the st!ry "hich (!ll!"e#% !( his #esi$ns !n ,iss Darcy% receive# s!&e c!n(ir&ati!n (r!& "hat ha# 'asse# bet"een C!l!nel >it8"illia& an# hersel( !nly the &!rnin$ be(!re/ an# at last she "as re(erre# (!r the truth !( every 'articular t! C!l!nel >it8"illia& hi&sel(- (r!& "h!& she ha# 'revi!usly receive# the in(!r&ati!n !( his near c!ncern in all his c!usin;s a((airs% an# "h!se character she ha# n! reas!n t! 9uesti!n) At !ne ti&e she ha# al&!st res!lve# !n a''lyin$ t! hi&% but the i#ea "as chec e# by the a" "ar#ness !( the a''licati!n% an# at len$th "h!lly banishe# by the c!nvicti!n that ,r) Darcy "!ul# never have ha8ar#e# such a 'r!'!sal% i( he ha# n!t been "ell assure# !( his c!usin;s c!rr!b!rati!n) 6he 'er(ectly re&e&bere# everythin$ that ha# 'asse# in c!nversati!n bet"een 3ic ha& an# hersel(% in their (irst evenin$ at

,r) Phili's;s) ,any !( his e*'ressi!ns "ere still (resh in her &e&!ry) 6he "as n!" struc "ith the i&'r!'riety !( such c!&&unicati!ns t! a stran$er% an# "!n#ere# it ha# esca'e# her be(!re) 6he sa" the in#elicacy !( 'uttin$ hi&sel( (!r"ar# as he ha# #!ne% an# the inc!nsistency !( his 'r!(essi!ns "ith his c!n#uct) 6he re&e&bere# that he ha# b!aste# !( havin$ n! (ear !( seein$ ,r) Darcy- that ,r) Darcy &i$ht leave the c!untry% but that he sh!ul# stan# his $r!un#7 yet he ha# av!i#e# the Nether(iel# ball the very ne*t "ee ) 6he re&e&bere# als! that% till the Nether(iel# (a&ily ha# 9uitte# the c!untry% he ha# t!l# his st!ry t! n! !ne but hersel(/ but that a(ter their re&!val it ha# been every"here #iscusse#/ that he ha# then n! reserves% n! scru'les in sin in$ ,r) Darcy;s character% th!u$h he ha# assure# her that res'ect (!r the (ather "!ul# al"ays 'revent his e*'!sin$ the s!n) H!" #i((erently #i# everythin$ n!" a''ear in "hich he "as c!ncerne#5 His attenti!ns t! ,iss <in$ "ere n!" the c!nse9uence !( vie"s s!lely an# hate(ully &ercenary/ an# the &e#i!crity !( her (!rtune 'r!ve# n! l!n$er the &!#erati!n !( his "ishes% but his ea$erness t! $ras' at anythin$) His behavi!r t! hersel( c!ul# n!" have ha# n! t!lerable &!tive/ he ha# either been #eceive# "ith re$ar# t! her (!rtune% !r ha# been $rati(yin$ his vanity by enc!ura$in$ the 're(erence "hich she believe# she ha# &!st incauti!usly sh!"n) Every lin$erin$ stru$$le in his (av!r $re" (ainter an# (ainter/ an# in (arther 1usti(icati!n !( ,r) Darcy% she c!ul# n!t but all!" that ,r) -in$ley% "hen 9uesti!ne# by Jane% ha# l!n$ a$! asserte# his bla&elessness in the a((air/ that 'r!u# an# re'ulsive as "ere his &anners% she ha# never% in the "h!le c!urse !( their ac9uaintance- an ac9uaintance "hich ha# latterly br!u$ht the& &uch t!$ether% an# $iven her a s!rt !( inti&acy "ith his "ays- seen anythin$ that betraye# hi& t! be un'rinci'le# !r un1ust- anythin$ that s'! e hi& !( irreli$i!us !r i&&!ral habits/ that a&!n$ his !"n c!nnecti!ns he "as estee&e# an# value#- that even 3ic ha& ha# all!"e# hi& &erit as a br!ther% an# that she ha# !(ten hear# hi& s'ea s! a((ecti!nately !( his sister as t! 'r!ve hi& ca'able !( s!&e a&iable (eelin$/ that ha# his acti!ns been "hat 3ic ha& re'resente# the&% s! $r!ss a vi!lati!n !( everythin$ ri$ht c!ul# har#ly have been c!nceale# (r!& the "!rl#/ an# that (rien#shi' bet"een a 'ers!n ca'able !( it% an# such an a&iable &an as ,r) -in$ley% "as inc!&'rehensible) 6he $re" abs!lutely asha&e# !( hersel() 4( neither Darcy n!r 3ic ha& c!ul# she thin "ith!ut (eelin$ that she ha# been blin#% 'artial% 're1u#ice#% absur#) +H!" #es'icably have I acte#5+ she crie#/ +I% "h! have 'ri#e# &ysel( !n &y #iscern&ent5 I% "h! have value# &ysel( !n &y abilities5 "h! have !(ten #is#aine# the $ener!us can#!r !( &y sister% an# $rati(ie# &y vanity in useless !r Fbla&eableG #istrust) H!" hu&iliatin$ is this #isc!very5 yet% h!" 1ust a hu&iliati!n5 Ha# I been in l!ve% I c!ul# n!t have been &!re "retche#ly blin#) -ut vanity% n!t l!ve% has been &y (!lly) Please# "ith the 're(erence !( !ne% an# !((en#e# by the ne$lect !( the !ther% !n the very be$innin$ !( !ur ac9uaintance% I have c!urte# 're'!ssessi!n an# i$n!rance% an# #riven reas!n a"ay% "here either "ere c!ncerne#) Till this &!&ent I never ne" &ysel()+ >r!& hersel( t! Jane- (r!& Jane t! -in$ley% her th!u$hts "ere in a line "hich s!!n br!u$ht t! her rec!llecti!n that ,r) Darcy;s

e*'lanati!n there ha# a''eare# very insu((icient% an# she rea# it a$ain) 3i#ely #i((erent "as the e((ect !( a sec!n# 'erusal) H!" c!ul# she #eny that cre#it t! his asserti!ns% in !ne instance% "hich she ha# been !bli$e# t! $ive in the !ther) He #eclare# hi&sel( t! have been t!tally unsus'ici!us !( her sister;s attach&ent/ an# she c!ul# n!t hel' re&e&berin$ "hat Charl!tte;s !'ini!n ha# al"ays been) Neither c!ul# she #eny the 1ustice !( his #escri'ti!n !( Jane) 6he (elt that Jane;s (eelin$s% th!u$h (ervent% "ere little #is'laye#% an# that there "as a c!nstant c!&'lacency in her air an# &anner n!t !(ten unite# "ith $reat sensibility) 3hen she ca&e t! that 'art !( the letter in "hich her (a&ily "ere &enti!ne# in ter&s !( such &!rti(yin$% yet &erite# re'r!ach% her sense !( sha&e "as severe) The 1ustice !( the char$e struc her t!! (!rcibly (!r #enial% an# the circu&stances t! "hich he 'articularly allu#e# as havin$ 'asse# at the Nether(iel# ball% an# as c!n(ir&in$ all his (irst #isa''r!bati!n% c!ul# n!t have &a#e a str!n$er i&'ressi!n !n his &in# than !n hers) The c!&'li&ent t! hersel( an# her sister "as n!t un(elt) It s!!the#% but it c!ul# n!t c!ns!le her (!r the c!nte&'t "hich ha# thus been sel(-attracte# by the rest !( her (a&ily/ an# as she c!nsi#ere# that Jane;s #isa''!int&ent ha# in (act been the "!r !( her nearest relati!ns% an# re(lecte# h!" &aterially the cre#it !( b!th &ust be hurt by such i&'r!'riety !( c!n#uct% she (elt #e'resse# bey!n# anythin$ she ha# ever n!"n Fbe(!reG) A(ter "an#erin$ al!n$ the lane (!r t"! h!urs% $ivin$ "ay t! every variety !( th!u$ht- re-c!nsi#erin$ events% #eter&inin$ 'r!babilities% an# rec!ncilin$ hersel(% as "ell as she c!ul#% t! a chan$e s! su##en an# s! i&'!rtant% (ati$ue% an# a rec!llecti!n !( her l!n$ absence% &a#e her at len$th return h!&e/ an# she entere# the h!use "ith the "ish !( a''earin$ cheer(ul as usual% an# the res!luti!n !( re'ressin$ such re(lecti!ns as &ust &a e her un(it (!r c!nversati!n) 6he "as i&&e#iately t!l# that the t"! $entle&en (r!& R!sin$s ha# each calle# #urin$ her absence/ ,r) Darcy% !nly (!r a (e" &inutes t! ta e leave%- but that C!l!nel >it8"illia& ha# been sittin$ "ith the& at least an h!ur% h!'in$ (!r her return% an# al&!st res!lvin$ t! "al a(ter her till she c!ul# be (!un#) Eli8abeth c!ul# but 1ust a((ect c!ncern in &issin$ hi&/ she really re1!ice# at it) C!l!nel >it8"illia& "as n! l!n$er an !b1ect% she c!ul# thin !nly !( her letter) CHAPTER:BBB@II CHAPTER BBB@II THE t"! $entle&en le(t R!sin$s the ne*t &!rnin$% an# ,r) C!llins havin$ been in "aitin$ near the l!#$es% t! &a e the& his 'artin$ !beisance% "as able t! brin$ h!&e the 'leasin$ intelli$ence% !( their a''earin$ in very $!!# health% an# in as t!lerable s'irits as c!ul# be e*'ecte#% a(ter the &elanch!ly scene s! lately $!ne thr!u$h at R!sin$s) T! R!sin$s he then hastene#% t! c!ns!le 0a#y Catherine an# her #au$hter/ an# !n his return br!u$ht bac % "ith $reat satis(acti!n% a &essa$e (r!& her la#yshi'% i&'!rtin$ that she (elt hersel( s! #ull

as t! &a e her very #esir!us !( havin$ the& all t! #ine "ith her) Eli8abeth c!ul# n!t see 0a#y Catherine "ith!ut rec!llectin$ that% ha# she ch!sen it% she &i$ht by this ti&e have been 'resente# t! her as her (uture niece/ n!r c!ul# she thin % "ith!ut a s&ile% !( "hat her la#yshi';s in#i$nati!n "!ul# have been) +3hat "!ul# she have sai#.h!" "!ul# she have behave#.+ "ere 9uesti!ns "ith "hich she a&use# hersel() Their (irst sub1ect "as the #i&inuti!n !( the R!sin$s 'arty) +I assure y!u% I (eel it e*cee#in$ly%+ sai# 0a#y Catherine/ +I believe n!b!#y (eels the l!ss !( (rien#s s! &uch as I #!) -ut I a& 'articularly attache# t! these y!un$ &en% an# n!" the& t! be s! &uch attache# t! &e5- They "ere e*cessively s!rry t! $!5 -ut s! they al"ays are) The #ear c!l!nel rallie# his s'irits t!lerably till 1ust at last/ but Darcy see&e# t! (eel it &!st acutely% &!re% I thin % than last year) His attach&ent t! R!sin$s certainly increases)+ ,r) C!llins ha# a c!&'li&ent% an# an allusi!n t! thr!" in here% "hich "ere in#ly s&ile# !n by the &!ther an# #au$hter) 0a#y Catherine !bserve#% a(ter #inner% that ,iss -ennet see&e# !ut !( s'irits% an# i&&e#iately acc!untin$ (!r it hersel(% by su''!sin$ that she #i# n!t li e t! $! h!&e a$ain s! s!!n% she a##e#+-ut i( that is the case% y!u &ust "rite t! y!ur &!ther t! be$ that y!u &ay stay a little l!n$er) ,rs) C!llins "ill be very $la# !( y!ur c!&'any% I a& sure)+ +I a& &uch !bli$e# t! y!ur la#yshi' (!r y!ur in# invitati!n%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth% +but it is n!t in &y '!"er t! acce't it) I &ust be in t!"n ne*t 6atur#ay)+ +3hy% at that rate% y!u "ill have been here !nly si* "ee s) I e*'ecte# y!u t! stay t"! &!nths) I t!l# ,rs) C!llins s! be(!re y!u ca&e) There can be n! !ccasi!n (!r y!ur $!in$ s! s!!n) ,rs) -ennet c!ul# certainly s'are y!u (!r an!ther (!rtni$ht)+ +-ut &y (ather cann!t) He "r!te last "ee t! hurry &y return)+ +4h5 y!ur (ather !( c!urse &ay s'are y!u% i( y!ur &!ther can) Dau$hters are never !( s! &uch c!nse9uence t! a (ather) An# i( y!u "ill stay an!ther &!nth c!&'lete% it "ill be in &y '!"er t! ta e !ne !( y!u as (ar as 0!n#!n% (!r I a& $!in$ there early in June% (!r a "ee / an# as Da"s!n #!es n!t !b1ect t! the bar!uche-b!*% there "ill be very $!!# r!!& (!r !ne !( y!u- an# in#ee#% i( the "eather sh!ul# ha''en t! be c!!l% I sh!ul# n!t !b1ect t! ta in$ y!u b!th% as y!u are neither !( y!u lar$e)+ +2!u are all in#ness% &a#a&/ but I believe "e &ust abi#e by !ur !ri$inal 'lan)+ 0a#y Catherine see&e# resi$ne#) +,rs) C!llins% y!u &ust sen# a servant "ith the&) 2!u n!" I al"ays s'ea &y &in#% an# I cann!t bear the i#ea !( t"! y!un$ "!&en travelin$ '!st by the&selves) It is hi$hly i&'r!'er) 2!u &ust c!ntrive t! sen# s!&eb!#y) I have the $reatest #isli e in the "!rl# t! that s!rt !( thin$) 2!un$ "!&en sh!ul# al"ays be 'r!'erly $uar#e# an# atten#e#% acc!r#in$ t! their situati!n in li(e) 3hen &y niece ?e!r$iana "ent t! Ra&s$ate last su&&er% I &a#e a '!int !( her havin$ t"! &en-servants $! "ith her) ,iss Darcy% the #au$hter !( ,r) Darcy% !( Pe&berley% an# 0a#y Anne% c!ul# n!t have a''eare# "ith 'r!'riety in a #i((erent &anner) I a& e*cessively attentive t! all th!se thin$s) 2!u &ust sen# J!hn "ith the

y!un$ la#ies% ,rs) C!llins) I a& $la# it !ccurre# t! &e t! &enti!n it/ (!r it "!ul# really be #iscre#itable t! y!u t! let the& $! al!ne)+ +,y uncle is t! sen# a servant (!r us)+ +4h5- 2!ur uncle5- He ee's a &an-servant% #!es he.- I a& very $la# y!u have s!&eb!#y "h! thin s !( th!se thin$s) 3here shall y!u chan$e h!rses.- 4h5 -r!&ley% !( c!urse)- I( y!u &enti!n &y na&e at the -ell% y!u "ill be atten#e# t!)+ 0a#y Catherine ha# &any !ther 9uesti!ns t! as res'ectin$ their 1!urney% an# as she #i# n!t ans"er the& all hersel(% attenti!n "as necessary% "hich Eli8abeth believe# t! be luc y (!r her/ !r% "ith a &in# s! !ccu'ie#% she &i$ht have (!r$!tten "here she "as) Re(lecti!n &ust be reserve# (!r s!litary h!urs/ "henever she "as al!ne% she $ave "ay t! it as the $reatest relie(/ an# n!t a #ay "ent by "ith!ut a s!litary "al % in "hich she &i$ht in#ul$e in all the #eli$ht !( un'leasant rec!llecti!ns) ,r) Darcy;s letter she "as in a (air "ay !( s!!n n!"in$ by heart) 6he stu#ie# every sentence/ an# her (eelin$s t!"ar#s its "riter "ere at ti&es "i#ely #i((erent) 3hen she re&e&bere# the style !( his a##ress% she "as still (ull !( in#i$nati!n/ but "hen she c!nsi#ere# h!" un1ustly she ha# c!n#e&ne# an# u'brai#e# hi&% her an$er "as turne# a$ainst hersel(/ an# his #isa''!inte# (eelin$s beca&e the !b1ect !( c!&'assi!n) His attach&ent e*cite# $ratitu#e% his $eneral character res'ect/ but she c!ul# n!t a''r!ve hi&/ n!r c!ul# she (!r a &!&ent re'ent her re(usal% !r (eel the sli$htest inclinati!n ever t! see hi& a$ain) In her !"n 'ast behavi!r% there "as a c!nstant s!urce !( ve*ati!n an# re$ret/ an# in the unha''y #e(ects !( her (a&ily% a sub1ect !( yet heavier cha$rin) They "ere h!'eless !( re&e#y) Her (ather% c!ntente# "ith lau$hin$ at the&% "!ul# never e*ert hi&sel( t! restrain the "il# $i##iness !( his y!un$est #au$hters/ an# her &!ther% "ith &anners s! (ar (r!& ri$ht hersel(% "as entirely insensible !( the evil) Eli8abeth ha# (re9uently unite# "ith Jane in an en#eav!r t! chec the i&'ru#ence !( Catherine an# 0y#ia/ but "hile they "ere su''!rte# by their &!ther;s in#ul$ence% "hat chance c!ul# there be !( i&'r!ve&ent. Catherine% "ea -s'irite#% irritable% an# c!&'letely un#er 0y#ia;s $ui#ance% ha# been al"ays a((r!nte# by their a#vice/ an# 0y#ia% sel(-"ille# an# careless% "!ul# scarcely $ive the& a hearin$) They "ere i$n!rant% i#le% an# vain) 3hile there "as an !((icer in ,eryt!n% they "!ul# (lirt "ith hi&/ an# "hile ,eryt!n "as "ithin a "al !( 0!n$b!urn% they "!ul# be $!in$ there (!r ever) An*iety !n Jane;s behal( "as an!ther 'revailin$ c!ncern/ an# ,r) Darcy;s e*'lanati!n% by rest!rin$ -in$ley t! all her (!r&er $!!# !'ini!n% hei$htene# the sense !( "hat Jane ha# l!st) His a((ecti!n "as 'r!ve# t! have been sincere% an# his c!n#uct cleare# !( all bla&e% unless any c!ul# attach t! the i&'licitness !( his c!n(i#ence in his (rien#) H!" $riev!us then "as the th!u$ht that% !( a situati!n s! #esirable in every res'ect% s! re'lete "ith a#vanta$e% s! 'r!&isin$ (!r ha''iness% Jane ha# been #e'rive#% by the (!lly an# in#ec!ru& !( her !"n (a&ily5 3hen t! these rec!llecti!ns "as a##e# the #evel!'&ent !( 3ic ha&;s character% it &ay be easily believe# that the ha''y s'irits "hich ha# sel#!& been #e'resse# be(!re% "ere n!" s! &uch a((ecte# as t! &a e it al&!st i&'!ssible (!r her t! a''ear t!lerably cheer(ul)

Their en$a$e&ents at R!sin$s "ere as (re9uent #urin$ the last "ee !( her stay as they ha# been at (irst) The very last evenin$ "as s'ent there/ an# her la#yshi' a$ain in9uire# &inutely int! the 'articulars !( their 1!urney% $ave the& #irecti!ns as t! the best &eth!# !( 'ac in$% an# "as s! ur$ent !n the necessity !( 'lacin$ $!"ns in the !nly ri$ht "ay% that ,aria th!u$ht hersel( !bli$e#% !n her return% t! un#! all the "!r !( the &!rnin$% an# 'ac her trun a(resh) 3hen they 'arte#% 0a#y Catherine% "ith $reat c!n#escensi!n% "ishe# the& a $!!# 1!urney% an# invite# the& t! c!&e t! Huns(!r# a$ain ne*t year/ an# ,iss #e -!ur$h e*erte# hersel( s! (ar as t! curtsey an# h!l# !ut her han# t! b!th) CHAPTER:BBB@III CHAPTER BBB@III 4N 6atur#ay &!rnin$ Eli8abeth an# ,r) C!llins &et (!r brea (ast a (e" &inutes be(!re the !thers a''eare#/ an# he t!! the !''!rtunity !( 'ayin$ the 'artin$ civilities "hich he #ee&e# in#is'ensably necessary) +I n!" n!t% ,iss Eli8abeth%+ sai# he% +"hether ,rs) C!llins has yet e*'resse# her sense !( y!ur in#ness in c!&in$ t! us/ but I a& very certain y!u "ill n!t leave the h!use "ith!ut receivin$ her than s (!r it) The (av!r !( y!ur c!&'any has been &uch (elt% I assure y!u) 3e n!" h!" little there is t! te&'t any !ne t! !ur hu&ble ab!#e) 4ur 'lain &anner !( livin$% !ur s&all r!!&s an# (e" #!&estics% an# the little "e see !( the "!rl#% &ust &a e Huns(!r# e*tre&ely #ull t! a y!un$ la#y li e y!ursel(/ but I h!'e y!u "ill believe us $rate(ul (!r the c!n#escensi!n% an# that "e have #!ne everythin$ in !ur '!"er t! 'revent y!ur s'en#in$ y!ur ti&e un'leasantly)+ Eli8abeth "as ea$er "ith her than s an# assurances !( ha''iness) 6he ha# s'ent si* "ee s "ith $reat en1!y&ent/ an# the 'leasure !( bein$ "ith Charl!tte% an# the in# attenti!ns she ha# receive#% &ust &a e her (eel the !bli$e#) ,r) C!llins "as $rati(ie#% an# "ith a &!re s&ilin$ s!le&nity re'lie#+It $ives &e the $reatest 'leasure t! hear that y!u have 'asse# y!ur ti&e n!t #isa$reeably) 3e have certainly #!ne !ur best/ an# &!st (!rtunately havin$ it in !ur '!"er t! intr!#uce y!u t! very su'eri!r s!ciety% an#% (r!& !ur c!nnecti!n "ith R!sin$s% the (re9uent &eans !( varyin$ the hu&ble h!&e scene% I thin "e &ay (latter !urselves that y!ur Huns(!r# visit cann!t have been entirely ir s!&e) 4ur situati!n "ith re$ar# t! 0a#y Catherine;s (a&ily is in#ee# the s!rt !( e*tra!r#inary a#vanta$e an# blessin$ "hich (e" can b!ast) 2!u see !n "hat a (!!tin$ "e are) 2!u see h!" c!ntinually "e are en$a$e# there) In truth I &ust ac n!"le#$e that% "ith all the #isa#vanta$es !( this hu&ble 'ars!na$e% I sh!ul# n!t thin any !ne abi#in$ in it an !b1ect !( c!&'assi!n% "hile they are sharers !( !ur inti&acy at R!sin$s)+ 3!r#s "ere insu((icient (!r the elevati!n !( his (eelin$s/ an# he "as !bli$e# t! "al ab!ut the r!!&% "hile Eli8abeth trie# t! unite civility an# truth in a (e" sh!rt sentences) +2!u &ay% in (act% carry a very (av!rable re'!rt !( us int! Hert(!r#shire% &y #ear c!usin) I (latter &ysel( at least that y!u "ill be able t! #! s!) 0a#y Catherine;s $reat attenti!ns t! ,rs) C!llins y!u have been a #aily "itness !(/ an# alt!$ether I trust it #!es n!t

a''ear that y!ur (rien# has #ra"n an un(!rtunate- -ut !n this '!int it "ill be as "ell t! be silent) 4nly let &e assure y!u% &y #ear ,iss Eli8abeth% that I can (r!& &y heart &!st c!r#ially "ish y!u e9ual (elicity in &arria$e) ,y #ear Charl!tte an# I have but !ne &in# an# !ne "ay !( thin in$) There is in everythin$ a &!st re&ar able rese&blance !( character an# i#eas bet"een us) 3e see& t! have been #esi$ne# (!r each !ther)+ Eli8abeth c!ul# sa(ely say that it "as a $reat ha''iness "here that "as the case% an# "ith e9ual sincerity c!ul# a##% that she (ir&ly believe# an# re1!ice# in his #!&estic c!&(!rts) 6he "as n!t s!rry% h!"ever% t! have the recital !( the& interru'te# by the entrance !( the la#y (r!& "h!& they s'ran$) P!!r Charl!tte5 it "as &elanch!ly t! leave her t! such s!ciety5 -ut she ha# ch!sen it "ith her eyes !'en/ an# th!u$h evi#ently re$rettin$ that her visit!rs "ere t! $!% she #i# n!t see& t! as (!r c!&'assi!n) Her h!&e an# her h!use ee'in$% her 'arish an# her '!ultry% an# all their #e'en#ent c!ncerns% ha# n!t yet l!st their char&s) At len$th the chaise arrive#% the trun s "ere (astene# !n% the 'arcels 'lace# "ithin% an# it "as 'r!n!unce# t! be rea#y) A(ter an a((ecti!nate 'artin$ bet"een the (rien#s% Eli8abeth "as atten#e# t! the carria$e by ,r) C!llins% an# as they "al e# #!"n the $ar#en% he "as c!&&issi!nin$ her "ith his best res'ects t! all her (a&ily% n!t (!r$ettin$ his than s (!r the in#ness he ha# receive# at 0!n$b!urn in the "inter% an# his c!&'li&ents t! ,r) an# ,rs) ?ar#iner% th!u$h un n!"n) He then han#e# her in% ,aria (!ll!"e#% an# the #!!r "as !n the '!int !( bein$ cl!se#% "hen he su##enly re&in#e# the&% "ith s!&e c!nsternati!n% that they ha# hithert! (!r$!tten t! leave any &essa$e (!r the la#ies !( R!sin$s) +-ut%+ he a##e#% +y!u "ill !( c!urse "ish t! have y!ur hu&ble res'ects #elivere# t! the&% "ith y!ur $rate(ul than s (!r their in#ness t! y!u "hile y!u have been here)+ Eli8abeth &a#e n! !b1ecti!n/ the #!!r "as then all!"e# t! be shut% an# the carria$e #r!ve !(() +?!!# $raci!us5+ crie# ,aria% a(ter a (e" &inutes; silence% +it see&s but a #ay !r t"! since "e (irst ca&e5- an# yet h!" &any thin$s have ha''ene#5+ +A $reat &any in#ee#%+ sai# her c!&'ani!n "ith a si$h) +3e have #ine# nine ti&es at R!sin$s% besi#es #rin in$ tea there t"ice5 H!" &uch I shall have t! tell5+ Eli8abeth 'rivately a##e#% +An# h!" &uch I shall have t! c!nceal5+ Their 1!urney "as 'er(!r&e# "ith!ut &uch c!nversati!n% !r any alar&/ an# "ithin (!ur h!urs !( their leavin$ Huns(!r# they reache# ,r) ?ar#iner;s h!use% "here they "ere t! re&ain a (e" #ays) Jane l!! e# "ell% an# Eli8abeth ha# little !''!rtunity !( stu#yin$ her s'irits% a&i#st the vari!us en$a$e&ents "hich the in#ness !( her aunt ha# reserve# (!r the&) -ut Jane "as t! $! h!&e "ith her% an# at 0!n$b!urn there "!ul# be leisure en!u$h (!r !bservati!n) It "as n!t "ith!ut an e((!rt% &ean"hile% that she c!ul# "ait even (!r 0!n$b!urn% be(!re she t!l# her sister !( ,r) Darcy;s 'r!'!sals) T! n!" that she ha# the '!"er !( revealin$ "hat "!ul# s! e*cee#in$ly ast!nish Jane% an# &ust% at the sa&e ti&e% s! hi$hly $rati(y "hatever !( her !"n vanity she ha# n!t yet been able t! reas!n a"ay%

"as such a te&'tati!n t! !'enness as n!thin$ c!ul# have c!n9uere# but the state !( in#ecisi!n in "hich she re&aine# as t! the e*tent !( "hat she sh!ul# c!&&unicate/ an# her (ear% i( she !nce entere# !n the sub1ect% !( bein$ hurrie# int! re'eatin$ s!&ethin$ !( -in$ley "hich &i$ht !nly $rieve her sister (urther) CHAPTER:BBBIB CHAPTER BBBIB IT "as the sec!n# "ee in ,ay% in "hich the three y!un$ la#ies set !ut t!$ether (r!& ?racechurch 6treet (!r the t!"n !( ::% in Hert(!r#shire/ an#% as they #re" near the a''!inte# inn "here ,r) -ennet;s carria$e "as t! &eet the&% they 9uic ly 'erceive#% in t! en !( the c!ach&an;s 'unctuality% b!th <itty an# 0y#ia l!! in$ !ut !( a #inin$-r!!& u'stairs) These t"! $irls ha# been ab!ve an h!ur in the 'lace% ha''ily e&'l!ye# in visitin$ an !''!site &illiner% "atchin$ the sentinel !n $uar#% an# #ressin$ a Fsala#G an# cucu&ber) A(ter "elc!&in$ their sisters% they triu&'hantly #is'laye# a table set !ut "ith such c!l# &eat as an inn lar#er usually a((!r#s% e*clai&in$% +Is n!t this nice. is n!t this an a$reeable sur'rise.+ +An# "e &ean t! treat y!u all%+ a##e# 0y#ia/ +but y!u &ust len# us the &!ney% (!r "e have 1ust s'ent !urs at the sh!' !ut there)+ Then% sh!"in$ her 'urchases- +0!! here% I have b!u$ht this b!nnet) I #! n!t thin it is very 'retty/ but I th!u$ht I &i$ht as "ell buy it as n!t) I shall 'ull it t! 'ieces as s!!n as I $et h!&e% an# see i( I can &a e it u' any better)+ An# "hen her sisters abuse# it as u$ly% she a##e#% "ith 'er(ect unc!ncern% +4h5 but there "ere t"! !r three &uch u$lier in the sh!'/ an# "hen I have b!u$ht s!&e 'rettier-c!l!re# satin t! tri& it "ith (resh% I thin it "ill be very t!lerable) -esi#es% it "ill n!t &uch si$ni(y "hat !ne "ears this su&&er% a(ter the ::shire have le(t ,eryt!n% an# they are $!in$ in a (!rtni$ht)+ +Are they in#ee#5+ crie# Eli8abeth% "ith the $reatest satis(acti!n) +They are $!in$ t! be enca&'e# near -ri$ht!n/ an# I #! s! "ant 'a'a t! ta e us all there (!r the su&&er5 It "!ul# be such a #elici!us sche&e% an# I #are say "!ul# har#ly c!st anythin$ at all) ,a&&a "!ul# li e t! $! t!! !( all thin$s5 4nly thin "hat a &iserable su&&er else "e shall have5+ +2es%+ th!u$ht Eli8abeth% +that "!ul# be a #eli$ht(ul sche&e in#ee#% an# c!&'letely #! (!r us at !nce) ?!!# Heaven5 -ri$ht!n% an# a "h!le ca&'(ul !( s!l#iers% t! us% "h! have been !verset alrea#y by !ne '!!r re$i&ent !( &ilitia% an# the &!nthly balls !( ,eryt!n5+ +N!" I have $!t s!&e ne"s (!r y!u%+ sai# 0y#ia% as they sat #!"n at table) +3hat #! y!u thin . It is e*cellent ne"s- ca'ital ne"san# ab!ut a certain 'ers!n that "e all li e5+ Jane an# Eli8abeth l!! e# at each !ther% an# the "aiter "as t!l# that he nee# n!t stay) 0y#ia lau$he#% an# sai#+Aye% that is 1ust li e y!ur (!r&ality an# #iscreti!n) 2!u th!u$ht the "aiter &ust n!t hear% as i( he care#5 I #are say he !(ten hears "!rse thin$s sai# than I a& $!in$ t! say) -ut he is an u$ly (ell!"5 I a& $la# he is $!ne) I never sa" such a l!n$ chin in &y li(e) 3ell% but n!" (!r &y ne"s/ it is ab!ut #ear 3ic ha&/ t!! $!!# (!r the

"aiter% is n!t it. There is n! #an$er !( 3ic ha&;s &arryin$ ,ary <in$) There;s (!r y!u5 6he is $!ne #!"n t! her uncle at 0iver'!!l7 $!ne t! stay) 3ic ha& is sa(e)+ +An# ,ary <in$ is sa(e5+ a##e# Eli8abeth/ +sa(e (r!& a c!nnecti!n i&'ru#ent as t! (!rtune)+ +6he is a $reat (!!l (!r $!in$ a"ay% i( she li e# hi&)+ +-ut I h!'e there is n! str!n$ attach&ent !n either si#e%+ sai# Jane) +I a& sure there is n!t !n his) I "ill ans"er (!r it% he never care# three stra"s ab!ut her- "h! c!ul# ab!ut such a nasty little (rec le# thin$.+ Eli8abeth "as sh!c e# t! thin that% h!"ever inca'able !( such c!arseness !( e*'ressi!n hersel(% the c!arseness !( the senti&ent "as little !ther than her !"n breast ha# (!r&erly harb!re# an# (ancie# liberal5 As s!!n as all ha# ate% an# the el#er !nes 'ai#% the carria$e "as !r#ere#/ an# a(ter s!&e c!ntrivance% the "h!le 'arty% "ith all their b!*es% "!r -ba$s% an# 'arcels% an# the un"elc!&e a##iti!n !( <itty;s an# 0y#ia;s 'urchases% "ere seate# in it) +H!" nicely "e are cra&&e# in%+ crie# 0y#ia) +I a& $la# I b!u$ht &y b!nnet% i( it is !nly (!r the (un !( havin$ an!ther ban#b!*5 3ell% n!" let us be 9uite c!&(!rtable an# snu$% an# tal an# lau$h all the "ay h!&e) An# in the (irst 'lace% let us hear "hat has ha''ene# t! y!u all since y!u "ent a"ay) Have y!u seen any 'leasant &en. Have y!u ha# any (lirtin$. I "as in $reat h!'es that !ne !( y!u "!ul# have $!t a husban# be(!re y!u ca&e bac ) Jane "ill be 9uite an !l# &ai# s!!n% I #eclare) 6he is al&!st three-an#-t"enty5 0!r#% h!" asha&e# I sh!ul# be !( n!t bein$ &arrie# be(!re three-an#-t"enty5 ,y aunt Phili's "ants y!u s! t! $et husban#s% y!u can;t thin ) 6he says 0i88y ha# better have ta en ,r) C!llins/ but I #! n!t thin there "!ul# have been any (un in it) 0!r#5 h!" I sh!ul# li e t! be &arrie# be(!re any !( y!u5 an# then I "!ul# cha'er!n y!u ab!ut t! all the balls) Dear &e5 "e ha# such a $!!# 'iece !( (un the !ther #ay at C!l!nel >!rster;s) <itty an# &e "ere t! s'en# the #ay there% an# ,rs) >!rster 'r!&ise# t! have a little #ance in the evenin$/ Dby the bye% ,rs) >!rster an# &e are such (rien#s5E an# s! she as e# the t"! Harrin$t!ns t! c!&e% but Harriet "as ill% an# s! Pen "as (!rce# t! c!&e by hersel(/ an# then% "hat #! y!u thin "e #i#. 3e #resse# u' Cha&berlayne in "!&an;s cl!thes !n 'ur'!se t! 'ass (!r a la#y%- !nly thin "hat (un5 N!t a s!ul ne" !( it% but C!l!nel an# ,rs) >!rster% an# <itty an# &e% e*ce't &y aunt% (!r "e "ere (!rce# t! b!rr!" !ne !( her $!"ns/ an# y!u cann!t i&a$ine h!" "ell he l!! e#5 3hen Denny% an# 3ic ha&% an# Pratt% an# t"! !r three &!re !( the &en ca&e in% they #i# n!t n!" hi& in the least) 0!r#5 h!" I lau$he#5 an# s! #i# ,rs) >!rster) I th!u$ht I sh!ul# have #ie#) An# that &a#e the &en sus'ect s!&ethin$% an# then they s!!n (!un# !ut "hat "as the &atter)+ 3ith such in# !( hist!ries !( their 'arties an# $!!# 1! es% #i# 0y#ia% assiste# by <itty;s hints an# a##iti!ns% en#eav!r t! a&use her c!&'ani!ns all the "ay t! 0!n$b!urn) Eli8abeth listene# as little as she c!ul#% but there "as n! esca'in$ the (re9uent &enti!n !( 3ic ha&;s na&e) Their rece'ti!n at h!&e "as &!st in#) ,rs) -ennet re1!ice# t! see

Jane in un#i&inishe# beauty/ an# &!re than !nce #urin$ #inner #i# ,r) -ennet say v!luntarily t! Eli8abeth+I a& $la# y!u are c!&e bac % 0i88y)+ Their 'arty in the #inin$-r!!& "as lar$e% (!r al&!st all the 0ucases ca&e t! &eet ,aria an# hear the ne"s/ an# vari!us "ere the sub1ects "hich !ccu'ie# the&7 0a#y 0ucas "as in9uirin$ !( ,aria% acr!ss the table% a(ter the "el(are an# '!ultry !( her el#est #au$hter/ ,rs) -ennet "as #!ubly en$a$e#% !n !ne han# c!llectin$ an acc!unt !( the 'resent (ashi!ns (r!& Jane% "h! sat s!&e "ay bel!" her% an#% !n the !ther% retailin$ the& all t! the y!un$er ,iss 0ucases/ an# 0y#ia% in a v!ice rather l!u#er than any !ther 'ers!n;s% "as enu&eratin$ the vari!us 'leasures !( the &!rnin$ t! anyb!#y "h! "!ul# hear her) +4h5 ,ary%+ sai# she% +I "ish y!u ha# $!ne "ith us% (!r "e ha# such (un5 As "e "ent al!n$% <itty an# &e #re" u' all the blin#s% an# 'reten#e# there "as n!b!#y in the c!ach/ an# I sh!ul# have $!ne s! all the "ay% i( <itty ha# n!t been sic / an# "hen "e $!t t! the ?e!r$e% I #! thin "e behave# very han#s!&ely% (!r "e treate# the !ther three "ith the nicest c!l# lunche!n in the "!rl#% an# i( y!u "!ul# have $!ne% "e "!ul# have treate# y!u t!!) An# then "hen "e ca&e a"ay it "as such (un5 I th!u$ht "e never sh!ul# have $!t int! the c!ach) I "as rea#y t! #ie !( lau$hter) An# then "e "ere s! &erry all the "ay h!&e5 "e tal e# an# lau$he# s! l!u#% that anyb!#y &i$ht have hear# us ten &iles !((5+ T! this ,ary very $ravely re'lie#% +>ar be it (r!& &e% &y #ear sister% t! #e'reciate such 'leasures5 They "!ul# #!ubtless be c!n$enial "ith the $enerality !( (e&ale &in#s) -ut I c!n(ess they "!ul# have n! char&s (!r &e- I sh!ul# in(initely 're(er a b!! )+ -ut !( this ans"er 0y#ia hear# n!t a "!r#) 6he sel#!& listene# t! anyb!#y (!r &!re than hal( a &inute% an# never atten#e# t! ,ary at all) In the a(tern!!n 0y#ia "as ur$ent "ith the rest !( the $irls t! "al t! ,eryt!n% an# see h!" everyb!#y "ent !n/ but Eli8abeth stea#ily !''!se# the sche&e) It sh!ul# n!t be sai# that the ,iss -ennets c!ul# n!t be at h!&e hal( a #ay be(!re they "ere in 'ursuit !( the !((icers) There "as an!ther reas!n t!! (!r her !''!siti!n) 6he #rea#e# seein$ 3ic ha& a$ain% an# "as res!lve# t! av!i# it as l!n$ as '!ssible) The c!&(!rt t! her !( the re$i&ent;s a''r!achin$ re&!val "as in#ee# bey!n# e*'ressi!n) In a (!rtni$ht they "ere t! $!- an# !nce $!ne% she h!'e# there c!ul# be n!thin$ &!re t! 'la$ue her !n his acc!unt) 6he ha# n!t been &any h!urs at h!&e be(!re she (!un# that the -ri$ht!n sche&e% !( "hich 0y#ia ha# $iven the& a hint at the inn% "as un#er (re9uent #iscussi!n bet"een her 'arents) Eli8abeth sa" #irectly that her (ather ha# n!t the s&allest intenti!n !( yiel#in$/ but his ans"ers "ere at the sa&e ti&e s! va$ue an# e9uiv!cal% that her &!ther% th!u$h !(ten #isheartene#% ha# never yet #es'aire# !( succee#in$ at last) CHAPTER:B0 CHAPTER B0 E0IAA-ETH;6 i&'atience t! ac9uaint Jane "ith "hat ha# ha''ene# c!ul#

n! l!n$er be !verc!&e/ an# at len$th% res!lvin$ t! su''ress every 'articular in "hich her sister "as c!ncerne#% an# 're'arin$ her t! be sur'rise#% she relate# t! her the ne*t &!rnin$ the chie( !( the scene bet"een ,r) Darcy an# hersel() ,iss -ennet;s ast!nish&ent "as s!!n lessene# by the str!n$ sisterly 'artiality "hich &a#e any a#&irati!n !( Eli8abeth a''ear 'er(ectly natural/ an# all sur'rise "as sh!rtly l!st in !ther (eelin$s) 6he "as s!rry that ,r) Darcy sh!ul# have #elivere# his senti&ents in a &anner s! little suite# t! rec!&&en# the&/ but still &!re "as she $rieve# (!r the unha''iness "hich her sister;s re(usal &ust have $iven hi&) +His bein$ s! sure !( succee#in$ "as "r!n$%+ sai# she% +an# certainly !u$ht n!t t! have a''eare#/ but c!nsi#er h!" &uch it &ust increase his #isa''!int&ent5+ +In#ee#%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth% +I a& heartily s!rry (!r hi&/ but he has !ther (eelin$s% "hich "ill 'r!bably s!!n #rive a"ay his re$ar# (!r &e) 2!u #! n!t bla&e &e% h!"ever% (!r re(usin$ hi&.+ +-la&e y!u5 4h% n!)+ +-ut y!u bla&e &e (!r havin$ s'! en s! "ar&ly !( 3ic ha&.+ +N!- I #! n!t n!" that y!u "ere "r!n$ in sayin$ "hat y!u #i#)+ +-ut y!u "ill n!" it% "hen I have t!l# y!u "hat ha''ene# the very ne*t #ay)+ 6he then s'! e !( the letter% re'eatin$ the "h!le !( its c!ntents as (ar as they c!ncerne# ?e!r$e 3ic ha&) 3hat a str! e "as this (!r '!!r Jane5 "h! "!ul# "illin$ly have $!ne thr!u$h the "!rl# "ith!ut believin$ that s! &uch "ic e#ness e*iste# in the "h!le race !( &an in#% as "as here c!llecte# in !ne in#ivi#ual) N!r "as Darcy;s vin#icati!n% th!u$h $rate(ul t! her (eelin$s% ca'able !( c!ns!lin$ her (!r such #isc!very) ,!st earnestly #i# she lab!r t! 'r!ve the 'r!bability !( err!r% an# see t! clear !ne "ith!ut inv!lvin$ the !ther) +This "ill n!t #!%+ sai# Eli8abeth/ +y!u never "ill be able t! &a e b!th !( the& $!!# (!r anythin$) Ta e y!ur ch!ice% but y!u &ust be satis(ie# "ith !nly !ne) There is but such a 9uantity !( &erit bet"een the&/ 1ust en!u$h t! &a e !ne $!!# s!rt !( &an/ an# !( late it has been shi(tin$ ab!ut 'retty &uch) >!r &y 'art% I a& incline# t! believe it all ,r) Darcy;s/ but y!u shall #! as y!u ch!!se)+ It "as s!&e ti&e% h!"ever% be(!re a s&ile c!ul# be e*t!rte# (r!& Jane) +I #! n!t n!" "hen I have been &!re sh!c e#%+ sai# she) +3ic ha& s! very ba#5 It is al&!st 'ast belie() An# '!!r ,r) Darcy5 Dear 0i88y% !nly c!nsi#er "hat he &ust have su((ere#) 6uch a #isa''!int&ent5 an# "ith the n!"le#$e !( y!ur ill !'ini!n t!!5 an# havin$ t! relate such a thin$ !( his sister5 It is really t!! #istressin$) I a& sure y!u &ust (eel it s!)+ +4h5 n!% &y re$ret an# c!&'assi!n are all #!ne a"ay by seein$ y!u s! (ull !( b!th) I n!" y!u "ill #! hi& such a&'le 1ustice% that I a& $r!"in$ every &!&ent &!re unc!ncerne# an# in#i((erent) 2!ur 'r!(usi!n &a es &e savin$/ an# i( y!u la&ent !ver hi& &uch l!n$er% &y heart "ill be as li$ht as a (eather)+ +P!!r 3ic ha&5 there is such an e*'ressi!n !( $!!#ness in his c!untenance5 such an !'enness an# $entleness in his &anner5+

+There certainly "as s!&e $reat &is&ana$e&ent in the e#ucati!n !( th!se t"! y!un$ &en) 4ne has $!t all the $!!#ness% an# the !ther all the a''earance !( it)+ +I never th!u$ht ,r) Darcy s! #e(icient in the a''earance !( it as y!u use# t! #!)+ +An# yet I &eant t! be unc!&&!nly clever in ta in$ s! #eci#e# a #isli e t! hi&% "ith!ut any reas!n) It is such a s'ur t! !ne;s $enius% such an !'enin$ (!r "it% t! have a #isli e !( that in#) 4ne &ay be c!ntinually abusive "ith!ut sayin$ anythin$ 1ust/ but !ne cann!t be al"ays lau$hin$ at a &an "ith!ut n!" an# then stu&blin$ !n s!&ethin$ "itty)+ +0i88y% "hen y!u (irst rea# that letter% I a& sure y!u c!ul# n!t treat the &atter as y!u #! n!")+ +In#ee#% I c!ul# n!t) I "as unc!&(!rtable en!u$h) I "as very unc!&(!rtable% I &ay say unha''y) An# "ith n! !ne t! s'ea t! !( "hat I (elt% n! Jane t! c!&(!rt &e an# say that I ha# n!t been s! very "ea an# vain an# n!nsensical as I ne" I ha#5 4h5 h!" I "ante# y!u5+ +H!" un(!rtunate that y!u sh!ul# have use# such very str!n$ e*'ressi!ns in s'ea in$ !( 3ic ha& t! ,r) Darcy% (!r n!" they #! a''ear "h!lly un#eserve#)+ +Certainly) -ut the &is(!rtune !( s'ea in$ "ith bitterness is a &!st natural c!nse9uence !( the 're1u#ices I ha# been enc!ura$in$) There is !ne '!int !n "hich I "ant y!ur a#vice) I "ant t! be t!l# "hether I !u$ht% !r !u$ht n!t% t! &a e !ur ac9uaintance in $eneral un#erstan# 3ic ha&;s character)+ ,iss -ennet 'ause# a little% an# then re'lie#% +6urely there can be n! !ccasi!n (!r e*'!sin$ hi& s! #rea#(ully) 3hat is y!ur !"n !'ini!n.+ +That it !u$ht n!t t! be atte&'te#) ,r) Darcy has n!t auth!ri8e# &e t! &a e his c!&&unicati!n 'ublic) 4n the c!ntrary% every 'articular relative t! his sister "as &eant t! be e't as &uch as '!ssible t! &ysel(/ an# i( I en#eav!r t! un#eceive 'e!'le as t! the rest !( his c!n#uct% "h! "ill believe &e. The $eneral 're1u#ice a$ainst ,r) Darcy is s! vi!lent% that it "!ul# be the #eath !( hal( the $!!# 'e!'le in ,eryt!n t! atte&'t t! 'lace hi& in an a&iable li$ht) I a& n!t e9ual t! it) 3ic ha& "ill s!!n be $!ne/ an# there(!re it "ill n!t si$ni(y t! anyb!#y here "hat he really is) 6!&e ti&e hence it "ill be all (!un# !ut% an# then "e &ay lau$h at their stu'i#ity in n!t n!"in$ it be(!re) At 'resent I "ill say n!thin$ ab!ut it)+ +2!u are 9uite ri$ht) T! have his err!rs &a#e 'ublic &i$ht ruin hi& (!r ever) He is n!"% 'erha's% s!rry (!r "hat he has #!ne% an# an*i!us t! reestablish a character) 3e &ust n!t &a e hi& #es'erate)+ The tu&ult !( Eli8abeth;s &in# "as allaye# by this c!nversati!n) 6he ha# $!t ri# !( t"! !( the secrets "hich ha# "ei$he# !n her (!r a (!rtni$ht% an# "as certain !( a "illin$ listener in Jane% "henever she &i$ht "ish t! tal a$ain !( either) -ut there "as still s!&ethin$ lur in$ behin#% !( "hich 'ru#ence (!rba# the #iscl!sure) 6he #are# n!t relate the !ther hal( !( ,r) Darcy;s letter% n!r e*'lain t! her sister h!" sincerely she ha# been value# by his (rien#) Here "as n!"le#$e in "hich n! !ne c!ul# 'arta e/ an# she "as sensible that n!thin$ less than a 'er(ect un#erstan#in$ bet"een the 'arties c!ul# 1usti(y her in thr!"in$ !(( this last encu&brance !( &ystery) +An# then%+ sai#

she% +i( that very i&'r!bable event sh!ul# ever ta e 'lace% I shall &erely be able t! tell "hat -in$ley &ay tell in a &uch &!re a$reeable &anner hi&sel() The liberty !( c!&&unicati!n cann!t be &ine till it has l!st all its value5+ 6he "as n!"% !n bein$ settle# at h!&e% at leisure t! !bserve the real state !( her sister;s s'irits) Jane "as n!t ha''y) 6he still cherishe# a very ten#er a((ecti!n (!r -in$ley) Havin$ never even (ancie# hersel( in l!ve be(!re% her re$ar# ha# all the "ar&th !( (irst attach&ent% an#% (r!& her a$e an# #is'!siti!n% $reater stea#iness than (irst attach&ents !(ten b!ast/ an# s! (ervently #i# she value his re&e&brance% an# 're(er hi& t! every !ther &an% that all her $!!# sense% an# all her attenti!n t! the (eelin$s !( her (rien#s% "ere re9uisite t! chec the in#ul$ence !( th!se re$rets "hich &ust have been in1uri!us t! her !"n health an# their tran9uillity) +3ell% 0i88y%+ sai# ,rs) -ennet !ne #ay% +"hat is y!ur !'ini!n n!" !( this sa# business !( Jane;s. >!r &y 'art% I a& #eter&ine# never t! s'ea !( it a$ain t! anyb!#y) I t!l# &y sister Phili's s! the !ther #ay) -ut I cann!t (in# !ut that Jane sa" anythin$ !( hi& in 0!n#!n) 3ell% he is a very un#eservin$ y!un$ &an- an# I #! n!t su''!se there;s the least chance in the "!rl# !( her ever $ettin$ hi& n!") There is n! tal !( his c!&in$ t! Nether(iel# a$ain in the su&&er/ an# I have in9uire# !( everyb!#y% t!!% "h! is li ely t! n!")+ +I #! n!t believe that he "ill ever live at Nether(iel# any &!re)+ +4h% "ell5 it is 1ust as he ch!!ses) N!b!#y "ants hi& t! c!&e) Th!u$h I shall al"ays say that he use# &y #au$hter e*tre&ely ill/ an# i( I "as her% I "!ul# n!t have 'ut u' "ith it) 3ell% &y c!&(!rt is% I a& sure Jane "ill #ie !( a br! en heart/ an# then he "ill be s!rry (!r "hat he has #!ne)+ -ut as Eli8abeth c!ul# n!t receive c!&(!rt (r!& any such e*'ectati!n% she &a#e n! ans"er) +3ell% 0i88y%+ c!ntinue# her &!ther% s!!n a(ter"ar#s% +an# s! the C!llinses live very c!&(!rtable% #! they. 3ell% "ell% I !nly h!'e it "ill last) An# "hat s!rt !( table #! they ee'. Charl!tte is an e*cellent &ana$er% I #are say) I( she is hal( as shar' as her &!ther% she is savin$ en!u$h) There is n!thin$ e*trava$ant in their h!use ee'in$% I #are say)+ +N!% n!thin$ at all)+ +A $reat #eal !( $!!# &ana$e&ent% #e'en# u'!n it) 2es% yes) They "ill ta e care n!t t! !utrun their inc!&e) They "ill never be #istresse# (!r &!ney) 3ell% &uch $!!# &ay it #! the&5 An# s!% I su''!se% they !(ten tal !( havin$ 0!n$b!urn "hen y!ur (ather is #ea#) They l!! u'!n it 9uite as their !"n% I #are say% "henever that ha''ens)+ +It "as a sub1ect "hich they c!ul# n!t &enti!n be(!re &e)+ +N!/ it "!ul# have been stran$e i( they ha#7 but I &a e n! #!ubt they !(ten tal !( it bet"een the&selves) 3ell% i( they can be easy "ith an estate that is n!t la"(ully their !"n% s! &uch the better) I sh!ul# be asha&e# !( havin$ !ne that "as !nly entaile# !n &e)+ CHAPTER:B0I CHAPTER B0I -

THE (irst "ee !( their return "as s!!n $!ne) The sec!n# be$an) It "as the last !( the re$i&ent;s stay in ,eryt!n% an# all the y!un$ la#ies in the nei$hb!rh!!# "ere #r!!'in$ a'ace) The #e1ecti!n "as al&!st universal) The el#er ,iss -ennets al!ne "ere still able t! eat% #rin % an# slee'% an# 'ursue the usual c!urse !( their e&'l!y&ents) @ery (re9uently "ere they re'r!ache# (!r this insensibility by <itty an# 0y#ia% "h!se !"n &isery "as e*tre&e% an# "h! c!ul# n!t c!&'rehen# such har#-hearte#ness in any !( the (a&ily) +?!!# Heaven5 "hat is t! bec!&e !( us. 3hat are "e t! #!.+ "!ul# they !(ten e*clai& in the bitterness !( "!e) +H!" can y!u be s&ilin$ s!% 0i88y.+ Their a((ecti!nate &!ther share# all their $rie(/ she re&e&bere# "hat she ha# hersel( en#ure# !n a si&ilar !ccasi!n% (ive-an#-t"enty years a$!) +I a& sure%+ sai# she% +I crie# (!r t"! #ays t!$ether "hen C!l!nel ,iller;s re$i&ent "ent a"ay) I th!u$ht I sh!ul# have br! en &y heart)+ +I a& sure I shall brea &ine%+ sai# 0y#ia) +I( !ne c!ul# but $! t! -ri$ht!n5+ !bserve# ,rs) -ennet) +4h% yes5- i( !ne c!ul# but $! t! -ri$ht!n5 -ut 'a'a is s! #isa$reeable)+ +A little sea-bathin$ "!ul# set &e u' (!r ever)+ +An# &y Aunt Phili's is sure it "!ul# #! &e a $reat #eal !( $!!#%+ a##e# <itty) 6uch "ere the in# !( la&entati!ns res!un#in$ 'er'etually thr!u$h 0!n$b!urn H!use) Eli8abeth trie# t! be #iverte# by the&/ but all sense !( 'leasure "as l!st in sha&e) 6he (elt ane" the 1ustice !( ,r) Darcy;s !b1ecti!ns/ an# never ha# she be(!re been s! &uch #is'!se# t! 'ar#!n his inter(erence in the vie"s !( his (rien#) -ut the $l!!& !( 0y#ia;s 'r!s'ect "as sh!rtly cleare# a"ay/ (!r she receive# an invitati!n (r!& ,rs) >!rster% the "i(e !( the c!l!nel !( the re$i&ent% t! acc!&'any her t! -ri$ht!n) This invaluable (rien# "as a very y!un$ "!&an% an# very lately &arrie#) A rese&blance in $!!# hu&!r an# $!!# s'irits ha# rec!&&en#e# her an# 0y#ia t! each !ther% an# !ut !( their three &!nths; ac9uaintance they ha# been inti&ate t"!) The ra'ture !( 0y#ia !n this !ccasi!n% her a#!rati!n !( ,rs) >!rster% the #eli$ht !( ,rs) -ennet% an# the &!rti(icati!n !( <itty% are scarcely t! be #escribe#) 3h!lly inattentive t! her sister;s (eelin$s% 0y#ia (le" ab!ut the h!use in restless ecstasy% callin$ (!r every !ne;s c!n$ratulati!ns% an# lau$hin$ an# tal in$ "ith &!re vi!lence than ever/ "hilst the luc less <itty c!ntinue# in the 'arl!r re'inin$ at her (ate in ter&s as unreas!nable as her accent "as 'eevish) +I cann!t see "hy ,rs) >!rster sh!ul# n!t as &e as "ell as 0y#ia%+ sai# she% +th!u$h I a& n!t her 'articular (rien#) I have 1ust as &uch ri$ht t! be as e# as she has% an# &!re t!!% (!r I a& t"! years !l#er)+ In vain #i# Eli8abeth atte&'t t! &a e her reas!nable% an# Jane t! &a e her resi$ne#) As (!r Eli8abeth hersel(% this invitati!n "as s! (ar (r!& e*citin$ in her the sa&e (eelin$s as in her &!ther an# 0y#ia% that she c!nsi#ere# it as the #eath "arrant !( all '!ssibility !( c!&&!n sense (!r the latter/ an# #etestable as such a ste' &ust &a e

her "ere it n!"n% she c!ul# n!t hel' secretly a#visin$ her (ather n!t t! let her $!) 6he re'resente# t! hi& all the i&'r!'rieties !( 0y#ia;s $eneral behavi!r% the little a#vanta$e she c!ul# #erive (r!& the (rien#shi' !( such a "!&an as ,rs) >!rster% an# the 'r!bability !( her bein$ yet &!re i&'ru#ent "ith such a c!&'ani!n at -ri$ht!n% "here the te&'tati!ns &ust be $reater than at h!&e) He hear# her attentively% an# then sai#+0y#ia "ill never be easy till she has e*'!se# hersel( in s!&e 'ublic 'lace !r !ther% an# "e can never e*'ect her t! #! it "ith s! little e*'ense !r inc!nvenience t! her (a&ily as un#er the 'resent circu&stances)+ +I( y!u "ere a"are%+ sai# Eli8abeth% +!( the very $reat #isa#vanta$e t! us all "hich &ust arise (r!& the 'ublic n!tice !( 0y#ia;s un$uar#e# an# i&'ru#ent &anner- nay% "hich has alrea#y arisen (r!& it% I a& sure y!u "!ul# 1u#$e #i((erently in the a((air)+ +Alrea#y arisen.+ re'eate# ,r) -ennet) +3hat% has she (ri$htene# a"ay s!&e !( y!ur l!vers. P!!r little 0i88y5 -ut #! n!t be cast #!"n) 6uch s9uea&ish y!uths as cann!t bear t! be c!nnecte# "ith a little absur#ity are n!t "!rth a re$ret) C!&e% let &e see the list !( 'iti(ul (ell!"s "h! have been e't al!!( by 0y#ia;s (!lly)+ +In#ee# y!u are &ista en) I have n! such in1uries t! resent) It is n!t !( 'eculiar% but !( $eneral evils% "hich I a& n!" c!&'lainin$) 4ur i&'!rtance% !ur res'ectability in the "!rl# &ust be a((ecte# by the "il# v!latility% the assurance an# #is#ain !( all restraint "hich &ar 0y#ia;s character) E*cuse &e%- (!r I &ust s'ea 'lainly) I( y!u% &y #ear (ather% "ill n!t ta e the tr!uble !( chec in$ her e*uberant s'irits% an# !( teachin$ her that her 'resent 'ursuits are n!t t! be the business !( her li(e% she "ill s!!n be bey!n# the reach !( a&en#&ent) Her character "ill be (i*e#% an# she "ill% at si*teen% be the &!st #eter&ine# (lirt that ever &a#e hersel( an# her (a&ily ri#icul!us/- a (lirt% t!!% in the "!rst an# &eanest #e$ree !( (lirtati!n/ "ith!ut any attracti!n bey!n# y!uth an# a t!lerable 'ers!n/ an#% (r!& the i$n!rance an# e&'tiness !( her &in#% "h!lly unable t! "ar# !(( any '!rti!n !( that universal c!nte&'t "hich her ra$e (!r a#&irati!n "ill e*cite) In this #an$er <itty is als! c!&'rehen#e#) 6he "ill (!ll!" "herever 0y#ia lea#s) @ain% i$n!rant% i#le% an# abs!lutely unc!ntr!lle#5 4h5 &y #ear (ather% can y!u su''!se it '!ssible that they "ill n!t be censure# an# #es'ise# "herever they are n!"n% an# that their sisters "ill n!t be !(ten inv!lve# in the #is$race.+ ,r) -ennet sa" that her "h!le heart "as in the sub1ect% an# a((ecti!nately ta in$ her han#% sai# in re'ly+D! n!t &a e y!ursel( uneasy% &y l!ve) 3herever y!u an# Jane are n!"n y!u &ust be res'ecte# an# value#/ an# y!u "ill n!t a''ear t! less a#vanta$e (!r havin$ a c!u'le !(- !r I &ay say% three very silly sisters) 3e shall have n! 'eace at 0!n$b!urn i( 0y#ia #!es n!t $! t! -ri$ht!n) 0et her $!% then) C!l!nel >!rster is a sensible &an% an# "ill ee' her !ut !( any real &ischie(/ an# she is luc ily t!! '!!r t! be an !b1ect !( 'rey t! anyb!#y) At -ri$ht!n she "ill be !( less i&'!rtance even as a c!&&!n (lirt than she has been here) The !((icers "ill (in# "!&en better "!rth their n!tice) 0et us h!'e% there(!re% that her bein$ there &ay teach her her !"n

insi$ni(icance) At any rate% she cann!t $r!" &any #e$rees "!rse% "ith!ut auth!ri8in$ us t! l!c her u' (!r the rest !( her li(e)+ 3ith this ans"er Eli8abeth "as (!rce# t! be c!ntent/ but her !"n !'ini!n c!ntinue# the sa&e% an# she le(t hi& #isa''!inte# an# s!rry) It "as n!t in her nature% h!"ever% t! increase her ve*ati!ns by #"ellin$ !n the&) 6he "as c!n(i#ent !( havin$ 'er(!r&e# her #uty% an# t! (ret !ver unav!i#able evils% !r au$&ent the& by an*iety% "as n! 'art !( her #is'!siti!n) Ha# 0y#ia an# her &!ther n!"n the substance !( her c!n(erence "ith her (ather% their in#i$nati!n "!ul# har#ly have (!un# e*'ressi!n in their unite# v!lubility) In 0y#ia;s i&a$inati!n% a visit t! -ri$ht!n c!&'rise# every '!ssibility !( earthly ha''iness) 6he sa"% "ith the creative eye !( (ancy% the streets !( that $ay bathin$-'lace c!vere# "ith !((icers) 6he sa" hersel( the !b1ect !( attenti!n t! tens an# t! sc!res !( the& at 'resent un n!"n) 6he sa" all the $l!ries !( the ca&'- its tents stretche# (!rth in beaute!us uni(!r&ity !( lines% cr!"#e# "ith the y!un$ an# the $ay% an# #a88lin$ "ith scarlet/ an#% t! c!&'lete the vie"% she sa" hersel( seate# beneath a tent% ten#erly (lirtin$ "ith at least si* !((icers at !nce) Ha# she n!"n that her sister s!u$ht t! tear her (r!& such 'r!s'ects an# such realities as these% "hat "!ul# have been her sensati!ns. They c!ul# have been un#erst!!# !nly by her &!ther% "h! &i$ht have (elt nearly the sa&e) 0y#ia;s $!in$ t! -ri$ht!n "as all that c!ns!le# her (!r her &elanch!ly c!nvicti!n !( her husban#;s never inten#in$ t! $! there hi&sel() -ut they "ere entirely i$n!rant !( "hat ha# 'asse#/ an# their ra'tures c!ntinue#% "ith little inter&issi!n% t! the very #ay !( 0y#ia;s leavin$ h!&e) Eli8abeth "as n!" t! see ,r) 3ic ha& (!r the last ti&e) Havin$ been (re9uently in c!&'any "ith hi& since her return% a$itati!n "as 'retty "ell !ver/ the a$itati!ns !( (!r&er 'artiality entirely s!) 6he ha# even learnt t! #etect% in the very $entleness "hich ha# (irst #eli$hte# her% an a((ectati!n an# a sa&eness t! #is$ust an# "eary) In his 'resent behavi!r t! hersel(% &!re!ver% she ha# a (resh s!urce !( #is'leasure% (!r the inclinati!n he s!!n testi(ie# !( rene"in$ th!se attenti!ns "hich ha# &ar e# the early 'art !( their ac9uaintance c!ul# !nly serve% a(ter "hat ha# since 'asse#% t! 'r!v! e her) 6he l!st all c!ncern (!r hi& in (in#in$ hersel( thus selecte# as the !b1ect !( such i#le an# (riv!l!us $allantry/ an# "hile she stea#ily re'resse# it% c!ul# n!t but (eel the re'r!!( c!ntaine# in his believin$% that h!"ever l!n$% an# (!r "hatever cause% his attenti!ns ha# been "ith#ra"n% her vanity "!ul# be $rati(ie#% an# her 're(erence secure# at any ti&e by their rene"al) 4n the very last #ay !( the re$i&ent;s re&ainin$ at ,eryt!n% he #ine#% "ith !thers !( the !((icers% at 0!n$b!urn/ an# s! little "as Eli8abeth #is'!se# t! 'art (r!& hi& in $!!# hu&!r% that !n his &a in$ s!&e in9uiry as t! the &anner in "hich her ti&e ha# 'asse# at Huns(!r#% she &enti!ne# C!l!nel >it8"illia&;s an# ,r) Darcy;s havin$ b!th s'ent three "ee s at R!sin$s% an# as e# hi& i( he "as ac9uainte# "ith the (!r&er) He l!! e# sur'rise#% #is'lease#% alar&e#/ but "ith a &!&ent;s

rec!llecti!n an# a returnin$ s&ile% re'lie#% that he ha# (!r&erly seen hi& !(ten/ an#% a(ter !bservin$ that he "as a very $entle&anli e &an% as e# her h!" she ha# li e# hi&) Her ans"er "as "ar&ly in his (av!r) 3ith an air !( in#i((erence he s!!n a(ter"ar#s a##e#+H!" l!n$ #i# y!u say that he "as at R!sin$s.+ +Nearly three "ee s)+ +An# y!u sa" hi& (re9uently.+ +2es% al&!st every #ay)+ +His &anners are very #i((erent (r!& his c!usin;s)+ +2es% very #i((erent) -ut I thin ,r) Darcy i&'r!ves !n ac9uaintance)+ +In#ee#5+ crie# 3ic ha&% "ith a l!! "hich #i# n!t esca'e her) +An# 'ray% &ay I as .+- -ut chec in$ hi&sel(% he a##e#% in a $ayer t!ne% +Is it in a##ress that he i&'r!ves. Has he #ei$ne# t! a## au$ht !( civility t! his !r#inary style.- (!r I #are n!t h!'e%+ he c!ntinue# in a l!"er an# &!re seri!us t!ne% +that he is i&'r!ve# in essentials)+ +4h% n!5+ sai# Eli8abeth) +In essentials% I believe% he is very &uch "hat he ever "as)+ 3hile she s'! e% 3ic ha& l!! e# as i( scarcely n!"in$ "hether t! re1!ice !ver her "!r#s% !r t! #istrust their &eanin$) There "as a s!&ethin$ in her c!untenance "hich &a#e hi& listen "ith an a''rehensive an# an*i!us attenti!n% "hile she a##e#+3hen I sai# that he i&'r!ve# !n ac9uaintance% I #i# n!t &ean that either his &in# !r &anners "ere in a state !( i&'r!ve&ent% but that% (r!& n!"in$ hi& better% his #is'!siti!n "as better un#erst!!#)+ 3ic ha&;s alar& n!" a''eare# in a hei$htene# c!&'le*i!n an# a$itate# l!! / (!r a (e" &inutes he "as silent% till% sha in$ !(( his e&barrass&ent% he turne# t! her a$ain% an# sai# in the $entlest !( accents+2!u% "h! s! "ell n!" &y (eelin$s t!"ar#s ,r) Darcy% "ill rea#ily c!&'rehen# h!" sincerely I &ust re1!ice that he is "ise en!u$h t! assu&e even the a''earance !( "hat is ri$ht) His 'ri#e% in that #irecti!n% &ay be !( service% i( n!t t! hi&sel(% t! &any !thers% (!r it &ust #eter hi& (r!& such (!ul &isc!n#uct as I have su((ere# by) I !nly (ear that the s!rt !( cauti!usness t! "hich y!u% I i&a$ine% have been allu#in$% is &erely a#!'te# !n his visits t! his aunt% !( "h!se $!!# !'ini!n an# 1u#$&ent he stan#s &uch in a"e) His (ear !( her has al"ays !'erate#% I n!"% "hen they "ere t!$ether/ an# a $!!# #eal is t! be i&'ute# t! his "ish !( (!r"ar#in$ the &atch "ith ,iss #e -!ur$h% "hich I a& certain he has very &uch at heart)+ Eli8abeth c!ul# n!t re'ress a s&ile at this% but she ans"ere# !nly by a sli$ht inclinati!n !( the hea#) 6he sa" that he "ante# t! en$a$e her !n the !l# sub1ect !( his $rievances% an# she "as in n! hu&!r t! in#ul$e hi&) The rest !( the evenin$ 'asse# "ith the a''earance% !n his si#e% !( usual cheer(ulness% but "ith n! (urther atte&'t t! #istin$uish Eli8abeth/ an# they 'arte# at last "ith &utual civility% an# '!ssibly a &utual #esire !( never &eetin$ a$ain) 3hen the 'arty br! e u'% 0y#ia returne# "ith ,rs) >!rster t! ,eryt!n% (r!& "hence they "ere t! set !ut early the ne*t &!rnin$) The se'arati!n bet"een her an# her (a&ily "as rather n!isy than 'athetic) <itty "as the !nly !ne "h! she# tears/ but she #i# "ee' (r!&

ve*ati!n an# envy) ,rs) -ennet "as #i((use in her $!!# "ishes (!r the (elicity !( her #au$hter% an# i&'ressive in her in1uncti!ns that she "!ul# n!t &iss the !''!rtunity !( en1!yin$ hersel( as &uch as '!ssible- a#vice "hich there "as every reas!n t! believe "!ul# be atten#e# t!/ an# in the cla&!r!us ha''iness !( 0y#ia hersel( in bi##in$ (are"ell% the &!re $entle a#ieus !( her sisters "ere uttere# "ith!ut bein$ hear#) CHAPTER:B0II CHAPTER B0II HAD Eli8abeth;s !'ini!n been all #ra"n (r!& her !"n (a&ily% she c!ul# n!t have (!r&e# a very 'leasin$ 'icture !( c!n1u$al (elicity !r #!&estic c!&(!rt) Her (ather% ca'tivate# by y!uth an# beauty% an# that a''earance !( $!!# hu&!r "hich y!uth an# beauty $enerally $ive% ha# &arrie# a "!&an "h!se "ea un#erstan#in$ an# illiberal &in# ha# very early in their &arria$e 'ut an en# t! all real a((ecti!n (!r her) Res'ect% estee&% an# c!n(i#ence ha# vanishe# (!r ever/ an# all his vie"s !( #!&estic ha''iness "ere !verthr!"n) -ut ,r) -ennet "as n!t !( a #is'!siti!n t! see c!&(!rt (!r the #isa''!int&ent "hich his !"n i&'ru#ence ha# br!u$ht !n% in any !( th!se 'leasures "hich t!! !(ten c!ns!le the un(!rtunate (!r their (!lly !r their vice) He "as (!n# !( the c!untry an# !( b!! s/ an# (r!& these tastes ha# arisen his 'rinci'al en1!y&ents) T! his "i(e he "as very little !ther"ise in#ebte#% than as her i$n!rance an# (!lly ha# c!ntribute# t! his a&use&ent) This is n!t the s!rt !( ha''iness "hich a &an "!ul# in $eneral "ish t! !"e t! his "i(e/ but "here !ther '!"ers !( entertain&ent are "antin$% the true 'hil!s!'her "ill #erive bene(it (r!& such as are $iven) Eli8abeth% h!"ever% ha# never been blin# t! the i&'r!'riety !( her (ather;s behavi!r as a husban#) 6he ha# al"ays seen it "ith 'ain/ but res'ectin$ his abilities% an# $rate(ul (!r his a((ecti!nate treat&ent !( hersel(% she en#eav!re# t! (!r$et "hat she c!ul# n!t !verl!! % an# t! banish (r!& her th!u$hts that c!ntinual breach !( c!n1u$al !bli$ati!n an# #ec!ru& "hich% in e*'!sin$ his "i(e t! the c!nte&'t !( her !"n chil#ren% "as s! hi$hly re'rehensible) -ut she ha# never (elt s! str!n$ly as n!" the #isa#vanta$es "hich &ust atten# the chil#ren !( s! unsuitable a &arria$e% n!r ever been s! (ully a"are !( the evils arisin$ (r!& s! ill-1u#$e# a #irecti!n !( talents/ talents "hich% ri$htly use#% &i$ht at least have 'reserve# the res'ectability !( his #au$hters% even i( inca'able !( enlar$in$ the &in# !( his "i(e) 3hen Eli8abeth ha# re1!ice# !ver 3ic ha&;s #e'arture% she (!un# little !ther cause (!r satis(acti!n in the l!ss !( the re$i&ent) Their 'arties abr!a# "ere less varie# than be(!re% an# at h!&e she ha# a &!ther an# sister "h!se c!nstant re'inin$s at the #ullness !( everythin$ ar!un# the& thre" a real $l!!& !ver their #!&estic circle/ an#% th!u$h <itty &i$ht in ti&e re$ain her natural #e$ree !( sense% since the #isturbers !( her brain "ere re&!ve#% her !ther sister% (r!& "h!se #is'!siti!n $reater evil &i$ht be a''rehen#e#% "as li ely t! be har#ene# in all her (!lly an# assurance by a situati!n !( such #!uble #an$er as a "aterin$-'lace an# a ca&') U'!n

the "h!le% there(!re% she (!un#% "hat has been s!&eti&es (!un# be(!re% that an event t! "hich she ha# l!! e# (!r"ar# "ith i&'atient #esire #i# n!t% in ta in$ 'lace% brin$ all the satis(acti!n she ha# 'r!&ise# hersel() It "as c!nse9uently necessary t! na&e s!&e !ther 'eri!# (!r the c!&&ence&ent !( actual (elicity- t! have s!&e !ther '!int !n "hich her "ishes an# h!'es &i$ht be (i*e#% an# by a$ain en1!yin$ the 'leasure !( antici'ati!n% c!ns!le hersel( (!r the 'resent% an# 're'are (!r an!ther #isa''!int&ent) Her t!ur t! the 0a es "as n!" the !b1ect !( her ha''iest th!u$hts/ it "as her best c!ns!lati!n (!r all the unc!&(!rtable h!urs "hich the #isc!ntente#ness !( her &!ther an# <itty &a#e inevitable/ an# c!ul# she have inclu#e# Jane in the sche&e% every 'art !( it "!ul# have been 'er(ect) +-ut it is (!rtunate%+ th!u$ht she% +that I have s!&ethin$ t! "ish (!r) 3ere the "h!le arran$e&ent c!&'lete% &y #isa''!int&ent "!ul# be certain) -ut here% &y carryin$ "ith &e !ne ceaseless s!urce !( re$ret in &y sister;s absence% I &ay reas!nably h!'e t! have all &y e*'ectati!ns !( 'leasure reali8e#) A sche&e !( "hich every 'art 'r!&ises #eli$ht can never be success(ul/ an# the $eneral #isa''!int&ent is !nly "ar#e# !(( by the #e(ense !( s!&e little 'eculiar ve*ati!n)+ 3hen 0y#ia "ent a"ay% she 'r!&ise# t! "rite very !(ten an# very &inutely t! her &!ther an# <itty/ but her letters "ere al"ays l!n$ e*'ecte#% an# al"ays very sh!rt) Th!se t! her &!ther c!ntaine# little else than that they "ere 1ust returne# (r!& the library% "here such an# such !((icers ha# atten#e# the&% an# "here she ha# seen such beauti(ul !rna&ents as &a#e her 9uite "il#/ that she ha# a ne" $!"n% !r a ne" 'aras!l% "hich she "!ul# have #escribe# &!re (ully% but "as !bli$e# t! leave !(( in a vi!lent hurry% as ,rs) >!rster calle# her% an# they "ere $!in$ t! the ca&'/ an# (r!& her c!rres'!n#ence "ith her sister there "as still less t! be learnt- (!r her letters t! <itty% th!u$h rather l!n$er% "ere &uch t!! (ull !( lines un#er the "!r#s t! be &a#e 'ublic) A(ter the (irst (!rtni$ht !r three "ee s !( her absence% health% $!!# hu&!r% an# cheer(ulness be$an t! rea''ear at 0!n$b!urn) Everythin$ "!re a ha''ier as'ect) The (a&ilies "h! ha# been in t!"n (!r the "inter ca&e bac a$ain% an# su&&er (inery an# su&&er en$a$e&ents ar!se) ,rs) -ennet "as rest!re# t! her usual 9uerul!us serenity/ an#% by the &i##le !( June% <itty "as s! &uch rec!vere# as t! be able t! enter ,eryt!n "ith!ut tears/ an event !( such ha''y 'r!&ise as t! &a e Eli8abeth h!'e that by the (!ll!"in$ Christ&as she &i$ht be s! t!lerably reas!nable as n!t t! &enti!n an !((icer ab!ve !nce a #ay% unless% by s!&e cruel an# &alici!us arran$e&ent at the 3ar 4((ice% an!ther re$i&ent sh!ul# be 9uartere# in ,eryt!n) The ti&e (i*e# (!r the be$innin$ !( their n!rthern t!ur "as n!" (ast a''r!achin$% an# a (!rtni$ht !nly "as "antin$ !( it% "hen a letter arrive# (r!& ,rs) ?ar#iner% "hich at !nce #elaye# its c!&&ence&ent an# curtaile# its e*tent) ,r) ?ar#iner "!ul# be 'revente# by business (r!& settin$ !ut till a (!rtni$ht later in July% an# &ust be in 0!n#!n a$ain "ithin a &!nth/ an# as that le(t t!! sh!rt a 'eri!# (!r the& t! $! s! (ar% an# see s! &uch as they ha# 'r!'!se#% !r at least t! see it "ith the leisure an# c!&(!rt they ha# built !n% they "ere !bli$e# t! $ive u' the 0a es% an# substitute a &!re c!ntracte# t!ur% an#%

acc!r#in$ t! the 'resent 'lan% "ere t! $! n! (arther n!rth"ar# than Derbyshire) In that c!unty there "as en!u$h t! be seen t! !ccu'y the chie( !( their three "ee s/ an# t! ,rs) ?ar#iner it ha# a 'eculiarly str!n$ attracti!n) The t!"n "here she ha# (!r&erly 'asse# s!&e years !( her li(e% an# "here they "ere n!" t! s'en# a (e" #ays% "as 'r!bably as $reat an !b1ect !( her curi!sity as all the celebrate# beauties !( ,atl!c % Chats"!rth% D!ve#ale% !r the Pea ) Eli8abeth "as e*cessively #isa''!inte#/ she ha# set her heart !n seein$ the 0a es% an# still th!u$ht there &i$ht have been ti&e en!u$h) -ut it "as her business t! be satis(ie#- an# certainly her te&'er t! be ha''y/ an# all "as s!!n ri$ht a$ain) 3ith the &enti!n !( Derbyshire there "ere &any i#eas c!nnecte#) It "as i&'!ssible (!r her t! see the "!r# "ith!ut thin in$ !( Pe&berley an# its !"ner) +-ut surely%+ sai# she% +I &ay enter his c!unty "ith i&'unity% an# r!b it !( a (e" 'etri(ie# s'ars "ith!ut his 'erceivin$ &e)+ The 'eri!# !( e*'ectati!n "as n!" #!uble#) >!ur "ee s "ere t! 'ass a"ay be(!re her uncle an# aunt;s arrival) -ut they #i# 'ass a"ay% an# ,r) an# ,rs) ?ar#iner% "ith their (!ur chil#ren% #i# at len$th a''ear at 0!n$b!urn) The chil#ren% t"! $irls !( si* an# ei$ht years !l#% an# t"! y!un$er b!ys% "ere t! be le(t un#er the 'articular care !( their c!usin Jane% "h! "as the $eneral (av!rite% an# "h!se stea#y sense an# s"eetness !( te&'er e*actly a#a'te# her (!r atten#in$ t! the& in every "ay- teachin$ the&% 'layin$ "ith the&% an# l!vin$ the&) The ?ar#iners staye# !nly !ne ni$ht at 0!n$b!urn% an# set !(( the ne*t &!rnin$ "ith Eli8abeth in 'ursuit !( n!velty an# a&use&ent) 4ne en1!y&ent "as certain- that !( suitableness as c!&'ani!ns/ a suitableness "hich c!&'rehen#e# health an# te&'er t! bear inc!nveniences- cheer(ulness t! enhance every 'leasure- an# a((ecti!n an# intelli$ence% "hich &i$ht su''ly it a&!n$ the&selves i( there "ere #isa''!int&ents abr!a#) It is n!t the !b1ect !( this "!r t! $ive a #escri'ti!n !( Derbyshire% n!r !( any !( the re&ar able 'laces thr!u$h "hich their r!ute thither lay/ 4*(!r#% -lenhei&% 3ar"ic % <enil"!rth% -ir&in$ha&% =c)% are su((iciently n!"n) A s&all 'art !( Derbyshire is all the 'resent c!ncern) T! the little t!"n !( 0a&bt!n% the scene !( ,rs) ?ar#iner;s (!r&er resi#ence% an# "here she ha# lately learne# that s!&e ac9uaintance still re&aine#% they bent their ste's% a(ter havin$ seen all the 'rinci'al "!n#ers !( the c!untry/ an# "ithin (ive &iles !( 0a&bt!n% Eli8abeth (!un# (r!& her aunt that Pe&berley "as situate#) It "as n!t in their #irect r!a#% n!r &!re than a &ile !r t"! !ut !( it) In tal in$ !ver their r!ute the evenin$ be(!re% ,rs) ?ar#iner e*'resse# an inclinati!n t! see the 'lace a$ain) ,r) ?ar#iner #eclare# his "illin$ness% an# Eli8abeth "as a''lie# t! (!r her a''r!bati!n) +,y l!ve% sh!ul# n!t y!u li e t! see a 'lace !( "hich y!u have hear# s! &uch.+ sai# her aunt/ +a 'lace% t!!% "ith "hich s! &any !( y!ur ac9uaintance are c!nnecte#) 3ic ha& 'asse# all his y!uth there% y!u n!")+ Eli8abeth "as #istresse#) 6he (elt that she ha# n! business at Pe&berley% an# "as !bli$e# t! assu&e a #isinclinati!n (!r seein$ it) 6he &ust !"n that she "as tire# !( $reat h!uses/ a(ter $!in$ !ver s!

&any% she really ha# n! 'leasure in (ine car'ets !r satin curtains) ,rs) ?ar#iner abuse# her stu'i#ity) +I( it "ere &erely a (ine h!use richly (urnishe#%+ sai# she% +I sh!ul# n!t care ab!ut it &ysel(/ but the $r!un#s are #eli$ht(ul) They have s!&e !( the (inest "!!#s in the c!untry)+ Eli8abeth sai# n! &!re- but her &in# c!ul# n!t ac9uiesce) The '!ssibility !( &eetin$ ,r) Darcy% "hile vie"in$ the 'lace% instantly !ccurre#) It "!ul# be #rea#(ul5 6he blushe# at the very i#ea% an# th!u$ht it "!ul# be better t! s'ea !'enly t! her aunt than t! run such a ris ) -ut a$ainst this there "ere !b1ecti!ns/ an# she (inally res!lve# that it c!ul# be the last res!urce% i( her 'rivate in9uiries as t! the absence !( the (a&ily "ere un(av!rably ans"ere#) Acc!r#in$ly% "hen she retire# at ni$ht% she as e# the cha&ber&ai# "hether Pe&berley "ere n!t a very (ine 'lace% "hat "as the na&e !( its 'r!'riet!r% an#% "ith n! little alar&% "hether the (a&ily "ere #!"n (!r the su&&er) A &!st "elc!&e ne$ative (!ll!"e# the last 9uesti!nan# her alar&s bein$ n!" re&!ve#% she "as at leisure t! (eel a $reat #eal !( curi!sity t! see the h!use hersel(/ an# "hen the sub1ect "as revive# the ne*t &!rnin$% an# she "as a$ain a''lie# t!% c!ul# rea#ily ans"er% an# "ith a 'r!'er air !( in#i((erence% that she ha# n!t really any #isli e t! the sche&e)- T! Pe&berley% there(!re% they "ere t! $!) CHAPTER:B0III CHAPTER B0III E0IAA-ETH% as they #r!ve al!n$% "atche# (!r the (irst a''earance !( Pe&berley 3!!#s "ith s!&e 'erturbati!n/ an# "hen at len$th they turne# in at the l!#$e% her s'irits "ere in a hi$h (lutter) The 'ar "as very lar$e% an# c!ntaine# $reat variety !( $r!un#) They entere# it in !ne !( its l!"est '!ints% an# #r!ve (!r s!&e ti&e thr!u$h a beauti(ul "!!# stretchin$ !ver a "i#e e*tent) Eli8abeth;s &in# "as t!! (ull (!r c!nversati!n% but she sa" an# a#&ire# every re&ar able s'!t an# '!int !( vie") They $ra#ually ascen#e# (!r hal(-a-&ile% an# then (!un# the&selves at the t!' !( a c!nsi#erable e&inence% "here the "!!# cease#% an# the eye "as instantly cau$ht by Pe&berley H!use% situate# !n the !''!site si#e !( a valley% int! "hich the r!a# "ith s!&e abru'tness "!un#) It "as a lar$e% han#s!&e st!ne buil#in$% stan#in$ "ell !n risin$ $r!un#% an# bac e# by a ri#$e !( hi$h "!!#y hills/ an# in (r!nt% a strea& !( s!&e natural i&'!rtance "as s"elle# int! $reater% but "ith!ut any arti(icial a''earance) Its ban s "ere neither (!r&al n!r (alsely a#!rne#) Eli8abeth "as #eli$hte#) 6he ha# never seen a 'lace (!r "hich nature ha# #!ne &!re% !r "here natural beauty ha# been s! little c!unteracte# by an a" "ar# taste) They "ere all !( the& "ar& in their a#&irati!n/ an# at that &!&ent she (elt that t! be &istress !( Pe&berley &i$ht be s!&ethin$5 They #escen#e# the hill% cr!sse# the bri#$e% an# #r!ve t! the #!!r/ an#% "hile e*a&inin$ the nearer as'ect !( the h!use% all her a''rehensi!n !( &eetin$ its !"ner returne#) 6he #rea#e# lest the cha&ber&ai# ha# been &ista en) 4n a''lyin$ t! see the 'lace% they "ere a#&itte# int! the hall/ an# Eli8abeth% as they "aite# (!r the

h!use ee'er% ha# leisure t! "!n#er at her bein$ "here she "as) The h!use ee'er ca&e/ a res'ectable-l!! in$ el#erly "!&an% &uch less (ine% an# &!re civil% than she ha# any n!ti!n !( (in#in$ her) They (!ll!"e# her int! the #inin$-'arl!r) It "as a lar$e% "ell-'r!'!rti!ne# r!!&% han#s!&ely (itte# u') Eli8abeth% a(ter sli$htly surveyin$ it% "ent t! a "in#!" t! en1!y its 'r!s'ect) The hill% cr!"ne# "ith "!!#% (r!& "hich they ha# #escen#e#% receivin$ increase# abru'tness (r!& the #istance% "as a beauti(ul !b1ect) Every #is'!siti!n !( the $r!un# "as $!!#/ an# she l!! e# !n the "h!le scene% the river% the trees scattere# !n its ban s% an# the "in#in$ !( the valley% as (ar as she c!ul# trace it% "ith #eli$ht) As they 'asse# int! !ther r!!&s these !b1ects "ere ta in$ #i((erent '!siti!ns/ but (r!& every "in#!" there "ere beauties t! be seen) The r!!&s "ere l!(ty an# han#s!&e% an# their (urniture suitable t! the (!rtune !( their 'r!'riet!r/ but Eli8abeth sa"% "ith a#&irati!n !( his taste% that it "as neither $au#y n!r uselessly (ine/ "ith less !( s'len#!r% an# &!re real ele$ance% than the (urniture !( R!sin$s) +An# !( this 'lace%+ th!u$ht she% +I &i$ht have been &istress5 3ith these r!!&s I &i$ht n!" have been (a&iliarly ac9uainte#5 Instea# !( vie"in$ the& as a stran$er% I &i$ht have re1!ice# in the& as &y !"n% an# "elc!&e# t! the& as visit!rs &y uncle an# aunt)- -ut n!%+- rec!llectin$ hersel(%- +that c!ul# never be/ &y uncle an# aunt "!ul# have been l!st t! &e/ I sh!ul# n!t have been all!"e# t! invite the&)+ This "as a luc y rec!llecti!n- it save# her (r!& s!&ethin$ li e re$ret) 6he l!n$e# t! in9uire !( the h!use ee'er "hether her &aster "as really absent% but ha# n!t c!ura$e (!r it) At len$th% h!"ever% the 9uesti!n "as as e# by her uncle/ an# she turne# a"ay "ith alar&% "hile ,rs) Reyn!l#s re'lie# that he "as% a##in$% +-ut "e e*'ect hi& t!-&!rr!"% "ith a lar$e 'arty !( (rien#s)+ H!" re1!ice# "as Eli8abeth that their !"n 1!urney ha# n!t by any circu&stance been #elaye# a #ay5 Her aunt n!" calle# her t! l!! at a 'icture) 6he a''r!ache# an# sa" the li eness !( ,r) 3ic ha& sus'en#e#% a&!n$st several !ther &iniatures% !ver the &antel'iece) Her aunt as e# her% s&ilin$ly% h!" she li e# it) The h!use ee'er ca&e (!r"ar#% an# t!l# the& it "as the 'icture !( a y!un$ $entle&an% the s!n !( her late &aster;s ste"ar#% "h! ha# been br!u$ht u' by hi& at his !"n e*'ense) +He is n!" $!ne int! the ar&y%+ she a##e#/ +but I a& a(rai# he has turne# !ut very "il#)+ ,rs) ?ar#iner l!! e# at her niece "ith a s&ile% but Eli8abeth c!ul# n!t return it) +An# that%+ sai# ,rs) Reyn!l#s% '!intin$ t! an!ther !( the &iniatures% +is &y &aster- an# very li e hi&) It "as #ra"n at the sa&e ti&e as the !ther- ab!ut ei$ht years a$!)+ +I have hear# &uch !( y!ur &aster;s (ine 'ers!n%+ sai# ,rs) ?ar#iner% l!! in$ at the 'icture/ +it is a han#s!&e (ace) -ut% 0i88y% y!u can tell us "hether it is li e !r n!t)+ ,rs) Reyn!l#s;s res'ect (!r Eli8abeth see&e# t! increase !n this inti&ati!n !( her n!"in$ her &aster) +D!es that y!un$ la#y n!" ,r) Darcy.+

Eli8abeth c!l!re#% an# sai#- +A little)+ +An# #! n!t y!u thin hi& a very han#s!&e $entle&an% &a;a&.+ +2es% very han#s!&e)+ +I a& sure I n!" n!ne s! han#s!&e/ but in the $allery u'stairs y!u "ill see a (iner% lar$er 'icture !( hi& than this) This r!!& "as &y late &aster;s (av!rite r!!&% an# these &iniatures are 1ust as they use# t! be then) He "as very (!n# !( the&)+ This acc!unte# t! Eli8abeth (!r ,r) 3ic ha&;s bein$ a&!n$ the&) ,rs) Reyn!l#s then #irecte# their attenti!n t! !ne !( ,iss Darcy% #ra"n "hen she "as !nly ei$ht years !l#) +An# is ,iss Darcy as han#s!&e as her br!ther.+ sai# ,r) ?ar#iner) +4h5 yes- the han#s!&est y!un$ la#y that ever "as seen/ an# s! acc!&'lishe#5- 6he 'lays an# sin$s all #ay l!n$) In the ne*t r!!& is a ne" instru&ent 1ust c!&e #!"n (!r her- a 'resent (r!& &y &aster/ she c!&es here t!-&!rr!" "ith hi&)+ ,r) ?ar#iner% "h!se &anners "ere easy an# 'leasant% enc!ura$e# her c!&&unicativeness by his 9uesti!ns an# re&ar s7 ,rs) Reyn!l#s% either (r!& 'ri#e !r attach&ent% ha# evi#ently $reat 'leasure in tal in$ !( her &aster an# his sister) +Is y!ur &aster &uch at Pe&berley in the c!urse !( the year.+ +N!t s! &uch as I c!ul# "ish% sir/ but I #are say he &ay s'en# hal( his ti&e here/ an# ,iss Darcy is al"ays #!"n (!r the su&&er &!nths)+ +E*ce't%+ th!u$ht Eli8abeth% +"hen she $!es t! Ra&s$ate)+ +I( y!ur &aster "!ul# &arry% y!u &i$ht see &!re !( hi&)+ +2es% sir/ but I #! n!t n!" "hen that "ill be) I #! n!t n!" "h! is $!!# en!u$h (!r hi&)+ ,r) an# ,rs) ?ar#iner s&ile#) Eli8abeth c!ul# n!t hel' sayin$% +It is very &uch t! his cre#it% I a& sure% that y!u sh!ul# thin s!)+ +I say n! &!re than the truth% an# "hat everyb!#y "ill say that n!"s hi&%+ re'lie# the !ther) Eli8abeth th!u$ht this "as $!in$ 'retty (ar/ an# she listene# "ith increasin$ ast!nish&ent as the h!use ee'er a##e#% +I have never ha# a cr!ss "!r# (r!& hi& in &y li(e% an# I have n!"n hi& ever since he "as (!ur years !l#)+ This "as 'raise% !( all !thers &!st e*tra!r#inary% &!st !''!site t! her i#eas) That he "as n!t a $!!#-te&'ere# &an ha# been her (ir&est !'ini!n) Her eenest attenti!n "as a"a ene#/ she l!n$e# t! hear &!re% an# "as $rate(ul t! her uncle (!r sayin$+There are very (e" 'e!'le !( "h!& s! &uch can be sai#) 2!u are luc y in havin$ such a &aster)+ +2es% sir% I n!" I a&) I( I "ere t! $! thr!u$h the "!rl#% I c!ul# n!t &eet "ith a better) -ut I have al"ays !bserve#% that they "h! are $!!#-nature# "hen chil#ren% are $!!#-nature# "hen they $r!" u'/ an# he "as al"ays the s"eetest-te&'ere#% &!st $ener!us-hearte# b!y in the "!rl#)+ Eli8abeth al&!st stare# at her) +Can this be ,r) Darcy.+ th!u$ht she) +His (ather "as an e*cellent &an%+ sai# ,rs) ?ar#iner) +2es% &a;a&% that he "as in#ee#/ an# his s!n "ill be 1ust li e hi&- 1ust as a((able t! the '!!r)+ Eli8abeth listene#% "!n#ere#% #!ubte#% an# "as i&'atient (!r &!re) ,rs) Reyn!l#s c!ul# interest her !n n! !ther '!int) 6he relate# the

sub1ects !( the 'ictures% the #i&ensi!ns !( the r!!&s% an# the 'rice !( the (urniture% in vain) ,r) ?ar#iner% hi$hly a&use# by the in# !( (a&ily 're1u#ice t! "hich he attribute# her e*cessive c!&&en#ati!n !( her &aster% s!!n le# a$ain t! the sub1ect/ an# she #"elt "ith ener$y !n his &any &erits as they 'r!cee#e# t!$ether u' the $reat staircase) +He is the best lan#l!r#% an# the best &aster%+ sai# she% +that ever live#/ n!t li e the "il# y!un$ &en n!"-a-#ays% "h! thin !( n!thin$ but the&selves) There is n!t !ne !( his tenants !r servants but "hat "ill $ive hi& a $!!# na&e) 6!&e 'e!'le call hi& 'r!u#/ but I a& sure I never sa" anythin$ !( it) T! &y (ancy% it is !nly because he #!es n!t rattle a"ay li e !ther y!un$ &en)+ +In "hat an a&iable li$ht #!es this 'lace hi&.+ th!u$ht Eli8abeth) +This (ine acc!unt !( hi&%+ "his'ere# her aunt as they "al e#% +is n!t 9uite c!nsistent "ith his behavi!r t! !ur '!!r (rien#)+ +Perha's "e &i$ht be #eceive#)+ +That is n!t very li ely/ !ur auth!rity "as t!! $!!#)+ 4n reachin$ the s'aci!us l!bby ab!ve they "ere sh!"n int! a very 'retty sittin$-r!!&% lately (itte# u' "ith $reater ele$ance an# li$htness than the a'art&ents bel!"/ an# "ere in(!r&e# that it "as but 1ust #!ne t! $ive 'leasure t! ,iss Darcy% "h! ha# ta en a li in$ t! the r!!& "hen last at Pe&berley) +He is certainly a $!!# br!ther%+ sai# Eli8abeth% as she "al e# t!"ar#s !ne !( the "in#!"s) ,rs) Reyn!l#s antici'ate# ,iss Darcy;s #eli$ht% "hen she sh!ul# enter the r!!&) +An# this is al"ays the "ay "ith hi&%+ she a##e#) +3hatever can $ive his sister any 'leasure is sure t! be #!ne in a &!&ent) There is n!thin$ he "!ul# n!t #! (!r her)+ The 'icture-$allery% an# t"! !r three !( the 'rinci'al be#r!!&s% "ere all that re&aine# t! be sh!"n) In the (!r&er "ere &any $!!# 'aintin$s/ but Eli8abeth ne" n!thin$ !( the art7 an# (r!& such as ha# been alrea#y visible bel!"% she ha# "illin$ly turne# t! l!! at s!&e #ra"in$s !( ,iss Darcy;s% in cray!ns% "h!se sub1ects "ere usually &!re interestin$% an# als! &!re intelli$ible) In the $allery there "ere &any (a&ily '!rtraits% but they c!ul# have little t! (i* the attenti!n !( a stran$er) Eli8abeth "al e# !n in 9uest !( the !nly (ace "h!se (eatures "!ul# be n!"n t! her) At last it arreste# her- an# she behel# a stri in$ rese&blance !( ,r) Darcy% "ith such a s&ile !ver the (ace as she re&e&bere# t! have s!&eti&es seen "hen he l!! e# at her) 6he st!!# several &inutes be(!re the 'icture% in earnest c!nte&'lati!n% an# returne# t! it a$ain be(!re they 9uitte# the $allery) ,rs) Reyn!l#s in(!r&e# the& that it ha# been ta en in his (ather;s li(eti&e) There "as certainly at this &!&ent% in Eli8abeth;s &in#% a &!re $entle sensati!n t!"ar#s the !ri$inal than she ha# ever (elt in the hei$ht !( their ac9uaintance) The c!&&en#ati!n best!"e# !n hi& by ,rs) Reyn!l#s "as !( n! tri(lin$ nature) 3hat 'raise is &!re valuable than the 'raise !( an intelli$ent servant. As a br!ther% a lan#l!r#% a &aster% she c!nsi#ere# h!" &any 'e!'le;s ha''iness "ere in his $uar#ianshi'5- h!" &uch !( 'leasure !r 'ain it "as in his '!"er t! best!"5- h!" &uch !( $!!# !r evil &ust be #!ne by hi&5 Every i#ea that ha# been br!u$ht (!r"ar# by the h!use ee'er "as (av!rable t! his

character% an# as she st!!# be(!re the canvas !n "hich he "as re'resente#% an# (i*e# his eyes u'!n hersel(% she th!u$ht !( his re$ar# "ith a #ee'er senti&ent !( $ratitu#e than it ha# ever raise# be(!re/ she re&e&bere# its "ar&th% an# s!(tene# its i&'r!'riety !( e*'ressi!n) 3hen all !( the h!use that "as !'en t! $eneral ins'ecti!n ha# been seen% they returne# #!"nstairs% an#% ta in$ leave !( the h!use ee'er% "ere c!nsi$ne# !ver t! the $ar#ener% "h! &et the& at the hall-#!!r) As they "al e# acr!ss the la"n t!"ar#s the river% Eli8abeth turne# bac t! l!! a$ain/ her uncle an# aunt st!''e# als!% an# "hile the (!r&er "as c!n1ecturin$ as t! the #ate !( the buil#in$% the !"ner !( it hi&sel( su##enly ca&e (!r"ar# (r!& the r!a#% "hich le# behin# it t! the stables) They "ere "ithin t"enty yar#s !( each !ther% an# s! abru't "as his a''earance that it "as i&'!ssible t! av!i# his si$ht) Their eyes instantly &et% an# the chee s !( each "ere !vers'rea# "ith the #ee'est blush) He abs!lutely starte#% an# (!r a &!&ent see&e# i&&!vable (r!& sur'rise/ but sh!rtly rec!verin$ hi&sel(% a#vance# t!"ar#s the 'arty% an# s'! e t! Eli8abeth% i( n!t in ter&s !( 'er(ect c!&'!sure% at least !( 'er(ect civility) 6he ha# instinctively turne# a"ay/ but st!''in$ !n his a''r!ach% receive# his c!&'li&ents "ith an e&barrass&ent i&'!ssible t! be !verc!&e) Ha# his (irst a''earance% !r his rese&blance t! the 'icture they ha# 1ust been e*a&inin$% been insu((icient t! assure the !ther t"! that they n!" sa" ,r) Darcy% the $ar#ener;s e*'ressi!n !( sur'rise% !n beh!l#in$ his &aster% &ust i&&e#iately have t!l# it) They st!!# a little al!!( "hile he "as tal in$ t! their niece% "h!% ast!nishe# an# c!n(use#% scarcely #are# li(t her eyes t! his (ace% an# ne" n!t "hat ans"er she returne# t! his civil in9uiries a(ter her (a&ily) A&a8e# at the alterati!n !( his &anner since they last 'arte#% every sentence that he uttere# "as increasin$ her e&barrass&ent/ an# every i#ea !( the i&'r!'riety !( her bein$ (!un# there recurrin$ t! her &in#% the (e" &inutes in "hich they c!ntinue# t!$ether "ere s!&e !( the &!st unc!&(!rtable !( her li(e) N!r #i# he see& &uch &!re at ease7 "hen he s'! e% his accent ha# n!ne !( its usual se#ateness/ an# he re'eate# his in9uiries as t! the ti&e !( her havin$ le(t 0!n$b!urn% an# !( her stay in Derbyshire% s! !(ten% an# in s! hurrie# a "ay% as 'lainly s'! e the #istracti!n !( his th!u$hts) At len$th every i#ea see&e# t! (ail hi&/ an#% a(ter stan#in$ a (e" &!&ents "ith!ut sayin$ a "!r#% he su##enly rec!llecte# hi&sel(% an# t!! leave) The !thers then 1!ine# her% an# e*'resse# their a#&irati!n !( his (i$ure7 but Eli8abeth hear# n!t a "!r#% an#% "h!lly en$r!sse# by her !"n (eelin$s% (!ll!"e# the& in silence) 6he "as !ver'!"ere# by sha&e an# ve*ati!n) Her c!&in$ there "as the &!st un(!rtunate% the &!st ill-1u#$e# thin$ in the "!rl#5 H!" stran$e &ust it a''ear t! hi&5 In "hat a #is$race(ul li$ht &i$ht it n!t stri e s! vain a &an5 It &i$ht see& as i( she ha# 'ur'!sely thr!"n hersel( in his "ay a$ain5 4h5 "hy #i# she c!&e. !r% "hy #i# he thus c!&e a #ay be(!re he "as e*'ecte#. Ha# they been !nly ten &inutes s!!ner% they sh!ul# have been bey!n# the reach !( his #iscri&inati!n/ (!r it "as 'lain that he "as

that &!&ent arrive#- that &!&ent ali$hte# (r!& his h!rse !r his carria$e) 6he blushe# a$ain an# a$ain !ver the 'erverseness !( the &eetin$) An# his behavi!r% s! stri in$ly altere#%- "hat c!ul# it &ean. That he sh!ul# even s'ea t! her "as a&a8in$5- but t! s'ea "ith such civility% t! in9uire a(ter her (a&ily5 Never in her li(e ha# she seen his &anners s! little #i$ni(ie#% never ha# he s'! en "ith such $entleness as !n this une*'ecte# &eetin$) 3hat a c!ntrast #i# it !((er t! his last a##ress in R!sin$s Par % "hen he 'ut his letter int! her han#5 6he ne" n!t "hat t! thin % !r h!" t! acc!unt (!r it) They ha# n!" entere# a beauti(ul "al by the si#e !( the "ater% an# every ste' "as brin$in$ (!r"ar# a n!bler (all !( $r!un#% !r a (iner reach !( the "!!#s t! "hich they "ere a''r!achin$/ but it "as s!&e ti&e be(!re Eli8abeth "as sensible !( any !( it/ an#% th!u$h she ans"ere# &echanically t! the re'eate# a''eals !( her uncle an# aunt% an# see&e# t! #irect her eyes t! such !b1ects as they '!inte# !ut% she #istin$uishe# n! 'art !( the scene) Her th!u$hts "ere all (i*e# !n that !ne s'!t !( Pe&berley H!use% "hichever it &i$ht be% "here ,r) Darcy then "as) 6he l!n$e# t! n!" "hat at that &!&ent "as 'assin$ in his &in#- in "hat &anner he th!u$ht !( her% an# "hether% in #e(iance !( everythin$% she "as still #ear t! hi&) Perha's he ha# been civil !nly because he (elt hi&sel( at ease/ yet there ha# been that in his v!ice "hich "as n!t li e ease) 3hether he ha# (elt &!re !( 'ain !r !( 'leasure in seein$ her she c!ul# n!t tell% but he certainly ha# n!t seen her "ith c!&'!sure) At len$th% h!"ever% the re&ar s !( her c!&'ani!ns !n her absence !( &in# ar!use# her% an# she (elt the necessity !( a''earin$ &!re li e hersel() They entere# the "!!#s% an# bi##in$ a#ieu t! the river (!r a "hile% ascen#e# s!&e !( the hi$her $r!un#s/ "hence% in s'!ts "here the !'enin$ !( the trees $ave the eye '!"er t! "an#er% "ere &any char&in$ vie"s !( the valley% the !''!site hills% "ith the l!n$ ran$e !( "!!#s !vers'rea#in$ &any% an# !ccasi!nally 'art !( the strea&) ,r) ?ar#iner e*'resse# a "ish !( $!in$ r!un# the "h!le 'ar % but (eare# it &i$ht be bey!n# a "al ) 3ith a triu&'hant s&ile% they "ere t!l# that it "as ten &iles r!un#) It settle# the &atter/ an# they 'ursue# the accust!&e# circuit/ "hich br!u$ht the& a$ain% a(ter s!&e ti&e% in a #escent a&!n$ han$in$ "!!#s% t! the e#$e !( the "ater% an# !ne !( its narr!"est 'arts) They cr!sse# it by a si&'le bri#$e% in character "ith the $eneral air !( the scene/ it "as s'!t less a#!rne# than any they ha# yet visite#/ an# the valley% here c!ntracte# int! a $len% all!"e# r!!& !nly (!r the strea&% an# a narr!" "al a&i#st the r!u$h c!''ice-"!!# "hich b!r#ere# it) Eli8abeth l!n$e# t! e*'l!re its "in#in$s/ but "hen they ha# cr!sse# the bri#$e% an# 'erceive# their #istance (r!& the h!use% ,rs) ?ar#iner% "h! "as n!t a $reat "al er% c!ul# $! n! (arther% an# th!u$ht !nly !( returnin$ t! the carria$e as 9uic ly as '!ssible) Her niece "as% there(!re% !bli$e# t! sub&it% an# they t!! their "ay t!"ar#s the h!use !n the !''!site si#e !( the river% in the nearest #irecti!n/ but their 'r!$ress "as sl!"% (!r ,r) ?ar#iner% th!u$h sel#!& able t! in#ul$e the taste% "as very (!n# !( (ishin$% an# "as s! &uch en$a$e# in "atchin$ the !ccasi!nal a''earance !( s!&e tr!ut in the "ater% an# tal in$ t! the &an ab!ut the&% that he a#vance# but little) 3hilst "an#erin$ !n

in this sl!" &anner% they "ere a$ain sur'rise#% an# Eli8abeth;s ast!nish&ent "as 9uite e9ual t! "hat it ha# been at (irst% by the si$ht !( ,r) Darcy a''r!achin$ the&% an# at n! $reat #istance) The "al bein$ here less sheltere# than !n the !ther si#e% all!"e# the& t! see hi& be(!re they &et) Eli8abeth% h!"ever ast!nishe#% "as at least &!re 're'are# (!r an intervie" than be(!re% an# res!lve# t! a''ear an# t! s'ea "ith cal&ness% i( he really inten#e# t! &eet the&) >!r a (e" &!&ents% in#ee#% she (elt that he "!ul# 'r!bably stri e int! s!&e !ther 'ath) The i#ea laste# "hile a turnin$ in the "al c!nceale# hi& (r!& their vie"/ the turnin$ 'ast% he "as i&&e#iately be(!re the&) 3ith a $lance% she sa" that he ha# l!st n!ne !( his recent civility/ an#% t! i&itate his '!liteness% she be$an as they &et t! a#&ire the beauty !( the 'lace/ but she ha# n!t $!t bey!n# the "!r#s +#eli$ht(ul%+ an# +char&in$%+ "hen s!&e unluc y rec!llecti!ns !btru#e#% an# she (ancie# that 'raise !( Pe&berley (r!& her &i$ht be &ischiev!usly c!nstrue#) Her c!l!r chan$e#% an# she sai# n! &!re) ,rs) ?ar#iner "as stan#in$ a little behin#/ an# !n her 'ausin$% he as e# her i( she "!ul# #! hi& the h!n!r !( intr!#ucin$ hi& t! her (rien#s) This "as a str! e !( civility (!r "hich she "as 9uite un're'are#/ an# she c!ul# har#ly su''ress a s&ile at his bein$ n!" see in$ the ac9uaintance !( s!&e !( th!se very 'e!'le a$ainst "h!& his 'ri#e ha# rev!lte# in his !((er t! hersel() +3hat "ill be his sur'rise%+ th!u$ht she% +"hen he n!"s "h! they are. He ta es the& n!" (!r 'e!'le !( (ashi!n)+ The intr!#ucti!n% h!"ever% "as i&&e#iately &a#e/ an# as she na&e# their relati!nshi' t! hersel(% she st!le a sly l!! at hi&% t! see h!" he b!re it% an# "as n!t "ith!ut the e*'ectati!n !( his #eca&'in$ as (ast as he c!ul# (r!& such #is$race(ul c!&'ani!ns) That he "as sur'rise# by the c!nnecti!n "as evi#ent/ he sustaine# it% h!"ever% "ith (!rtitu#e% an#% s! (ar (r!& $!in$ a"ay% turne# bac "ith the&% an# entere# int! c!nversati!n "ith ,r) ?ar#iner) Eli8abeth c!ul# n!t but be 'lease#% c!ul# n!t but triu&'h) It "as c!ns!lin$ that he sh!ul# n!" she ha# s!&e relati!ns (!r "h!& there "as n! nee# t! blush) 6he listene# &!st attentively t! all that 'asse# bet"een the&% an# $l!rie# in every e*'ressi!n% every sentence !( her uncle% "hich &ar e# his intelli$ence% his taste% !r his $!!# &anners) The c!nversati!n s!!n turne# u'!n (ishin$/ an# she hear# ,r) Darcy invite hi&% "ith the $reatest civility% t! (ish there as !(ten as he ch!se "hile he c!ntinue# in the nei$hb!rh!!#% !((erin$ at the sa&e ti&e t! su''ly hi& "ith (ishin$ tac le% an# '!intin$ !ut th!se 'arts !( the strea& "here there "as usually &!st s'!rt) ,rs) ?ar#iner% "h! "as "al in$ ar&-an#-ar& "ith Eli8abeth% $ave her a l!! e*'ressive !( her "!n#er) Eli8abeth sai# n!thin$% but it $rati(ie# her e*cee#in$ly/ the c!&'li&ent &ust be all (!r hersel() Her ast!nish&ent% h!"ever% "as e*tre&e% an# c!ntinually "as she re'eatin$% +3hy is he s! altere#. >r!& "hat can it 'r!cee#. It cann!t be (!r &e- it cann!t be (!r &y sa e that his &anners are thus s!(tene#) ,y re'r!!(s at Huns(!r# c!ul# n!t "!r such a chan$e as this) It is i&'!ssible that he sh!ul# still l!ve &e)+ A(ter "al in$ s!&e ti&e in this "ay% the t"! la#ies in (r!nt% the t"! $entle&en behin#% !n resu&in$ their 'laces% a(ter #escen#in$ t! the brin !( the river (!r the better ins'ecti!n !( s!&e curi!us

"ater-'lant% there chance# t! be a little alterati!n) It !ri$inate# in ,rs) ?ar#iner% "h!% (ati$ue# by the e*ercise !( the &!rnin$% (!un# Eli8abeth;s ar& ina#e9uate t! her su''!rt% an# c!nse9uently 're(erre# her husban#;s) ,r) Darcy t!! her 'lace by her niece% an# they "al e# !n t!$ether) A(ter a sh!rt silence% the la#y (irst s'! e) 6he "ishe# hi& t! n!" that she ha# been assure# !( his absence be(!re she ca&e t! the 'lace% an# acc!r#in$ly be$an by !bservin$% that his arrival ha# been very une*'ecte#- +(!r y!ur h!use ee'er%+ she a##e#% +in(!r&e# us that y!u "!ul# certainly n!t be here till t!-&!rr!"/ an# in#ee#% be(!re "e le(t -a e"ell% "e un#erst!!# that y!u "ere n!t i&&e#iately e*'ecte# in the c!untry)+ He ac n!"le#$e# the truth !( it all% an# sai# that business "ith his ste"ar# ha# !ccasi!ne# his c!&in$ (!r"ar# a (e" h!urs be(!re the rest !( the 'arty "ith "h!& he ha# been travelin$) +They "ill 1!in &e early t!-&!rr!"%+ he c!ntinue#% +an# a&!n$ the& are s!&e "h! "ill clai& an ac9uaintance "ith y!u%- ,r) -in$ley an# his sisters)+ Eli8abeth ans"ere# !nly by a sli$ht b!") Her th!u$hts "ere instantly #riven bac t! the ti&e "hen ,r) -in$ley;s na&e ha# been last &enti!ne# bet"een the&/ an#% i( she &i$ht 1u#$e (r!& his c!&'le*i!n% his &in# "as n!t very #i((erently en$a$e#) +There is als! !ne !ther 'ers!n in the 'arty%+ he c!ntinue# a(ter a 'ause% +"h! &!re 'articularly "ishes t! be n!"n t! y!u7- 3ill y!u all!" &e% !r #! I as t!! &uch% t! intr!#uce &y sister t! y!ur ac9uaintance #urin$ y!ur stay at 0a&bt!n.+ The sur'rise !( such an a''licati!n "as $reat in#ee#/ it "as t!! $reat (!r her t! n!" in "hat &anner she acce#e# t! it) 6he i&&e#iately (elt that "hatever #esire ,iss Darcy &i$ht have !( bein$ ac9uainte# "ith her &ust be the "!r !( her br!ther% an#% "ith!ut l!! in$ (arther% it "as satis(act!ry/ it "as $rati(yin$ t! n!" that his resent&ent ha# n!t &a#e hi& thin really ill !( her) They n!" "al e# !n in silence% each !( the& #ee' in th!u$ht) Eli8abeth "as n!t c!&(!rtable/ that "as i&'!ssible/ but she "as (lattere# an# 'lease#) His "ish !( intr!#ucin$ his sister t! her "as a c!&'li&ent !( the hi$hest in#) They s!!n !utstri''e# the !thers% an# "hen they ha# reache# the carria$e% ,r) an# ,rs) ?ar#iner "ere hal( a 9uarter !( a &ile behin#) He then as e# her t! "al int! the h!use- but she #eclare# hersel( n!t tire#% an# they st!!# t!$ether !n the la"n) At such a ti&e &uch &i$ht have been sai#% an# silence "as very a" "ar#) 6he "ante# t! tal % but there see&e# an e&bar$! !n every sub1ect) At last she rec!llecte# that she ha# been travelin$% an# they tal e# !( ,atl!c an# D!ve#ale "ith $reat 'erseverance) 2et ti&e an# her aunt &!ve# sl!"ly- an# her 'atience an# her i#eas "ere nearly "!rn !ut be(!re the tete-a-tete "as !ver) 4n ,r) an# ,rs) ?ar#iner;s c!&in$ u' they "ere all 'resse# t! $! int! the h!use an# ta e s!&e re(resh&ent/ but this "as #ecline#% an# they 'arte# !n each si#e "ith the ut&!st '!liteness) ,r) Darcy han#e# the la#ies int! the carria$e/ an# "hen it #r!ve !((% Eli8abeth sa" hi& "al in$ sl!"ly t!"ar#s the h!use) The !bservati!ns !( her uncle an# aunt n!" be$an/ an# each !( the& 'r!n!unce# hi& t! be in(initely su'eri!r t! anythin$ they ha# e*'ecte#) +He is 'er(ectly "ell behave#% '!lite% an# unassu&in$%+ sai# her uncle)

+There is s!&ethin$ a little stately in hi&% t! be sure%+ re'lie# her aunt/ +but it is c!n(ine# t! his air% an# is n!t unbec!&in$) I can n!" say "ith the h!use ee'er% that th!u$h s!&e 'e!'le &ay call hi& 'r!u#% I have seen n!thin$ !( it)+ +I "as never &!re sur'rise# than by his behavi!r t! us) It "as &!re than civil/ it "as really attentive/ an# there "as n! necessity (!r such attenti!n) His ac9uaintance "ith Eli8abeth "as very tri(lin$)+ +T! be sure% 0i88y%+ sai# her aunt% +he is n!t s! han#s!&e as 3ic ha&/ !r% rather% he has n!t 3ic ha&;s c!untenance% (!r his (eatures are 'er(ectly $!!#) -ut h!" ca&e y!u t! tell &e that he "as s! #isa$reeable.+ Eli8abeth e*cuse# hersel( as "ell as she c!ul#7 sai# that she ha# li e# hi& better "hen they &et in <ent than be(!re% an# that she ha# never seen hi& s! 'leasant as this &!rnin$) +-ut 'erha's he &ay be a little "hi&sical in his civilities%+ re'lie# her uncle) +2!ur $reat &en !(ten are/ an# there(!re I shall n!t ta e hi& at his "!r# ab!ut (ishin$% as he &i$ht chan$e his &in# an!ther #ay% an# "arn &e !(( his $r!un#s)+ Eli8abeth (elt that they ha# entirely &ista en his character% but sai# n!thin$) +>r!& "hat "e have seen !( hi&%+ c!ntinue# ,rs) ?ar#iner% +I really sh!ul# n!t have th!u$ht that he c!ul# have behave# in s! cruel a "ay by anyb!#y as he has #!ne by '!!r 3ic ha&) He has n!t an ill-nature# l!! ) 4n the c!ntrary% there is s!&ethin$ 'leasin$ ab!ut his &!uth "hen he s'ea s) An# there is s!&ethin$ !( #i$nity in his c!untenance% that "!ul# n!t $ive !ne an un(av!rable i#ea !( his heart) -ut% t! be sure% the $!!# la#y "h! sh!"e# us the h!use #i# $ive hi& a &!st (la&in$ character5 I c!ul# har#ly hel' lau$hin$ al!u# s!&eti&es) -ut he is a liberal &aster% I su''!se% an# that in the eye !( a servant c!&'rehen#s every virtue)+ Eli8abeth here (elt hersel( calle# !n t! say s!&ethin$ in vin#icati!n !( his behavi!r t! 3ic ha&/ an# there(!re $ave the& t! un#erstan#% in as $uar#e# a &anner as she c!ul#% that by "hat she ha# hear# (r!& his relati!ns in <ent% his acti!ns "ere ca'able !( a very #i((erent c!nstructi!n/ an# that his character "as by n! &eans s! (aulty% n!r 3ic ha&;s s! a&iable% as they ha# been c!nsi#ere# in Hert(!r#shire) In c!n(ir&ati!n !( this% she relate# the 'articulars !( all the 'ecuniary transacti!ns in "hich they ha# been c!nnecte#% "ith!ut actually na&in$ her auth!rity% but statin$ it t! be such as &i$ht be relie# !n) ,rs) ?ar#iner "as sur'rise# an# c!ncerne#/ but as they "ere n!" a''r!achin$ the scene !( her (!r&er 'leasures% every i#ea $ave "ay t! the char& !( rec!llecti!n/ an# she "as t!! &uch en$a$e# in '!intin$ !ut t! her husban# all the interestin$ s'!ts in its envir!ns t! thin !( anythin$ else) >ati$ue# as she ha# been by the &!rnin$;s "al % they ha# n! s!!ner #ine# than she set !(( a$ain in 9uest !( her (!r&er ac9uaintance% an# the evenin$ "as s'ent in the satis(acti!ns !( an interc!urse rene"e# a(ter &any years; #isc!ntinuance) The !ccurrences !( the #ay "ere t!! (ull !( interest t! leave Eli8abeth &uch attenti!n (!r any !( these ne" (rien#s/ an# she c!ul#

#! n!thin$ but thin % an# thin % "ith "!n#er% !( ,r) Darcy;s civility% an#% ab!ve all% !( his "ishin$ her t! be ac9uainte# "ith his sister) CHAPTER:B0I@ CHAPTER B0I@ E0IAA-ETH ha# settle# it that ,r) Darcy "!ul# brin$ his sister t! visit her the very #ay a(ter her reachin$ Pe&berley/ an# "as c!nse9uently res!lve# n!t t! be !ut !( si$ht !( the inn the "h!le !( that &!rnin$) -ut her c!nclusi!n "as (alse/ (!r !n the very &!rnin$ a(ter their !"n arrival at 0a&bt!n% these visit!rs ca&e) They ha# been "al in$ ab!ut the 'lace "ith s!&e !( their ne" (rien#s% an# "ere 1ust returnin$ t! the inn t! #ress the&selves (!r #inin$ "ith the sa&e (a&ily% "hen the s!un# !( a carria$e #re" the& t! a "in#!"% an# they sa" a $entle&an an# la#y in a curricle #rivin$ u' the street) Eli8abeth i&&e#iately rec!$ni8in$ the livery% $uesse# "hat it &eant% an# i&'arte# n! s&all #e$ree !( sur'rise t! her relati!ns by ac9uaintin$ the& "ith the h!n!r "hich she e*'ecte#) Her uncle an# aunt "ere all a&a8e&ent/ an# the e&barrass&ent !( her &anner as she s'! e% 1!ine# t! the circu&stance itsel(% an# &any !( the circu&stances !( the 'rece#in$ #ay% !'ene# t! the& a ne" i#ea !n the business) N!thin$ ha# ever su$$este# it be(!re% but they n!" (elt that there "as n! !ther "ay !( acc!untin$ (!r such attenti!ns (r!& such a 9uarter than by su''!sin$ a 'artiality (!r their niece) 3hile these ne"ly-b!rn n!ti!ns "ere 'assin$ in their hea#s% the 'erturbati!n !( Eli8abeth;s (eelin$s "as every &!&ent increasin$) 6he "as 9uite a&a8e# at her !"n #isc!&'!sure/ but a&!n$st !ther causes !( #is9uiet% she #rea#e# lest the 'artiality !( the br!ther sh!ul# have sai# t!! &uch in her (av!r/ an#% &!re than c!&&!nly an*i!us t! 'lease% she naturally sus'ecte# that every '!"er !( 'leasin$ "!ul# (ail her) 6he retreate# (r!& the "in#!"% (ear(ul !( bein$ seen/ an# as she "al e# u' an# #!"n the r!!&% en#eav!rin$ t! c!&'!se hersel(% sa" such l!! s !( in9uirin$ sur'rise in her uncle an# aunt as &a#e everythin$ "!rse) ,iss Darcy an# her br!ther a''eare#% an# this (!r&i#able intr!#ucti!n t!! 'lace) 3ith ast!nish&ent #i# Eli8abeth see that her ne" ac9uaintance "as at least as &uch e&barrasse# as hersel() 6ince her bein$ at 0a&bt!n% she ha# hear# that ,iss Darcy "as e*cee#in$ly 'r!u#/ but the !bservati!n !( a very (e" &inutes c!nvince# her that she "as !nly e*cee#in$ly shy) 6he (!un# it #i((icult t! !btain even a "!r# (r!& her bey!n# a &!n!syllable) ,iss Darcy "as tall% an# !n a lar$er scale than Eli8abeth/ an#% th!u$h little &!re than si*teen% her (i$ure "as (!r&e#% an# her a''earance "!&anly an# $race(ul) 6he "as less han#s!&e than her br!ther/ but there "as sense an# $!!# hu&!r in her (ace% an# her &anners "ere 'er(ectly unassu&in$ an# $entle) Eli8abeth% "h! ha# e*'ecte# t! (in# in her as acute an# une&barrasse# an !bserver as ever ,r) Darcy ba# been% "as &uch relieve# by #iscernin$ such #i((erent (eelin$s) They ha# n!t been l!n$ t!$ether be(!re Darcy t!l# her that -in$ley "as als! c!&in$ t! "ait !n her/ an# she ha# barely ti&e t! e*'ress her satis(acti!n% an# 're'are (!r such a visit!r% "hen -in$ley;s 9uic

ste' "as hear# !n the stairs% an# in a &!&ent he entere# the r!!&) All Eli8abeth;s an$er a$ainst hi& ha# been l!n$ #!ne a"ay/ but ha# she still (elt any% it c!ul# har#ly have st!!# its $r!un# a$ainst the una((ecte# c!r#iality "ith "hich he e*'resse# hi&sel( !n seein$ her a$ain) He in9uire# in a (rien#ly% th!u$h $eneral "ay% a(ter her (a&ily% an# l!! e# an# s'! e "ith the sa&e $!!#-hu&!re# ease that he ha# ever #!ne) T! ,r) an# ,rs) ?ar#iner he "as scarcely a less interestin$ 'ers!na$e than t! hersel() They ha# l!n$ "ishe# t! see hi&) The "h!le 'arty be(!re the&% in#ee#% e*cite# a lively attenti!n) The sus'ici!ns "hich ha# 1ust arisen !( ,r) Darcy an# their niece #irecte# their !bservati!n t!"ar#s each "ith an earnest th!u$h $uar#e# in9uiry/ an# they s!!n #re" (r!& th!se in9uiries the (ull c!nvicti!n that !ne !( the& at least ne" "hat it "as t! l!ve) 4( the la#y;s sensati!ns they re&aine# a little in #!ubt/ but that the $entle&an "as !ver(l!"in$ "ith a#&irati!n "as evi#ent en!u$h) Eli8abeth% !n her si#e% ha# &uch t! #!) 6he "ante# t! ascertain the (eelin$s !( each !( her visit!rs/ she "ante# t! c!&'!se her !"n% an# t! &a e hersel( a$reeable t! all/ an# in the latter !b1ect% "here she (eare# &!st t! (ail% she "as &!st sure !( success% (!r th!se t! "h!& she en#eav!re# t! $ive 'leasure "ere 're'!ssesse# in her (av!r) -in$ley "as rea#y% ?e!r$iana "as ea$er% an# Darcy #eter&ine#% t! be 'lease#) In seein$ -in$ley% her th!u$hts naturally (le" t! her sister/ an# !h5 h!" ar#ently #i# she l!n$ t! n!" "hether any !( his "ere #irecte# in a li e &anner) 6!&eti&es she c!ul# (ancy that he tal e# less than !n (!r&er !ccasi!ns% an# !nce !r t"ice 'lease# hersel( "ith the n!ti!n that% as he l!! e# at her% he "as tryin$ t! trace a rese&blance) -ut% th!u$h this &i$ht be i&a$inary% she c!ul# n!t be #eceive# as t! his behavi!r t! ,iss Darcy% "h! ha# been set u' as a rival t! Jane) N! l!! a''eare# !n either si#e that s'! e 'articular re$ar#) N!thin$ !ccurre# bet"een the& that c!ul# 1usti(y the h!'es !( his sister) 4n this '!int she "as s!!n satis(ie#/ an# t"! !r three little circu&stances !ccurre# ere they 'arte#% "hich% in her an*i!us inter'retati!n% #en!te# a rec!llecti!n !( Jane n!t untincture# by ten#erness% an# a "ish !( sayin$ &!re that &i$ht lea# t! the &enti!n !( her% ha# he #are#) He !bserve# t! her% at a &!&ent "hen the !thers "ere tal in$ t!$ether% an# in a t!ne "hich ha# s!&ethin$ !( real re$ret% that it +"as a very l!n$ ti&e since he ha# ha# the 'leasure !( seein$ her+/ an#% be(!re she c!ul# re'ly% he a##e#% +It is ab!ve ei$ht &!nths) 3e have n!t &et since the IJth !( N!ve&ber% "hen "e "ere all #ancin$ t!$ether at Nether(iel#)+ Eli8abeth "as 'lease# t! (in# his &e&!ry s! e*act/ an# he a(ter"ar#s t!! !ccasi!n t! as her% "hen unatten#e# t! by any !( the rest% "hether all her sisters "ere at 0!n$b!urn) There "as n!t &uch in the 9uesti!n% n!r in the 'rece#in$ re&ar / but there "as a l!! an# a &anner "hich $ave the& &eanin$) It "as n!t !(ten that she c!ul# turn her eyes !n ,r) Darcy hi&sel(/ but% "henever she #i# catch a $li&'se% she sa" an e*'ressi!n !( $eneral c!&'laisance% an# in all that he sai# she hear# an accent s! (ar re&!ve# (r!& hauteur !r #is#ain !( his c!&'ani!ns% as c!nvince# her that the i&'r!ve&ent !( &anners "hich she

ha# yester#ay "itnesse#% h!"ever te&'!rary its e*istence &i$ht 'r!ve% ha# at least !utlive# !ne #ay) 3hen she sa" hi& thus see in$ the ac9uaintance an# c!urtin$ the $!!# !'ini!n !( 'e!'le "ith "h!& any interc!urse a (e" &!nths a$! "!ul# have been a #is$race- "hen she sa" hi& thus civil% n!t !nly t! hersel(% but t! the very relati!ns "h!& he ha# !'enly #is#aine#% an# rec!llecte# their last lively scene in Huns(!r# Pars!na$e%- the #i((erence% the chan$e "as s! $reat% an# struc s! (!rcibly !n her &in#% that she c!ul# har#ly restrain her ast!nish&ent (r!& bein$ visible) Never% even in the c!&'any !( his #ear (rien#s at Nether(iel#% !r his #i$ni(ie# relati!ns at R!sin$s% ha# she seen hi& s! #esir!us t! 'lease% s! (ree (r!& sel(-c!nse9uence !r unben#in$ reserve% as n!"% "hen n! i&'!rtance c!ul# result (r!& the success !( his en#eav!rs% an# "hen even the ac9uaintance !( th!se t! "h!& his attenti!ns "ere a##resse# "!ul# #ra" #!"n the ri#icule an# censure !( the la#ies b!th !( Nether(iel# an# R!sin$s) Their visit!rs staye# "ith the& ab!ve hal(-an-h!ur/ an# "hen they ar!se t! #e'art% ,r) Darcy calle# !n his sister t! 1!in hi& in e*'ressin$ their "ish !( seein$ ,r) an# ,rs) ?ar#iner% an# ,iss -ennet% t! #inner at Pe&berley% be(!re they le(t the c!untry) ,iss Darcy% th!u$h "ith a #i((i#ence "hich &ar e# her little in the habit !( $ivin$ invitati!ns% rea#ily !beye#) ,rs) ?ar#iner l!! e# at her niece% #esir!us !( n!"in$ h!" she% "h!& the invitati!n &!st c!ncerne#% (elt #is'!se# as t! its acce'tance% but Eli8abeth ha# turne# a"ay her hea#) Presu&in$% h!"ever% that this stu#ie# av!i#ance s'! e rather a &!&entary e&barrass&ent than any #isli e !( the 'r!'!sal% an# seein$ in her husban#% "h! "as (!n# !( s!ciety% a 'er(ect "illin$ness t! acce't it% she venture# t! en$a$e (!r her atten#ance% an# the #ay a(ter the ne*t "as (i*e# !n) -in$ley e*'resse# $reat 'leasure in the certainty !( seein$ Eli8abeth a$ain% havin$ still a $reat #eal t! say t! her% an# &any in9uiries t! &a e a(ter all their Hert(!r#shire (rien#s) Eli8abeth% c!nstruin$ all this int! a "ish !( hearin$ her s'ea !( her sister% "as 'lease#/ an# !n this acc!unt% as "ell as s!&e !thers% (!un# hersel(% "hen their visit!rs le(t the&% ca'able !( c!nsi#erin$ the last hal(-h!ur "ith s!&e satis(acti!n% th!u$h "hile it "as 'assin$% the en1!y&ent !( it ha# been little) Ea$er t! be al!ne% an# (ear(ul !( in9uiries !r hints (r!& her uncle an# aunt% she staye# "ith the& !nly l!n$ en!u$h t! hear their (av!rable !'ini!n !( -in$ley% an# then hurrie# a"ay t! #ress) -ut she ha# n! reas!n t! (ear ,r) an# ,rs) ?ar#iner;s curi!sity/ it "as n!t their "ish t! (!rce her c!&&unicati!n) It "as evi#ent that she "as &uch better ac9uainte# "ith ,r) Darcy than they ha# be(!re any i#ea !(/ it "as evi#ent that he "as very &uch in l!ve "ith her) They sa" &uch t! inter'ret% but n!thin$ t! 1usti(y in9uiry) 4( ,r) Darcy it "as n!" a &atter !( an*iety t! thin "ell/ an#% as (ar as their ac9uaintance reache#% there "as n! (ault t! (in#) They c!ul# n!t be unt!uche# by his '!liteness/ an# ha# they #ra"n his character (r!& their !"n (eelin$s an# his servant;s re'!rt% "ith!ut any re(erence t! any !ther acc!unt% the circle in Hert(!r#shire t! "hich he "as n!"n "!ul# n!t have rec!$ni8e# it (!r ,r) Darcy) There "as n!" an interest% h!"ever% in believin$ the h!use ee'er/ an# they

s!!n beca&e sensible that the auth!rity !( a servant "h! ha# n!"n hi& since he "as (!ur years !l#% an# "h!se !"n &anners in#icate# res'ectability% "as n!t t! be hastily re1ecte#) Neither ha# anythin$ !ccurre# in the intelli$ence !( their 0a&bt!n (rien#s that c!ul# &aterially lessen its "ei$ht) They ha# n!thin$ t! accuse hi& !( but 'ri#e/ 'ri#e he 'r!bably ha#% an# i( n!t% it "!ul# certainly be i&'ute# by the inhabitants !( a s&all &ar et-t!"n "here the (a&ily #i# n!t visit) It "as ac n!"le#$e#% h!"ever% that he "as a liberal &an% an# #i# &uch $!!# a&!n$ the '!!r) 3ith res'ect t! 3ic ha&% the travelers s!!n (!un# that he "as n!t hel# there in &uch esti&ati!n/ (!r th!u$h the chie( !( his c!ncerns "ith the s!n !( his 'atr!n "ere i&'er(ectly un#erst!!#% it "as yet a "ell- n!"n (act that% !n his 9uittin$ Derbyshire% he ha# le(t &any #ebts behin# hi&% "hich ,r) Darcy a(ter"ar#s #ischar$e#) As (!r Eli8abeth% her th!u$hts "ere at Pe&berley this evenin$ &!re than the last/ an# the evenin$% th!u$h as it 'asse# it see&e# l!n$% "as n!t l!n$ en!u$h t! #eter&ine her (eelin$s t!"ar#s !ne in that &ansi!n/ an# she lay a"a e t"! "h!le h!urs en#eav!rin$ t! &a e the& !ut) 6he certainly #i# n!t hate hi&) N!/ hatre# ha# vanishe# l!n$ a$!% an# she ha# al&!st as l!n$ been asha&e# !( ever (eelin$ a #isli e a$ainst hi&% that c!ul# be s! calle#) The res'ect create# by the c!nvicti!n !( his valuable 9ualities% th!u$h at (irst un"illin$ly a#&itte#% ha# (!r s!&e ti&e cease# t! be re'u$nant t! her (eelin$s/ an# it "as n!" hei$htene# int! s!&e"hat !( a (rien#lier nature% by the testi&!ny s! hi$hly in his (av!r% an# brin$in$ (!r"ar# his #is'!siti!n in s! a&iable a li$ht% "hich yester#ay ha# 'r!#uce#) -ut ab!ve all% ab!ve res'ect an# estee&% there "as a &!tive "ithin her !( $!!#"ill "hich c!ul# n!t be !verl!! e#) It "as $ratitu#e/- $ratitu#e% n!t &erely (!r havin$ !nce l!ve# her% but (!r l!vin$ her still "ell en!u$h t! (!r$ive all the 'etulance an# acri&!ny !( her &anner in re1ectin$ hi&% an# all the un1ust accusati!ns acc!&'anyin$ her re1ecti!n) He "h!% she ha# been 'ersua#e#% "!ul# av!i# her as his $reatest ene&y% see&e#% !n this acci#ental &eetin$% &!st ea$er t! 'reserve the ac9uaintance% an# "ith!ut any in#elicate #is'lay !( re$ar#% !r any 'eculiarity !( &anner% "here their t"! selves !nly "ere c!ncerne#% "as s!licitin$ the $!!# !'ini!n !( her (rien#s% an# bent !n &a in$ her n!"n t! his sister) 6uch a chan$e in a &an !( s! &uch 'ri#e e*cite# n!t !nly ast!nish&ent but $ratitu#e- (!r t! l!ve% ar#ent l!ve% it &ust be attribute#/ an# as such% its i&'ressi!n !n her "as !( a s!rt t! be enc!ura$e#% as by n! &eans un'leasin$% th!u$h it c!ul# n!t be e*actly #e(ine#) 6he res'ecte#% she estee&e#% she "as $rate(ul t! hi&% she (elt a real interest in his "el(are/ an# she !nly "ante# t! n!" h!" (ar she "ishe# that "el(are t! #e'en# u'!n hersel(% an# h!" (ar it "!ul# be (!r the ha''iness !( b!th that she sh!ul# e&'l!y the '!"er% "hich her (ancy t!l# her she still '!ssesse#% !( brin$in$ !n the rene"al !( his a##resses) It ha# been settle# in the evenin$% bet"een the aunt an# niece% that such a stri in$ civility as ,iss Darcy;s in c!&in$ t! the& !n the very #ay !( her arrival at Pe&berley% (!r she ha# reache# it !nly t! a late brea (ast% !u$ht t! be i&itate#% th!u$h it c!ul# n!t be e9uale#% by s!&e e*erti!n !( '!liteness !n their si#e/ an#% c!nse9uently% that it "!ul# be hi$hly e*'e#ient t! "ait !n her at Pe&berley the (!ll!"in$

&!rnin$) They "ere% there(!re% t! $!)- Eli8abeth "as 'lease#/ th!u$h "hen she as e# hersel( the reas!n% she ha# very little t! say in re'ly) ,r) ?ar#iner le(t the& s!!n a(ter brea (ast) The (ishin$ sche&e ha# been rene"e# the #ay be(!re% an# a '!sitive en$a$e&ent &a#e !( his &eetin$ s!&e !( the $entle&en at Pe&berley by n!!n) CHAPTER:B0@ CHAPTER B0@ C4N@INCED as Eli8abeth n!" "as that ,iss -in$ley;s #isli e !( her ha# !ri$inate# in 1eal!usy% she c!ul# n!t hel' (eelin$ h!" very un"elc!&e her a''earance at Pe&berley &ust be t! her% an# "as curi!us t! n!" "ith h!" &uch civility !n that la#y;s si#e the ac9uaintance "!ul# n!" be rene"e#) 4n reachin$ the h!use% they "ere sh!"n thr!u$h the hall int! the sal!!n% "h!se n!rthern as'ect ren#ere# it #eli$ht(ul (!r su&&er) Its "in#!"s !'enin$ t! the $r!un#% a#&itte# a &!st re(reshin$ vie" !( the hi$h "!!#y hills behin# the h!use% an# !( the beauti(ul !a s an# 6'anish chestnuts "hich "ere scattere# !ver the inter&e#iate la"n) In this r!!& they "ere receive# by ,iss Darcy% "h! "as sittin$ there "ith ,rs) Hurst an# ,iss -in$ley% an# the la#y "ith "h!& she live# in 0!n#!n) ?e!r$iana;s rece'ti!n !( the& "as very civil% but atten#e# "ith all that e&barrass&ent "hich% th!u$h 'r!cee#in$ (r!& shyness an# the (ear !( #!in$ "r!n$% "!ul# easily $ive t! th!se "h! (elt the&selves in(eri!r the belie( !( her bein$ 'r!u# an# reserve#) ,rs) ?ar#iner an# her niece% h!"ever% #i# her 1ustice% an# 'itie# her) -y ,rs) Hurst an# ,iss -in$ley they "ere n!tice# !nly by a curtsey/ an#% !n their bein$ seate#% a 'ause% a" "ar# as such 'auses &ust al"ays be% succee#e# (!r a (e" &!&ents) It "as (irst br! en by ,rs) Annesley% a $enteel% a$reeable-l!! in$ "!&an% "h!se Fen#eav!rG t! intr!#uce s!&e in# !( #isc!urse 'r!ve# her t! be &!re truly "ell-bre# than either !( the !thers/ an# bet"een her an# ,rs) ?ar#iner% "ith !ccasi!nal hel' (r!& Eli8abeth% the c!nversati!n "as carrie# !n) ,iss Darcy l!! e# as i( she "ishe# (!r c!ura$e en!u$h t! 1!in in it/ an# s!&eti&es #i# venture a sh!rt sentence "hen there "as least #an$er !( its bein$ hear#) Eli8abeth s!!n sa" that she "as hersel( cl!sely "atche# by ,iss -in$ley% an# that she c!ul# n!t s'ea a "!r#% es'ecially t! ,iss Darcy% "ith!ut callin$ her attenti!n) This !bservati!n "!ul# n!t have 'revente# her (r!& tryin$ t! tal t! the latter% ha# they n!t been seate# at an inc!nvenient #istance/ but she "as n!t s!rry t! be s'are# the necessity !( sayin$ &uch) Her !"n th!u$hts "ere e&'l!yin$ her) 6he e*'ecte# every &!&ent that s!&e !( the $entle&en "!ul# enter the r!!&) 6he "ishe#% she (eare# that the &aster !( the h!use &i$ht be a&!n$st the&/ an# "hether she "ishe# !r (eare# it &!st% she c!ul# scarcely #eter&ine) A(ter sittin$ in this &anner a 9uarter !( an h!ur "ith!ut hearin$ ,iss -in$ley;s v!ice% Eli8abeth "as r!use# by receivin$ (r!& her a c!l# in9uiry a(ter the health !( her (a&ily) 6he ans"ere# "ith e9ual in#i((erence an# brevity% an# the !ther sai# n! &!re) The ne*t variati!n "hich their visit a((!r#e# "as 'r!#uce# by the

entrance !( servants "ith c!l# &eat% ca e% an# a variety !( all the (inest (ruits in seas!n/ but this #i# n!t ta e 'lace till a(ter &any a si$ni(icant l!! an# s&ile (r!& ,rs) Annesley t! ,iss Darcy ha# been $iven% t! re&in# her !( her '!st) There "as n!" e&'l!y&ent (!r the "h!le 'arty- (!r th!u$h they c!ul# n!t all tal % they c!ul# all eat/ an# the beauti(ul 'yra&i#s !( $ra'es% nectarines% an# 'eaches s!!n c!llecte# the& r!un# the table) 3hile thus en$a$e#% Eli8abeth ha# a (air !''!rtunity !( #eci#in$ "hether she &!st (eare# !r "ishe# (!r the a''earance !( ,r) Darcy% by the (eelin$s "hich 'revaile# !n his enterin$ the r!!&/ an# then% th!u$h but a &!&ent be(!re she ha# believe# her "ishes t! 're#!&inate% she be$an t! re$ret that he ca&e) He ha# been s!&e ti&e "ith ,r) ?ar#iner% "h!% "ith t"! !r three !ther $entle&en (r!& the h!use% "as en$a$e# by the river% an# ha# le(t hi& !nly !n learnin$ that the la#ies !( the (a&ily inten#e# a visit t! ?e!r$iana that &!rnin$) N! s!!ner #i# he a''ear than Eli8abeth "isely res!lve# t! be 'er(ectly easy an# une&barrasse#/- a res!luti!n the &!re necessary t! be &a#e% but 'erha's n!t the &!re easily e't% because she sa" that the sus'ici!ns !( the "h!le 'arty "ere a"a ene# a$ainst the&% an# that there "as scarcely an eye "hich #i# n!t "atch his behavi!r "hen he (irst ca&e int! the r!!&) In n! c!untenance "as attentive curi!sity s! str!n$ly &ar e# as in ,iss -in$ley;s% in s'ite !( the s&iles "hich !vers'rea# her (ace "henever she s'! e t! !ne !( its !b1ects/ (!r 1eal!usy ha# n!t yet &a#e her #es'erate% an# her attenti!ns t! ,r) Darcy "ere by n! &eans !ver) ,iss Darcy% !n her br!ther;s entrance% e*erte# hersel( &uch &!re t! tal % an# Eli8abeth sa" that he "as an*i!us (!r his sister an# hersel( t! $et ac9uainte#% an# (!r"ar#e# as &uch as '!ssible% every atte&'t at c!nversati!n !n either si#e) ,iss -in$ley sa" all this li e"ise/ an#% in the i&'ru#ence !( an$er% t!! the (irst !''!rtunity !( sayin$% "ith sneerin$ civility+Pray% ,iss Eli8a% are n!t the ::shire ,ilitia re&!ve# (r!& ,eryt!n. They &ust be a $reat l!ss t! y!ur (a&ily)+ In Darcy;s 'resence she #are# n!t &enti!n 3ic ha&;s na&e/ but Eli8abeth instantly c!&'rehen#e# that he "as u''er&!st in her th!u$hts/ an# the vari!us rec!llecti!ns c!nnecte# "ith hi& $ave her a &!&ent;s #istress/ but e*ertin$ hersel( vi$!r!usly t! re'el the ill-nature# attac % she 'resently ans"ere# the 9uesti!n in a t!lerably #isen$a$e# t!ne) 3hile she s'! e% an inv!luntary $lance sh!"e# her Darcy% "ith an hei$htene# c!&'le*i!n% earnestly l!! in$ at her% an# his sister !verc!&e "ith c!n(usi!n% an# unable t! li(t u' her eyes) Ha# ,iss -in$ley n!"n "hat 'ain she "as then $ivin$ her bel!ve# (rien#% she un#!ubte#ly "!ul# have re(raine# (r!& the hint/ but she ha# &erely inten#e# t! #isc!&'!se Eli8abeth% by brin$in$ (!r"ar# the i#ea !( a &an t! "h!& she believe# her 'artial% t! &a e her betray a sensibility "hich &i$ht in1ure her in Darcy;s !'ini!n% an#% 'erha's% t! re&in# the latter !( all the (!llies an# absur#ities by "hich s!&e 'art !( her (a&ily "ere c!nnecte# "ith that c!r's) N!t a syllable ha# ever reache# her !( ,iss Darcy;s &e#itate# el!'e&ent) T! n! creature ha# it been reveale#% "here secrecy "as '!ssible% e*ce't t! Eli8abeth/ an# (r!& all -in$ley;s c!nnecti!ns her br!ther "as 'articularly an*i!us t! c!nceal it% (r!& that very "ish "hich

Eli8abeth ha# l!n$ a$! attribute# t! hi&% !( their bec!&in$ herea(ter her !"n) He ha# certainly (!r&e# such a 'lan% an# "ith!ut &eanin$ that it sh!ul# e((ect his en#eav!r t! se'arate hi& (r!& ,iss -ennet% it is 'r!bable that it &i$ht a## s!&ethin$ t! his lively c!ncern (!r the "el(are !( his (rien#) Eli8abeth;s c!llecte# behavi!r% h!"ever% s!!n 9uiete# his e&!ti!n/ an# as ,iss -in$ley% ve*e# an# #isa''!inte#% #are# n!t a''r!ach nearer t! 3ic ha&% ?e!r$iana als! rec!vere# in ti&e% th!u$h n!t en!u$h t! be able t! s'ea any &!re) Her br!ther% "h!se eye she (eare# t! &eet% scarcely rec!llecte# her interest in the a((air% an# the very circu&stance "hich ha# been #esi$ne# t! turn his th!u$hts (r!& Eli8abeth see&e# t! have (i*e# the& !n her &!re% an# &!re cheer(ully) Their visit #i# n!t c!ntinue l!n$ a(ter the 9uesti!n an# ans"er ab!ve &enti!ne#/ an# "hile ,r) Darcy "as atten#in$ the& t! their carria$e% ,iss -in$ley "as ventin$ her (eelin$s in criticis&s !n Eli8abeth;s 'ers!n% behavi!r% an# #ress) -ut ?e!r$iana "!ul# n!t 1!in her) Her br!ther;s rec!&&en#ati!n "as en!u$h t! ensure her (av!r/ his 1u#$&ent c!ul# n!t err% an# he ha# s'! en in such ter&s !( Eli8abeth as t! leave ?e!r$iana "ith!ut the '!"er !( (in#in$ her !ther"ise than l!vely an# a&iable) 3hen Darcy returne# t! the sal!!n% ,iss -in$ley c!ul# n!t hel' re'eatin$ t! hi& s!&e 'art !( "hat she ha# been sayin$ t! his sister) +H!" very ill Eli8a -ennet l!! s this &!rnin$% ,r) Darcy%+ she crie#/ +I never in &y li(e sa" any !ne s! &uch altere# as she is since the "inter) 6he is $r!"n s! br!"n an# c!arse5 0!uisa an# I "ere a$reein$ that "e sh!ul# n!t have n!"n her a$ain)+ H!"ever little ,r) Darcy &i$ht have li e# such an a##ress% he c!ntente# hi&sel( "ith c!!lly re'lyin$ that he 'erceive# n! !ther alterati!n than her bein$ rather tanne#%- n! &iracul!us c!nse9uence !( travelin$ in the su&&er) +>!r &y !"n 'art%+ she re1!ine#% +I &ust c!n(ess that I never c!ul# see any beauty in her) Her (ace is t!! thin/ her c!&'le*i!n has n! brilliancy/ an# her (eatures are n!t at all han#s!&e) Her n!se "ants character- there is n!thin$ &ar e# in its lines) Her teeth are t!lerable% but n!t !ut !( the c!&&!n "ay/ an# as (!r her eyes% "hich have s!&eti&es been calle# s! (ine% I never c!ul# 'erceive anythin$ e*tra!r#inary in the&) They have a shar'% shre"ish l!! % "hich I #! n!t li e at all/ an# in her air alt!$ether there is a sel(-su((iciency "ith!ut (ashi!n% "hich is int!lerable)+ Persua#e# as ,iss -in$ley "as that Darcy a#&ire# Eli8abeth% this "as n!t the best &eth!# !( rec!&&en#in$ hersel(/ but an$ry 'e!'le are n!t al"ays "ise/ an# in seein$ hi& at last l!! s!&e"hat nettle#% she ha# all the success she e*'ecte#) He "as res!lutely silent% h!"ever/ an#% (r!& a #eter&inati!n !( &a in$ hi& s'ea % she c!ntinue#+I re&e&ber% "hen "e (irst ne" her in Hert(!r#shire% h!" a&a8e# "e all "ere t! (in# that she "as a re'ute# beauty/ an# I 'articularly rec!llect y!ur sayin$ !ne ni$ht% a(ter they ha# been #inin$ at Nether(iel#% ;6he a beauty5 I sh!ul# as s!!n call her &!ther a "it); -ut a(ter"ar#s she see&e# t! i&'r!ve !n y!u% an# I believe y!u th!u$ht her rather 'retty at !ne ti&e)+ +2es%+ re'lie# Darcy% "h! c!ul# c!ntain hi&sel( n! l!n$er% +but that "as !nly "hen I (irst ne" her% (!r it is &any &!nths since I have

c!nsi#ere# her as !ne !( the han#s!&est "!&en !( &y ac9uaintance)+ He then "ent a"ay% an# ,iss -in$ley "as le(t t! all the satis(acti!n !( havin$ (!rce# hi& t! say "hat $ave n! !ne any 'ain but hersel() ,rs) ?ar#iner an# Eli8abeth tal e# !( all that ha# !ccurre# #urin$ their visit% as they returne#% e*ce't "hat ha# 'articularly intereste# the& b!th) The l!! s an# behavi!r !( everyb!#y they ha# seen "ere #iscusse#% e*ce't !( the 'ers!n "h! ha# &!stly en$a$e# their attenti!n) They tal e# !( his sister% his (rien#s% his h!use% his (ruit- !( everythin$ but hi&sel(/ yet Eli8abeth "as l!n$in$ t! n!" "hat ,rs) ?ar#iner th!u$ht !( hi&% an# ,rs) ?ar#iner "!ul# have been hi$hly $rati(ie# by her niece;s be$innin$ the sub1ect) CHAPTER:B0@I CHAPTER B0@I E0IAA-ETH ha# been a $!!# #eal #isa''!inte# in n!t (in#in$ a letter (r!& Jane !n their (irst arrival at 0a&bt!n/ an# this #isa''!int&ent ha# been rene"e# !n each !( the &!rnin$s that ha# n!" been s'ent there/ but !n the thir# her re'inin$ "as !ver% an# her sister 1usti(ie#% by the recei't !( t"! letters (r!& her at !nce% !n !ne !( "hich "as &ar e# that it ha# been &issent else"here) Eli8abeth "as n!t sur'rise# at it% as Jane ha# "ritten the #irecti!n re&ar ably ill) They ha# 1ust been 're'arin$ t! "al as the letters ca&e in/ an# her uncle an# aunt% leavin$ her t! en1!y the& in 9uiet% set !(( by the&selves) The !ne &issent &ust be (irst atten#e# t!/ it ha# been "ritten (ive #ays a$!) The be$innin$ c!ntaine# an acc!unt !( all their little 'arties an# en$a$e&ents% "ith such ne"s as the c!untry a((!r#e#/ but the latter hal(% "hich "as #ate# a #ay later% an# "ritten in evi#ent a$itati!n% $ave &!re i&'!rtant intelli$ence) It "as t! this e((ect+6ince "ritin$ the ab!ve% #earest 0i88y% s!&ethin$ has !ccurre# !( a &!st une*'ecte# an# seri!us nature/ but I a& a(rai# !( alar&in$ y!ube assure# that "e are all "ell) 3hat I have t! say relates t! '!!r 0y#ia) An e*'ress ca&e at t"elve last ni$ht% 1ust as "e "ere all $!ne t! be#% (r!& C!l!nel >!rster% t! in(!r& us that she "as $!ne !(( t! 6c!tlan# "ith !ne !( his !((icers/ t! !"n the truth% "ith 3ic ha&5 I&a$ine !ur sur'rise) T! <itty% h!"ever% it #!es n!t see& s! "h!lly une*'ecte#) I a& very% very s!rry) 6! i&'ru#ent a &atch !n b!th si#es5 -ut I a& "illin$ t! h!'e the best% an# that his character has been &isun#erst!!#) Th!u$htless an# in#iscreet I can easily believe hi&% but this ste' Dan# let us re1!ice !ver itE &ar s n!thin$ ba# at heart) His ch!ice is #isintereste# at least% (!r he &ust n!" &y (ather can $ive her n!thin$) 4ur '!!r &!ther is sa#ly $rieve#) ,y (ather bears it better) H!" than (ul a& I that "e never let the& n!" "hat has been sai# a$ainst hi&5 "e &ust (!r$et it !urselves) They "ere !(( 6atur#ay ni$ht ab!ut t"elve% as is c!n1ecture#% but "ere n!t &isse# till yester#ay &!rnin$ at ei$ht) The e*'ress "as sent !(( #irectly) ,y #ear 0i88y% they &ust have 'asse# "ithin ten &iles !( us) C!l!nel >!rster $ives us reas!n t! e*'ect hi& here s!!n) 0y#ia le(t a (e" lines (!r his "i(e% in(!r&in$ her !( their intenti!n) I &ust c!nclu#e% (!r I cann!t be l!n$ (r!&

&y '!!r &!ther) I a& a(rai# y!u "ill n!t be able t! &a e it !ut% but I har#ly n!" "hat I have "ritten)+ 3ith!ut all!"in$ hersel( ti&e (!r c!nsi#erati!n% an# scarcely n!"in$ "hat she (elt% Eli8abeth !n (inishin$ this letter instantly sei8e# the !ther% an# !'enin$ it "ith the ut&!st i&'atience% rea# as (!ll!"s7 it ha# been "ritten a #ay later than the c!nclusi!n !( the (irst) +-y this ti&e% &y #earest sister% y!u have receive# &y hurrie# letter/ I "ish this &ay be &!re intelli$ible% but th!u$h n!t c!n(ine# (!r ti&e% &y hea# is s! be"il#ere# that I cann!t ans"er (!r bein$ c!herent) Dearest 0i88y% I har#ly n!" "hat I "!ul# "rite% but I have ba# ne"s (!r y!u% an# it cann!t be #elaye#) I&'ru#ent as a &arria$e bet"een ,r) 3ic ha& an# !ur '!!r 0y#ia "!ul# be% "e are n!" an*i!us t! be assure# it has ta en 'lace% (!r there is but t!! &uch reas!n t! (ear they are n!t $!ne t! 6c!tlan#) C!l!nel >!rster ca&e yester#ay% havin$ le(t -ri$ht!n the #ay be(!re% n!t &any h!urs a(ter the e*'ress) Th!u$h 0y#ia;s sh!rt letter t! ,rs) >) $ave the& t! un#erstan# that they "ere $!in$ t! ?retna ?reen% s!&ethin$ "as #r!''e# by Denny e*'ressin$ his belie( that 3) never inten#e# t! $! there% !r t! &arry 0y#ia at all% "hich "as re'eate# t! C!l!nel >)% "h!% instantly% ta in$ the alar&% set !(( (r!& -)% inten#in$ t! trace their r!ute) He #i# trace the& easily t! Cla'ha&% but n! (arther/ (!r !n enterin$ that 'lace% they re&!ve# int! a hac ney-c!ach% an# #is&isse# the chaise that br!u$ht the& (r!& E's!&) All that is n!"n a(ter this is% that they "ere seen t! c!ntinue the 0!n#!n r!a#) I n!" n!t "hat t! thin ) A(ter &a in$ every '!ssible in9uiry !n that si#e 0!n#!n% C!l!nel >) ca&e !n int! Hert(!r#shire% an*i!usly rene"in$ the& at all the turn'i es% an# at the inns in -arnet an# Hat(iel#% but "ith!ut any success- n! such 'e!'le ha# been seen t! 'ass thr!u$h) 3ith the in#est c!ncern he ca&e !n t! 0!n$b!urn% an# br! e his a''rehensi!ns t! us in a &anner &!st cre#itable t! his heart) I a& sincerely $rieve# (!r hi& an# ,rs) >)% but n! !ne can thr!" any bla&e !n the&) 4ur #istress% &y #ear 0i88y% is very $reat) ,y (ather an# &!ther believe the "!rst% but I cann!t thin s! ill !( hi&) ,any circu&stances &i$ht &a e it &!re eli$ible (!r the& t! be &arrie# 'rivately in t!"n than t! 'ursue their (irst 'lan/ an# even i( he c!ul# (!r& such a #esi$n a$ainst a y!un$ "!&an !( 0y#ia;s c!nnecti!ns% "hich is n!t li ely% can I su''!se her s! l!st t! everythin$. I&'!ssible5 I $rieve t! (in#% h!"ever% that C!l!nel >) is n!t #is'!se# t! #e'en# u'!n their &arria$e/ he sh!! his hea# "hen I e*'resse# &y h!'es% an# sai# he (eare# 3) "as n!t a &an t! be truste#) ,y '!!r &!ther is really ill% an# ee's her r!!&) C!ul# she e*ert Fhersel(G% it "!ul# be better/ but this is n!t t! be e*'ecte#) An# as t! &y (ather% I never in &y li(e sa" hi& s! a((ecte#) P!!r <itty has an$er (!r havin$ c!nceale# their attach&ent/ but as it "as a &atter !( c!n(i#ence% !ne cann!t "!n#er) I a& truly $la#% #earest 0i88y% that y!u have been s'are# s!&ethin$ !( these #istressin$ scenes/ but n!"% as the (irst sh!c is !ver% shall I !"n that I l!n$ (!r y!ur return. I a& n!t s! sel(ish% h!"ever% as t! 'ress (!r it% i( inc!nvenient)A#ieu5 I ta e u' &y 'en a$ain t! #! "hat I have 1ust t!l# y!u I "!ul# n!t/ but circu&stances are such that I cann!t hel' earnestly be$$in$ y!u all t! c!&e here as s!!n as '!ssible) I n!" &y #ear uncle

an# aunt s! "ell% that I a& n!t a(rai# !( re9uestin$ it% th!u$h I have still s!&ethin$ &!re t! as !( the (!r&er) ,y (ather is $!in$ t! 0!n#!n "ith C!l!nel >!rster instantly% t! try t! #isc!ver her) 3hat he &eans t! #! I a& sure I n!" n!t/ but his e*cessive #istress "ill n!t all!" hi& t! 'ursue any &easure in the best an# sa(est "ay% an# C!l!nel >!rster is !bli$e# t! be at -ri$ht!n a$ain t!-&!rr!" evenin$) In such an e*i$ence% &y uncle;s a#vice an# assistance "!ul# be everythin$ in the "!rl#/ he "ill i&&e#iately c!&'rehen# "hat I &ust (eel% an# I rely u'!n his $!!#ness)+ +4h5 "here% "here is &y uncle.+ crie# Eli8abeth% #artin$ (r!& her seat as she (inishe# the letter% in ea$erness t! (!ll!" hi&% "ith!ut l!sin$ a &!&ent !( the ti&e s! 'reci!us/ but as she reache# the #!!r it "as !'ene# by a servant% an# ,r) Darcy a''eare#) Her 'ale (ace an# i&'etu!us &anner &a#e hi& start% an# be(!re he c!ul# rec!ver hi&sel( en!u$h t! s'ea % she% in "h!se &in# every i#ea "as su'erse#e# by 0y#ia;s situati!n% hastily e*clai&e#% +I be$ y!ur 'ar#!n% but I &ust leave y!u) I &ust (in# ,r) ?ar#iner% this &!&ent% !n business that cann!t be #elaye#/ I have n!t an instant t! l!se)+ +?!!# ?!#5 "hat is the &atter.+ crie# he% "ith &!re (eelin$ than '!liteness/ then rec!llectin$ hi&sel(% +I "ill n!t #etain y!u a &inute/ but let &e% !r let the servant% $! a(ter ,r) an# ,rs) ?ar#iner) 2!u are n!t "ell en!u$h/- y!u cann!t $! y!ursel()+ Eli8abeth hesitate#% but her nees tre&ble# un#er her an# she (elt h!" little "!ul# be $aine# by her atte&'tin$ t! 'ursue the&) Callin$ bac the servant% there(!re% she c!&&issi!ne# hi&% th!u$h in s! breathless an accent as &a#e her al&!st unintelli$ible% t! (etch his &aster an# &istress h!&e instantly) 4n his 9uittin$ the r!!& she sat #!"n% unable t! su''!rt hersel(% an# l!! in$ s! &iserably ill% that it "as i&'!ssible (!r Darcy t! leave her% !r t! re(rain (r!& sayin$% in a t!ne !( $entleness an# c!&&iserati!n% +0et &e call y!ur &ai#) Is there n!thin$ y!u c!ul# ta e t! $ive y!u 'resent relie(.- A $lass !( "ine/- shall I $et y!u !ne.2!u are very ill)+ +N!% I than y!u%+ she re'lie#% en#eav!rin$ t! rec!ver hersel() +There is n!thin$ the &atter "ith &e) I a& 9uite "ell/ I a& !nly #istresse# by s!&e #rea#(ul ne"s "hich I have 1ust receive# (r!& 0!n$b!urn)+ 6he burst int! tears as she allu#e# t! it% an# (!r a (e" &inutes c!ul# n!t s'ea an!ther "!r#) Darcy% in "retche# sus'ense% c!ul# !nly say s!&ethin$ in#istinctly !( his c!ncern% an# !bserve her in c!&'assi!nate silence) At len$th she s'! e a$ain) +I have 1ust ha# a letter (r!& Jane% "ith such #rea#(ul ne"s) It cann!t be c!nceale# (r!& any !ne) ,y y!un$est sister has le(t all her (rien#s- has el!'e#/- has thr!"n hersel( int! the '!"er !(- !( ,r) 3ic ha&) They are $!ne !(( t!$ether (r!& -ri$ht!n) 2!u n!" hi& t!! "ell t! #!ubt the rest) 6he has n! &!ney% n! c!nnecti!ns% n!thin$ that can te&'t hi& t!- she is l!st (!r ever)+ Darcy "as (i*e# in ast!nish&ent) +3hen I c!nsi#er%+ she a##e# in a yet &!re a$itate# v!ice% +that I &i$ht have 'revente# it5 I% "h! ne" "hat he "as) Ha# I but e*'laine# s!&e 'art !( it !nly- s!&e 'art !( "hat I learnt% t! &y !"n (a&ily5 Ha# his character been n!"n% this c!ul# n!t have ha''ene#) -ut it is all- all t!! late n!")+

+I a& $rieve# in#ee#%+ crie# Darcy/ +$rieve#- sh!c e#) -ut is it certain- abs!lutely certain.+ +4h% yes5 They le(t -ri$ht!n t!$ether !n 6un#ay ni$ht% an# "ere trace# al&!st t! 0!n#!n% but n!t bey!n#7 they are certainly n!t $!ne t! 6c!tlan#)+ +An# "hat has been #!ne% "hat has been atte&'te#% t! rec!ver her.+ +,y (ather is $!ne t! 0!n#!n% an# Jane has "ritten t! be$ &y uncle;s i&&e#iate assistance/ an# "e shall be !((% I h!'e% in hal(-an-h!ur) -ut n!thin$ can be #!ne- I n!" very "ell that n!thin$ can be #!ne) H!" is such a &an t! be "!r e# !n. H!" are they even t! be #isc!vere#. I have n!t the s&allest h!'e) It is every "ay h!rrible5+ Darcy sh!! his hea# in silent ac9uiescence) +3hen &y eyes "ere !'ene# t! his real character- 4h5 ha# I n!"n "hat I !u$ht% "hat I #are# t! #!5 -ut I ne" n!t- I "as a(rai# !( #!in$ t!! &uch) 3retche#% "retche# &ista e5+ Darcy &a#e n! ans"er) He see&e# scarcely t! hear her% an# "as "al in$ u' an# #!"n the r!!& in earnest &e#itati!n% his br!" c!ntracte#% his air $l!!&y) Eli8abeth s!!n !bserve#% an# instantly un#erst!!# it) Her '!"er "as sin in$/ everythin$ &ust sin un#er such a 'r!!( !( (a&ily "ea ness% such an assurance !( the #ee'est #is$race) 6he c!ul# neither "!n#er n!r c!n#e&n% but the belie( !( his sel(-c!n9uest br!u$ht n!thin$ c!ns!lat!ry t! her b!s!&% a((!r#e# n! 'alliati!n !( her #istress) It "as% !n the c!ntrary% e*actly calculate# t! &a e her un#erstan# her !"n "ishes/ an# never ha# she s! h!nestly (elt that she c!ul# have l!ve# hi&% as n!"% "hen all l!ve &ust be vain) -ut sel(% th!u$h it "!ul# intru#e% c!ul# n!t en$r!ss her) 0y#ia- the hu&iliati!n% the &isery she "as brin$in$ !n the& all% s!!n s"all!"e# u' every 'rivate care/ an# c!verin$ her (ace "ith her han# erchie(% Eli8abeth "as s!!n l!st t! everythin$ else/ an#% a(ter a 'ause !( several &inutes% "as !nly recalle# t! a sense !( her situati!n by the v!ice !( her c!&'ani!n% "h!% in a &anner "hich% th!u$h it s'! e c!&'assi!n% s'! e li e"ise restraint% sai#% +I a& a(rai# y!u have been l!n$ #esirin$ &y absence% n!r have I anythin$ t! 'lea# in e*cuse !( &y stay% but real% th!u$h unavailin$% c!ncern) 3!ul# t! Heaven that anythin$ c!ul# be either sai# !r #!ne !n &y 'art that &i$ht !((er c!ns!lati!n t! such #istress5- -ut I "ill n!t t!r&ent y!u "ith vain "ishes% "hich &ay see& 'ur'!sely t! as (!r y!ur than s) This un(!rtunate a((air "ill% I (ear% 'revent &y sister;s havin$ the 'leasure !( seein$ y!u at Pe&berley t!-#ay)+ +4h% yes) -e s! in# as t! a'!l!$i8e (!r us t! ,iss Darcy) 6ay that ur$ent business calls us h!&e i&&e#iately) C!nceal the unha''y truth as l!n$ as it is '!ssible%- I n!" it cann!t be l!n$)+ He rea#ily assure# her !( his secrecy- a$ain e*'resse# his s!rr!" (!r her #istress% "ishe# it a ha''ier c!nclusi!n than there "as at 'resent reas!n t! h!'e% an# leavin$ his c!&'li&ents (!r her relati!ns% "ith !nly !ne seri!us% 'artin$ l!! % "ent a"ay) As he 9uitte# the r!!&% Eli8abeth (elt h!" i&'r!bable it "as that they sh!ul# ever see each !ther a$ain !n such ter&s !( c!r#iality as ha# &ar e# their several &eetin$s in Derbyshire/ an# as she thre" a retr!s'ective $lance !ver the "h!le !( their ac9uaintance% s! (ull !( c!ntra#icti!ns an# varieties% si$he# at the 'erverseness !( th!se

(eelin$s "hich "!ul# n!" have 'r!&!te# its c!ntinuance% an# "!ul# (!r&erly have re1!ice# in its ter&inati!n) I( $ratitu#e an# estee& are $!!# (!un#ati!ns !( a((ecti!n% Eli8abeth;s chan$e !( senti&ent "ill be neither i&'r!bable n!r (aulty) -ut i( !ther"ise- i( the re$ar# s'rin$in$ (r!& such s!urces is unreas!nable !r unnatural% in c!&'aris!n !( "hat is s! !(ten #escribe# as arisin$ !n a (irst intervie" "ith its !b1ect% an# even be(!re t"! "!r#s have been e*chan$e#%- n!thin$ can be sai# in her #e(ense% e*ce't that she ha# $iven s!&e"hat !( a trial t! the latter &eth!# in her 'artiality (!r 3ic ha&% an# that its ill success &i$ht% 'erha's% auth!ri8e her t! see the !ther less interestin$ &!#e !( attach&ent) -e that as it &ay% she sa" hi& $! "ith re$ret/ an# in this early e*a&'le !( "hat 0y#ia;s in(a&y &ust 'r!#uce% (!un# a##iti!nal an$uish as she re(lecte# !n that "retche# business) Never% since rea#in$ Jane;s sec!n# letter% ha# she entertaine# a h!'e !( 3ic ha&;s &eanin$ t! &arry her) N! !ne but Jane% she th!u$ht% c!ul# (latter hersel( "ith such an e*'ectati!n) 6ur'rise "as the least !( her (eelin$s !n this #evel!'&ent) 3hile the c!ntents !( the (irst letter re&aine# !n her &in#% she "as all sur'rise- all ast!nish&ent that 3ic ha& sh!ul# &arry a $irl "h!& it "as i&'!ssible he c!ul# &arry (!r &!ney/ an# h!" 0y#ia c!ul# ever have attache# hi& ha# a''eare# inc!&'rehensible) -ut n!" it "as all t! natural) >!r such an attach&ent as this she &i$ht have su((icient char&s/ an# th!u$h she #i# n!t su''!se 0y#ia t! be #eliberately en$a$in$ in an el!'e&ent "ith!ut the intenti!n !( &arria$e% she ha# n! #i((iculty in believin$ that neither her virtue n!r her un#erstan#in$ "!ul# 'reserve her (r!& (allin$ an easy 'rey) 6he ha# never 'erceive#% "hile the re$i&ent "as in Hert(!r#shire% that 0y#ia ha# any 'artiality (!r hi&/ but she "as c!nvince# that 0y#ia ha# "ante# !nly enc!ura$e&ent t! attach hersel( t! anyb!#y) 6!&eti&es !ne !((icer% s!&eti&es an!ther% ha# been her (av!rite% as their attenti!ns raise# the& in her !'ini!n) Her a((ecti!ns ha# been c!ntinually (luctuatin$% but never "ith!ut an !b1ect) The &ischie( !( ne$lect an# &ista en in#ul$ence t!"ar#s such a $irl- !h5 h!" acutely #i# she n!" (eel it5 6he "as "il# t! be at h!&e- t! hear% t! see% t! be u'!n the s'!t t! share "ith Jane in the cares that &ust n!" (all "h!lly u'!n her% in a (a&ily s! #eran$e#% a (ather absent% a &!ther inca'able !( e*erti!n% an# re9uirin$ c!nstant atten#ance/ an# th!u$h al&!st 'ersua#e# that n!thin$ c!ul# be #!ne (!r 0y#ia% her uncle;s inter(erence see&e# !( the ut&!st i&'!rtance% an# till he entere# the r!!& the &isery !( her i&'atience "as severe) ,r) an# ,rs) ?ar#iner ha# hurrie# bac in alar&% su''!sin$ by the servant;s acc!unt that their niece "as ta en su##enly ill/- but satis(yin$ the& instantly !n that hea#% she ea$erly c!&&unicate# the cause !( their su&&!ns% rea#in$ the t"! letters al!u#% an# #"ellin$ !n the '!stscri't !( the last "ith tre&blin$ ener$y% th!u$h 0y#ia ha# never been a (av!rite "ith the&) ,r) an# ,rs) ?ar#iner c!ul# n!t but be #ee'ly a((licte#) N!t 0y#ia !nly% but all "ere c!ncerne# in it/ an# a(ter the (irst e*cla&ati!ns !( sur'rise an# h!rr!r% ,r) ?ar#iner rea#ily 'r!&ise# every assistance in his '!"er) Eli8abeth% th!u$h e*'ectin$ n! less% than e# hi& "ith tears !( $ratitu#e/ an# all three bein$ actuate# by !ne s'irit% everythin$

relatin$ t! their 1!urney "as s'ee#ily settle#) They "ere t! be !(( as s!!n as '!ssible) +-ut "hat is t! be #!ne ab!ut Pe&berley.+ crie# ,rs) ?ar#iner) +J!hn t!l# us ,r) Darcy "as here "hen y!u sent (!r us/"as it s!.+ +2es/ an# I t!l# hi& "e sh!ul# n!t be able t! ee' !ur en$a$e&ent) That is all settle#)+ +3hat is all settle#.+ re'eate# the !ther% as she ran int! her r!!& t! 're'are) +An# are they u'!n such ter&s as (!r her t! #iscl!se the real truth. 4h% that I ne" h!" it "as5+ -ut "ishes "ere vain% !r at best c!ul# serve !nly t! a&use her in the hurry an# c!n(usi!n !( the (!ll!"in$ h!ur) Ha# Eli8abeth been at leisure t! be i#le% she "!ul# have re&aine# certain that all e&'l!y&ent "as i&'!ssible t! !ne s! "retche# as hersel(/ but she ha# her share !( business as "ell as her aunt% an# a&!n$st the rest there "ere n!tes t! be "ritten t! all their (rien#s at 0a&bt!n% "ith (alse e*cuses (!r their su##en #e'arture) An h!ur% h!"ever% sa" the "h!le c!&'lete#/ an# ,r) ?ar#iner &ean"hile havin$ settle# his acc!unt at the inn% n!thin$ re&aine# t! be #!ne but t! $!/ an# Eli8abeth% a(ter all the &isery !( the &!rnin$% (!un# hersel(% in a sh!rter s'ace !( ti&e than she c!ul# have su''!se#% seate# in the carria$e% an# !n the r!a# t! 0!n$b!urn) CHAPTER:B0@II CHAPTER B0@II +I HA@E been thin in$ it !ver a$ain% Eli8abeth%+ sai# her uncle% as they #r!ve (r!& the t!"n/ +an# really% u'!n seri!us c!nsi#erati!n% I a& &uch &!re incline# than I "as t! 1u#$e as y!ur el#est sister #!es !( the &atter) It a''ears t! &e s! very unli ely that any y!un$ &an sh!ul# (!r& such a #esi$n a$ainst a $irl "h! is by n! &eans un'r!tecte# !r (rien#less% an# "h! "as actually stayin$ in his c!l!nel;s (a&ily% that I a& str!n$ly incline# t! h!'e the best) C!ul# he e*'ect that her (rien#s "!ul# n!t ste' (!r"ar#. C!ul# he e*'ect t! be n!tice# a$ain by the re$i&ent% a(ter such an a((r!nt t! C!l!nel >!rster. His te&'tati!n is n!t a#e9uate t! the ris 5+ +D! y!u really thin s!.+ crie# Eli8abeth% bri$htenin$ u' (!r a &!&ent) +U'!n &y "!r#%+ sai# ,rs) ?ar#iner% +I be$in t! be !( y!ur uncle;s !'ini!n) It is really t!! $reat a vi!lati!n !( #ecency% h!n!r% an# interest% (!r hi& t! be $uilty !( it) I cann!t thin s! very ill !( 3ic ha&) Can y!u y!ursel(% 0i88y% s! "h!lly $ive hi& u'% as t! believe hi& ca'able !( it.+ +N!t% 'erha's% !( ne$lectin$ his !"n interest/ but !( every !ther ne$lect I can believe hi& ca'able) I(% in#ee#% it sh!ul# be s!5 -ut I #are n!t h!'e it) 3hy sh!ul# they n!t $! !n t! 6c!tlan#% i( that ha# been the case.+ +In the (irst 'lace%+ re'lie# ,r) ?ar#iner% +there is n! abs!lute 'r!!( that they are n!t $!ne t! 6c!tlan#)+ +4h5 but their re&!vin$ (r!& the chaise int! an hac ney c!ach is such a 'resu&'ti!n5 An#% besi#es% n! traces !( the& "ere t! be (!un# !n the -arnet r!a#)+ +3ell% then- su''!sin$ the& t! be in 0!n#!n) They &ay be there%

th!u$h (!r the 'ur'!se !( c!nceal&ent% (!r n! &!re e*ce'ti!nable 'ur'!se) It is n!t li ely that &!ney sh!ul# be very abun#ant !n either si#e/ an# it &i$ht stri e the& that they c!ul# be &!re ec!n!&ically% th!u$h less e*'e#iti!usly% &arrie# in 0!n#!n than in 6c!tlan#)+ +-ut "hy all this secrecy. 3hy any (ear !( #etecti!n. 3hy &ust their &arria$e be 'rivate. 4h% n!% n!- this is n!t li ely) His &!st 'articular (rien#% y!u see by Jane;s acc!unt% "as 'ersua#e# !( his never inten#in$ t! &arry her) 3ic ha& "ill never &arry a "!&an "ith!ut s!&e &!ney) He cann!t a((!r# it) An# "hat clai&s has 0y#ia- "hat attracti!ns has she bey!n# y!uth% health% an# $!!# hu&!r that c!ul# &a e hi&% (!r her sa e% (!re$! every chance !( bene(itin$ hi&sel( by &arryin$ "ell. As t! "hat restraint the a''rehensi!ns !( #is$race in the c!r's &i$ht thr!" !n a #ish!n!rable el!'e&ent "ith her% I a& n!t able t! 1u#$e/ (!r I n!" n!thin$ !( the e((ects that such a ste' &i$ht 'r!#uce) -ut as t! y!ur !ther !b1ecti!n% I a& a(rai# it "ill har#ly h!l# $!!#) 0y#ia has n! br!thers t! ste' (!r"ar#/ an# he &i$ht i&a$ine% (r!& &y (ather;s behavi!r% (r!& his in#!lence an# the little attenti!n he has ever see&e# t! $ive t! "hat "as $!in$ (!r"ar# in his (a&ily% that he "!ul# #! as little% an# thin as little ab!ut it% as any (ather c!ul# #!% in such a &atter)+ +-ut can y!u thin that 0y#ia is s! l!st t! everythin$ but l!ve !( hi& as t! c!nsent t! live "ith hi& !n any !ther ter&s than &arria$e.+ +It #!es see&% an# it is &!st sh!c in$ in#ee#%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth% "ith tears in her eyes% +that a sister;s sense !( #ecency an# virtue in such a '!int sh!ul# a#&it !( #!ubt) -ut% really% I n!" n!t "hat t! say) Perha's I a& n!t #!in$ her 1ustice) -ut she is very y!un$/ she has never been tau$ht t! thin !n seri!us sub1ects/ an# (!r the last hal(-year% nay% (!r a t"elve&!nth- she has been $iven u' t! n!thin$ but a&use&ent an# vanity) 6he has been all!"e# t! #is'!se !( her ti&e in the &!st i#le an# (riv!l!us &anner% an# t! a#!'t any !'ini!ns that ca&e in her "ay) 6ince the ::shire "ere (irst 9uartere# in ,eryt!n% n!thin$ but l!ve% (lirtati!n% an# !((icers have been in her hea#) 6he has been #!in$ everythin$ in her '!"er by thin in$ an# tal in$ !n the sub1ect% t! $ive $reater- "hat shall I call it. susce'tibility t! her (eelin$s/ "hich are naturally lively en!u$h) An# "e all n!" that 3ic ha& has every char& !( 'ers!n an# a##ress that can ca'tivate a "!&an)+ +-ut y!u see that Jane%+ sai# her aunt% +#!es n!t thin s! ill !( 3ic ha& as t! believe hi& ca'able !( the atte&'t)+ +4( "h!& #!es Jane ever thin ill. An# "h! is there% "hatever &i$ht be their (!r&er c!n#uct% that she "!ul# believe ca'able !( such an atte&'t% till it "ere 'r!ve# a$ainst the&. -ut Jane n!"s% as "ell as I #!% "hat 3ic ha& really is) 3e b!th n!" that he has been 'r!(li$ate in every sense !( the "!r#/ that he has neither inte$rity n!r h!n!r/ that he is as (alse an# #eceit(ul as he is insinuatin$)+ +An# #! y!u really n!" all this.+ crie# ,rs) ?ar#iner% "h!se curi!sity as t! the &!#e !( her intelli$ence "as all alive) +I #! in#ee#%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth% c!l!rin$) +I t!l# y!u% the !ther #ay% !( his in(a&!us behavi!r t! ,r) Darcy/ an# y!u y!ursel(% "hen last at 0!n$b!urn% hear# in "hat &anner he s'! e !( the &an "h! ha# behave# "ith such (!rbearance an# liberality t!"ar#s hi&) An# there are !ther circu&stances "hich I a& n!t at liberty- "hich it is n!t

"!rth "hile t! relate/ but his lies ab!ut the "h!le Pe&berley (a&ily are en#less) >r!& "hat he sai# !( ,iss Darcy% I "as th!r!u$hly 're'are# t! see a 'r!u#% reserve#% #isa$reeable $irl) 2et he ne" t! the c!ntrary hi&sel() He &ust n!" that she "as as a&iable an# un'reten#in$ as "e have (!un# her)+ +-ut #!es 0y#ia n!" n!thin$ !( this. can she be i$n!rant !( "hat y!u an# Jane see& s! "ell t! un#erstan#.+ +4h% yes5- that% that is the "!rst !( all) Till I "as in <ent% an# sa" s! &uch b!th !( ,r) Darcy an# his relati!n% C!l!nel >it8"illia&% I "as i$n!rant !( the truth &ysel() An# "hen I returne# h!&e% the ::shire "as t! leave ,eryt!n in a "ee !r (!rtni$ht;s ti&e) As that "as the case% neither Jane% t! "h!& I relate# the "h!le% n!r I% th!u$ht it necessary t! &a e !ur n!"le#$e 'ublic/ (!r !( "hat use c!ul# it a''arently be t! any !ne% that the $!!# !'ini!n "hich all the nei$hb!rh!!# Fha#G !( hi& sh!ul# then be !ver-thr!"n. An# even "hen it "as settle# that 0y#ia sh!ul# $! "ith ,rs) >!rster% the necessity !( !'enin$ her eyes t! his character never !ccurre# t! &e) That she c!ul# be in any #an$er (r!& the #ece'ti!n never entere# &y hea#) That such a c!nse9uence as this sh!ul# ensue% y!u &ay easily believe% "as (ar en!u$h (r!& &y th!u$hts)+ +3hen they all re&!ve# t! -ri$ht!n% there(!re% y!u ha# n! reas!n% I su''!se% t! believe the& (!n# !( each !ther.+ +N!t the sli$htest) I can re&e&ber n! sy&'t!& !( a((ecti!n !n either si#e/ an# ha# anythin$ !( the in# been 'erce'tible% y!u &ust be a"are that !urs is n!t a (a&ily !n "hich it c!ul# be thr!"n a"ay) 3hen (irst he entere# the c!r's% she "as rea#y en!u$h t! a#&ire hi&/ but s! "e all "ere) Every $irl in !r near ,eryt!n "as !ut !( her senses ab!ut hi& (!r the (irst t"! &!nths/ but he never #istin$uishe# her by any 'articular attenti!n/ an#% c!nse9uently% a(ter a &!#erate 'eri!# !( e*trava$ant an# "il# a#&irati!n% her (ancy (!r hi& $ave "ay% an# !thers !( the re$i&ent% "h! treate# her "ith &!re #istincti!n% a$ain beca&e her (av!rites)+ It &ay be easily believe#% that h!"ever little !( n!velty c!ul# be a##e# t! their (ears% h!'es% an# c!n1ectures% !n this interestin$ sub1ect% by its re'eate# #iscussi!n% n! !ther c!ul# #etain the& (r!& it l!n$% #urin$ the "h!le !( the 1!urney) >r!& Eli8abeth;s th!u$hts it "as never absent) >i*e# there by the eenest !( all an$uish% sel(-re'r!ach% she c!ul# (in# n! interval !( ease !r (!r$et(ulness) They travele# as e*'e#iti!usly as '!ssible% an#% slee'in$ !ne ni$ht !n the r!a#% reache# 0!n$b!urn by #inner-ti&e the ne*t #ay) It "as a c!&(!rt t! Eli8abeth t! c!nsi#er that Jane c!ul# n!t have been "earie# by l!n$ e*'ectati!ns) The little ?ar#iners% attracte# by the si$ht !( a chaise% "ere stan#in$ !n the ste's !( the h!use as they entere# the 'a##!c / an#% "hen the carria$e #r!ve u' t! the #!!r% the 1!y(ul sur'rise that li$hte# u' their (aces% an# #is'laye# itsel( !ver their "h!le b!#ies% in a variety !( ca'ers an# (ris s% "as the (irst 'leasin$ earnest !( their "elc!&e) Eli8abeth 1u&'e# !ut/ an#% a(ter $ivin$ each !( the& an hasty iss% hurrie# int! the vestibule% "here Jane% "h! ca&e runnin$ #!"nstairs (r!& her &!ther;s a'art&ent% i&&e#iately &et her)

Eli8abeth% as she a((ecti!nately e&brace# her% "hilst tears (ille# the eyes !( b!th% l!st n!t a &!&ent in as in$ "hether anythin$ ha# been hear# !( the (u$itives) +N!t yet%+ re'lie# Jane) +-ut n!" that &y #ear uncle is c!&e% I h!'e everythin$ "ill be "ell)+ +Is &y (ather in t!"n.+ +2es% he "ent !n Tues#ay% as I "r!te y!u "!r#)+ +An# have y!u hear# (r!& hi& !(ten.+ +3e have hear# !nly !nce) He "r!te &e a (e" lines !n 3e#nes#ay% t! say that he ha# arrive# in sa(ety% an# t! $ive &e his #irecti!ns% "hich I 'articularly be$$e# hi& t! #!) He &erely a##e# that he sh!ul# n!t "rite a$ain till he ha# s!&ethin$ !( i&'!rtance t! &enti!n)+ +An# &y &!ther- h!" is she. H!" are y!u all.+ +,y &!ther is t!lerably "ell% I trust/ th!u$h her s'irits are $reatly sha en) 6he is u'stairs% an# "ill have $reat satis(acti!n in seein$ y!u all) 6he #!es n!t yet leave her #ressin$-r!!&) ,ary an# <itty% than Heaven% are 9uite "ell)+ +-ut y!u- h!" are y!u.+ crie# Eli8abeth) +2!u l!! 'ale) H!" &uch y!u &ust have $!ne thr!u$h5+ Her sister% h!"ever% assure# her !( her bein$ 'er(ectly "ell/ an# their c!nversati!n% "hich ha# been 'assin$ "hile ,r) an# ,rs) ?ar#iner "ere en$a$e# "ith their chil#ren% "as n!" 'ut an en# t! by the a''r!ach !( the "h!le 'arty) Jane ran t! her uncle an# aunt% an# "elc!&e# an# than e# the& b!th% "ith alternate s&iles an# tears) 3hen they "ere all in the #ra"in$-r!!&% the 9uesti!ns "hich Eli8abeth ha# alrea#y as e# "ere !( c!urse re'eate# by the !thers% an# they s!!n (!un# that Jane ha# n! intelli$ence t! $ive) The san$uine h!'e !( $!!#% h!"ever% "hich the benev!lence !( her heart su$$este# ha# n!t yet #eserte# her/ she still e*'ecte# that it "!ul# all en# "ell% an# that every &!rnin$ "!ul# brin$ s!&e letter% either (r!& 0y#ia !r her (ather% t! e*'lain their 'r!cee#in$s% an#% 'erha's% ann!unce the &arria$e) ,rs) -ennet% t! "h!se a'art&ent they all re'aire#% a(ter a (e" &inutes; c!nversati!n t!$ether% receive# the& e*actly as &i$ht be e*'ecte#/ "ith tears an# la&entati!ns !( re$ret% invectives a$ainst the villain!us c!n#uct !( 3ic ha&% an# c!&'laints !( her !"n su((erin$s an# ill-usa$e/ bla&in$ everyb!#y but the 'ers!n t! "h!se ill-1u#$in$ in#ul$ence the err!rs !( her #au$hter &ust be 'rinci'ally !"in$) +I( I ha# been able%+ sai# she% +t! carry &y '!int in $!in$ t! -ri$ht!n% "ith all &y (a&ily% this "!ul# n!t have ha''ene#7 but '!!r #ear 0y#ia ha# n!b!#y t! ta e care !( her) 3hy #i# the >!rsters ever let her $! !ut !( their si$ht. I a& sure there "as s!&e $reat ne$lect !r !ther !n their si#e% (!r she is n!t the in# !( $irl t! #! such a thin$ i( she ha# been "ell l!! e# a(ter) I al"ays th!u$ht they "ere very un(it t! have the char$e !( her/ but I "as !verrule#% as I al"ays a&) P!!r #ear chil#5 An# n!" here;s ,r) -ennet $!ne a"ay% an# I n!" he "ill (i$ht 3ic ha&% "herever he &eets hi&/ an# then he "ill be ille#% an# "hat is t! bec!&e !( us all. The C!llinses "ill turn us !ut be(!re he is c!l# in his $rave% an# i( y!u are n!t in# t! us% br!ther% I #! n!t n!" "hat "e shall #!)+

They all e*clai&e# a$ainst such terri(ic i#eas/ an# ,r) ?ar#iner% a(ter $eneral assurances !( his a((ecti!n (!r her an# all her (a&ily% t!l# her that he &eant t! be in 0!n#!n the very ne*t #ay% an# "!ul# assist ,r) -ennet in every en#eav!r (!r rec!verin$ 0y#ia) +D! n!t $ive "ay t! useless alar&%+ a##e# he/ +th!u$h it is ri$ht t! be 're'are# (!r the "!rst% there is n! !ccasi!n t! l!! !n it as certain) It is n!t 9uite a "ee since they le(t -ri$ht!n) In a (e" #ays &!re "e &ay $ain s!&e ne"s !( the&/ an# till "e n!" that they are n!t &arrie#% an# have n! #esi$n !( &arryin$% #! n!t let us $ive the &atter !ver as l!st) As s!!n as I $et t! t!"n I shall $! t! &y br!ther% an# &a e hi& c!&e h!&e "ith &e t! ?racechurch 6treet/ an# then "e &ay c!nsult t!$ether as t! "hat is t! be #!ne)+ +4h5 &y #ear br!ther%+ re'lie# ,rs) -ennet% +that is e*actly "hat I c!ul# &!st "ish (!r) An# n!" #!% "hen y!u $et t! t!"n% (in# the& !ut% "herever they &ay be/ an# i( they are n!t &arrie# alrea#y% &a e the& &arry) An# as (!r "e##in$ cl!thes% #! n!t let the& "ait (!r that% but tell 0y#ia she shall have as &uch &!ney as she ch!!ses t! buy the&% a(ter they are &arrie#) An#% ab!ve all thin$s% ee' ,r) -ennet (r!& (i$htin$) Tell hi& "hat a #rea#(ul state I a& in%- that I a& (ri$hte# !ut !( &y "its- an# have such tre&blin$s% such (lutterin$s% all !ver &e- such s'as&s in &y si#e an# 'ains in &y hea#% an# such beatin$s at heart% that I can $et n! rest by ni$ht n!r by #ay) An# tell &y #ear 0y#ia n!t t! $ive any #irecti!ns ab!ut her cl!thes till she has seen &e% (!r she #!es n!t n!" "hich are the best "areh!uses) 4h% br!ther% h!" in# y!u are5 I n!" y!u "ill c!ntrive it all)+ -ut ,r) ?ar#iner% th!u$h he assure# her a$ain !( his earnest en#eav!rs in the cause% c!ul# n!t av!i# rec!&&en#in$ &!#erati!n t! her% as "ell in her h!'es as her (ears/ an# a(ter tal in$ "ith her in this &anner till #inner "as !n table% they le(t her t! vent all her (eelin$s !n the h!use ee'er% "h! atten#e#% in the absence !( her #au$hters) Th!u$h her br!ther an# sister "ere 'ersua#e# that there "as n! real !ccasi!n (!r such a seclusi!n (r!& the (a&ily% they #i# n!t atte&'t t! !''!se it% (!r they ne" that she ha# n!t 'ru#ence en!u$h t! h!l# her t!n$ue be(!re the servants% "hile they "aite# at table% an# 1u#$e# it better that !ne !nly !( the h!useh!l#% an# the !ne "h!& they c!ul# &!st trust% sh!ul# c!&'rehen# all her (ears an# s!licitu#e !n the sub1ect) In the #inin$-r!!& they "ere s!!n 1!ine# by ,ary an# <itty% "h! ha# been t!! busily en$a$e# in their se'arate a'art&ents t! &a e their a''earance be(!re) 4ne ca&e (r!& her b!! s% an# the !ther (r!& her t!ilette) The (aces !( b!th% h!"ever% "ere t!lerably cal&/ an# n! chan$e "as visible in either% e*ce't that the l!ss !( her (av!rite sister% !r the an$er "hich she ha# hersel( incurre# in the business% ha# $iven s!&ethin$ &!re !( (ret(ulness than usual t! the accents !( <itty) As (!r ,ary% she "as &istress en!u$h !( hersel( t! "his'er t! Eli8abeth% "ith c!untenance !( $rave re(lecti!n% s!!n a(ter they "ere seate# at table+This is a &!st un(!rtunate a((air% an# "ill 'r!bably be &uch tal e# !() -ut "e &ust ste& the ti#e !( &alice% an# '!ur int! the "!un#e# b!s!&s !( each !ther the bal& !( sisterly c!ns!lati!n)+

Then% 'erceivin$ in Eli8abeth n! inclinati!n !( re'lyin$% she a##e#% +Unha''y as the event &ust be (!r 0y#ia% "e &ay #ra" (r!& it this use(ul less!n7 that l!ss !( virtue in a (e&ale is irretrievablethat !ne (alse ste' inv!lves her in en#less ruin- that her re'utati!n is n! less brittle than it is beauti(ul- an# that she cann!t be t!! &uch $uar#e# in her behavi!r t!"ar#s the un#eservin$ !( the !ther se*)+ Eli8abeth li(te# u' her eyes in a&a8e&ent% but "as t!! &uch !''resse# t! &a e any re'ly) ,ary% h!"ever% c!ntinue# t! c!ns!le hersel( "ith such in# !( &!ral e*tracti!ns (r!& the evil be(!re the&) In the a(tern!!n% the t"! el#er ,iss -ennets "ere able t! be (!r hal(-an-h!ur by the&selves/ an# Eli8abeth instantly availe# hersel( !( the !''!rtunity !( &a in$ any in9uiries% "hich Jane "as e9ually ea$er t! satis(y) A(ter 1!inin$ in $eneral la&entati!ns !ver the #rea#(ul se9uel !( this event% "hich Eli8abeth c!nsi#ere# as all but certain% an# ,iss -ennet c!ul# n!t assert t! be "h!lly i&'!ssible% the (!r&er c!ntinue# the sub1ect% by sayin$% +-ut tell &e all an# everythin$ ab!ut it "hich I have n!t alrea#y hear#) ?ive &e (urther 'articulars) 3hat #i# C!l!nel >!rster say. Ha# they n! a''rehensi!n !( anythin$ be(!re the el!'e&ent t!! 'lace. They &ust have seen the& t!$ether (!r ever)+ +C!l!nel >!rster #i# !"n that he ha# !(ten sus'ecte# s!&e 'artiality% es'ecially !n 0y#ia;s si#e% but n!thin$ t! $ive hi& any alar&) I a& s! $rieve# (!r hi&5 His behavi!r "as attentive an# in# t! the ut&!st) He "as c!&in$ t! us% in !r#er t! assure us !( his c!ncern% be(!re he ha# any i#ea !( their n!t bein$ $!ne t! 6c!tlan#7 "hen that a''rehensi!n (irst $!t abr!a#% it hastene# his 1!urney)+ +An# "as Denny c!nvince# that 3ic ha& "!ul# n!t &arry. Di# he n!" !( their inten#in$ t! $! !((. Ha# C!l!nel >!rster seen Denny hi&sel(.+ +2es/ but% "hen 9uesti!ne# by hi&% Denny #enie# n!"in$ anythin$ !( their 'lan% an# "!ul# n!t $ive his real !'ini!n ab!ut it) He #i# n!t re'eat his 'ersuasi!n !( their n!t &arryin$- an# (r!& that% I a& incline# t! h!'e% he &i$ht have been &isun#erst!!# be(!re)+ +An# till C!l!nel >!rster ca&e hi&sel(% n!t !ne !( y!u entertaine# a #!ubt% I su''!se% !( their bein$ really &arrie#.+ +H!" "as it '!ssible that such an i#ea sh!ul# enter !ur brains. I (elt a little uneasy- a little (ear(ul !( &y sister;s ha''iness "ith hi& in &arria$e% because I ne" that his c!n#uct ha# n!t been al"ays 9uite ri$ht) ,y (ather an# &!ther ne" n!thin$ !( that/ they !nly (elt h!" i&'ru#ent a &atch it &ust be) <itty then !"ne#% "ith a very natural triu&'h !n n!"in$ &!re than the rest !( us% that in 0y#ia;s last letter she ha# 're'are# her (!r such a ste') 6he ha# n!"n% it see&s% !( their bein$ in l!ve "ith each !ther% &any "ee s)+ +-ut n!t be(!re they "ent t! -ri$ht!n.+ +N!% I believe n!t)+ +An# #i# C!l!nel >!rster a''ear t! thin ill !( 3ic ha& hi&sel(. D!es he n!" his real character.+ +I &ust c!n(ess that he #i# n!t s'ea s! "ell !( 3ic ha& as he (!r&erly #i#) He believe# hi& t! be i&'ru#ent an# e*trava$ant) An# since this sa# a((air has ta en 'lace% it is sai# that he le(t ,eryt!n $reatly in #ebt/ but I h!'e this &aybe (alse)+ +4h% Jane% ha# "e been less secret% ha# "e t!l# "hat "e ne" !( hi&%

this c!ul# n!t have ha''ene#5+ +Perha's it "!ul# have been better%+ re'lie# her sister) +-ut t! e*'!se the (!r&er (aults !( any 'ers!n "ith!ut n!"in$ "hat their 'resent (eelin$s "ere% see&e# un1usti(iable) 3e acte# "ith the best intenti!ns)+ +C!ul# C!l!nel >!rster re'eat the 'articulars !( 0y#ia;s n!te t! his "i(e.+ +He br!u$ht it "ith hi& (!r us t! see)+ Jane then t!! it (r!& her '!c et-b!! % an# $ave it t! Eli8abeth) These "ere the c!ntents+,2 DEAR HARRIET%+2!u "ill lau$h "hen y!u n!" "here I a& $!ne% an# I cann!t hel' lau$hin$ &ysel( at y!ur sur'rise t!-&!rr!" &!rnin$% as s!!n I a& &isse#) I a& $!in$ t! ?retna ?reen% an# i( y!u cann!t $uess "ith "h!% I shall thin y!u a si&'let!n% (!r there is but !ne &an in the "!rl# I l!ve% an# he is an an$el) I sh!ul# never be ha''y "ith!ut hi&% s! thin it n! har& t! be !(() 2!u nee# n!t sen# the& "!r# at 0!n$b!urn !( &y $!in$% i( y!u #! n!t li e it% (!r it "ill &a e the sur'rise the $reater% "hen I "rite t! the& an# si$n &y na&e ;0y#ia 3ic ha&); 3hat a $!!# 1! e it "ill be5 I can har#ly "rite (!r lau$hin$) Pray &a e &y e*cuses t! Pratt (!r n!t ee'in$ &y en$a$e&ent% an# #ancin$ "ith hi& t!-ni$ht) Tell hi& I h!'e he "ill e*cuse &e "hen he n!"s all/ an# tell hi& I "ill #ance "ith hi& at the ne*t ball "e &eet% "ith $reat 'leasure) I shall sen# (!r &y cl!thes "hen I $et t! 0!n$b!urn/ but I "ish y!u "!ul# tell 6ally t! &en# a $reat slit in &y "!r e# &uslin $!"n be(!re they are 'ac e# u') ?!!#-by) ?ive &y l!ve t! C!l!nel >!rster) I h!'e y!u "ill #rin t! !ur $!!# 1!urney)2!ur a((ecti!nate (rien#% +02DIA -ENNET)+ +4h% th!u$htless% th!u$htless 0y#ia5+ crie# Eli8abeth "hen she ha# (inishe# it) +3hat a letter is this% t! be "ritten at such a &!&ent5 -ut at least it sh!"s that she "as seri!us in the !b1ect !( her 1!urney) 3hatever he &i$ht a(ter"ar#s 'ersua#e her t!% it "as n!t !n her si#e a sche&e !( in(a&y) ,y '!!r (ather5 h!" he &ust have (elt it5+ +I never sa" any !ne s! sh!c e#) He c!ul# n!t s'ea a "!r# (!r (ull ten &inutes) ,y &!ther "as ta en ill i&&e#iately% an# the "h!le h!use in such c!n(usi!n5+ +4h% Jane5+ crie# Eli8abeth% +"as there a servant bel!n$in$ t! it "h! #i# n!t n!" the "h!le st!ry be(!re the en# !( the #ay.+ +I #! n!t n!")- I h!'e there "as)- -ut t! be $uar#e# at such a ti&e is very #i((icult) ,y &!ther "as in hysterics% an# th!u$h I en#eav!re# t! $ive her every assistance in &y '!"er% I a& a(rai# I #i# n!t #! s! &uch as I &i$ht have #!ne5 -ut the h!rr!r !( "hat &i$ht '!ssibly ha''en al&!st t!! (r!& &e &y (aculties)+ +2!ur atten#ance u'!n her has been t!! &uch (!r y!u) 2!u #! n!t l!! "ell) 4h% that I ha# been "ith y!u5- y!u have ha# every care an# an*iety u'!n y!ursel( al!ne)+ +,ary an# <itty have been very in#% an# "!ul# have share# in every (ati$ue% I a& sure% but I #i# n!t thin it ri$ht (!r either !(

the&) <itty is sli$ht an# #elicate/ an# ,ary stu#ies s! &uch% that her h!urs !( re'!se sh!ul# n!t be br! en in !n) ,y aunt Phili's ca&e t! 0!n$b!urn !n Tues#ay% a(ter &y (ather "ent a"ay/ an# "as s! $!!# as t! stay till Thurs#ay "ith &e) 6he "as !( $reat use an# c!&(!rt t! us all) An# 0a#y 0ucas has been very in#/ she "al e# here !n 3e#nes#ay &!rnin$ t! c!n#!le "ith us% an# !((ere# her services% !r any !( her #au$hters;% i( they c!ul# be !( use t! us)+ +6he ha# better have staye# at h!&e%+ crie# Eli8abeth/ +'erha's she &eant "ell% but% un#er such a &is(!rtune as this% !ne cann!t see t!! little !( !ne;s nei$hb!rs) Assistance is i&'!ssible/ c!n#!lence insu((erable) 0et the& triu&'h !ver us at a #istance% an# be satis(ie#)+ 6he then 'r!cee#e# t! in9uire int! the &easures "hich her (ather ha# inten#e# t! 'ursue% "hile in t!"n% (!r the rec!very !( his #au$hter) +He &eant% I believe%+ re'lie# Jane% +t! $! t! E's!&% the 'lace "here they last chan$e# h!rses% see the '!stili!ns% an# try i( anythin$ c!ul# be &a#e !ut (r!& the&) His 'rinci'al !b1ect &ust be t! #isc!ver the nu&ber !( the hac ney c!ach "hich t!! the& (r!& Cla'ha&) It ha# c!&e "ith a (are (r!& 0!n#!n/ an# as he th!u$ht the circu&stance !( a $entle&an an# la#y;s re&!vin$ (r!& !ne carria$e int! an!ther &i$ht be re&ar e#% he &eant t! &a e in9uiries at Cla'ha&) I( he c!ul# anyh!" #isc!ver at "hat h!use the c!ach&an ha# be(!re set #!"n his (are% he #eter&ine# t! &a e in9uiries there% an# h!'e# it &i$ht n!t be i&'!ssible t! (in# !ut the stan# an# nu&ber !( the c!ach) I #! n!t n!" !( any !ther #esi$ns that he ha# (!r&e#/ but he "as in such a hurry t! be $!ne% an# his s'irits s! $reatly #isc!&'!se#% that I ha# #i((iculty in (in#in$ !ut even s! &uch as this)+ CHAPTER:B0@III CHAPTER B0@III THE "h!le 'arty "ere in h!'es !( a letter (r!& ,r) -ennet the ne*t &!rnin$% but the '!st ca&e in "ith!ut brin$in$ a sin$le line (r!& hi&) His (a&ily ne" hi& t! be% !n all c!&&!n !ccasi!ns% a &!st ne$li$ent an# #ilat!ry c!rres'!n#ent/ but at such a ti&e they ha# h!'e# (!r e*erti!n) They "ere (!rce# t! c!nclu#e that he ha# n! 'leasin$ intelli$ence t! sen#/ but even !( that they "!ul# have been $la# t! be certain) ,r) ?ar#iner ha# "aite# !nly (!r the letters be(!re he set !(() 3hen he "as $!ne% they "ere certain at least !( receivin$ c!nstant in(!r&ati!n !( "hat "as $!in$ !n% an# their uncle 'r!&ise#% at 'artin$% t! 'revail !n ,r) -ennet t! return t! 0!n$b!urn% as s!!n as he c!ul#% t! the $reat c!ns!lati!n !( his sister% "h! c!nsi#ere# it as the !nly security (!r her husban#;s n!t bein$ ille# in a #uel) ,rs) ?ar#iner an# the chil#ren "ere t! re&ain in Hert(!r#shire a (e" #ays l!n$er% as the (!r&er th!u$ht her 'resence &i$ht be serviceable t! her nieces) 6he share# in their atten#ance !n ,rs) -ennet% an# "as a $reat c!&(!rt t! the& in their h!urs !( (ree#!&) Their !ther aunt als! visite# the& (re9uently% an# al"ays% as she sai#% "ith the #esi$n !( cheerin$ an# heartenin$ the& u'- th!u$h% as she never ca&e "ith!ut re'!rtin$ s!&e (resh instance !( 3ic ha&;s e*trava$ance !r irre$ularity% she sel#!& "ent a"ay "ith!ut leavin$ the& &!re

#is'irite# than she (!un# the&) All ,eryt!n see&e# strivin$ t! blac en the &an "h!% but three &!nths be(!re% ha# been al&!st an an$el !( li$ht) He "as #eclare# t! be in #ebt t! every tra#es&an in the 'lace% an# his intri$ues% all h!n!re# "ith the title !( se#ucti!n% ha# been e*ten#e# int! every tra#es&an;s (a&ily) Everyb!#y #eclare# that he "as the "ic e#est y!un$ &an in the "!rl#/ an# everyb!#y be$an t! (in# !ut that they ha# al"ays #istruste# the a''earance !( his $!!#ness) Eli8abeth% th!u$h she #i# n!t cre#it ab!ve hal( !( "hat "as sai#% believe# en!u$h t! &a e her (!r&er assurance !( her sister;s ruin still &!re certain/ an# even Jane% "h! believe# still less !( it% beca&e al&!st h!'eless% &!re es'ecially as the ti&e "as n!" c!&e "hen% i( they ha# $!ne t! 6c!tlan#% "hich she ha# never be(!re entirely #es'aire# !(% they &ust in all 'r!bability have $aine# s!&e ne"s !( the&) ,r) ?ar#iner le(t 0!n$b!urn !n 6un#ay/ !n Tues#ay% his "i(e receive# a letter (r!& hi&/ it t!l# the& that% !n his arrival% he ha# i&&e#iately (!un# !ut his br!ther% an# 'ersua#e# hi& t! c!&e t! ?racechurch 6treet/ that ,r) -ennet ha# been t! E's!& an# Cla'ha&% be(!re his arrival% but "ith!ut $ainin$ any satis(act!ry in(!r&ati!n/ an# that he "as n!" #eter&ine# t! in9uire at all the 'rinci'al h!tels in t!"n% as ,r) -ennet th!u$ht it '!ssible they &i$ht have $!ne t! !ne !( the&% !n their (irst c!&in$ t! 0!n#!n% be(!re they 'r!cure# l!#$in$s) ,r) ?ar#iner hi&sel( #i# n!t e*'ect any success (r!& this &easure% but as his br!ther "as ea$er in it% he &eant t! assist hi& in 'ursuin$ it) He a##e# that ,r) -ennet see&e# "h!lly #isincline# at 'resent t! leave 0!n#!n% an# 'r!&ise# t! "rite a$ain very s!!n) There "as als! a '!stscri't t! this e((ect+I have "ritten t! C!l!nel >!rster t! #esire hi& t! (in# !ut% i( '!ssible% (r!& s!&e !( the y!un$ &an;s inti&ates in the re$i&ent% "hether 3ic ha& has any relati!ns !r c!nnecti!ns "h! "!ul# be li ely t! n!" in "hat 'art !( the t!"n he has n!" c!nceale# hi&sel() I( there "ere any !ne that !ne c!ul# a''ly t! "ith a 'r!bability !( $ainin$ such a cle" as that% it &i$ht be !( essential c!nse9uence) At 'resent "e have n!thin$ t! $ui#e us) C!l!nel >!rster "ill% I #are say% #! everythin$ in his '!"er t! satis(y us !n this hea#) -ut% !n sec!n# th!u$hts% 'erha's 0i88y c!ul# tell us "hat relati!ns he has n!" livin$% better than any !ther 'ers!n)+ Eli8abeth "as at n! l!ss t! un#erstan# (r!& "hence this #e(erence (!r her auth!rity 'r!cee#e#/ but it "as n!t in her '!"er t! $ive any in(!r&ati!n !( s! satis(act!ry a nature as the c!&'li&ent #eserve#) 6he ha# never hear# !( his havin$ ha# any relati!ns% e*ce't a (ather an# &!ther% b!th !( "h!& ha# been #ea# &any years) It "as '!ssible% h!"ever% that s!&e !( his c!&'ani!ns in the ::shire &i$ht be able t! $ive &!re in(!r&ati!n/ an# th!u$h she "as n!t very san$uine in e*'ectin$ it% the a''licati!n "as a s!&ethin$ t! l!! (!r"ar# t!) Every #ay at 0!n$b!urn "as n!" a #ay !( an*iety/ but the &!st an*i!us 'art !( each "as "hen the '!st "as e*'ecte#) The arrival !( letters "as the (irst $ran# !b1ect !( every &!rnin$;s i&'atience) Thr!u$h letters% "hatever !( $!!# !r ba# "as t! be t!l# "!ul# be c!&&unicate#% an# every succee#in$ #ay "as e*'ecte# t! brin$ s!&e ne"s !( i&'!rtance) -ut be(!re they hear# a$ain (r!& ,r) ?ar#iner% a letter arrive#

(!r their (ather% (r!& a #i((erent 9uarter% (r!& ,r) C!llins/ "hich% as Jane ha# receive# #irecti!ns t! !'en all that ca&e (!r hi& in his absence% she acc!r#in$ly rea#/ an# Eli8abeth% "h! ne" "hat curi!sities his letters al"ays "ere% l!! e# !ver her% an# rea# it li e"ise) It "as as (!ll!"s7+,2 DEAR 6IR%+I (eel &ysel( calle# u'!n% by !ur relati!nshi'% an# &y situati!n in li(e% t! c!n#!le "ith y!u !n the $riev!us a((licti!n y!u are n!" su((erin$ un#er% !( "hich "e "ere yester#ay in(!r&e# by a letter (r!& Hert(!r#shire) -e assure#% &y #ear sir% that ,rs) C!llins an# &ysel( sincerely sy&'athi8e "ith y!u an# all y!ur res'ectable (a&ily% in y!ur 'resent #istress% "hich &ust be !( the bitterest in#% because 'r!cee#in$ (r!& a cause "hich n! ti&e can re&!ve) N! ar$u&ents shall be "antin$ !n &y 'art that can alleviate s! severe a &is(!rtune!r that &ay c!&(!rt y!u% un#er a circu&stance that &ust be !( all !thers &!st a((lictin$ t! a 'arent;s &in#) The #eath !( y!ur #au$hter "!ul# have been a blessin$ in c!&'aris!n !( this) An# it is the &!re t! be la&ente#% because there is reas!n t! su''!se% as &y #ear Charl!tte in(!r&s &e% that this licenti!usness !( behavi!r in y!ur #au$hter has 'r!cee#e# (r!& a (aulty #e$ree !( in#ul$ence/ th!u$h% at the sa&e ti&e% (!r the c!ns!lati!n !( y!ursel( an# ,rs) -ennet% I a& incline# t! thin that her !"n #is'!siti!n &ust be naturally ba#% !r she c!ul# n!t be $uilty !( such an en!r&ity% at s! early an a$e) H!"s!ever that &ay be% y!u are $riev!usly t! be 'itie#/ in "hich !'ini!n I a& n!t !nly 1!ine# by ,rs) C!llins% but li e"ise by 0a#y Catherine an# her #au$hter% t! "h!& I have relate# the a((air) They a$ree "ith &e in a''rehen#in$ that this (alse ste' in !ne #au$hter "ill be in1uri!us t! the (!rtunes !( all the !thers/ (!r "h!% as 0a#y Catherine hersel( c!n#escen#in$ly says% "ill c!nnect the&selves "ith such a (a&ily. An# this c!nsi#erati!n lea#s &e &!re!ver t! re(lect% "ith au$&ente# satis(acti!n% !n a certain event !( last N!ve&ber/ (!r ha# it been !ther"ise% I &ust have been inv!lve# in all y!ur s!rr!" an# #is$race) 0et &e a#vise y!u then% &y #ear sir% t! c!ns!le y!ursel( as &uch as '!ssible% t! thr!" !(( y!ur un"!rthy chil# (r!& y!ur a((ecti!n (!r ever% an# leave her t! rea' the (ruits !( her !"n hein!us !((ense)- I a&% #ear sir% =c)% =c)+ ,r) ?ar#iner #i# n!t "rite a$ain till he ha# receive# an ans"er (r!& C!l!nel >!rster/ an# then he ha# n!thin$ !( a 'leasant nature t! sen#) It "as n!t n!"n that 3ic ha& ha# a sin$le relati!n "ith "h!& he e't u' any c!nnecti!n% an# it "as certain that he ha# n! near !ne livin$) His (!r&er ac9uaintance ha# been nu&er!us/ but since he ha# been in the &ilitia% it #i# n!t a''ear that he "as !n ter&s !( 'articular (rien#shi' "ith any !( the&) There "as n! !ne% there(!re% "h! c!ul# be '!inte# !ut as li ely t! $ive any ne"s !( hi&) An# in the "retche# state !( his !"n (inances% there "as a very '!"er(ul &!tive (!r secrecy% in a##iti!n t! his (ear !( #isc!very by 0y#ia;s relati!ns% (!r it ha# 1ust trans'ire# that he ha# le(t $a&in$ #ebts behin# hi& t! a very c!nsi#erable a&!unt) C!l!nel >!rster believe# that &!re than a th!usan# '!un#s "!ul# be necessary t! clear his e*'enses at -ri$ht!n) He !"e# a $!!# #eal in the t!"n% but his #ebts

!( h!n!r "ere still &!re (!r&i#able) ,r) ?ar#iner #i# n!t atte&'t t! c!nceal these 'articulars (r!& the 0!n$b!urn (a&ily) Jane hear# the& "ith h!rr!r) +A $a&ester5+ she crie#) +This is "h!lly une*'ecte#) I ha# n!t an i#ea !( it)+ ,r) ?ar#iner a##e# in his letter% that they &i$ht e*'ect t! see their (ather at h!&e !n the (!ll!"in$ #ay% "hich "as 6atur#ay) Ren#ere# s'iritless by the ill-success !( all their en#eav!rs% he ha# yiel#e# t! his br!ther-in-la";s entreaty that he "!ul# return t! his (a&ily% an# leave it t! hi& t! #! "hatever !ccasi!n &i$ht su$$est t! be a#visable (!r c!ntinuin$ their 'ursuit) 3hen ,rs) -ennet "as t!l# !( this% she #i# n!t e*'ress s! &uch satis(acti!n as her chil#ren e*'ecte#% c!nsi#erin$ "hat her an*iety (!r his li(e ha# been be(!re) +3hat% is he c!&in$ h!&e% an# "ith!ut '!!r 0y#ia.+ she crie#) +6ure he "ill n!t leave 0!n#!n be(!re he has (!un# the&) 3h! is t! (i$ht 3ic ha&% an# &a e hi& &arry her% i( he c!&es a"ay.+ As ,rs) ?ar#iner be$an t! "ish t! be at h!&e% it "as settle# that she an# her chil#ren sh!ul# $! t! 0!n#!n% at the sa&e ti&e that ,r) -ennet ca&e (r!& it) The c!ach% there(!re% t!! the& the (irst sta$e !( their 1!urney% an# br!u$ht its &aster bac t! 0!n$b!urn) ,rs) ?ar#iner "ent a"ay in all the 'er'le*ity ab!ut Eli8abeth an# her Derbyshire (rien# that ha# atten#e# her (r!& that 'art !( the "!rl#) His na&e ha# never been v!luntarily &enti!ne# be(!re the& by her niece/ an# the in# !( hal(-e*'ectati!n "hich ,rs) ?ar#iner ha# (!r&e#% !( their bein$ (!ll!"e# by a letter (r!& hi&% ha# en#e# in n!thin$) Eli8abeth ha# receive# n!ne since her return that c!ul# c!&e (r!& Pe&berley) The 'resent unha''y state !( the (a&ily ren#ere# any !ther e*cuse (!r the l!"ness !( her s'irits unnecessary/ n!thin$% there(!re% c!ul# be (airly c!n1ecture# (r!& that% th!u$h Eli8abeth% "h! "as by this ti&e t!lerably "ell ac9uainte# "ith her !"n (eelin$s% "as 'er(ectly a"are that% ha# she n!"n n!thin$ !( Darcy% she c!ul# have b!rne the #rea# !( 0y#ia;s in(a&y s!&e"hat better) It "!ul# have s'are# her% she th!u$ht% !ne slee'less ni$ht !ut !( t"!) 3hen ,r) -ennet arrive#% he ha# all the a''earance !( his usual 'hil!s!'hic c!&'!sure) He sai# as little as he ha# ever been in the habit !( sayin$/ &a#e n! &enti!n !( the business that ha# ta en hi& a"ay% an# it "as s!&e ti&e be(!re his #au$hters ha# c!ura$e t! s'ea !( it) It "as n!t till the a(tern!!n% "hen he 1!ine# the& at tea% that Eli8abeth venture# t! intr!#uce the sub1ect/ an# then% !n her brie(ly e*'ressin$ her s!rr!" (!r "hat he &ust have en#ure#% he re'lie#% +6ay n!thin$ !( that) 3h! sh!ul# su((er but &ysel(. It has been &y !"n #!in$% an# I !u$ht t! (eel it)+ +2!u &ust n!t be t!! severe u'!n y!ursel(%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth) +2!u &ay "ell "arn &e a$ainst such an evil) Hu&an nature is s! 'r!ne t! (all int! it5 N!% 0i88y% let &e !nce in &y li(e (eel h!" &uch I have been t! bla&e) I a& n!t a(rai# !( bein$ !ver'!"ere# by the i&'ressi!n) It "ill 'ass a"ay s!!n en!u$h)+ +D! y!u su''!se the& t! be in 0!n#!n.+ +2es/ "here else can they be s! "ell c!nceale#.+ +An# 0y#ia use# t! "ant t! $! t! 0!n#!n%+ a##e# <itty)

+6he is ha''y then%+ sai# her (ather #rily/ +an# her resi#ence there "ill 'r!bably be !( s!&e #urati!n)+ Then% a(ter a sh!rt silence% he c!ntinue#+0i88y% I bear y!u n! ill-"ill (!r bein$ 1usti(ie# in y!ur a#vice t! &e last ,ay% "hich% c!nsi#erin$ the event% sh!"s s!&e $reatness !( &in#)+ They "ere interru'te# by ,iss -ennet% "h! ca&e t! (etch her &!ther;s tea) +This is a 'ara#e%+ crie# he% +"hich #!es !ne $!!#/ it $ives such an ele$ance t! &is(!rtune5 An!ther #ay I "ill #! the sa&e/ I "ill sit in &y library% in &y ni$htca' an# '!"#erin$ $!"n% an# $ive as &uch tr!uble as I can/- !r% 'erha's% I &ay #e(er it till <itty runs a"ay)+ +I a& n!t $!in$ t! run a"ay% 'a'a%+ sai# <itty (ret(ully) +I( I sh!ul# ever $! t! -ri$ht!n% I "!ul# behave better than 0y#ia)+ +2!u $! t! -ri$ht!n) I "!ul# n!t trust y!u s! near it as East -!urne (!r (i(ty '!un#s5 N!% <itty% I have at last learnt t! be cauti!us% an# y!u "ill (eel the e((ects !( it) N! !((icer is ever t! enter &y h!use a$ain% n!r even t! 'ass thr!u$h the villa$e) -alls "ill be abs!lutely 'r!hibite#% unless y!u stan# u' "ith !ne !( y!ur sisters) An# y!u are never t! stir !ut !( #!!rs till y!u can 'r!ve that y!u have s'ent ten &inutes !( every #ay in a rati!nal &anner)+ <itty% "h! t!! all these threats in a seri!us li$ht% be$an t! cry) +3ell% "ell%+ sai# he% +#! n!t &a e y!ursel( unha''y) I( y!u are a $!!# $irl (!r the ne*t ten years% I "ill ta e y!u t! a revie" at the en# !( the&)+ CHAPTER:B0IB CHAPTER B0IB T34 #ays a(ter ,r) -ennet;s return% as Jane an# Eli8abeth "ere "al in$ t!$ether in the shrubbery behin# the h!use% they sa" the h!use ee'er c!&in$ t!"ar#s the&% an#% c!nclu#in$ that she ca&e t! call the& t! their &!ther% "ent (!r"ar# t! &eet her/ but% instea# !( the e*'ecte# su&&!ns% "hen they a''r!ache# her% she sai# t! ,iss -ennet% +I be$ y!ur 'ar#!n% &a#a&% (!r interru'tin$ y!u% but I "as in h!'es y!u &i$ht have $!t s!&e $!!# ne"s (r!& t!"n% s! I t!! the liberty !( c!&in$ t! as )+ +3hat #! y!u &ean% Hill. 3e have hear# n!thin$ (r!& t!"n)+ +Dear &a#a&%+ crie# ,rs) Hill% in $reat ast!nish&ent% +#!n;t y!u n!" there is an e*'ress c!&e (!r &aster (r!& ,r) ?ar#iner. He has been here this hal(-h!ur% an# &aster has ha# a letter)+ A"ay ran the $irls% t!! ea$er t! $et in t! have ti&e (!r s'eech) They ran thr!u$h the vestibule int! the brea (ast-r!!&/ (r!& thence t! the library/- their (ather "as in neither/ an# they "ere !n the '!int !( see in$ hi& u'stairs "ith their &!ther% "hen they "ere &et by the butler% "h! sai#+I( y!u are l!! in$ (!r &y &aster% &a;a&% he is "al in$ t!"ar#s the little c!'se)+ U'!n this in(!r&ati!n% they instantly 'asse# thr!u$h the hall !nce &!re% an# ran acr!ss the la"n a(ter their (ather% "h! "as #eliberately 'ursuin$ his "ay t!"ar#s a s&all "!!# !n !ne si#e !( the 'a##!c ) Jane% "h! "as n!t s! li$ht n!r s! &uch in the habit !( runnin$ as

Eli8abeth% s!!n la$$e# behin#% "hile her sister% 'antin$ (!r breath% ca&e u' "ith hi&% an# ea$erly crie# !ut+4h% 'a'a% "hat ne"s- "hat ne"s. Have y!u hear# (r!& &y uncle.+ +2es% I have ha# a letter (r!& hi& by e*'ress)+ +3ell% an# "hat ne"s #!es it brin$- $!!# !r ba#.+ +3hat is there !( $!!# t! be e*'ecte#.+ sai# he% ta in$ the letter (r!& his '!c et) +-ut 'erha's y!u "!ul# li e t! rea# it)+ Eli8abeth i&'atiently cau$ht it (r!& his han#) Jane n!" ca&e u') +Rea# it al!u#%+ sai# their (ather% +(!r I har#ly n!" &ysel( "hat it is ab!ut)+ +?racechurch 6treet% ,!n#ay% Au$ust I) +,2 DEAR -R4THER%+At last I a& able t! sen# y!u s!&e ti#in$s !( &y niece% an# such as% u'!n the "h!le% I h!'e "ill $ive y!u satis(acti!n) 6!!n a(ter y!u le(t &e !n 6atur#ay% I "as (!rtunate en!u$h t! (in# !ut in "hat 'art !( 0!n#!n they "ere) The 'articulars I reserve till "e &eet7 it is en!u$h t! n!" they are #isc!vere#) I have seen the& b!th-+ +Then it is as I al"ays h!'e#%+ crie# Jane/ +they are &arrie#5+ Eli8abeth rea# !n+I have seen the& b!th) They are n!t &arrie#% n!r can I (in# there "as any intenti!n !( bein$ s!/ but i( y!u are "illin$ t! 'er(!r& the en$a$e&ents "hich I have venture# t! &a e !n y!ur si#e% I h!'e it "ill n!t be l!n$ be(!re they are) All that is re9uire# !( y!u is% t! assure t! y!ur #au$hter% by settle&ent% her e9ual share !( the (ive th!usan# '!un#s secure# a&!n$ y!ur chil#ren a(ter the #ecease !( y!ursel( an# &y sister/ an#% &!re!ver% t! enter int! an en$a$e&ent !( all!"in$ her% #urin$ y!ur li(e% !ne hun#re# '!un#s 'er annu&) These are c!n#iti!ns "hich% c!nsi#erin$ everythin$% I ha# n! hesitati!n in c!&'lyin$ "ith% as (ar as I th!u$ht &ysel( 'rivile$e#% (!r y!u) I shall sen# this by e*'ress% that n! ti&e &ay be l!st in brin$in$ &e y!ur ans"er) 2!u "ill easily c!&'rehen#% (r!& these 'articulars% that ,r) 3ic ha&;s circu&stances are n!t s! h!'eless as they are $enerally believe# t! be) The "!rl# has been #eceive# in that res'ect/ an# I a& ha''y t! say there "ill be s!&e little &!ney% even "hen all his #ebts are #ischar$e#% t! settle !n &y niece% in a##iti!n t! her !"n (!rtune) I(% as I c!nclu#e "ill be the case% y!u sen# &e (ull '!"ers t! act in y!ur na&e thr!u$h!ut the "h!le !( this business% I "ill i&&e#iately $ive #irecti!ns t! Ha$$erst!n (!r 're'arin$ a 'r!'er settle&ent) There "ill n!t be the s&allest !ccasi!n (!r y!ur c!&in$ t! t!"n a$ain/ there(!re stay 9uietly at 0!n$b!urn% an# #e'en# !n &y #ili$ence an# care) 6en# bac y!ur ans"er as s!!n as y!u can% an# be care(ul t! "rite e*'licitly) 3e have 1u#$e# it best that &y niece sh!ul# be &arrie# (r!& this h!use% !( "hich I h!'e y!u "ill a''r!ve) 6he c!&es t! us t!-#ay) I shall "rite a$ain as s!!n as anythin$ &!re is #eter&ine# !n) 2!urs% =c) +ED3) ?ARDINER)+ +Is it '!ssible.+ crie# Eli8abeth% "hen she ha# (inishe#) +Can it be

'!ssible that he "ill &arry her.+ +3ic ha& is n!t s! un#eservin$% then% as "e have th!u$ht hi&%+ sai# her sister) +,y #ear (ather% I c!n$ratulate y!u)+ +An# have y!u ans"ere# the letter.+ sai# Eli8abeth) +N!/ but it &ust be #!ne s!!n)+ ,!st earnestly #i# she then entreat hi& t! l!se n! &!re ti&e be(!re he "r!te) +4h5 &y #ear (ather%+ she crie#% +c!&e bac an# "rite i&&e#iately) C!nsi#er h!" i&'!rtant every &!&ent is in such a case)+ +0et &e "rite (!r y!u%+ sai# Jane% +i( y!u #isli e the tr!uble y!ursel()+ +I #isli e it very &uch%+ he re'lie#/ +but it &ust be #!ne)+ An# s! sayin$% he turne# bac "ith the&% an# "al e# t!"ar#s the h!use) +An# &ay I as -+ sai# Eli8abeth/ +but the ter&s% I su''!se% &ust be c!&'lie# "ith)+ +C!&'lie# "ith5 I a& !nly asha&e# !( his as in$ s! little)+ +An# they &ust &arry5 2et he is such a &an5+ +2es% yes% they &ust &arry) There is n!thin$ else t! be #!ne) -ut there are t"! thin$s that I "ant very &uch t! n!"7 !ne is% h!" &uch &!ney y!ur uncle has lai# #!"n t! brin$ it ab!ut/ an# the !ther% h!" I a& ever t! 'ay hi&)+ +,!ney5 &y uncle5+ crie# Jane/ +"hat #! y!u &ean% sir.+ +I &ean% that n! &an in his senses "!ul# &arry 0y#ia !n s! sli$ht a te&'tati!n as !ne hun#re# a year #urin$ &y li(e% an# (i(ty a(ter I a& $!ne)+ +That is very true%+ sai# Eli8abeth/ +th!u$h it ha# n!t !ccurre# t! &e be(!re) His #ebts t! be #ischar$e#% an# s!&ethin$ still t! re&ain5 4h5 it &ust be &y uncle;s #!in$s5 ?ener!us% $!!# &an% I a& a(rai# he has #istresse# hi&sel() A s&all su& c!ul# n!t #! all this)+ +N!%+ sai# her (ather/ +3ic ha&;s a (!!l i( he ta es her "ith a (arthin$ less than ten th!usan# '!un#s) I sh!ul# be s!rry t! thin s! ill !( hi&% in the very be$innin$ !( !ur relati!nshi')+ +Ten th!usan# '!un#s5 Heaven (!rbi#5 H!" is hal( such a su& t! be re'ai#.+ ,r) -ennet &a#e n! ans"er% an# each !( the&% #ee' in th!u$ht% c!ntinue# silent till they reache# the h!use) Their (ather then "ent t! the library t! "rite% an# the $irls "al e# int! the brea (ast-r!!&) +An# they are really t! be &arrie#5+ crie# Eli8abeth% as s!!n as they "ere by the&selves) +H!" stran$e this is5 An# (!r this "e are t! be than (ul) That they sh!ul# &arry% s&all as is their chance !( ha''iness% an# "retche# as is his character% "e are (!rce# t! re1!ice) 4h% 0y#ia5+ +I c!&(!rt &ysel( "ith thin in$%+ re'lie# Jane% +that he certainly "!ul# n!t &arry 0y#ia i( he ha# n!t a real re$ar# (!r her) Th!u$h !ur in# uncle has #!ne s!&ethin$ t!"ar#s clearin$ hi&% I cann!t believe that ten th!usan# '!un#s% !r anythin$ li e it% has been a#vance#) He has chil#ren !( his !"n% an# &ay have &!re) H!" c!ul# he s'are hal( ten th!usan# '!un#s.+ +I( "e "ere ever able t! learn "hat 3ic ha&;s #ebts have been%+ sai# Eli8abeth% +an# h!" &uch is settle# !n his si#e !n !ur sister% "e shall e*actly n!" "hat ,r) ?ar#iner has #!ne (!r the&% because

3ic ha& has n!t si*'ence !( his !"n) The in#ness !( &y uncle an# aunt can never be re9uite#) Their ta in$ her h!&e% an# a((!r#in$ her their 'ers!nal 'r!tecti!n an# c!untenance% is such a sacri(ice t! her a#vanta$e as years !( $ratitu#e cann!t en!u$h ac n!"le#$e) -y this ti&e she is actually "ith the&5 I( such $!!#ness #!es n!t &a e her &iserable n!"% she "ill never #eserve t! be ha''y5 3hat a &eetin$ (!r her% "hen she (irst sees &y aunt5+ +3e &ust en#eav!r t! (!r$et all that has 'asse# !n either si#e%+ sai# Jane7 +I h!'e an# trust they "ill yet be ha''y) His c!nsentin$ t! &arry her is a 'r!!(% I "ill believe% that he is c!&e t! a ri$ht "ay !( thin in$) Their &utual a((ecti!n "ill stea#y the&/ an# I (latter &ysel( they "ill settle s! 9uietly% an# live in s! rati!nal a &anner% as &ay in ti&e &a e their 'ast i&'ru#ence (!r$!tten)+ +Their c!n#uct has been such)+ re'lie# Eli8abeth% +as neither y!u% n!r I% n!r anyb!#y can ever (!r$et) It is useless t! tal !( it)+ It n!" !ccurre# t! the $irls that their &!ther "as in all li elih!!# 'er(ectly i$n!rant !( "hat ha# ha''ene#) They "ent t! the library% there(!re% an# as e# their (ather "hether he "!ul# n!t "ish the& t! &a e it n!"n t! her) He "as "ritin$% an#% "ith!ut raisin$ his hea#% c!!lly re'lie#+Just as y!u 'lease)+ +,ay "e ta e &y uncle;s letter t! rea# t! her.+ +Ta e "hatever y!u li e% an# $et a"ay)+ Eli8abeth t!! the letter (r!& his "ritin$-table% an# they "ent u'stairs t!$ether) ,ary an# <itty "ere b!th "ith ,rs) -ennet7 !ne c!&&unicati!n "!ul#% there(!re% #! (!r all) A(ter a sli$ht 're'arati!n (!r $!!# ne"s% the letter "as rea# al!u#) ,rs) -ennet c!ul# har#ly c!ntain hersel() As s!!n as Jane ha# rea# ,r) ?ar#iner;s h!'e !( 0y#ia;s bein$ s!!n &arrie#% her 1!y burst (!rth% an# every (!ll!"in$ sentence a##e# t! its e*uberance) 6he "as n!" in an irritati!n as vi!lent (r!& #eli$ht% as she ha# ever been (i#$ety (r!& alar& an# ve*ati!n) T! n!" that her #au$hter "!ul# be &arrie# "as en!u$h) 6he "as #isturbe# by n! (ear (!r her (elicity% n!r hu&ble# by any re&e&brance !( her &isc!n#uct) +,y #ear% #ear 0y#ia5+ she crie#) +This is #eli$ht(ul in#ee#5- 6he "ill be &arrie#5- I shall see her a$ain5- 6he "ill be &arrie# at si*teen5- ,y $!!#% in# br!ther5 I ne" h!" it "!ul# be)- I ne" he "!ul# &ana$e everythin$5 H!" I l!n$ t! see her5 an# t! see #ear 3ic ha& t!!5 -ut the cl!thes% the "e##in$ cl!thes5 I "ill "rite t! &y sister ?ar#iner ab!ut the& #irectly) 0i88y% &y #ear% run #!"n t! y!ur (ather% an# as hi& h!" &uch he "ill $ive her) 6tay% stay% I "ill $! &ysel() Rin$ the bell% <itty% (!r Hill) I "ill 'ut !n &y thin$s in a &!&ent) ,y #ear% #ear 0y#ia5- H!" &erry "e shall be t!$ether "hen "e &eet5+ Her el#est #au$hter en#eav!re# t! $ive s!&e relie( t! the vi!lence !( these trans'!rts% by lea#in$ her th!u$hts t! the !bli$ati!ns "hich ,r) ?ar#iner;s behavi!r lai# the& all un#er) +>!r "e &ust attribute this ha''y c!nclusi!n%+ she a##e#% +in a $reat &easure t! his in#ness) 3e are 'ersua#e# that he has 'le#$e# hi&sel( t! assist ,r) 3ic ha& "ith &!ney)+ +3ell%+ crie# her &!ther% +it is all very ri$ht/ "h! sh!ul# #! it but her !"n uncle. I( he ha# n!t ha# a (a&ily !( his !"n% I an# &y

chil#ren &ust have ha# all his &!ney% y!u n!"/ an# it is the (irst ti&e "e have ever ha# anythin$ (r!& hi&% e*ce't a (e" 'resents) 3ell5 I a& s! ha''y5 In a sh!rt ti&e I shall have a #au$hter &arrie#) ,rs) 3ic ha&5- h!" "ell it s!un#s5 An# she "as !nly si*teen last June)- ,y #ear Jane% I a& in such a (lutter% that I a& sure I can;t "rite/ s! I "ill #ictate% an# y!u "rite (!r &e) 3e "ill settle "ith y!ur (ather ab!ut the &!ney a(ter"ar#s/ but the thin$s sh!ul# be !r#ere# i&&e#iately)+ 6he "as then 'r!cee#in$ t! all the 'articulars !( calic!% &uslin% an# ca&bric% an# "!ul# sh!rtly have #ictate# s!&e very 'lenti(ul !r#ers% ha# n!t Jane% th!u$h "ith s!&e #i((iculty% 'ersua#e# her t! "ait till her (ather "as at leisure t! be c!nsulte#) 4ne #ay;s #elay% she !bserve#% "!ul# be !( s&all i&'!rtance/ an# her &!ther "as t!! ha''y t! be 9uite s! !bstinate as usual) 4ther sche&es% t!!% ca&e int! her hea#) +I "ill $! t! ,eryt!n%+ sai# she% +as s!!n as I a& #resse#% an# tell the $!!#% $!!# ne"s t! &y sister Phili's) An# as I c!&e bac % I can call !n 0a#y 0ucas an# ,rs) 0!n$) <itty% run #!"n an# !r#er the carria$e) An airin$ "!ul# #! &e a $reat #eal !( $!!#% I a& sure) ?irls% can I #! anythin$ (!r y!u in ,eryt!n. 4h5 here c!&es Hill5 ,y #ear Hill% have y!u hear# the $!!# ne"s. ,iss 0y#ia is $!in$ t! be &arrie#/ an# y!u shall all have a b!"l !( 'unch t! &a e &erry at her "e##in$)+ ,rs) Hill be$an instantly t! e*'ress her 1!y) Eli8abeth receive# her c!n$ratulati!ns a&!n$st the rest% an# then% sic !( this (!lly% t!! re(u$e in her !"n r!!&% that she &i$ht thin "ith (ree#!&) P!!r 0y#ia;s situati!n &ust% at best% be ba# en!u$h/ but that it "as n! "!rse% she ha# nee# t! be than (ul) 6he (elt it s!/ an# th!u$h% in l!! in$ (!r"ar#% neither rati!nal ha''iness n!r "!rl#ly 'r!s'erity c!ul# be 1ustly e*'ecte# (!r her sister% in l!! in$ bac t! "hat they ha# (eare#% !nly t"! h!urs a$!% she (elt all the a#vanta$es !( "hat they ha# $aine#) CHAPTER:0 CHAPTER 0 ,R) -ENNET ha# very !(ten "ishe# be(!re this 'eri!# !( his li(e that% instea# !( s'en#in$ his "h!le inc!&e% he ha# lai# by an annual su& (!r the better 'r!visi!n !( his chil#ren% an# !( his "i(e% i( she survive# hi&) He n!" "ishe# it &!re than ever) Ha# he #!ne his #uty in that res'ect% 0y#ia nee# n!t have been in#ebte# t! her uncle (!r "hatever !( h!n!r !r cre#it c!ul# n!" be 'urchase# (!r her) The satis(acti!n !( 'revailin$ !n !ne !( the &!st "!rthless y!un$ &en in ?reat -ritain t! be her husban# &i$ht then have reste# in its 'r!'er 'lace) He "as seri!usly c!ncerne# that a cause !( s! little a#vanta$e t! any !ne sh!ul# be (!r"ar#e# at the s!le e*'ense !( his br!ther-in-la"% an# he "as #eter&ine#% i( '!ssible% t! (in# !ut the e*tent !( his assistance% an# t! #ischar$e the !bli$ati!n as s!!n as he c!ul#) 3hen (irst ,r) -ennet ha# &arrie#% ec!n!&y "as hel# t! be 'er(ectly useless/ (!r% !( c!urse% they "ere t! have a s!n) This s!n "as t! 1!in in cuttin$ !(( the entail% as s!!n as he sh!ul# be !( a$e%

an# the "i#!" an# y!un$er chil#ren "!ul# by that &eans be 'r!vi#e# (!r) >ive #au$hters successively entere# the "!rl#% but yet the s!n "as t! c!&e/ an# ,rs) -ennet% (!r &any years a(ter 0y#ia;s birth% ha# been certain that he "!ul#) This event ha# at last been #es'aire# !(% but it "as then t!! late t! be savin$) ,rs) -ennet ha# n! turn (!r ec!n!&y% an# her husban#;s l!ve !( in#e'en#ence ha# al!ne 'revente# their e*cee#in$ their inc!&e) >ive th!usan# '!un#s "as settle# by &arria$e articles !n ,rs) -ennet an# the chil#ren) -ut in "hat 'r!'!rti!ns it sh!ul# be #ivi#e# a&!n$st the latter #e'en#e# !n the "ill !( the 'arents) This "as !ne '!int% "ith re$ar# t! 0y#ia% at least% "hich "as n!" t! be settle#% an# ,r) -ennet c!ul# have n! hesitati!n in acce#in$ t! the 'r!'!sal be(!re hi&) In ter&s !( $rate(ul ac n!"le#$&ent (!r the in#ness !( his br!ther% th!u$h e*'resse# &!st c!ncisely% he then #elivere# !n 'a'er his 'er(ect a''r!bati!n !( all that "as #!ne% an# his "illin$ness t! (ul(ill the en$a$e&ents that ha# been &a#e (!r hi&) He ha# never be(!re su''!se# that% c!ul# 3ic ha& be 'revaile# !n t! &arry his #au$hter% it "!ul# be #!ne "ith s! little inc!nvenience t! hi&sel( as by the 'resent arran$e&ent) He "!ul# scarcely be ten '!un#s a year the l!ser by the hun#re# that "as t! be 'ai# the&/ (!r% "hat "ith her b!ar# an# '!c et all!"ance% an# the c!ntinual 'resents in &!ney "hich 'asse# t! her thr!u$h her &!ther;s han#s% 0y#ia;s e*'enses ha# been very little "ithin that su&) That it "!ul# be #!ne "ith such tri(lin$ e*erti!n !n his si#e% t!!% "as an!ther very "elc!&e sur'rise/ (!r his "ish at 'resent "as t! have as little tr!uble in the business as '!ssible) 3hen the (irst trans'!rts !( ra$e "hich ha# 'r!#uce# his activity in see in$ her "ere !ver% he naturally returne# t! all his (!r&er in#!lence) His letter "as s!!n #is'atche#/ (!r% th!u$h #ilat!ry in un#erta in$ business% he "as 9uic in its e*ecuti!n) He be$$e# t! n!" (urther 'articulars !( "hat he "as in#ebte# t! his br!ther% but "as t!! an$ry "ith 0y#ia t! sen# any &essa$e t! her) The $!!# ne"s 9uic ly s'rea# thr!u$h the h!use% an# "ith 'r!'!rti!nate s'ee# thr!u$h the nei$hb!rh!!#) It "as b!rne in the latter "ith #ecent 'hil!s!'hy) T! be sure% it "!ul# have been &!re (!r the a#vanta$e !( c!nversati!n ha# ,iss 0y#ia -ennet c!&e u'!n the t!"n/ !r% as the ha''iest alternative% been seclu#e# (r!& the "!rl#% in s!&e #istant (ar&-h!use) -ut there "as &uch t! be tal e# !( in &arryin$ her/ an# the $!!#-nature# "ishes (!r her "ell-#!in$ "hich ha# 'r!cee#e# be(!re (r!& all the s'ite(ul !l# la#ies in ,eryt!n l!st but little !( their s'irit in this chan$e !( circu&stances% because "ith such an husban# her &isery "as c!nsi#ere# certain) It "as a (!rtni$ht since ,rs) -ennet ha# been #!"nstairs/ but !n this ha''y #ay she a$ain t!! her seat at the hea# !( her table% an# in s'irits !''ressively hi$h) N! senti&ent !( sha&e $ave a #a&' t! her triu&'h) The &arria$e !( a #au$hter% "hich ha# been the (irst !b1ect !( her "ishes since Jane "as si*teen% "as n!" !n the '!int !( acc!&'lish&ent% an# her th!u$hts an# her "!r#s ran "h!lly !n th!se atten#ants !( ele$ant nu'tials% (ine &uslins% ne" carria$es% an# servants) 6he "as busily searchin$ thr!u$h the nei$hb!rh!!# (!r a 'r!'er situati!n (!r her #au$hter% an#% "ith!ut n!"in$ !r c!nsi#erin$ "hat their inc!&e &i$ht be% re1ecte# &any as #e(icient in si8e an#

i&'!rtance) +Haye Par &i$ht #!%+ sai# she% +i( the ?!ul#in$s "!ul# 9uit it!r the $reat h!use at 6t! e% i( the #ra"in$-r!!& "ere lar$er/ but Ash"!rth is t!! (ar !((5 I c!ul# n!t bear t! have her ten &iles (r!& &e/ an# as (!r Pulvis 0!#$e% the attics are #rea#(ul)+ Her husban# all!"e# her t! tal !n "ith!ut interru'ti!n "hile the servants re&aine#) -ut "hen they ha# "ith#ra"n% he sai# t! her% +,rs) -ennet% be(!re y!u ta e any !r all !( these h!uses (!r y!ur s!n an# #au$hter% let us c!&e t! a ri$ht un#erstan#in$) Int! !ne h!use in this nei$hb!rh!!# they shall never have a#&ittance) I "ill n!t enc!ura$e the i&'ru#ence !( either% by receivin$ the& at 0!n$b!urn)+ A l!n$ #is'ute (!ll!"e# this #eclarati!n/ but ,r) -ennet "as (ir&) It s!!n le# t! an!ther/ an# ,rs) -ennet (!un#% "ith a&a8e&ent an# h!rr!r% that her husban# "!ul# n!t a#vance a $uinea t! buy cl!thes (!r his #au$hter) He 'r!teste# that she sh!ul# receive (r!& hi& n! &ar !( a((ecti!n "hatever !n the !ccasi!n) ,rs) -ennet c!ul# har#ly c!&'rehen# it) That his an$er c!ul# be carrie# t! such a '!int !( inc!nceivable resent&ent as t! re(use his #au$hter a 'rivile$e "ith!ut "hich her &arria$e "!ul# scarcely see& vali#% e*cee#e# all that she c!ul# believe '!ssible) 6he "as &!re alive t! the #is$race "hich her "ant !( ne" cl!thes &ust re(lect !n her #au$hter;s nu'tials% than t! any sense !( sha&e at her el!'in$ an# livin$ "ith 3ic ha& a (!rtni$ht be(!re they t!! 'lace) Eli8abeth "as n!" &!st heartily s!rry that she ha#% (r!& the #istress !( the &!&ent% been le# t! &a e ,r) Darcy ac9uainte# "ith their (ears (!r her sister/ (!r since her &arria$e "!ul# s! sh!rtly $ive the 'r!'er ter&inati!n t! the el!'e&ent% they &i$ht h!'e t! c!nceal its un(av!rable be$innin$ (r!& all th!se "h! "ere n!t i&&e#iately !n the s'!t) 6he ha# n! (ear !( its s'rea#in$ (arther thr!u$h his &eans) There "ere (e" 'e!'le !n "h!se secrecy she "!ul# have &!re c!n(i#ently #e'en#e#/ but% at the sa&e ti&e% there "as n! !ne "h!se n!"le#$e !( a sister;s (railty "!ul# have &!rti(ie# her s! &uch- n!t% h!"ever% (r!& any (ear !( #isa#vanta$e (r!& it in#ivi#ually t! hersel(% (!r% at any rate% there see&e# a $ul( i&'assable bet"een the&) Ha# 0y#ia;s &arria$e been c!nclu#e# !n the &!st h!n!rable ter&s% it "as n!t t! be su''!se# that ,r) Darcy "!ul# c!nnect hi&sel( "ith a (a&ily "here% t! every !ther !b1ecti!n% "!ul# n!" be a##e# an alliance an# relati!nshi' !( the nearest in# "ith the &an "h!& he s! 1ustly sc!rne#) >r!& such a c!nnecti!n she c!ul# n!t "!n#er that he sh!ul# shrin ) The "ish !( 'r!curin$ her re$ar#% "hich she ha# assure# hersel( !( his (eelin$ in Derbyshire% c!ul# n!t in rati!nal e*'ectati!n survive such a bl!" as this) 6he "as hu&ble#% she "as $rieve#/ she re'ente#% th!u$h she har#ly ne" !( "hat) 6he beca&e 1eal!us !( his estee&% "hen she c!ul# n! l!n$er h!'e t! be bene(ite# by it) 6he "ante# t! hear !( hi&% "hen there see&e# the least chance !( $ainin$ intelli$ence) 6he "as c!nvince# that she c!ul# have been ha''y "ith hi&/ "hen it "as n! l!n$er li ely they sh!ul# &eet) 3hat a triu&'h (!r hi&% as she !(ten th!u$ht% c!ul# he n!" that the 'r!'!sals "hich she ha# 'r!u#ly s'urne# !nly (!ur &!nths a$!% "!ul# n!" have been $la#ly an# $rate(ully receive#5 He "as as $ener!us%

she #!ubte# n!t% as the &!st $ener!us !( his se*/ but "hile he "as &!rtal% there &ust be a triu&'h) 6he be$an n!" t! c!&'rehen# that he "as e*actly the &an "h!% in #is'!siti!n an# talents% "!ul# &!st suit her) His un#erstan#in$ an# te&'er% th!u$h unli e her !"n% "!ul# have ans"ere# all her "ishes) It "as an uni!n that &ust have been t! the a#vanta$e !( b!th7 by her ease an# liveliness% his &in# &i$ht have been s!(tene#% his &anners i&'r!ve#/ an# (r!& his 1u#$&ent% in(!r&ati!n% an# n!"le#$e !( the "!rl#% she &ust have receive# bene(it !( $reater i&'!rtance) -ut n! such ha''y &arria$e c!ul# n!" teach the a#&irin$ &ultitu#e "hat c!nnubial (elicity really "as) An uni!n !( a #i((erent ten#ency% an# 'reclu#in$ the '!ssibility !( the !ther% "as s!!n t! be (!r&e# in their (a&ily) H!" 3ic ha& an# 0y#ia "ere t! be su''!rte# in t!lerable in#e'en#ence% she c!ul# n!t i&a$ine) -ut h!" little !( 'er&anent ha''iness c!ul# bel!n$ t! a c!u'le "h! "ere !nly br!u$ht t!$ether because their 'assi!ns "ere str!n$er than their virtue% she c!ul# easily c!n1ecture) ,r) ?ar#iner s!!n "r!te a$ain t! his br!ther) T! ,r) -ennet;s ac n!"le#$&ents he brie(ly re'lie#% "ith assurances !( his ea$erness t! 'r!&!te the "el(are !( any !( his (a&ily/ an# c!nclu#e# "ith entreaties that the sub1ect &i$ht never be &enti!ne# t! hi& a$ain) The 'rinci'al 'ur'!rt !( his letter "as t! in(!r& the& that ,r) 3ic ha& ha# res!lve# !n 9uittin$ the &ilitia) +It "as $reatly &y "ish that he sh!ul# #! s!%+ he a##e#% +as s!!n as his &arria$e "as (i*e# !n) An# I thin y!u "ill a$ree "ith &e% in c!nsi#erin$ a re&!val (r!& that c!r's as hi$hly a#visable% b!th !n his acc!unt an# &y niece;s) It is ,r) 3ic ha&;s intenti!n t! $! int! the re$ulars/ an# a&!n$ his (!r&er (rien#s% there are still s!&e "h! are able an# "illin$ t! assist hi& in the ar&y) He has the 'r!&ise !( an ensi$ncy in ?eneral ::;s re$i&ent% n!" 9uartere# in the n!rth) It is an a#vanta$e t! have it s! (ar (r!& this 'art !( the in$#!&) He 'r!&ises (airly/ an# I h!'e a&!n$ #i((erent 'e!'le% "here they &ay each have a character t! 'reserve% they "ill b!th be &!re 'ru#ent) I have "ritten t! C!l!nel >!rster% t! in(!r& hi& !( !ur 'resent arran$e&ents% an# t! re9uest that he "ill satis(y the vari!us cre#it!rs !( ,r) 3ic ha& in an# near -ri$ht!n% "ith assurances !( s'ee#y 'ay&ent% (!r "hich I have 'le#$e# &ysel() An# "ill y!u $ive y!ursel( the tr!uble !( carryin$ si&ilar assurances t! his cre#it!rs in ,eryt!n% !( "h!& I shall sub1!in a list acc!r#in$ t! his in(!r&ati!n. He has $iven in all his #ebts/ I h!'e at least he has n!t #eceive# us) Ha$$erst!n has !ur #irecti!ns% an# all "ill be c!&'lete# in a "ee ) They "ill then 1!in his re$i&ent% unless they are (irst invite# t! 0!n$b!urn/ an# I un#erstan# (r!& ,rs) ?ar#iner% that &y niece is very #esir!us !( seein$ y!u all be(!re she leaves the 6!uth) 6he is "ell% an# be$s t! be #uti(ully re&e&bere# t! y!u an# her &!ther)- 2!urs% =c) E) ?ARDINER)+ ,r) -ennet an# his #au$hters sa" all the a#vanta$es !( 3ic ha&;s re&!val (r!& the ::shire as clearly as ,r) ?ar#iner c!ul# #!) -ut ,rs) -ennet "as n!t s! "ell 'lease# "ith it) 0y#ia;s bein$ settle# in the N!rth% 1ust "hen she ha# e*'ecte# &!st 'leasure an# 'ri#e in her

c!&'any% (!r she ha# by n! &eans $iven u' her 'lan !( their resi#in$ in Hert(!r#shire% "as a severe #isa''!int&ent/ an#% besi#es% it "as such a 'ity that 0y#ia sh!ul# be ta en (r!& a re$i&ent "here she "as ac9uainte# "ith everyb!#y% an# ha# s! &any (av!rites) +6he is s! (!n# !( ,rs) >!rster%+ sai# she% +it "ill be 9uite sh!c in$ t! sen# her a"ay5 An# there are several !( the y!un$ &en% t!!% that she li es very &uch) The !((icers &ay n!t be s! 'leasant in ?eneral ::;s re$i&ent)+ His #au$hter;s re9uest% (!r such it &i$ht be c!nsi#ere#% !( bein$ a#&itte# int! her (a&ily a$ain be(!re she set !(( (!r the N!rth% receive# at (irst an abs!lute ne$ative) -ut Jane an# Eli8abeth% "h! a$ree# in "ishin$% (!r the sa e !( their sister;s (eelin$s an# c!nse9uence% that she sh!ul# be n!tice# !n her &arria$e by her 'arents% ur$e# hi& s! earnestly% yet s! rati!nally an# s! &il#ly% t! receive her an# her husban# at 0!n$b!urn% as s!!n as they "ere &arrie#% that he "as 'revaile# !n t! thin as they th!u$ht% an# act as they "ishe#) An# their &!ther ha# the satis(acti!n !( n!"in$ that she sh!ul# be able t! sh!" her &arrie# #au$hter in the nei$hb!rh!!# be(!re she "as banishe# t! the N!rth) 3hen ,r) -ennet "r!te a$ain t! his br!ther% there(!re% he sent his 'er&issi!n (!r the& t! c!&e/ an# it "as settle#% that as s!!n as the cere&!ny "as !ver% they sh!ul# 'r!cee# t! 0!n$b!urn) Eli8abeth "as sur'rise#% h!"ever% that 3ic ha& sh!ul# c!nsent t! such a sche&e% an# ha# she c!nsulte# !nly her !"n inclinati!n% any &eetin$ "ith hi& "!ul# have been the last !b1ect !( her "ishes) CHAPTER:0I CHAPTER 0I THEIR sister;s "e##in$-#ay arrive#/ an# Jane an# Eli8abeth (elt (!r her% 'r!bably &!re than she (elt (!r hersel() The carria$e "as sent t! &eet the& at ::% an# they "ere t! return in it by #inner-ti&e) Their arrival "as #rea#e# by the el#er ,iss -ennets% an# Jane &!re es'ecially% "h! $ave 0y#ia the (eelin$s "hich "!ul# have atten#e# hersel(% ha# she been the cul'rit% an# "as "retche# in the th!u$ht !( "hat her sister &ust en#ure) They ca&e) The (a&ily "ere asse&ble# in the brea (ast-r!!& t! receive the&) 6&iles #ec e# the (ace !( ,rs) -ennet as the carria$e #r!ve u' t! the #!!r/ her husban# l!! e# i&'enetrably $rave/ her #au$hters% alar&e#% an*i!us% uneasy) 0y#ia;s v!ice "as hear# in the vestibule/ the #!!r "as thr!"n !'en% an# she ran int! the r!!&) Her &!ther ste''e# (!r"ar#s% e&brace# her% an# "elc!&e# her "ith ra'ture/ $ave her han# "ith an a((ecti!nate s&ile t! 3ic ha&% "h! (!ll!"e# his la#y% an# "ishe# the& b!th 1!y% "ith an alacrity "hich sh!"e# n! #!ubt !( their ha''iness) Their rece'ti!n (r!& ,r) -ennet% t! "h!& they then turne#% "as n!t 9uite s! c!r#ial) His c!untenance rather $aine# in austerity% an# he scarcely !'ene# his li's) The easy assurance !( the y!un$ c!u'le% in#ee#% "as en!u$h t! 'r!v! e hi&) Eli8abeth "as #is$uste#% an# even ,iss -ennet "as sh!c e#) 0y#ia "as 0y#ia still%- unta&e#% unabashe#% "il#% n!isy% an# (earless) 6he turne# (r!& sister t! sister% #e&an#in$ their c!n$ratulati!ns/ an# "hen at len$th they all sat #!"n% l!! e#

ea$erly r!un# the r!!&% t!! n!tice !( s!&e little alterati!n in it% an# !bserve#% "ith a lau$h% that it "as a $reat "hile since she ha# been there) 3ic ha& "as n!t at all &!re #istresse# than hersel(/ but his &anners "ere al"ays s! 'leasin$% that ha# his character an# his &arria$e been e*actly "hat they !u$ht% his s&iles an# his easy a##ress% "hile he clai&e# their relati!nshi'% "!ul# have #eli$hte# the& all) Eli8abeth ha# n!t be(!re believe# hi& 9uite e9ual t! such assurance/ but she sat #!"n% res!lvin$ "ithin hersel( t! #ra" n! li&its in (uture t! the i&'u#ence !( an i&'u#ent &an) 6he blushe#% an# Jane blushe#/ but the chee s !( the t"! "h! cause# their c!n(usi!n su((ere# n! variati!n !( c!l!r) There "as n! "ant !( #isc!urse) The bri#e an# her &!ther c!ul# neither !( the& tal (ast en!u$h/ an# 3ic ha&% "h! ha''ene# t! sit near Eli8abeth% be$an in9uirin$ a(ter his ac9uaintance in that nei$hb!rh!!# "ith a $!!#-hu&!re# ease "hich she (elt very unable t! e9ual in her re'lies) They see&e# each !( the& t! have the ha''iest &e&!ries in the "!rl#) N!thin$ !( the 'ast "as rec!llecte# "ith 'ain/ an# 0y#ia le# v!luntarily t! sub1ects "hich her sisters "!ul# n!t have allu#e# t! (!r the "!rl#) +4nly thin !( its bein$ three &!nths%+ she crie#% +since I "ent a"ay5 It see&s but a (!rtni$ht% I #eclare/ an# yet there have been thin$s en!u$h ha''ene# in the ti&e) ?!!# $raci!us5 "hen I "ent a"ay% I a& sure I ha# n! &!re i#ea !( bein$ &arrie# till I ca&e bac a$ain5 th!u$h I th!u$ht it "!ul# be very $!!# (un i( I "as)+ Her (ather li(te# u' his eyes% Jane "as #istresse#% Eli8abeth l!! e# e*'ressively at 0y#ia/ but she% "h! never hear# n!r sa" anythin$ !( "hich she ch!se t! be insensible% $ayly c!ntinue#- +4h5 &a&&a% #! the 'e!'le hereab!uts n!" I a& &arrie# t!-#ay. I "as a(rai# they &i$ht n!t/ an# "e !vert!! 3illia& ?!ul#in$ in his curricle% s! I "as #eter&ine# he sh!ul# n!" it% an# s! I let #!"n the si#e $lass ne*t t! hi&% an# t!! !(( &y $l!ve an# let &y han# 1ust rest u'!n the "in#!"-(ra&e% s! that he &i$ht see the rin$/ an# then I b!"e# an# s&ile# li e anythin$)+ Eli8abeth c!ul# bear it n! l!n$er) 6he $!t u' an# ran !ut !( the r!!&% an# returne# n! &!re till she hear# the& 'assin$ thr!u$h the hall t! the #inin$-'arl!r) 6he then 1!ine# the& s!!n en!u$h t! see 0y#ia% "ith an*i!us 'ara#e% "al u' t! her &!ther;s ri$ht han#% an# hear her say t! her el#est sister% +Ah% Jane% I ta e y!ur 'lace n!"% an# y!u &ust $! l!"er% because I a& a &arrie# "!&an5+ It "as n!t t! be su''!se# that ti&e "!ul# $ive 0y#ia that e&barrass&ent (r!& "hich she ha# been s! "h!lly (ree at (irst) Her ease an# $!!# s'irits increase#) 6he l!n$e# t! see ,rs) Phili's% the 0ucases% an# all their !ther nei$hb!rs% an# t! hear hersel( calle# +,rs) 3ic ha&+ by each !( the&/ an#% in the &eanti&e% she "ent a(ter #inner t! sh!" her rin$% an# b!ast !( bein$ &arrie#% t! ,rs) Hill an# the t"! h!use&ai#s) +3ell% &a&&a%+ sai# she% "hen they "ere all returne# t! the brea (ast r!!&% +an# "hat #! y!u thin !( &y husban#. Is n!t he a char&in$ &an. I a& sure &y sisters &ust all envy &e) I !nly h!'e they &ay have hal( &y $!!# luc ) They &ust all $! t! -ri$ht!n) That is the 'lace t! $et husban#s) 3hat a 'ity it is% &a&&a% "e #i# n!t all

$!5+ +@ery true/ an# i( I ha# &y "ill% "e sh!ul#) -ut% &y #ear 0y#ia% I #!n;t at all li e y!ur $!in$ such a "ay !(() ,ust it be s!.+ +4h% 0!r#5 yes/ there is n!thin$ in that) I shall li e it !( all thin$s) 2!u an# 'a'a% an# &y sisters% &ust c!&e #!"n an# see us) 3e shall be at Ne"castle all the "inter% an# I #are say there "ill be s!&e balls% an# I "ill ta e care t! $et $!!# 'artners (!r the& all)+ +I sh!ul# li e it bey!n# anythin$5+ sai# her &!ther) +An# then% "hen y!u $! a"ay% y!u &ay leave !ne !r t"! !( &y sisters behin# y!u/ an# I #are say I shall $et husban#s (!r the& be(!re the "inter is !ver)+ +I than y!u (!r &y share !( the (av!r%+ sai# Eli8abeth7 +but I #! n!t 'articularly li e y!ur "ay !( $ettin$ husban#s)+ Their visit!rs "ere n!t t! re&ain ab!ve ten #ays "ith the&) ,r) 3ic ha& ha# receive# his c!&&issi!n be(!re he le(t 0!n#!n% an# he "as t! 1!in his re$i&ent at the en# !( a (!rtni$ht) N! !ne but ,rs) -ennet re$rette# that their stay "!ul# be s! sh!rt/ an# she &a#e the &!st !( the ti&e% by visitin$ ab!ut "ith her #au$hter% an# havin$ very (re9uent 'arties at h!&e) These 'arties "ere acce'table t! all7 t! av!i# a (a&ily circle "as even &!re #esirable t! such as #i# thin % than such as #i# n!t) 3ic ha&;s a((ecti!n (!r 0y#ia "as 1ust "hat Eli8abeth ha# e*'ecte# t! (in# it- n!t e9ual t! 0y#ia;s (!r hi&) 6he ha# scarcely nee#e# her 'resent !bservati!n t! be satis(ie#% (r!& the reas!n !( thin$s% that their el!'e&ent ha# been br!u$ht !n by the stren$th !( her l!ve rather than by his/ an# she "!ul# have "!n#ere# "hy% "ith!ut vi!lently carin$ (!r her% he ch!se t! el!'e "ith her at all% ha# she n!t (elt certain that his (li$ht "as ren#ere# necessary by #istress !( circu&stances/ an# i( that "ere the case% he "as n!t the y!un$ &an t! resist an !''!rtunity !( havin$ a c!&'ani!n) 0y#ia "as e*cee#in$ly (!n# !( hi&) He "as her #ear 3ic ha& !n every !ccasi!n/ n! !ne "as t! be 'ut in c!&'etiti!n "ith hi&) He #i# everythin$ best in the "!rl#/ an# she "as sure he "!ul# ill &!re bir#s !n the (irst !( 6e'te&ber than anyb!#y else in the c!untry) 4ne &!rnin$% s!!n a(ter their arrival% as she "as sittin$ "ith her t"! el#er sisters% she sai# t! Eli8abeth+0i88y% I never $ave y!u an acc!unt !( &y "e##in$% I believe) 2!u "ere n!t by "hen I t!l# &a&&a an# the !thers all ab!ut it) Are n!t y!u curi!us t! hear h!" it "as &ana$e#.+ +N!% really%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth/ +I thin there cann!t be t!! little sai# !n the sub1ect)+ +0a5 2!u are s! stran$e5 -ut I &ust tell y!u h!" it "ent !(() 3e "ere &arrie#% y!u n!"% at 6t) Cle&ent;s% because 3ic ha&;s l!#$in$s "ere in that 'arish) An# it "as settle# that "e sh!ul# all be there by eleven !;cl!c ) ,y uncle an# aunt% an# I% "ere t! $! t!$ether/ an# the !thers "ere t! &eet us at the church) 3ell% ,!n#ay &!rnin$ ca&e% an# I "as in such a (uss5 I "as s! a(rai#% y!u n!"% that s!&ethin$ "!ul# ha''en t! 'ut it !((% an# then I sh!ul# have $!ne 9uite #istracte#) An# there "as &y aunt% all the ti&e I "as #ressin$% 'reachin$ an# tal in$ a"ay 1ust as i( she "as rea#in$ a ser&!n) H!"ever% I #i# n!t hear ab!ve !ne "!r# in ten% (!r I "as thin in$% y!u &ay su''!se% !( &y #ear 3ic ha&) I l!n$e# t! n!" "hether he "!ul# be &arrie# in his blue

c!at) +3ell% an# s! "e brea (aste# at ten% as usual) I th!u$ht it "!ul# never be !ver/ (!r% by the bye% y!u are t! un#erstan# that &y uncle an# aunt "ere h!rri# un'leasant all the ti&e I "as "ith the&) I( y!u;ll believe &e% I #i# n!t !nce 'ut &y (!!t !ut !( #!!rs% th!u$h I "as there a (!rtni$ht) N!t !ne 'arty% !r sche&e% !r anythin$5 T! be sure% 0!n#!n "as rather thin/ but% h!"ever% the 0ittle Theatre "as !'en)- 3ell% an# s!% 1ust as the carria$e ca&e t! the #!!r% &y uncle "as calle# a"ay u'!n business t! that h!rri# &an% ,r) 6t!ne) An# then% y!u n!"% "hen !nce they $et t!$ether% there is n! en# !( it) 3ell% I "as s! (ri$htene#% I #i# n!t n!" "hat t! #!/ (!r &y uncle "as t! $ive &e a"ay/ an# i( "e "ere bey!n# the h!ur "e c!ul# n!t be &arrie# all #ay) -ut% luc ily% he ca&e bac a$ain in ten &inutes; ti&e% an# then "e all set !ut) H!"ever% I rec!llecte# a(ter"ar#s% that i( he ha# been 'revente# $!in$% the "e##in$ nee# n!t be 'ut !((% (!r ,r) Darcy &i$ht have #!ne as "ell)+ +,r) Darcy5+ re'eate# Eli8abeth% in utter a&a8e&ent) +4h% yes5- he "as t! c!&e there "ith 3ic ha&% y!u n!") -ut% $raci!us &e5 I 9uite (!r$!t5 I !u$ht n!t t! have sai# a "!r# ab!ut it) I 'r!&ise# the& s! (aith(ully5 3hat "ill 3ic ha& say. It "as t! be such a secret5+ +I( it "as t! be a secret%+ sai# Jane% +say n!t an!ther "!r# !n the sub1ect) 2!u &ay #e'en# u'!n &y see in$ n! (urther)+ +4h5 certainly%+ sai# Eli8abeth% th!u$h burnin$ "ith curi!sity/ +"e "ill as y!u n! 9uesti!ns)+ +Than y!u%+ sai# 0y#ia/ +(!r% i( y!u #i#% I sh!ul# certainly tell y!u all% an# then 3ic ha& "!ul# be s! an$ry)+ 4n such enc!ura$e&ent t! as % Eli8abeth "as (!rce# t! 'ut it !ut !( her '!"er% by runnin$ a"ay) -ut t! live in i$n!rance !n such a '!int "as i&'!ssible/ !r% at least% it "as i&'!ssible n!t t! try (!r in(!r&ati!n) ,r) Darcy ha# been at her sister;s "e##in$) It "as e*actly a scene% an# e*actly a&!n$ 'e!'le% "here he ha# a''arently least t! #!% an# least te&'tati!n t! $!) C!n1ectures as t! the &eanin$ !( it% ra'i# an# "il#% hurrie# int! her brain/ but she "as satis(ie# "ith n!ne) Th!se that best 'lease# her% as 'lacin$ his c!n#uct in the n!blest li$ht% see&e# &!st i&'r!bable) 6he c!ul# n!t bear such sus'ense/ an# hastily sei8in$ a sheet !( 'a'er% "r!te a sh!rt letter t! her aunt% t! re9uest an e*'lanati!n !( "hat 0y#ia ha# #r!''e#% i( it "ere c!&'atible "ith the secrecy "hich ha# been inten#e#) +2!u &ay rea#ily c!&'rehen#%+ she a##e#% +"hat &y curi!sity &ust be t! n!" h!" a 'ers!n unc!nnecte# "ith any !( us% an# Dc!&'aratively s'ea in$E a stran$er t! !ur (a&ily% sh!ul# have been a&!n$st y!u at such a ti&e) Pray "rite instantly% an# let &e un#erstan# it- unless it is% (!r very c!$ent reas!ns% t! re&ain in the secrecy "hich 0y#ia see&s t! thin necessary/ an# then I &ust en#eav!r t! be satis(ie# "ith i$n!rance)+ +N!t that I shall% th!u$h%+ she a##e# t! hersel(% an# she (inishe# the letter7 +an#% &y #ear aunt% i( y!u #! n!t tell &e in an h!n!rable &anner% I shall certainly be re#uce# t! tric s an# strata$e&s t! (in# it !ut)+ Jane;s #elicate sense !( h!n!r "!ul# n!t all!" her t! s'ea t!

Eli8abeth 'rivately !( "hat 0y#ia ha# let (all7 Eli8abeth "as $la# !( it/- till it a''eare# "hether her in9uiries "!ul# receive any satis(acti!n% she ha# rather be "ith!ut a c!n(i#ante) CHAPTER:0II CHAPTER 0II E0IAA-ETH ha# the satis(acti!n !( receivin$ an ans"er t! her letter as s!!n as she '!ssibly c!ul#) 6he "as n! s!!ner in '!ssessi!n !( it than% hurryin$ int! the little c!'se% "here she "as least li ely t! be interru'te#% she sat #!"n !n !ne !( the benches% an# 're'are# t! be ha''y/ (!r the len$th !( the letter c!nvince# her that it #i# n!t c!ntain a #enial) +?racechurch 6treet% 6e't) J) +,2 DEAR NIECE%+I have 1ust receive# y!ur letter% an# shall #ev!te this "h!le &!rnin$ t! ans"erin$ it% as I (!resee that a little "ritin$ "ill n!t c!&'rise "hat I have t! tell y!u)- I &ust c!n(ess &ysel( sur'rise# by y!ur a''licati!n/ I #i# n!t e*'ect it (r!& y!u) D!n;t thin &e an$ry% h!"ever% (!r I !nly &ean t! let y!u n!" that I ha# n!t i&a$ine# such in9uiries t! be necessary !n y!ur si#e) I( y!u #! n!t ch!!se t! un#erstan# &e% (!r$ive &y i&'ertinence) 2!ur uncle is as &uch sur'rise# as I a&% an# n!thin$ but the belie( !( y!ur bein$ a 'arty c!ncerne# "!ul# have all!"e# hi& t! act as he has #!ne) -ut i( y!u are really inn!cent an# i$n!rant% I &ust be &!re e*'licit) +4n the very #ay !( &y c!&in$ h!&e (r!& 0!n$b!urn% y!ur uncle ha# a &!st une*'ecte# visit!r) ,r) Darcy calle#% an# "as shut u' "ith hi& several h!urs) It "as all !ver be(!re I arrive#/ s! &y curi!sity "as n!t s! #rea#(ully rac e# as y!urs see&s t! have been) He ca&e t! tell ,r) ?ar#iner that he ha# (!un# !ut "here y!ur sister an# ,r) 3ic ha& "ere% an# that he ha# seen an# tal e# "ith the& b!th3ic ha& re'eate#ly% 0y#ia !nce) >r!& "hat I can c!llect% he le(t Derbyshire !nly !ne #ay a(ter !urselves% an# ca&e t! t!"n "ith the res!luti!n !( huntin$ (!r the&) The &!tive 'r!(esse# "as his c!nvicti!n !( its bein$ !"in$ t! hi&sel( that 3ic ha&;s "!rthlessness ha# n!t been s! "ell n!"n as t! &a e it i&'!ssible (!r any y!un$ "!&an !( character t! l!ve !r c!n(i#e in hi&) He $ener!usly i&'ute# the "h!le t! his &ista en 'ri#e% an# c!n(esse# that he ha# be(!re th!u$ht it beneath hi& t! lay his 'rivate acti!ns !'en t! the "!rl#) His character "as t! s'ea (!r itsel() He calle# it% there(!re% his #uty t! ste' (!r"ar#% an# en#eav!r t! re&e#y an evil "hich ha# been br!u$ht !n by hi&sel() I( he ha# an!ther &!tive% I a& sure it "!ul# never #is$race hi&) He ha# been s!&e #ays in t!"n be(!re he "as able t! #isc!ver the&/ but he ha# s!&ethin$ t! #irect his search% "hich "as &!re than "e ha#/ an# the c!nsci!usness !( this "as an!ther reas!n (!r his res!lvin$ t! (!ll!" us) +There is a la#y% it see&s% a ,rs) 2!un$e% "h! "as s!&e ti&e a$! $!verness t! ,iss Darcy% an# "as #is&isse# (r!& her char$e !n s!&e cause !( #isa''r!bati!n% th!u$h he #i# n!t say "hat) 6he then t!! a lar$e h!use in E#"ar# 6treet% an# has since &aintaine# hersel( by lettin$ l!#$in$s) This ,rs) 2!un$e "as% he ne"% inti&ately ac9uainte#

"ith 3ic ha&/ an# he "ent t! her (!r intelli$ence !( hi&% as s!!n as he $!t t! t!"n) -ut it "as t"! !r three #ays be(!re he c!ul# $et (r!& her "hat he "ante#) 6he "!ul# n!t betray her trust% I su''!se% "ith!ut bribery an# c!rru'ti!n% (!r she really #i# n!" "here her (rien# "as t! be (!un#) 3ic ha&% in#ee#% ha# $!ne t! her !n their (irst arrival in 0!n#!n% an# ha# she been able t! receive the& int! her h!use% they "!ul# have ta en u' their ab!#e "ith her) At len$th% h!"ever% !ur in# (rien# 'r!cure# the "ishe#-(!r #irecti!n) They "ere in :: 6treet) He sa" 3ic ha&% an# a(ter"ar#s insiste# !n seein$ 0y#ia) His (irst !b1ect "ith her% he ac n!"le#$e#% ha# been t! 'ersua#e her t! 9uit her 'resent #is$race(ul situati!n% an# return t! her (rien#s as s!!n as they c!ul# be 'revaile# !n t! receive her% !((erin$ his assistance as (ar as it "!ul# $!) -ut he (!un# 0y#ia abs!lutely res!lve# !n re&ainin$ "here she "as) 6he care# (!r n!ne !( her (rien#s/ she "ante# n! hel' !( his/ she "!ul# n!t hear !( leavin$ 3ic ha&/ she "as sure they sh!ul# be &arrie# s!&e ti&e !r !ther% an# it #i# n!t &uch si$ni(y "hen) 6ince such "ere her (eelin$s% it !nly re&aine#% he th!u$ht% t! secure an# e*'e#ite a &arria$e% "hich% in his very (irst c!nversati!n "ith 3ic ha&% he easily learnt ha# never been his #esi$n) He c!n(esse# hi&sel( !bli$e# t! leave the re$i&ent !n acc!unt !( s!&e #ebts !( h!n!r "hich "ere very 'ressin$% an# scru'le# n!t t! lay all the ill c!nse9uences !( 0y#ia;s (li$ht !n her !"n (!lly al!ne) He &eant t! resi$n his c!&&issi!n i&&e#iately/ an# as t! his (uture situati!n% he c!ul# c!n1ecture very little ab!ut it) He &ust $! s!&e"here% but he #i# n!t n!" "here% an# he ne" he sh!ul# have n!thin$ t! live !n) +,r) Darcy as e# hi& "hy he ha# n!t &arrie# y!ur sister at !nce. Th!u$h ,r) -ennet "as n!t i&a$ine# t! be very rich% he "!ul# have been able t! #! s!&ethin$ (!r hi&% an# his situati!n &ust have been bene(ite# by &arria$e) -ut he (!un#% in re'ly t! this 9uesti!n% that 3ic ha& still cherishe# the h!'e !( &!re e((ectually &a in$ his (!rtune by &arria$e in s!&e !ther c!untry) Un#er such circu&stances% h!"ever% he "as n!t li ely t! be 'r!!( a$ainst the te&'tati!n !( i&&e#iate relie() +They &et several ti&es% (!r there "as &uch t! be #iscusse#) 3ic ha&% !( c!urse% "ante# &!re than he c!ul# $et% but at len$th "as re#uce# t! be reas!nable) +Everythin$ bein$ settle# bet"een the&% ,r) Darcy;s ne*t ste' "as t! &a e y!ur uncle ac9uainte# "ith it% an# he (irst calle# in ?racechurch 6treet the evenin$ be(!re I ca&e h!&e) -ut ,r) ?ar#iner c!ul# n!t be seen% an# ,r) Darcy (!un#% !n (urther in9uiry% that y!ur (ather "as still "ith hi&% but "!ul# 9uit t!"n the ne*t &!rnin$) He #i# n!t 1u#$e y!ur (ather t! be a 'ers!n "h!& he c!ul# s! 'r!'erly c!nsult as y!ur uncle% an# there(!re rea#ily '!st'!ne# seein$ hi& till a(ter the #e'arture !( the (!r&er) He #i# n!t leave his na&e% an# till the ne*t #ay it "as !nly n!"n that a $entle&an ha# calle# !n business) +4n 6atur#ay he ca&e a$ain) 2!ur (ather "as $!ne% y!ur uncle at h!&e% an#% as I sai# be(!re% they ha# a $reat #eal !( tal t!$ether) +They &et a$ain !n 6un#ay% an# then I sa" hi& t!!) It "as n!t all settle# be(!re ,!n#ay7 as s!!n as it "as% the e*'ress "as sent !(( t! 0!n$b!urn) -ut !ur visit!r "as very !bstinate) I (ancy% 0i88y% that !bstinacy is the real #e(ect !( his character a(ter all) He has been

accuse# !( &any (aults at #i((erent ti&es% but this is the true !ne) N!thin$ "as t! be #!ne that he #i# n!t #! hi&sel(/ th!u$h I a& sure Dan# I #! n!t s'ea it t! be than e#% there(!re say n!thin$ ab!ut itE y!ur uncle "!ul# &!st rea#ily have settle# the "h!le) +They battle# it t!$ether (!r a l!n$ ti&e% "hich "as &!re than either the $entle&an !r la#y c!ncerne# in it #eserve#) -ut at last y!ur uncle "as (!rce# t! yiel#% an# instea# !( bein$ all!"e# t! be !( use t! his niece% "as (!rce# t! 'ut u' "ith !nly havin$ the 'r!bable cre#it !( it% "hich "ent s!rely a$ainst the $rain/ an# I really believe y!ur letter this &!rnin$ $ave hi& $reat 'leasure% because it re9uire# an e*'lanati!n that "!ul# r!b hi& !( his b!rr!"e# (eathers% an# $ive the 'raise "here it "as #ue) -ut% 0i88y% this &ust $! n! (arther than y!ursel(% !r Jane at &!st) +2!u n!" 'retty "ell% I su''!se% "hat has been #!ne (!r the y!un$ 'e!'le) His #ebts are t! be 'ai#% a&!untin$% I believe% t! c!nsi#erably &!re than a th!usan# '!un#s% an!ther th!usan# in a##iti!n t! her !"n settle# u'!n her% an# his c!&&issi!n 'urchase#) The reas!n "hy all this "as t! be #!ne by hi& al!ne "as such as I have $iven ab!ve) It "as !"in$ t! hi&% t! his reserve an# "ant !( 'r!'er c!nsi#erati!n% that 3ic ha&;s character ha# been s! &isun#erst!!#% an#% c!nse9uently% that he ha# been receive# an# n!tice# as he "as) Perha's there "as s!&e truth in this/ th!u$h I #!ubt "hether his reserve% !r anyb!#y;s reserve% can be ans"erable (!r the event) -ut in s'ite !( all this (ine tal in$% &y #ear 0i88y% y!u &ay rest 'er(ectly assure# that y!ur uncle "!ul# never have yiel#e#% i( "e ha# n!t $iven hi& cre#it (!r an!ther interest in the a((air) +3hen all this "as res!lve# !n% he returne# a$ain t! his (rien#s% "h! "ere still stayin$ at Pe&berley/ but it "as a$ree# that he sh!ul# be in 0!n#!n !nce &!re "hen the "e##in$ t!! 'lace% an# all &!ney &atters "ere then t! receive the last (inish) +I believe I have n!" t!l# y!u everythin$) It is a relati!n "hich y!u tell &e is t! $ive y!u $reat sur'rise/ I h!'e at least it "ill n!t a((!r# y!u any #is'leasure) 0y#ia ca&e t! us/ an# 3ic ha& ha# c!nstant a#&issi!n t! the h!use) He "as e*actly "hat he ha# been "hen I ne" hi& in Hert(!r#shire/ but I "!ul# n!t tell y!u h!" little I "as satis(ie# "ith her behavi!r "hile she staye# "ith us% i( I ha# n!t 'erceive#% by Jane;s letter last 3e#nes#ay% that her c!n#uct !n c!&in$ h!&e "as e*actly !( a 'iece "ith it% an# there(!re "hat I n!" tell y!u can $ive y!u n! (resh 'ain) I tal e# t! her re'eate#ly in the &!st seri!us &anner% re'resentin$ t! her the "ic e#ness !( "hat she ha# #!ne an# all the unha''iness she ha# br!u$ht !n her (a&ily) I( she hear# &e% it "as by $!!# luc % (!r I a& sure she #i# n!t listen) I "as s!&eti&es 9uite 'r!v! e#% but then I rec!llecte# &y #ear Eli8abeth an# Jane% an# (!r their sa es ha# 'atience "ith her) +,r) Darcy "as 'unctual in his return% an#% as 0y#ia in(!r&e# y!u% atten#e# the "e##in$) He #ine# "ith us the ne*t #ay% an# "as t! leave t!"n a$ain !n 3e#nes#ay !r Thurs#ay) 3ill y!u be very an$ry "ith &e% &y #ear 0i88y% i( I ta e this !''!rtunity !( sayin$ D"hat I "as never b!l# en!u$h t! say be(!reE h!" &uch I li e hi&. His behavi!r t! us has% in every res'ect% been as 'leasin$ as "hen "e "ere in Derbyshire) His un#erstan#in$ an# !'ini!ns all 'lease &e/ he "ants n!thin$ but a little &!re liveliness% an# that% i( he &arry 'ru#ently%

his "i(e &ay teach hi&) I th!u$ht hi& very sly/- he har#ly ever &enti!ne# y!ur na&e) -ut slyness see&s the (ashi!n) +Pray (!r$ive &e i( I have been very 'resu&in$/ !r at least #! n!t 'unish &e s! (ar as t! e*clu#e &e (r!& P) I shall never be 9uite ha''y till I have been all r!un# the 'ar ) A l!" 'haet!n% "ith a nice little 'air !( '!nies% "!ul# be the very thin$) +-ut I &ust "rite n! &!re) The chil#ren have been "antin$ &e this hal(-h!ur) +2!urs% very sincerely% +,) ?ARDINER)+ The c!ntents !( this letter thre" Eli8abeth int! a (lutter !( s'irits% in "hich it "as #i((icult t! #eter&ine "hether 'leasure !r 'ain b!re the $reatest share) The va$ue an# unsettle# sus'ici!ns "hich uncertainty ha# 'r!#uce# !( "hat ,r) Darcy &i$ht have been #!in$ t! (!r"ar# her sister;s &atch% "hich she ha# (eare# t! enc!ura$e as an e*erti!n !( $!!#ness t!! $reat t! be 'r!bable% an# at the sa&e ti&e #rea#e# t! be 1ust% (r!& the 'ain !( !bli$ati!n% "ere 'r!ve# bey!n# their $reatest e*tent t! be true5 He ha# (!ll!"e# the& 'ur'!sely t! t!"n% he ha# ta en !n hi&sel( all the tr!uble an# &!rti(icati!n atten#ant !n such a research/ in "hich su''licati!n ha# been necessary t! a "!&an "h!& he &ust ab!&inate an# #es'ise% an# "here he "as re#uce# t! &eet- (re9uently &eet% reas!n "ith% 'ersua#e% an# (inally bribe- the &an "h!& he al"ays &!st "ishe# t! av!i#% an# "h!se very na&e it "as 'unish&ent t! hi& t! 'r!n!unce) He ha# #!ne all this (!r a $irl "h!& he c!ul# neither re$ar# n!r estee&) Her heart #i# "his'er that he ha# #!ne it (!r her) -ut it "as a h!'e sh!rtly chec e# by !ther c!nsi#erati!ns% an# she s!!n (elt that even her vanity "as insu((icient% "hen re9uire# t! #e'en# !n his a((ecti!n (!r her% (!r a "!&an "h! ha# alrea#y re(use# hi&% as able t! !verc!&e a senti&ent s! natural as abh!rrence a$ainst relati!nshi' "ith 3ic ha&)-r!ther-in-la" !( 3ic ha&5- Every in# !( 'ri#e &ust rev!lt (r!& the c!nnecti!n) He ha#% t! be sure% #!ne &uch%- she "as asha&e# t! thin h!" &uch) -ut he ha# $iven a reas!n (!r his inter(erence% "hich as e# n! e*tra!r#inary stretch !( belie() It "as reas!nable that he sh!ul# (eel he ha# been "r!n$/ he ha# liberality% an# he ha# the &eans !( e*ercisin$ it/ an# th!u$h she "!ul# n!t 'lace hersel( as his 'rinci'al in#uce&ent% she c!ul#% 'erha's% believe that re&ainin$ 'artiality (!r her &i$ht assist his en#eav!rs in a cause "here her 'eace !( &in# &ust be &aterially c!ncerne#) It "as 'ain(ul% e*cee#in$ly 'ain(ul% t! n!" that they "ere un#er !bli$ati!ns t! a 'ers!n "h! c!ul# never receive a return) They !"e# the rest!rati!n !( 0y#ia% her character% everythin$ t! hi&) 4h5 h!" heartily #i# she $rieve !ver every un$raci!us sensati!n she ha# ever enc!ura$e#% every saucy s'eech she ha# ever #irecte# t!"ar#s hi&) >!r hersel(% she "as hu&ble#/ but she "as 'r!u# !( hi&) Pr!u# that in a cause !( c!&'assi!n an# h!n!r he ha# been able t! $et the better !( hi&sel() 6he rea# !ver her aunt;s c!&&en#ati!n !( hi& a$ain an# a$ain) It "as har#ly en!u$h/ but it 'lease# her) 6he "as even sensible !( s!&e 'leasure% th!u$h &i*e# "ith re$ret% !n (in#in$ h!" stea#(astly b!th she an# her uncle ha# been 'ersua#e# that a((ecti!n an# c!n(i#ence subsiste# bet"een ,r) Darcy an# hersel()

6he "as r!use# (r!& her seat an# her re(lecti!ns by s!&e !ne;s a''r!ach/ an# be(!re she c!ul# stri e int! an!ther 'ath she "as !verta en by 3ic ha&) +I a& a(rai# I interru't y!ur s!litary ra&ble% &y #ear sister.+ sai# he% as he 1!ine# her) +2!u certainly #!%+ she re'lie# "ith a s&ile/ +but it #!es n!t (!ll!" that the interru'ti!n &ust be un"elc!&e)+ +I sh!ul# be s!rry in#ee# i( it "ere) 3e "ere al"ays $!!# (rien#s/ an# n!" "e are better)+ +True) Are the !thers c!&in$ !ut.+ +I #! n!t n!") ,rs) -ennet an# 0y#ia are $!in$ in the carria$e t! ,eryt!n) An# s!% &y #ear sister% I (in# (r!& !ur uncle an# aunt that y!u have actually seen Pe&berley)+ 6he re'lie# in the a((ir&ative) +I al&!st envy y!u the 'leasure% an# yet I believe it "!ul# be t!! &uch (!r &e% !r else I c!ul# ta e it in &y "ay t! Ne"castle) An# y!u sa" the !l# h!use ee'er% I su''!se. P!!r Reyn!l#s% she "as al"ays very (!n# !( &e) -ut !( c!urse she #i# n!t &enti!n &y na&e t! y!u)+ +2es% she #i#)+ +An# "hat #i# she say.+ +That y!u "ere $!ne int! the ar&y% an#% she "as a(rai#% ha#- n!t turne# !ut "ell) At such a #istance as that% y!u n!"% thin$s are stran$ely &isre'resente#)+ +Certainly%+ he re'lie#% bitin$ his li's) Eli8abeth h!'e# she ha# silence# hi&/ but he s!!n a(ter"ar#s sai#+I "as sur'rise# t! see Darcy in t!"n last &!nth) 3e 'asse# each !ther several ti&es) I "!n#er "hat he can be #!in$ there.+ +Perha's 're'arin$ (!r his &arria$e "ith ,iss #e -!ur$h%+ sai# Eli8abeth) +It &ust be s!&ethin$ 'articular t! ta e hi& there at this ti&e !( year)+ +Un#!ubte#ly) Di# y!u see hi& "hile y!u "ere at 0a&bt!n. I th!u$ht I un#erst!!# (r!& the ?ar#iners that y!u ha#)+ +2es/ he intr!#uce# us t! his sister)+ +An# #! y!u li e her.+ +@ery &uch)+ +I have hear#% in#ee#% that she is unc!&&!nly i&'r!ve# "ithin this year !r t"!) 3hen I last sa" her she "as n!t very 'r!&isin$) I a& very $la# y!u li e# her) I h!'e she "ill turn !ut "ell)+ +I #are say she "ill/ she has $!t !ver the &!st tryin$ a$e)+ +Di# y!u $! by the villa$e !( <y&'t!n.+ +I #! n!t rec!llect that "e #i#)+ +I &enti!n it because it is the livin$ "hich I !u$ht t! have ha#) A &!st #eli$ht(ul 'lace5- E*cellent Pars!na$e H!use5 It "!ul# have suite# &e in every res'ect)+ +H!" sh!ul# y!u have li e# &a in$ ser&!ns.+ +E*cee#in$ly "ell) I sh!ul# have c!nsi#ere# it as 'art !( &y #uty% an# the e*erti!n "!ul# s!!n have been n!thin$) 4ne !u$ht n!t t! re'ine/ but% t! be sure% it "!ul# have been such a thin$ (!r &e5 The 9uiet% the retire&ent !( such a li(e% "!ul# have ans"ere# all &y i#eas !( ha''iness5 -ut it "as n!t t! be) Di# y!u ever hear Darcy &enti!n the circu&stance "hen y!u "ere in <ent.+ +I have hear#% (r!& auth!rity "hich I th!u$ht as $!!#% that it "as

le(t y!u c!n#iti!nally !nly% an# at the "ill !( the 'resent 'atr!n)+ +2!u have5- 2es% there "as s!&ethin$ in that/ I t!l# y!u s! (r!& the (irst% y!u &ay re&e&ber)+ +I #i# hear% t!!% that there "as a ti&e "hen ser&!n-&a in$ "as n!t s! 'alatable t! y!u as it see&s t! be at 'resent- that y!u actually #eclare# y!ur res!luti!n !( never ta in$ !r#ers% an# that the business ha# been c!&'r!&ise# acc!r#in$ly)+ +2!u #i#5- an# it "as n!t "h!lly "ith!ut (!un#ati!n) 2!u &ay re&e&ber "hat I t!l# y!u !n that '!int% "hen (irst "e tal e# !( it)+ They "ere n!" al&!st at the #!!r !( the h!use% (!r she ha# "al e# (ast t! $et ri# !( hi&% an#% un"illin$ (!r her sister;s sa e% t! 'r!v! e hi&% she !nly sai# in re'ly% "ith a $!!#-hu&!re# s&ile+C!&e% ,r) 3ic ha&% "e are br!ther an# sister% y!u n!") D! n!t let us 9uarrel ab!ut the 'ast) In (uture% I h!'e "e shall be al"ays !( !ne &in#)+ 6he hel# !ut her han#/ he isse# it "ith a((ecti!nate $allantry% th!u$h he har#ly ne" h!" t! l!! % an# they entere# the h!use) CHAPTER:0III CHAPTER 0III ,R) 3IC<HA, "as s! 'er(ectly satis(ie# "ith this c!nversati!n% that he never a$ain #istresse# hi&sel( !r 'r!v! e# his #ear sister Eli8abeth by intr!#ucin$ the sub1ect !( it/ an# she "as 'lease# t! (in# that she ha# sai# en!u$h t! ee' hi& 9uiet) The #ay !( his an# 0y#ia;s #e'arture s!!n ca&e% an# ,rs) -ennet "as (!rce# t! sub&it t! a se'arati!n "hich% as her husban# by n! &eans entere# int! her sche&e !( their all $!in$ t! Ne"castle% "as li ely t! c!ntinue at least a t"elve-&!nth) +4h5 &y #ear 0y#ia%+ she crie#% +"hen shall "e &eet a$ain.+ +4h% 0!r#5 I #!n;t n!") N!t these t"! !r three years% 'erha's)+ +3rite t! &e very !(ten% &y #ear)+ +As !(ten as I can) -ut y!u n!" &arrie# "!&en have never &uch ti&e (!r "ritin$) ,y sisters &ay "rite t! &e) They "ill have n!thin$ else t! #!)+ ,r) 3ic ha&;s a#ieus "ere &uch &!re a((ecti!nate than his "i(e;s) He s&ile#% l!! e# han#s!&e% an# sai# &any 'retty thin$s) +He is as (ine a (ell!"%+ sai# ,r) -ennet% as s!!n as they "ere !ut !( the h!use% +as ever I sa") He si&'ers% an# s&ir s% an# &a es l!ve t! us all) I a& 'r!#i$i!usly 'r!u# !( hi&) I #e(y even 6ir 3illia& 0ucas hi&sel( t! 'r!#uce a &!re valuable s!n-in-la")+ The l!ss !( her #au$hter &a#e ,rs) -ennet very #ull (!r several #ays) +I !(ten thin %+ sai# she% +that there is n!thin$ s! ba# as 'artin$ "ith !ne;s (rien#s) 4ne see&s s! (!rl!rn "ith!ut the&)+ +This is the c!nse9uence% y!u see% &a#a&% !( &arryin$ a #au$hter%+ sai# Eli8abeth) +It &ust &a e y!u better satis(ie# that y!ur !ther (!ur are sin$le)+ +It is n! such thin$) 0y#ia #!es n!t leave &e because she is &arrie#% but !nly because her husban#;s re$i&ent ha''ens t! be s! (ar !(() I( that ha# been nearer% she "!ul# n!t have $!ne s! s!!n)+ -ut the s'iritless c!n#iti!n "hich this event thre" her int! "as

sh!rtly relieve#% an# her &in# !'ene# a$ain t! the a$itati!n !( h!'e% by an article !( ne"s "hich then be$an t! be in circulati!n) The h!use ee'er at Nether(iel# ha# receive# !r#ers t! 're'are (!r the arrival !( her &aster% "h! "as c!&in$ #!"n in a #ay !r t"!% t! sh!!t there (!r several "ee s) ,rs) -ennet "as 9uite in the (i#$ets) 6he l!! e# at Jane% an# s&ile#% an# sh!! her hea# by turns) +3ell% "ell% an# s! ,r) -in$ley is c!&in$ #!"n% sister+ D(!r ,rs) Phili's (irst br!u$ht the ne"sE) +3ell% s! &uch the better) N!t that I care ab!ut it% th!u$h) He is n!thin$ t! us% y!u n!"% an# I a& sure I never "ant t! see hi& a$ain) -ut% h!"ever% he is very "elc!&e t! c!&e t! Nether(iel#% i( he li es it) An# "h! n!"s "hat &ay ha''en. -ut that is n!thin$ t! us) 2!u n!"% sister% "e a$ree# l!n$ a$! never t! &enti!n a "!r# ab!ut it) An# s!% is it 9uite certain he is c!&in$.+ +2!u &ay #e'en# !n it%+ re'lie# the !ther% +(!r ,rs) Nich!ls "as in ,eryt!n last ni$ht/ I sa" her 'assin$ by% an# "ent !ut &ysel( !n 'ur'!se t! n!" the truth !( it7 an# she t!l# &e that it "as certainly true) He c!&es #!"n !n Thurs#ay at the latest% very li ely !n 3e#nes#ay) 6he "as $!in$ t! the butcher;s% she t!l# &e% !n 'ur'!se t! !r#er in s!&e &eat !n 3e#nes#ay% an# she has $!t three c!u'le !( #uc s 1ust (it t! be ille#)+ ,iss -ennet ha# n!t been able t! hear !( his c!&in$ "ith!ut chan$in$ c!l!r) It "as &any &!nths since she ha# &enti!ne# his na&e t! Eli8abeth/ but n!"% as s!!n as they "ere al!ne t!$ether% she sai#+I sa" y!u l!! at &e t!-#ay% 0i88y% "hen &y aunt t!l# us !( the 'resent re'!rt/ an# I n!" I a''eare# #istresse#/ but #!n;t i&a$ine it "as (r!& any silly cause) I "as !nly c!n(use# (!r the &!&ent% because I (elt that I sh!ul# be l!! e# at) I #! assure y!u that the ne"s #!es n!t a((ect &e either "ith 'leasure !r 'ain) I a& $la# !( !ne thin$- that he c!&es al!ne/ because "e shall see the less !( hi&) N!t that I a& a(rai# !( &ysel(% but I #rea# !ther 'e!'le;s re&ar s)+ Eli8abeth #i# n!t n!" "hat t! &a e !( it) Ha# she n!t seen hi& in Derbyshire% she &i$ht have su''!se# hi& ca'able !( c!&in$ there "ith n! !ther vie" than "hat "as ac n!"le#$e#/ but she still th!u$ht hi& 'artial t! Jane% an# she "avere# as t! the $reater 'r!bability !( his c!&in$ there "ith his (rien#;s 'er&issi!n% !r bein$ b!l# en!u$h t! c!&e "ith!ut it) +2et it is har#%+ she s!&eti&es th!u$ht% +that this '!!r &an cann!t c!&e t! a h!use "hich he has le$ally hire# "ith!ut raisin$ all this s'eculati!n5 I "ill leave hi& t! hi&sel()+ In s'ite !( "hat her sister #eclare#% an# really believe# t! be her (eelin$s% in the e*'ectati!n !( his arrival% Eli8abeth c!ul# easily 'erceive that her s'irits "ere a((ecte# by it) They "ere &!re #isturbe#% &!re une9ual% than she ha# !(ten seen the&) The sub1ect "hich ha# been s! "ar&ly canvasse# bet"een their 'arents ab!ut a t"elve&!nth a$! "as n!" br!u$ht (!r"ar# a$ain) +As s!!n as ever ,r) -in$ley c!&es% &y #ear%+ sai# ,rs) -ennet% +y!u "ill "ait !n hi&% !( c!urse)+ +N!% n!) 2!u (!rce# &e int! visitin$ hi& last year% an# 'r!&ise#% i( I "ent t! see hi&% he sh!ul# &arry !ne !( &y #au$hters) -ut it en#e# in n!thin$% an# I "ill n!t be sent !n a (!!l;s erran# a$ain)+ His "i(e re'resente# t! hi& h!" abs!lutely necessary such an

attenti!n "!ul# be (r!& all the nei$hb!rin$ $entle&en% !n his returnin$ t! Nether(iel#) +;Tis an eti9uette I #es'ise%+ sai# he) +I( he "ants !ur s!ciety% let hi& see it) He n!"s "here "e live) I "ill n!t s'en# &y h!urs in runnin$ a(ter &y nei$hb!rs every ti&e they $! a"ay an# c!&e bac a$ain)+ +3ell% all I n!" is% that it "ill be ab!&inably ru#e i( y!u #! n!t "ait !n hi&) -ut% h!"ever% that shan;t 'revent &y as in$ hi& t! #ine here% I a& #eter&ine#) 3e &ust have ,rs) 0!n$ an# the ?!ul#in$s s!!n) That "ill &a e thirteen "ith !urselves% s! there "ill be 1ust r!!& at table (!r hi&)+ C!ns!le# by this res!luti!n% she "as the better able t! bear her husban#;s incivility/ th!u$h it "as very &!rti(yin$ t! n!" that her nei$hb!rs &i$ht all see ,r) -in$ley% in c!nse9uence !( it% be(!re they #i#) As the #ay !( his arrival #re" near% +I be$in t! be s!rry that he c!&es at all%+ sai# Jane t! her sister) +It "!ul# be n!thin$/ I c!ul# see hi& "ith 'er(ect in#i((erence/ but I can har#ly bear t! hear it thus 'er'etually tal e# !() ,y &!ther &eans "ell/ but she #!es n!t n!"- n! !ne can n!"- h!" &uch I su((er (r!& "hat she says) Ha''y shall I be "hen his stay at Nether(iel# is !ver5+ +I "ish I c!ul# say anythin$ t! c!&(!rt y!u%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth/ +but it is "h!lly !ut !( &y '!"er) 2!u &ust (eel it/ an# the usual satis(acti!n !( 'reachin$ 'atience t! a su((erer is #enie# &e% because y!u have al"ays s! &uch)+ ,r) -in$ley arrive#) ,rs) -ennet% thr!u$h the assistance !( servants% c!ntrive# t! have the earliest ti#in$s !( it% that the 'eri!# !( an*iety an# (ret(ulness !n her si#e &i$ht be as l!n$ as it c!ul#) 6he c!unte# the #ays that &ust intervene be(!re their invitati!n c!ul# be sent- h!'eless !( seein$ hi& be(!re) -ut% !n the thir# &!rnin$ a(ter his arrival in Hert(!r#shire% she sa" hi& (r!& her #ressin$-r!!& "in#!" enter the 'a##!c an# ri#e t!"ar#s the h!use) Her #au$hters "ere ea$erly calle# t! 'arta e !( her 1!y) Jane res!lutely e't her 'lace at the table/ but Eli8abeth% t! satis(y her &!ther% "ent t! the "in#!"%- she l!! e#- she sa" ,r) Darcy "ith hi&% an# sat #!"n a$ain by her sister) +There is a $entle&an "ith hi&% &a&&a%+ sai# <itty/ +"h! can it be.+ +6!&e ac9uaintance !r !ther% &y #ear% I su''!se/ I a& sure I #! n!t n!")+ +0a5+ re'lie# <itty% +it l!! s 1ust li e that &an that use# t! be "ith hi& be(!re%- ,r) "hat;s-his-na&e)- That tall% 'r!u# &an)+ +?!!# $raci!us5 ,r) Darcy5- an# s! it #!es% I v!") 3ell% any (rien# !( ,r) -in$ley;s "ill al"ays be "elc!&e here% t! be sure/ but else I &ust say that I hate the very si$ht !( hi&)+ Jane l!! e# at Eli8abeth "ith sur'rise an# c!ncern) 6he ne" but little !( their &eetin$ in Derbyshire% an# there(!re (elt (!r the a" "ar#ness "hich &ust atten# her sister% in seein$ hi& al&!st (!r the (irst ti&e a(ter receivin$ his e*'lanat!ry letter) -!th sisters "ere unc!&(!rtable en!u$h) Each (elt (!r the !ther% an# !( c!urse (!r the&selves/ an# their &!ther tal e# !n% !( her #isli e !( ,r) Darcy% an# her res!luti!n t! be civil t! hi& !nly as ,r) -in$ley;s (rien#% "ith!ut bein$ hear# by either !( the&) -ut Eli8abeth ha# s!urces !( uneasiness "hich c!ul# n!t be sus'ecte# by Jane% t! "h!& she ha# never

yet ha# c!ura$e t! sh!" ,rs) ?ar#iner;s letter% !r t! relate her !"n chan$e !( senti&ent t!"ar#s hi&) T! Jane% he c!ul# be !nly a &an "h!se 'r!'!sals she ha# re(use#% an# "h!se &erit she ha# un#ervalue#/ but t! her !"n &!re e*tensive in(!r&ati!n% he "as the 'ers!n t! "h!& the "h!le (a&ily "ere in#ebte# (!r the (irst !( bene(its% an# "h!& she re$ar#e# hersel( "ith an interest% i( n!t 9uite s! ten#er% at least as reas!nable an# 1ust as "hat Jane (elt (!r -in$ley) Her ast!nish&ent at his c!&in$- at his c!&in$ t! Nether(iel#% t! 0!n$b!urn% an# v!luntarily see in$ her a$ain% "as al&!st e9ual t! "hat she ha# n!"n !n (irst "itnessin$ his altere# behavi!r in Derbyshire) The c!l!r "hich ha# been #riven (r!& her (ace% returne# (!r hal( a &inute "ith an a##iti!nal $l!"% an# a s&ile !( #eli$ht a##e# luster t! her eyes% as she th!u$ht (!r that s'ace !( ti&e% that his a((ecti!n an# "ishes &ust still be unsha en) -ut she "!ul# n!t be secure) +0et &e (irst see h!" he behaves%+ sai# she/ +it "ill then be early en!u$h (!r e*'ectati!n)+ 6he sat intently at "!r strivin$ t! be c!&'!se#% an# "ith!ut #arin$ t! li(t u' her eyes% till an*i!us curi!sity carrie# the& t! the (ace !( her sister% as the servant "as a''r!achin$ the #!!r) Jane l!! e# a little 'aler than usual% but &!re se#ate than Eli8abeth ha# e*'ecte#) 4n the $entle&en;s a''earin$% her c!l!r increase#/ yet she receive# the& "ith t!lerable ease% an# "ith a 'r!'riety !( behavi!r e9ually (ree (r!& any sy&'t!& !( resent&ent% !r any unnecessary c!&'laisance) Eli8abeth sai# as little t! either as civility "!ul# all!"% an# sat #!"n a$ain t! her "!r % "ith an ea$erness "hich it #i# n!t !(ten c!&&an#) 6he ha# venture# !nly !ne $lance at Darcy) He l!! e# seri!us as usual% an#% she th!u$ht% &!re as he ha# been use# t! l!! in Hert(!r#shire% than as she ha# seen hi& at Pe&berley) -ut% 'erha's% he c!ul# n!t in her &!ther;s 'resence be "hat he "as be(!re her uncle an# aunt) It "as a 'ain(ul% but n!t an i&'r!bable% c!n1ecture) -in$ley she ha# li e"ise seen (!r an instant% an# in that sh!rt 'eri!# sa" hi& l!! in$ b!th 'lease# an# e&barrasse#) He "as receive# by ,rs) -ennet "ith a #e$ree !( civility "hich &a#e her t"! #au$hters asha&e#% es'ecially "hen c!ntraste# "ith the c!l# an# cere&!ni!us '!liteness !( her curtsey an# a##ress !( his (rien#) Eli8abeth 'articularly% "h! ne" that her &!ther !"e# t! the latter the 'reservati!n !( her (av!rite #au$hter (r!& irre&e#iable in(a&y% "as hurt an# #istresse# t! a &!st 'ain(ul #e$ree by a #istincti!n s! ill-a''lie#) Darcy% a(ter in9uirin$ !( her h!" ,r) an# ,rs) ?ar#iner #i#- a 9uesti!n "hich she c!ul# n!t ans"er "ith!ut c!n(usi!n- sai# scarcely anythin$) He "as n!t seate# by her/ 'erha's that "as the reas!n !( his silence/ but it ha# n!t been s! in Derbyshire) There he ha# tal e# t! her (rien#s% "hen he c!ul# n!t t! hersel() -ut n!" several &inutes ela'se#% "ith!ut brin$in$ the s!un# !( his v!ice/ an# "hen !ccasi!nally% unable t! resist the i&'ulse !( curi!sity% she raise# her eyes t! his (ace% she as !(ten (!un# hi& l!! in$ at Jane as at hersel(% an# (re9uently !n n! !b1ect but the $r!un#) ,!re th!u$ht(ulness% an# less an*iety t! 'lease than "hen they last &et% "ere 'lainly e*'resse#) 6he "as #isa''!inte#% an# an$ry "ith hersel( (!r bein$ s!)

+C!ul# I e*'ect it t! be !ther"ise5+ sai# she) +2et "hy #i# he c!&e.+ 6he "as in n! hu&!r (!r c!nversati!n "ith any !ne but hi&sel(/ an# t! hi& she ha# har#ly c!ura$e t! s'ea ) 6he in9uire# a(ter his sister% but c!ul# #! n! &!re) +It is a l!n$ ti&e% ,r) -in$ley% since y!u "ent a"ay%+ sai# ,rs) -ennet) He rea#ily a$ree# t! it) +I be$an t! be a(rai# y!u "!ul# never c!&e bac a$ain) Pe!'le #i# say% y!u &eant t! 9uit the 'lace entirely at ,ichael&as/ but% h!"ever% I h!'e it is n!t true) A $reat &any chan$es have ha''ene# in the nei$hb!rh!!# since y!u "ent a"ay) ,iss 0ucas is &arrie# an# settle#) An# !ne !( &y !"n #au$hters) I su''!se y!u have hear# !( it/ in#ee#% y!u &ust have seen it in the 'a'ers) It "as in the Ti&es an# the C!urier% I n!"/ th!u$h it "as n!t 'ut in as it !u$ht t! be) It "as !nly sai#% ;0ately% ?e!r$e 3ic ha&% Es9) t! ,iss 0y#ia -ennet%; "ith!ut there bein$ a syllable sai# !( her (ather% !r the 'lace "here she live#% !r anythin$) It "as &y br!ther ?ar#iner;s #ra"in$ u' t!! an# I "!n#er h!" he ca&e t! &a e such an a" "ar# business !( it) Di# y!u see it.+ -in$ley re'lie# that he #i#% an# &a#e his c!n$ratulati!ns) Eli8abeth #are# n!t li(t u' her eyes) H!" ,r) Darcy l!! e#% there(!re% she c!ul# n!t tell) +It is a #eli$ht(ul thin$% t! be sure% t! have a #au$hter "ell &arrie#%+ c!ntinue# her &!ther/ +but% at the sa&e ti&e% ,r) -in$ley% it is very har# t! have her ta en a"ay (r!& &e) They are $!ne #!"n t! Ne"castle% a 'lace 9uite n!rth"ar#% it see&s% an# there they are t! stay I #! n!t n!" h!" l!n$) His re$i&ent is there/ (!r I su''!se y!u have hear# !( his leavin$ the ::shire% an# !( his bein$ $!ne int! the re$ulars) Than Heaven5 he has s!&e (rien#s% th!u$h% 'erha's% n!t s! &any as he #eserves)+ Eli8abeth% "h! ne" this t! be levele# at ,r) Darcy% "as in such &isery !( sha&e that she c!ul# har#ly ee' her seat) It #re" (r!& her% h!"ever% the e*erti!n !( s'ea in$% "hich n!thin$ else ha# s! e((ectually #!ne be(!re/ an# she as e# -in$ley "hether he &eant t! &a e any stay in the c!untry at 'resent) A (e" "ee s% he believe#) +3hen y!u have ille# all y!ur !"n bir#s% ,r) -in$ley%+ sai# her &!ther% +I be$ y!u "ill c!&e here% an# sh!!t as &any as y!u 'lease% !n ,r) -ennet;s &an!r) I a& sure he "ill be vastly ha''y t! !bli$e y!u% an# "ill save all the best !( the c!vies (!r y!u)+ Eli8abeth;s &isery increase# at such unnecessary% such !((ici!us attenti!n5 3ere the sa&e (air 'r!s'ect t! arise at 'resent as ha# (lattere# the& a year a$!% everythin$% she "as 'ersua#e#% "!ul# be hastenin$ t! the sa&e ve*ati!us c!nclusi!ns) At that instant she (elt that years !( ha''iness c!ul# n!t &a e Jane !r hersel( a&en#s (!r &!&ents !( such 'ain(ul c!n(usi!n) +The (irst "ish !( &y heart%+ sai# she t! hersel(% +is never &!re t! be in c!&'any "ith either !( the&) Their s!ciety can a((!r# n! 'leasure that "ill at!ne (!r such "retche#ness as this5 0et &e never see either !ne !r the !ther a$ain5+ 2et the &isery% (!r "hich years !( ha''iness "ere t! !((er n! c!&'ensati!n% receive# s!!n a(ter"ar#s &aterial relie( (r!& !bservin$ h!" &uch the beauty !( her sister re in#le# the a#&irati!n

!( her (!r&er l!ver) 3hen (irst he ca&e in% he ha# s'! en t! her but little% but every (ive &inutes see&e# t! be $ivin$ her &!re !( his attenti!n) He (!un# her as han#s!&e as she ha# been last year%- as $!!#-nature# an# as una((ecte#% th!u$h n!t 9uite s! chatty) Jane "as an*i!us that n! #i((erence sh!ul# be 'erceive# in her at all% an# "as really 'ersua#e# that she tal e# as &uch as ever) -ut her &in# "as s! busily en$a$e# that she #i# n!t al"ays n!" "hen she "as silent) 3hen the $entle&en r!se t! $! a"ay% ,rs) -ennet "as &in#(ul !( her inten#e# civility% an# they "ere invite# an# en$a$e# t! #ine at 0!n$b!urn in a (e" #ays; ti&e) +2!u are 9uite a visit in &y #ebt% ,r) -in$ley%+ she a##e#/ +(!r "hen y!u "ent t! t!"n last "inter y!u 'r!&ise# t! ta e a (a&ily #inner "ith us as s!!n as y!u returne#) I have n!t (!r$!t% y!u see/ an# I assure y!u I "as very &uch #isa''!inte# that y!u #i# n!t c!&e bac an# ee' y!ur en$a$e&ent)+ -in$ley l!! e# a little silly at this re(lecti!n% an# sai# s!&ethin$ !( his c!ncern at havin$ been 'revente# by business) They then "ent a"ay) ,rs) -ennet ha# been str!n$ly incline# t! as the& t! stay an# #ine there that #ay/ but% th!u$h she al"ays e't a very $!!# table% she #i# n!t thin anythin$ less than t"! c!urses c!ul# be $!!# en!u$h (!r a &an !n "h!& she ha# such an*i!us #esi$ns% !r satis(y the a''etite an# 'ri#e !( !ne "h! ha# ten th!usan# a-year) CHAPTER:0I@ CHAPTER 0I@ A6 s!!n as they "ere $!ne Eli8abeth "al e# !ut t! rec!ver her s'irits%- !r% in !ther "!r#s% t! #"ell "ith!ut interru'ti!n !n th!se sub1ects that &ust #ea#en the& &!re) ,r) Darcy;s behavi!r ast!nishe# an# ve*e# her) +3hy% i( he ca&e !nly t! be silent% $rave% an# in#i((erent%+ sai# she% +#i# he c!&e at all.+ 6he c!ul# settle it in n! "ay that $ave her 'leasure) +He c!ul# be still a&iable% still 'leasin$ t! &y uncle an# aunt% "hen he "as in t!"n/ an# "hy n!t t! &e. I( he (ears &e% "hy c!&e hither. I( he n! l!n$er cares (!r &e% "hy silent.- Teasin$% teasin$ &an5 I "ill thin n! &!re ab!ut hi&)+ Her res!luti!n "as (!r a sh!rt ti&e inv!luntarily e't by the a''r!ach !( her sister% "h! 1!ine# her "ith a cheer(ul l!! % "hich sh!"e# her better satis(ie# "ith their visit!rs than Eli8abeth) +N!"%+ sai# she% +that this (irst &eetin$ is !ver% I (eel 'er(ectly easy) I n!" &y !"n stren$th% an# I shall never be e&barrasse# a$ain by his c!&in$) I a& $la# he #ines here !n Tues#ay7 it "ill then be 'ublicly seen that !n b!th si#es "e &et !nly as c!&&!n an# in#i((erent ac9uaintance)+ +2es% very in#i((erent in#ee#%+ sai# Eli8abeth% lau$hin$ly) +4h% Jane5 ta e care)+ +,y #ear 0i88y% y!u cann!t thin &e s! "ea as t! be in #an$er n!")+ +I thin y!u are in very $reat #an$er !( &a in$ hi& as &uch in l!ve "ith y!u as ever)+ -

They #i# n!t see the $entle&en a$ain till Tues#ay/ an# ,rs) -ennet% in the &ean"hile% "as $ivin$ "ay t! all the ha''y sche&es "hich the $!!# hu&!r an# c!&&!n '!liteness !( -in$ley% in hal(-an-h!ur;s visit% ha# revive#) 4n Tues#ay there "as a lar$e 'arty asse&ble# at 0!n$b!urn/ an# the t"!% "h! "ere &!st an*i!usly e*'ecte#% t! the cre#it !( their 'unctuality as s'!rts&en% "ere in very $!!# ti&e) 3hen they re'aire# t! the #inin$-r!!&% Eli8abeth ea$erly "atche# t! see "hether -in$ley "!ul# ta e the 'lace "hich% in all their (!r&er 'arties% ha# bel!n$e# t! hi&% by her sister) Her 'ru#ent &!ther% !ccu'ie# by the sa&e i#eas% (!rb!re t! invite hi& t! sit by hersel() 4n enterin$ the r!!&% he see&e# t! hesitate/ but Jane ha''ene# t! l!! r!un#% an# ha''ene# t! s&ile/ it "as #eci#e#- he 'lace# hi&sel( by her) Eli8abeth% "ith a triu&'hant sensati!n% l!! e# t!"ar#s his (rien#) He b!re it "ith n!ble in#i((erence% an# she "!ul# have i&a$ine# that -in$ley ha# receive# his sancti!n t! be ha''y% ha# she n!t seen his eyes li e"ise turne# t!"ar#s ,r) Darcy% "ith an e*'ressi!n !( hal(-lau$hin$ alar&) His behavi!r t! her sister "as such% #urin$ #inner-ti&e% as sh!"e# an a#&irati!n !( her "hich% th!u$h &!re $uar#e# than (!r&erly% 'ersua#e# Eli8abeth% that i( le(t "h!lly t! hi&sel(% Jane;s ha''iness% an# his !"n% "!ul# be s'ee#ily secure#) Th!u$h she #are# n!t #e'en# u'!n the c!nse9uence% she yet receive# 'leasure (r!& !bservin$ his behavi!r) It $ave her all the ani&ati!n that her s'irits c!ul# b!ast/ (!r she "as in n! cheer(ul hu&!r) ,r) Darcy "as al&!st as (ar (r!& her as the table c!ul# #ivi#e the&) He "as !n !ne si#e !( her &!ther) 6he ne" h!" little such a situati!n "!ul# $ive 'leasure t! either% !r &a e either a''ear t! a#vanta$e) 6he "as n!t near en!u$h t! hear any !( their #isc!urse/ but she c!ul# see h!" sel#!& they s'! e t! each !ther% an# h!" (!r&al an# c!l# "as their &anner "henever they #i#) Her &!ther;s un$raci!usness &a#e the sense !( "hat they !"e# hi& &!re 'ain(ul t! Eli8abeth;s &in#/ an# she "!ul#% at ti&es% have $iven anythin$ t! be 'rivile$e# t! tell hi& that his in#ness "as neither un n!"n n!r un(elt by the "h!le !( the (a&ily) 6he "as in h!'es that the evenin$ "!ul# a((!r# s!&e !''!rtunity !( brin$in$ the& t!$ether/ that the "h!le !( the visit "!ul# n!t 'ass a"ay "ith!ut enablin$ the& t! enter int! s!&ethin$ &!re !( c!nversati!n% than the &ere cere&!ni!us salutati!n atten#in$ his entrance) An*i!us an# uneasy% the 'eri!# "hich 'asse# in the #ra"in$-r!!&% be(!re the $entle&en ca&e% "as "earis!&e an# #ull t! a #e$ree that al&!st &a#e her uncivil) 6he l!! e# (!r"ar# t! their entrance as the '!int !n "hich all her chance !( 'leasure (!r the evenin$ &ust #e'en#) +I( he #!es n!t c!&e t! &e then%+ sai# she% +I shall $ive hi& u' (!rever)+ The $entle&en ca&e/ an# she th!u$ht he l!! e# as i( he "!ul# have ans"ere# her h!'es/ but% alas5 the la#ies ha# cr!"#e# r!un# the table% "here ,iss -ennet "as ta in$ tea% an# Eli8abeth '!urin$ !ut the c!((ee% in s! cl!se a c!n(e#eracy% that there "as n!t a sin$le vacancy near her "hich "!ul# a#&it !( a chair) An# !n the $entle&en;s a''r!achin$% !ne !( the $irls &!ve# cl!ser t! her than ever% an# sai#% in a "his'er-

+The &en shan;t c!&e an# 'art us% I a& #eter&ine#) 3e "ant n!ne !( the&/ #! "e.+ Darcy ha# "al e# a"ay t! an!ther 'art !( the r!!&) 6he (!ll!"e# hi& "ith her eyes% envie# every !ne t! "h!& he s'! e% ha# scarcely 'atience en!u$h t! hel' anyb!#y t! c!((ee% an# then "as enra$e# a$ainst hersel( (!r bein$ s! silly5 +A &an "h! has !nce been re(use#5 H!" c!ul# I ever be (!!lish en!u$h t! e*'ect a rene"al !( his l!ve. Is there !ne a&!n$ the se* "h! "!ul# n!t 'r!test a$ainst such a "ea ness as a sec!n# 'r!'!sal t! the sa&e "!&an. There is n! in#i$nity s! abh!rrent t! their (eelin$s5+ 6he "as a little revive#% h!"ever% by his brin$in$ bac his c!((ee-cu' hi&sel(/ an# she sei8e# the !''!rtunity !( sayin$% +Is y!ur sister at Pe&berley still.+ +2es% she "ill re&ain there till Christ&as)+ +An# 9uite al!ne. Have all her (rien#s le(t her.+ +,rs) Annesley is "ith her) The !thers have been $!ne !n t! 6carb!r!u$h these three "ee s)+ 6he c!ul# thin !( n!thin$ &!re t! say/ but i( he "ishe# t! c!nverse "ith her% he &i$ht have better success) He st!!# by her% h!"ever% (!r s!&e &inutes% in silence/ an#% at last% !n the y!un$ la#ies "his'erin$ t! Eli8abeth a$ain% he "al e# a"ay) 3hen the tea-thin$s "ere re&!ve#% an# the car#-tables 'lace#% the la#ies all r!se% an# Eli8abeth "as then h!'in$ t! be s!!n 1!ine# by hi&% "hen all her vie"s "ere !verthr!"n by seein$ hi& (all a victi& t! her &!ther;s ra'acity (!r "hist-'layers% an# in a (e" &!&ents a(ter seate# "ith the rest !( the 'arty) 6he n!" l!st every e*'ectati!n !( 'leasure) They "ere c!n(ine# (!r the evenin$ at #i((erent tables% an# she ha# n!thin$ t! h!'e% but that his eyes "ere s! !(ten turne# t!"ar#s her si#e !( the r!!&% as t! &a e hi& 'lay as unsuccess(ully as hersel() ,rs) -ennet ha# #esi$ne# t! ee' the t"! Nether(iel# $entle&en t! su''er/ but their carria$e "as unluc ily !r#ere# be(!re any !( the !thers% an# she ha# n! !''!rtunity !( #etainin$ the&) +3ell% $irls%+ sai# she% as s!!n as they "ere le(t t! the&selves% +"hat say y!u t! the #ay. I thin everythin$ has 'asse# !(( unc!&&!nly "ell% I assure y!u) The #inner "as as "ell #resse# as any I ever sa") The venis!n "as r!aste# t! a turn- an# everyb!#y sai#% they never sa" s! (at a haunch) The s!u' "as (i(ty ti&es better than "hat "e ha# at the 0ucases; last "ee / an# even ,r) Darcy ac n!"le#$e# that the 'artri#$es "ere re&ar ably "ell #!ne/ an# I su''!se he has t"! !r three >rench c!! ;s at least) An#% &y #ear Jane% I never sa" y!u l!! in $reater beauty) ,rs) 0!n$ sai# s! t!!% (!r I as e# her "hether y!u #i# n!t) An# "hat #! y!u thin she sai# besi#es. ;Ah5 ,rs) -ennet% "e shall have her at Nether(iel# at last); 6he #i# in#ee#) I #! thin ,rs) 0!n$ is as $!!# a creature as ever live#- an# her nieces are very 'retty behave# $irls% an# n!t at all han#s!&e7 I li e the& 'r!#i$i!usly)+ ,rs) -ennet% in sh!rt% "as in very $reat s'irits) 6he ha# seen en!u$h !( -in$ley;s behavi!r t! Jane% t! be c!nvince# that she "!ul# $et hi& at last/ an# her e*'ectati!ns !( a#vanta$e t! her (a&ily% "hen in a ha''y hu&!r% "ere s! (ar bey!n# reas!n% that she "as 9uite #isa''!inte# at n!t seein$ hi& there a$ain the ne*t #ay t! &a e his

'r!'!sals) +It has been a very a$reeable #ay%+ sai# ,iss -ennet t! Eli8abeth) +The 'arty see&e# s! "ell selecte#% s! suitable !ne "ith the !ther) I h!'e "e &ay !(ten &eet a$ain)+ Eli8abeth s&ile#) +0i88y% y!u &ust n!t #! s!) 2!u &ust n!t sus'ect &e) It &!rti(ies &e) I assure y!u that I have n!" learnt t! en1!y his c!nversati!n as an a$reeable an# sensible y!un$ &an% "ith!ut havin$ a "ish bey!n# it) I a& 'er(ectly satis(ie# (r!& "hat his &anners n!" are% that he never ha# any #esi$n !( en$a$in$ &y a((ecti!n) It is !nly that he is blesse# "ith $reater s"eetness !( a##ress% an# a str!n$er #esire !( $enerally 'leasin$% than any !ther &an)+ +2!u are very cruel%+ sai# her sister/ +y!u "ill n!t let &e s&ile% an# are 'r!v! in$ &e t! it every &!&ent)+ +H!" har# it is in s!&e cases t! be believe#5+ +An# h!" i&'!ssible in !thers5+ +-ut "hy sh!ul# y!u "ish t! 'ersua#e &e that I (eel &!re than I ac n!"le#$e.+ +That is a 9uesti!n "hich I har#ly n!" h!" t! ans"er) 3e all l!ve t! instruct% th!u$h "e can teach !nly "hat is n!t "!rth n!"in$) >!r$ive &e/ an# i( y!u 'ersist in in#i((erence% #! n!t &a e &e y!ur c!n(i#ante)+ CHAPTER:0@ CHAPTER 0@ A >E3 #ays a(ter this visit% ,r) -in$ley calle# a$ain% an# al!ne) His (rien# ha# le(t hi& that &!rnin$ (!r 0!n#!n% but "as t! return h!&e in ten #ays; ti&e) He sat "ith the& ab!ve an h!ur% an# "as in re&ar ably $!!# s'irits) ,rs) -ennet invite# hi& t! #ine "ith the&/ but% "ith &any e*'ressi!ns !( c!ncern% he c!n(esse# hi&sel( en$a$e# else"here) +Ne*t ti&e y!u call%+ sai# she% +I h!'e "e shall be &!re luc y)+ +He sh!ul# be 'articularly ha''y at any ti&e% =c)% =c)% an# i( she "!ul# $ive hi& leave% "!ul# ta e an early !''!rtunity !( "aitin$ !n the&)+ +Can y!u c!&e t!-&!rr!".+ +2es% he ha# n! en$a$e&ent at all (!r t!-&!rr!"+/ an# her invitati!n "as acce'te# "ith alacrity) He ca&e% an# in such very $!!# ti&e% that the la#ies "ere n!ne !( the& #resse#) In ran ,rs) -ennet t! her #au$hters; r!!&% in her #ressin$ $!"n% an# "ith her hair hal( (inishe#% cryin$ !ut% +,y #ear Jane% &a e haste an# hurry #!"n) He is c!&e- ,r) -in$ley is c!&e) He is in#ee#) ,a e haste% &a e haste) Here% 6arah% c!&e t! ,iss -ennet this &!&ent% an# hel' her !n "ith her $!"n) Never &in# ,iss 0i88y;s hair)+ +3e "ill be #!"n as s!!n as "e can%+ sai# Jane/ +but I #are say <itty is (!r"ar#er than either !( us% (!r she "ent u'stairs hal( an h!ur a$!)+ +4h5 han$ <itty5 "hat has she t! #! "ith it. C!&e% be 9uic % be 9uic 5 "here is y!ur sash% &y #ear.+ -ut "hen her &!ther "as $!ne% Jane "!ul# n!t be 'revaile# !n t! $!

#!"n "ith!ut !ne !( her sisters) The sa&e an*iety t! $et Fthe&G by the&selves% "as visible a$ain in the evenin$) A(ter tea% ,r) -ennet retire# t! the library% as "as his cust!&% an# ,ary "ent u'stairs t! her instru&ent) T"! !bstacles !( the (ive bein$ thus re&!ve#% ,rs) -ennet sat l!! in$ an# "in in$ at Eli8abeth an# Catherine (!r a c!nsi#erable ti&e% "ith!ut &a in$ any i&'ressi!n !n the&) Eli8abeth "!ul# n!t !bserve her/ an# "hen at last <itty #i#% she very inn!cently sai#% +3hat is the &atter% &a&&a. 3hat #! y!u ee' "in in$ at &e (!r. 3hat a& I t! #!.+ +N!thin$% chil#% n!thin$) I #i# n!t "in at y!u)+ 6he then sat still (ive &inutes l!n$er/ but% unable t! "aste such a 'reci!us !ccasi!n% she su##enly $!t u'% an# sayin$ t! <itty% +C!&e here% &y l!ve% I "ant t! s'ea t! y!u%+ t!! her !ut !( the r!!&) Jane instantly $ave a l!! at Eli8abeth% "hich s'! e her #istress at such 're&e#itati!n% an# her entreaty that she "!ul# n!t $ive in t! it) In a (e" &inutes% ,rs) -ennet hal( !'ene# the #!!r% an# calle# !ut% +0i88y% &y #ear% I "ant t! s'ea "ith y!u)+ Eli8abeth "as (!rce# t! $!) +3e &ay as "ell leave the& by the&selves% y!u n!"%+ sai# her &!ther as s!!n as she "as in the hall) +<itty an# I are $!in$ u'stairs t! sit in &y #ressin$-r!!&)+ Eli8abeth &a#e n! atte&'t t! reas!n "ith her &!ther% but re&aine# 9uietly in the hall till she an# <itty "ere !ut !( si$ht% then returne# int! the #ra"in$-r!!&) ,rs) -ennet;s sche&es (!r this #ay "ere ine((ectual) -in$ley "as everythin$ that "as char&in$% e*ce't the 'r!(esse# l!ver !( her #au$hter) His ease an# cheer(ulness ren#ere# hi& a &!st a$reeable a##iti!n t! their evenin$ 'arty/ an# he b!re "ith the ill-1u#$e# !((ici!usness !( the &!ther% an# hear# all her silly re&ar s% "ith a (!rbearance an# c!&&an# !( c!untenance 'articularly $rate(ul t! the #au$hter) He scarcely nee#e# an invitati!n t! stay t! su''er/ an# be(!re he "ent a"ay% an en$a$e&ent "as (!r&e#% chie(ly thr!u$h his !"n an# ,rs) -ennet;s &eans% (!r his c!&in$ ne*t &!rnin$ t! sh!!t "ith her husban#) A(ter this #ay% Jane sai# n! &!re !( her in#i((erence) N!t a "!r# 'asse# bet"een the sisters c!ncernin$ -in$ley/ but Eli8abeth "ent t! be# in the ha''y belie( that all &ust s'ee#ily be c!nclu#e#% unless ,r) Darcy returne# "ithin the state# ti&e) 6eri!usly% h!"ever% she (elt t!lerably 'ersua#e# that all this &ust have ta en 'lace "ith that $entle&an;s c!ncurrence) -in$ley "as 'unctual t! his a''!int&ent/ an# he an# ,r) -ennet s'ent the &!rnin$ t!$ether% as ha# been a$ree# !n) The latter "as &uch &!re a$reeable than his c!&'ani!n e*'ecte#) There "as n!thin$ !( 'resu&'ti!n !r (!lly in -in$ley% that c!ul# 'r!v! e his ri#icule% !r #is$ust hi& int! silence/ an# he "as &!re c!&&unicative an# less eccentric than the !ther ha# ever seen hi&) -in$ley !( c!urse returne# "ith hi& t! #inner/ an# in the evenin$ ,rs) -ennet;s inventi!n "as a$ain at "!r t! $et everyb!#y a"ay (r!& hi& an# her #au$hter) Eli8abeth% "h! ha# a letter t! "rite% "ent int! the brea (ast-r!!& (!r that 'ur'!se s!!n a(ter tea/ (!r as the !thers "ere all $!in$ t! sit #!"n t! car#s% she c!ul# n!t be "ante# t! c!unteract her &!ther;s sche&es)

-ut !n returnin$ t! the #ra"in$-r!!& "hen her letter "as (inishe#% she sa"% t! her in(inite sur'rise% there "as reas!n t! (ear that her &!ther ha# been t!! in$eni!us (!r her) 4n !'enin$ the #!!r% she 'erceive# her sister an# -in$ley stan#in$ t!$ether !ver the hearth% as i( en$a$e# in earnest c!nversati!n/ an# ha# this le# t! n! sus'ici!n% the (aces !( b!th% as they hastily turne# r!un# an# &!ve# a"ay (r!& each !ther% "!ul# have t!l# it all) Their situati!n "as a" "ar# en!u$h/ but hers% she th!u$ht% "as still "!rse) N!t a syllable "as uttere# by either/ an# Eli8abeth "as !n the '!int !( $!in$ a"ay a$ain% "hen -in$ley% "h! as "ell as the !ther ha# sat #!"n% su##enly r!se% an# "his'erin$ a (e" "!r#s t! her sister% ran !ut !( the r!!&) Jane c!ul# have n! reserves (r!& Eli8abeth% "here c!n(i#ence "!ul# $ive 'leasure/ an# instantly e&bracin$ her% ac n!"le#$e# "ith the liveliest e&!ti!n% that she "as the ha''iest creature in the "!rl#) +;Tis t!! &uch%+ she a##e#%- +by (ar t!! &uch) I #! n!t #eserve it) 4h% "hy is n!t everyb!#y as ha''y5+ Eli8abeth;s c!n$ratulati!ns "ere $iven "ith a sincerity% a "ar&th% a #eli$ht% "hich "!r#s c!ul# but '!!rly e*'ress) Every sentence !( in#ness "as a (resh s!urce !( ha''iness t! Jane) -ut she "!ul# n!t all!" hersel( t! stay "ith her sister% !r say hal( that re&aine# t! be sai#% (!r the 'resent) +I &ust $! instantly t! &y &!ther%+ she crie#/ +I "!ul# n!t !n any acc!unt tri(le "ith her a((ecti!nate s!licitu#e% !r all!" her t! hear it (r!& any !ne but &ysel() He is $!ne t! &y (ather alrea#y) 4h5 0i88y% t! n!" that "hat I have t! relate "ill $ive such 'leasure t! all &y #ear (a&ily5 h!" shall I bear s! &uch ha''iness5+ 6he then hastene# a"ay t! her &!ther% "h! ha# 'ur'!sely br! en u' the car# 'arty% an# "as sittin$ u'stairs "ith <itty) Eli8abeth% "h! "as le(t by hersel(% n!" s&ile# at the ra'i#ity an# ease "ith "hich an a((air "as (inally settle#% that ha# $iven the& s! &any 'revi!us &!nths !( Fsus'enseG an# ve*ati!n) +An# this%+ sai# she% +is the en# !( all his (rien#;s an*i!us circu&s'ecti!n5 !( all his sister;s (alseh!!# an# c!ntrivance5 the ha''iest% "isest% an# &!st reas!nable en#5+ In a (e" &inutes she "as 1!ine# by -in$ley% "h!se c!n(erence "ith her (ather ha# been sh!rt an# t! the 'ur'!se) +3here is y!ur sister.+ sai# he hastily% as he !'ene# the #!!r) +3ith &y &!ther u'stairs) 6he "ill be #!"n in a &!&ent% I #are say)+ He then shut the #!!r% an# c!&in$ u' t! her% clai&e# the $!!# "ishes an# a((ecti!n !( a sister) Eli8abeth h!nestly an# heartily e*'resse# her #eli$ht in the 'r!s'ect !( their relati!nshi') They sh!! han#s "ith $reat c!r#iality/ an# then till her sister ca&e #!"n% she ha# t! listen t! all he ha# t! say !( his !"n ha''iness% an# !( Jane;s 'er(ecti!ns/ an# in s'ite !( his bein$ a l!ver% Eli8abeth really believe# all his e*'ectati!ns !( (elicity t! be rati!nally (!un#e#% because they ha# (!r basis the e*cellent un#erstan#in$ an# su'er-e*cellent #is'!siti!n !( Jane% an# a $eneral si&ilarity !( (eelin$ an# taste bet"een her an# hi&sel() It "as an evenin$ !( n! c!&&!n #eli$ht t! the& all) The satis(acti!n !( ,iss -ennet;s &in# $ave such a $l!" !( s"eet ani&ati!n t! her (ace% as &a#e her l!! han#s!&er than ever) <itty si&'ere# an# s&ile#% an# h!'e# her turn "as c!&in$ s!!n) ,rs) -ennet c!ul# n!t $ive her c!nsent

!r s'ea her a''r!bati!n in ter&s "ar& en!u$h t! satis(y her (eelin$s% th!u$h she tal e# t! -in$ley !( n!thin$ else (!r hal( an h!ur/ an# "hen ,r) -ennet 1!ine# the& at su''er% his v!ice an# &anner 'lainly sh!"e# h!" really ha''y he "as) N!t a "!r#% h!"ever% 'asse# his li's in allusi!n t! it% till their visit!r t!! his leave (!r the ni$ht/ but as s!!n as he "as $!ne% he turne# t! his #au$hter an# sai#+Jane% I c!n$ratulate y!u) 2!u "ill be a very ha''y "!&an)+ Jane "ent t! hi& instantly% isse# hi&% an# than e# hi& (!r his $!!#ness) +2!u are a $!!# $irl%+ he re'lie#% +an# I have $reat 'leasure in thin in$ y!u "ill be s! ha''ily settle#) I have n!t a #!ubt !( y!ur #!in$ very "ell t!$ether) 2!ur te&'ers are by n! &eans unli e) 2!u are each !( y!u s! c!&'lyin$% that n!thin$ "ill ever be res!lve# !n/ s! easy% that every servant "ill cheat y!u/ an# s! $ener!us% that y!u "ill al"ays e*cee# y!ur inc!&e)+ +I h!'e n!t s!) I&'ru#ence !r th!u$htlessness in &!ney &atters "!ul# be un'ar#!nable in &e)+ +E*cee# their inc!&e5 ,y #ear ,r) -ennet%+ crie# his "i(e% +"hat are y!u tal in$ !(. 3hy% he has (!ur !r (ive th!usan# a-year% an# very li ely &!re)+ Then a##ressin$ her #au$hter% +4h5 &y #ear% #ear Jane% I a& s! ha''y% I a& sure I shan;t $et a "in !( slee' all ni$ht) I ne" h!" it "!ul# be) I al"ays sai# it &ust be s!% at last) I "as sure y!u c!ul# n!t be s! beauti(ul (!r n!thin$5 I re&e&ber% as s!!n as ever I sa" hi&% "hen he (irst ca&e int! Hert(!r#shire last year% I th!u$ht h!" li ely it "as that y!u sh!ul# c!&e t!$ether) 4h5 he is the han#s!&est y!un$ &an that ever "as seen5+ 3ic ha&% 0y#ia% "ere all (!r$!tten) Jane "as bey!n# c!&'etiti!n her (av!rite chil#) At that &!&ent she care# (!r n! !ther) Her y!un$er sisters s!!n be$an t! &a e interest "ith her (!r !b1ects !( ha''iness "hich she &i$ht in (uture be able t! #is'ense) ,ary 'etiti!ne# (!r the use !( the library at Nether(iel#/ an# <itty be$$e# very har# (!r a (e" balls there every "inter) -in$ley% (r!& this ti&e% "as !( c!urse a #aily visit!r at 0!n$b!urn%- c!&in$ (re9uently be(!re brea (ast% an# al"ays re&ainin$ till a(ter su''er%- unless "hen s!&e barbar!us nei$hb!r% "h! c!ul# n!t be en!u$h #eteste#% ha# $iven hi& an invitati!n t! #inner% "hich he th!u$ht hi&sel( !bli$e# t! acce't) Eli8abeth ha# n!" but little ti&e (!r c!nversati!n "ith her sister/ (!r "hile he "as 'resent% Jane ha# n! attenti!n t! best!" !n any !ne else/ but she (!un# hersel( c!nsi#erably use(ul t! b!th !( the&% in th!se h!urs !( se'arati!n that &ust s!&eti&es !ccur) In the absence !( Jane% he al"ays attache# hi&sel( t! Eli8abeth (!r the 'leasure !( tal in$ !( her/ an# "hen -in$ley "as $!ne% Jane c!nstantly s!u$ht the sa&e &eans !( relie() +He has &a#e &e s! ha''y%+ sai# she% !ne evenin$% +by tellin$ &e% that he "as t!tally i$n!rant !( &y bein$ in t!"n last s'rin$5 I ha# n!t believe# it '!ssible)+ +I sus'ecte# as &uch%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth) +-ut h!" #i# he acc!unt (!r it.+ +It &ust have been his sisters; #!in$) They "ere certainly n! (rien#s t! his ac9uaintance "ith &e% "hich I cann!t "!n#er at% since

he &i$ht have ch!sen s! &uch &!re a#vanta$e!usly in &any res'ects) -ut "hen they see% as I trust they "ill% that their br!ther is ha''y "ith &e% they "ill learn t! be c!ntente#% an# "e shall be !n $!!# ter&s a$ain/ th!u$h "e can never be "hat "e !nce "ere t! each !ther)+ +That is the &!st un(!r$ivin$ s'eech%+ sai# Eli8abeth% +that I ever hear# y!u utter) ?!!# $irl5 It "!ul# ve* &e% in#ee#% t! see y!u a$ain the #u'e !( ,iss -in$ley;s 'reten#e# re$ar#5+ +;3!ul# y!u believe it% 0i88y% that "hen he "ent t! t!"n last N!ve&ber% he really l!ve# &e% an# n!thin$ but a 'ersuasi!n !( &y bein$ in#i((erent "!ul# have 'revente# his c!&in$ #!"n a$ain5+ +He &a#e a little &ista e% t! be sure/ but it is t! the cre#it !( his &!#esty)+ This naturally intr!#uce# a 'ane$yric (r!& Jane !n his #i((i#ence% an# the little value he 'ut !n his !"n $!!# 9ualities) Eli8abeth "as 'lease# t! (in# that he ha# n!t betraye# the inter(erence !( his (rien#s/ (!r% th!u$h Jane ha# the &!st $ener!us an# (!r$ivin$ heart in the "!rl#% she ne" it "as a circu&stance "hich &ust 're1u#ice her a$ainst hi&) +I a& certainly the &!st (!rtunate creature that ever e*iste#5+ crie# Jane) +4h5 0i88y% "hy a& I thus sin$le# (r!& &y (a&ily% an# blesse# ab!ve the& all5 I( I c!ul# but see y!u as ha''y5 I( there "ere but such an!ther &an (!r y!u5+ +I( y!u "ere t! $ive &e (!rty such &en% I never c!ul# be s! ha''y as y!u) Till I have y!ur #is'!siti!n% y!ur $!!#ness% I never can have y!ur ha''iness) N!% n!% let &e shi(t (!r &ysel(/ an# 'erha's% i( I have very $!!# luc % I &ay &eet "ith an!ther ,r) C!llins in ti&e)+ The situati!n !( a((airs in the 0!n$b!urn (a&ily c!ul# n!t be l!n$ a secret) ,rs) -ennet "as 'rivile$e# t! "his'er it t! ,rs) Phili's% an# she venture#% "ith!ut any 'er&issi!n% t! #! the sa&e by all her nei$hb!rs in ,eryt!n) The -ennets "ere s'ee#ily 'r!n!unce# t! be the luc iest (a&ily in the "!rl#% th!u$h !nly a (e" "ee s be(!re% "hen 0y#ia ha# (irst run a"ay% they ha# been $enerally 'r!ve# t! be &ar e# !ut (!r &is(!rtune) CHAPTER:0@I CHAPTER 0@I 4NE &!rnin$% ab!ut a "ee a(ter -in$ley;s en$a$e&ent "ith Jane ha# been (!r&e#% as he an# the (e&ales !( the (a&ily "ere sittin$ t!$ether in the #inin$-r!!&% their attenti!n "as su##enly #ra"n t! the "in#!"% by the s!un# !( a carria$e/ an# they 'erceive# a chaise-an#-(!ur #rivin$ u' the la"n) It "as t!! early in the &!rnin$ (!r visit!rs% an# besi#es% the e9ui'a$e #i# n!t ans"er t! that !( any !( their nei$hb!rs) The h!rses "ere '!st/ an# neither the carria$e n!r the livery !( the servant "h! 'rece#e# it% "ere (a&iliar t! the&) As it "as certain% h!"ever% that s!&eb!#y "as c!&in$% -in$ley instantly 'revaile# !n ,iss -ennet t! av!i# the c!n(ine&ent !( such an intrusi!n% an# "al a"ay "ith hi& int! the shrubbery) They b!th set !((% an# the c!n1ectures !( the re&ainin$ three c!ntinue#% th!u$h "ith little satis(acti!n% till the #!!r "as thr!"n !'en% an# their visit!r entere#) It "as 0a#y Catherine #e -!ur$h) They "ere !( c!urse all inten#in$ t! be sur'rise#/ but their

ast!nish&ent "as bey!n# their e*'ectati!n/ an# !n the 'art !( ,rs) -ennet an# <itty% th!u$h she "as 'er(ectly un n!"n t! the&% even in(eri!r t! "hat Eli8abeth (elt) 6he entere# the r!!& "ith an air &!re than usually un$raci!us% &a#e n! !ther re'ly t! Eli8abeth;s salutati!n than a sli$ht inclinati!n !( the hea#% an# sat #!"n "ith!ut sayin$ a "!r#) Eli8abeth ha# &enti!ne# her na&e t! her &!ther !n her la#yshi';s entrance% th!u$h n! re9uest !( intr!#ucti!n ha# been &a#e) ,rs) -ennet% all a&a8e&ent% th!u$h (lattere# by havin$ a $uest !( such hi$h i&'!rtance% receive# her "ith the ut&!st '!liteness) A(ter sittin$ (!r a &!&ent in silence% she sai#% very sti((ly t! Eli8abeth+I h!'e y!u are "ell% ,iss -ennet) That la#y% I su''!se% is y!ur &!ther.+ Eli8abeth re'lie# very c!ncisely that she "as) +An# that% I su''!se% is !ne !( y!ur sisters.+ +2es% &a#a&%+ sai# ,rs) -ennet% #eli$hte# t! s'ea t! 0a#y Catherine) +6he is &y y!un$est $irl but !ne% &y y!un$est !( all is lately &arrie#/ an# &y el#est is s!&e"here ab!ut the $r!un#% "al in$ "ith a y!un$ &an% "h!% I believe% "ill s!!n bec!&e a 'art !( the (a&ily)+ +2!u have a very s&all 'ar here%+ returne# 0a#y Catherine% a(ter a sh!rt silence) +It is n!thin$ in c!&'aris!n !( R!sin$s% &y la#y% I #are say/ but% I assure y!u% it is &uch lar$er than 6ir 3illia& 0ucas;s)+ +This &ust be a &!st inc!nvenient sittin$-r!!& (!r the evenin$ in su&&er7 the "in#!"s are (ull "est)+ ,rs) -ennet assure# her that they never sat there a(ter #inner% an# then a##e#+,ay I ta e the liberty !( as in$ y!ur la#yshi' "hether y!u le(t ,r) an# ,rs) C!llins "ell.+ +2es% very "ell) I sa" the& the ni$ht be(!re last)+ Eli8abeth n!" e*'ecte# that she "!ul# 'r!#uce a letter (!r her (r!& Charl!tte% as it see&e# the !nly 'r!bable &!tive (!r her callin$) -ut n! letter a''eare#% an# she "as c!&'letely 'u88le#) ,rs) -ennet% "ith $reat civility% be$$e# her la#yshi' t! ta e s!&e re(resh&ent/ but 0a#y Catherine very res!lutely% an# n!t very '!litely% #ecline# eatin$ anythin$/ an# then risin$ u'% sai# t! Eli8abeth+,iss -ennet% there see&e# t! be a 'rettyish in# !( a little "il#erness !n !ne si#e !( y!ur la"n) I sh!ul# be $la# t! ta e a turn in it% i( y!u "ill (av!r &e "ith y!ur c!&'any)+ +?!% &y #ear%+ crie# her &!ther% +an# sh!" her la#yshi' ab!ut the #i((erent "al s) I thin she "ill be 'lease# "ith the her&ita$e)+ Eli8abeth !beye#% an#% runnin$ int! her !"n r!!& (!r her 'aras!l% atten#e# her n!ble $uest #!"nstairs) As FtheyG 'asse# thr!u$h the hall% 0a#y Catherine !'ene# the #!!rs int! the #inin$-'arl!r an# #ra"in$-r!!&% an# 'r!n!uncin$ the&% a(ter a sh!rt survey% t! be #ecent-l!! in$ r!!&s% "al e# !n) Her carria$e re&aine# at the #!!r% an# Eli8abeth sa" that her "aitin$-"!&an "as in it) They 'r!cee#e# in silence al!n$ the $ravel-"al that le# t! the c!'se/ Eli8abeth "as #eter&ine# t! &a e n! e((!rt (!r c!nversati!n "ith a "!&an "h! "as n!" &!re than usually

ins!lent an# #isa$reeable) +H!" c!ul# I ever thin her li e her ne'he".+ sai# she% as she l!! e# in her (ace) As s!!n as they entere# the c!'se% 0a#y Catherine be$an in the (!ll!"in$ &anner7+2!u can be at n! l!ss% ,iss -ennet% t! un#erstan# the reas!n !( &y 1!urney hither) 2!ur !"n heart% y!ur !"n c!nscience% &ust tell y!u "hy I c!&e)+ Eli8abeth l!! e# "ith una((ecte# ast!nish&ent) +In#ee#% y!u are &ista en% &a#a&) I have n!t been at all able t! acc!unt (!r the h!n!r !( seein$ y!u here)+ +,iss -ennet%+ re'lie# her la#yshi'% in an an$ry t!ne% +y!u !u$ht t! n!" that I a& n!t t! be tri(le# "ith) -ut% h!"ever insincere y!u &ay ch!!se t! be% y!u shall n!t (in# &e s!) ,y character has ever been celebrate# (!r its sincerity an# (ran ness% an# in a cause !( such &!&ent as this I shall certainly n!t #e'art (r!& it) A re'!rt !( a &!st alar&in$ nature reache# &e t"! #ays a$!) I "as t!l# that n!t !nly y!ur sister "as !n the '!int !( bein$ &!st a#vanta$e!usly &arrie#% but that y!u% that ,iss Eli8abeth -ennet% "!ul#% in all li elih!!#% be s!!n a(ter"ar#s unite# t! &y ne'he"- &y !"n ne'he"- ,r) Darcy) Th!u$h I n!" it &ust be a scan#al!us (alseh!!#- th!u$h I "!ul# n!t in1ure hi& s! &uch as t! su''!se the truth !( it '!ssible% I instantly res!lve# !n settin$ !(( (!r this 'lace% that I &i$ht &a e &y senti&ents n!"n t! y!u)+ +I( y!u believe# it i&'!ssible t! be true%+ sai# Eli8abeth% c!l!rin$ "ith ast!nish&ent an# #is#ain% +I "!n#er y!u t!! the tr!uble !( c!&in$ s! (ar) 3hat c!ul# y!ur la#yshi' 'r!'!se by it.+ +At !nce t! insist u'!n havin$ such a re'!rt universally c!ntra#icte#)+ +2!ur c!&in$ t! 0!n$b!urn% t! see &e an# &y (a&ily%+ sai# Eli8abeth c!!lly% +"ill be rather a c!n(ir&ati!n !( it/ i(% in#ee#% such a re'!rt is in e*istence)+ +I(5 #! y!u% then% 'reten# t! be i$n!rant !( it. Has it n!t been in#ustri!usly circulate# by y!urselves. D! y!u n!t n!" that such a re'!rt is s'rea# abr!a#.+ +I never hear# that it "as)+ +An# can y!u li e"ise #eclare% that there is n! (!un#ati!n (!r it.+ +I #! n!t 'reten# t! '!ssess e9ual (ran ness "ith y!ur la#yshi') 2!u &ay as 9uesti!ns% "hich I shall n!t ch!!se t! ans"er)+ +This is n!t t! be b!rne5 ,iss -ennet% I insist !n bein$ satis(ie#) Has he% has &y ne'he"% &a#e y!u an !((er !( &arria$e.+ +2!ur la#yshi' has #eclare# it t! be i&'!ssible)+ +It !u$ht t! be s!/ it &ust be s!% "hile he retains the use !( his reas!n) -ut y!ur arts an# allure&ents &ay% in a &!&ent !( in(atuati!n% have &a#e hi& (!r$et "hat he !"es t! hi&sel( an# t! all his (a&ily) 2!u &ay have #ra"n hi& in)+ +I( I have% I shall be the last 'ers!n t! c!n(ess it)+ +,iss -ennet% #! y!u n!" "h! I a&. I have n!t been accust!&e# t! such lan$ua$e as this) I a& al&!st the nearest relati!n he has in the "!rl#% an# a& entitle# t! n!" all his #earest c!ncerns)+ +-ut y!u are n!t entitle# t! n!" &ine/ n!r "ill such behavi!r as this ever in#uce &e t! be e*'licit)+

+0et &e be ri$htly un#erst!!#) This &atch% t! "hich y!u have the 'resu&'ti!n t! as'ire% can never ta e 'lace) N!% never) ,r) Darcy is en$a$e# t! &y #au$hter) N!"% "hat have y!u t! say.+ +4nly this7 that i( he is s!% y!u can have n! reas!n t! su''!se he "ill &a e an !((er t! &e)+ 0a#y Catherine hesitate# (!r a &!&ent% an# then re'lie#+The en$a$e&ent bet"een the& is !( a 'eculiar in#) >r!& their in(ancy% they have been inten#e# (!r each !ther) It "as the (av!rite "ish !( his &!ther% as "ell as !( hers) 3hile in their cra#les% "e 'lanne# the uni!n7 an# n!"% at the &!&ent "hen the "ishes !( b!th sisters "!ul# be acc!&'lishe# in their &arria$e% t! be 'revente# by a y!un$ "!&an !( in(eri!r birth% !( n! i&'!rtance in the "!rl#% an# "h!lly unallie# t! the (a&ily5 D! y!u 'ay n! re$ar# t! the "ishes !( his (rien#s- t! his tacit en$a$e&ent "ith ,iss #e -!ur$h. Are y!u l!st t! every (eelin$ !( 'r!'riety an# #elicacy. Have y!u n!t hear# &e say that (r!& his earliest h!urs he "as #estine# (!r his c!usin.+ +2es% an# I ha# hear# it be(!re) -ut "hat is that t! &e. I( there is n! !ther !b1ecti!n t! &y &arryin$ y!ur ne'he"% I shall certainly n!t be e't (r!& it by n!"in$ that his &!ther an# aunt "ishe# hi& t! &arry ,iss #e -!ur$h) 2!u b!th #i# as &uch as y!u c!ul#% in 'lannin$ the &arria$e/ its c!&'leti!n #e'en#e# !n !thers) I( ,r) Darcy is neither by h!n!r n!r inclinati!n c!n(ine# t! his c!usin% "hy is n!t he t! &a e an!ther ch!ice. an# i( I a& that ch!ice% "hy &ay I n!t acce't hi&.+ +-ecause h!n!r% #ec!ru&% 'ru#ence- nay% interest% (!rbi# it) 2es% ,iss -ennet% interest/ (!r #! n!t e*'ect t! be n!tice# by his (a&ily !r (rien#s i( y!u "ill(ully act a$ainst the inclinati!ns !( all) 2!u "ill be censure#% sli$hte#% an# #es'ise# by every !ne c!nnecte# "ith hi&) 2!ur alliance "ill be a #is$race/ y!ur na&e "ill never even be &enti!ne# by any !( us)+ +These are heavy &is(!rtunes%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth) +-ut the "i(e !( ,r) Darcy &ust have such e*tra!r#inary s!urces !( ha''iness necessarily attache# t! her situati!n% that she c!ul#% u'!n the "h!le% have n! cause t! re'ine)+ +4bstinate% hea#str!n$ $irl5 I a& asha&e# !( y!u5 Is this y!ur $ratitu#e (!r &y attenti!ns t! y!u last s'rin$. Is n!thin$ #ue t! &e !n that sc!re.+ +0et us sit #!"n) 2!u are t! un#erstan#% ,iss -ennet% that I ca&e here "ith the #eter&ine# res!luti!n !( carryin$ &y 'ur'!se/ n!r "ill I be #issua#e# (r!& it) I have n!t been use# t! sub&it t! any 'ers!n;s "hi&s) I have n!t been in the habit !( br!! in$ #isa''!int&ent)+ +That "ill &a e y!ur la#yshi';s situati!n at 'resent &!re 'itiable/ but it "ill have n! e((ect !n &e)+ +I "ill n!t be interru'te#5 Hear &e in silence) ,y #au$hter an# &y ne'he" are (!r&e# (!r each !ther) They are #escen#e#% !n the &aternal si#e% (r!& the sa&e n!ble line/ an#% !n the (athers;% (r!& res'ectable% h!n!rable% an# ancient% th!u$h untitle# (a&ilies) Their (!rtune !n b!th si#es is s'len#i#) They are #estine# (!r each !ther by the v!ice !( every &e&ber !( their res'ective h!uses/ an# "hat is t! #ivi#e the&. The u'start 'retensi!ns !( a y!un$ "!&an "ith!ut (a&ily% c!nnecti!ns% !r (!rtune) Is this t! be en#ure#. -ut it &ust n!t% shall n!t be5 I( y!u "ere sensible !( y!ur !"n $!!#% y!u "!ul#

n!t "ish t! 9uit the s'here in "hich y!u have been br!u$ht u')+ +In &arryin$ y!ur ne'he" I sh!ul# n!t c!nsi#er &ysel( as 9uittin$ that s'here) He is a $entle&an/ I a& a $entle&an;s #au$hter7 s! (ar "e are e9ual)+ +True) 2!u are a $entle&an;s #au$hter) -ut "h! "as y!ur &!ther. 3h! are y!ur uncles an# aunts. D! n!t i&a$ine &e i$n!rant !( their c!n#iti!n)+ +3hatever &y c!nnecti!ns &ay be%+ sai# Eli8abeth% +i( y!ur ne'he" #!es n!t !b1ect t! the&% they can be n!thin$ t! y!u)+ +Tell &e% !nce (!r all% are y!u en$a$e# hi&.+ Th!u$h Eli8abeth "!ul# n!t% (!r the &ere 'ur'!se !( !bli$in$ 0a#y Catherine% have ans"ere# this 9uesti!n% she c!ul# n!t but say% a(ter a &!&ent;s #eliberati!n% +I a& n!t)+ 0a#y Catherine see&e# 'lease#) +An# "ill y!u 'r!&ise &e never t! enter int! such an en$a$e&ent.+ +I "ill &a e n! 'r!&ise !( the in#)+ +,iss -ennet% I a& sh!c e# an# ast!nishe#) I e*'ecte# t! (in# a &!re reas!nable y!un$ "!&an) -ut #! n!t #eceive y!ursel( int! a belie( that I "ill ever rece#e) I shall n!t $! a"ay till y!u have $iven &e the assurance I re9uire)+ +An# I certainly never shall $ive it) I a& n!t t! be inti&i#ate# int! anythin$ s! "h!lly unreas!nable) 2!ur la#yshi' "ants ,r) Darcy t! &arry y!ur #au$hter/ but "!ul# &y $ivin$ y!u the "ishe#-(!r 'r!&ise &a e their &arria$e at all &!re 'r!bable. 6u''!sin$ hi& t! be attache# t! &e% "!ul# &y re(usin$ t! acce't his han# &a e hi& "ish t! best!" it !n his c!usin. All!" &e t! say% 0a#y Catherine% that the ar$u&ents "ith "hich y!u have su''!rte# this e*tra!r#inary a''licati!n have been as (riv!l!us as the a''licati!n "as ill-1u#$e#) 2!u have "i#ely &ista en &y character% i( y!u thin I can be "!r e# !n by such 'ersuasi!ns as these) H!" (ar y!ur ne'he" &i$ht a''r!ve !( y!ur inter(erence in his a((airs I cann!t tell/ but y!u have certainly n! ri$ht t! c!ncern y!ursel( in &ine) I &ust be$% there(!re% t! be i&'!rtune# n! (arther !n the sub1ect)+ +N!t s! hasty% i( y!u 'lease) I have by n! &eans #!ne) T! all the !b1ecti!ns I have alrea#y ur$e#% I have still an!ther t! a##) I a& n! stran$er t! the 'articulars !( y!ur y!un$est sister;s in(a&!us el!'e&ent) I n!" it all/ that the y!un$ &an;s &arryin$ her "as a 'atche#-u' business% at the e*'ense !( y!ur (ather an# uncle) An# is such a $irl t! be &y ne'he";s sister. Is her husban#% "h! is the s!n !( his late (ather;s ste"ar#% t! be his br!ther. Heaven an# earth!( "hat are y!u thin in$. Are the sha#es !( Pe&berley t! be thus '!llute#.+ +2!u can n!" have n!thin$ (arther t! say%+ she resent(ully ans"ere#) +2!u have insulte# &e in every '!ssible &eth!#) I &ust be$ t! return t! the h!use)+ An# she r!se as she s'! e) 0a#y Catherine r!se als!% an# they turne# bac ) Her la#yshi' "as hi$hly incense#) +2!u have n! re$ar#% then% (!r the h!n!r an# cre#it !( &y ne'he"5 Un(eelin$% sel(ish $irl5 D! y!u n!t c!nsi#er that a c!nnecti!n "ith y!u &ust #is$race hi& in the eyes !( everyb!#y.+ +0a#y Catherine% I have n!thin$ (urther t! say) 2!u n!" &y senti&ents)+

+2!u are% then% res!lve# t! have hi&.+ +I have sai# n! such thin$) I a& !nly res!lve# t! act in that &anner "hich "ill% in &y !"n !'ini!n% c!nstitute &y ha''iness% "ith!ut re(erence t! y!u% !r t! any 'ers!n s! "h!lly unc!nnecte# "ith &e)+ +It is "ell) 2!u re(use% then% t! !bli$e &e) 2!u re(use t! !bey the clai&s !( #uty% h!n!r% an# $ratitu#e) 2!u are #eter&ine# t! ruin hi& in the !'ini!n !( all his (rien#s% an# &a e hi& the c!nte&'t !( the "!rl#)+ +Neither #uty% n!r h!n!r% n!r $ratitu#e%+ re'lie# Eli8abeth% +has any '!ssible clai& !n &e in the 'resent instance) N! 'rinci'le !( either "!ul# be vi!late# by &y &arria$e "ith ,r) Darcy) An# "ith re$ar# t! the resent&ent !( his (a&ily !r the in#i$nati!n !( the "!rl#% i( the (!r&er "ere e*cite# by his &arryin$ &e% it "!ul# n!t $ive &e !ne &!&ent;s c!ncern- an# the "!rl# in $eneral "!ul# have t!! &uch sense t! 1!in in the sc!rn)+ +An# this is y!ur real !'ini!n5 This is y!ur (inal res!lve5 @ery "ell) I shall n!" n!" h!" t! act) D! n!t i&a$ine% ,iss -ennet% that y!ur a&biti!n "ill ever be $rati(ie#) I ca&e t! try y!u) I h!'e# t! (in# y!u reas!nable/ but% #e'en# u'!n it% I "ill carry &y '!int)+ In this &anner 0a#y Catherine tal e# !n% till they "ere at the #!!r !( the carria$e% "hen% turnin$ hastily r!un#% she a##e#+I ta e n! leave !( y!u% ,iss -ennet) I sen# n! c!&'li&ents t! y!ur &!ther) 2!u #eserve n! such attenti!n) I a& seri!usly #is'lease#)+ Eli8abeth &a#e n! ans"er% an#% "ith!ut atte&'tin$ t! 'ersua#e her la#yshi' t! return int! the h!use% "al e# 9uietly int! it hersel() 6he hear# the carria$e #rive a"ay as she 'r!cee#e# u'stairs) Her &!ther i&'atiently &et her at the #!!r !( the #ressin$-r!!&% t! as "hy 0a#y Catherine "!ul# n!t c!&e in a$ain an# rest hersel() +6he #i# n!t ch!!se it%+ sai# her #au$hter/ +she "!ul# $!)+ +6he is a very (ine-l!! in$ "!&an5 an# her callin$ here "as 'r!#i$i!usly civil5 (!r she !nly ca&e% I su''!se% t! tell us the C!llinses "ere "ell) 6he is !n her r!a# s!&e"here% I #are say% an# s!% 'assin$ thr!u$h ,eryt!n% th!u$ht she &i$ht as "ell call !n y!u) I su''!se she ha# n!thin$ 'articular t! say t! y!u% 0i88y.+ Eli8abeth "as (!rce# t! $ive in t! a little (alseh!!# here/ (!r t! ac n!"le#$e the substance !( their c!nversati!n "as i&'!ssible) CHAPTER:0@II CHAPTER 0@II THE #isc!&'!sure !( s'irits "hich this e*tra!r#inary visit thre" Eli8abeth int! c!ul# n!t be easily !verc!&e% n!r c!ul# she (!r &any h!urs learn t! thin !( it less than incessantly) 0a#y Catherine% it a''eare#% ha# actually ta en the tr!uble !( this 1!urney (r!& R!sin$s (!r the s!le 'ur'!se !( brea in$ !(( her su''!se# en$a$e&ent "ith ,r) Darcy) It "as a rati!nal sche&e% t! be sure5 but (r!& "hat the re'!rt !( their en$a$e&ent c!ul# !ri$inate% Eli8abeth "as at a l!ss t! i&a$ine/ till she rec!llecte# that his bein$ the inti&ate (rien# !( -in$ley% an# her bein$ the sister !( Jane% "as en!u$h% at a ti&e "hen the e*'ectati!n !( !ne "e##in$ &a#e everyb!#y ea$er (!r an!ther% t! su''ly the i#ea) 6he ha# n!t hersel( (!r$!tten t! (eel

that the &arria$e !( her sister &ust brin$ the& &!re (re9uently t!$ether) An# her nei$hb!rs at 0ucas 0!#$e% there(!re D(!r thr!u$h their c!&&unicati!n "ith the C!llinses the re'!rt% she c!nclu#e#% ha# reache# 0a#y CatherineE% ha# !nly set that #!"n as al&!st certain an# i&&e#iate% "hich she ha# l!! e# (!r"ar# t! as '!ssible% at s!&e (uture ti&e) In rev!lvin$ 0a#y Catherine;s e*'ressi!ns% h!"ever% she c!ul# n!t hel' (eelin$ s!&e uneasiness as t! the '!ssible c!nse9uence !( her 'ersistin$ in this inter(erence) >r!& "hat she ha# sai# !( her res!luti!n t! 'revent their &arria$e% it !ccurre# t! Eli8abeth that she &ust &e#itate an a''licati!n t! her ne'he"/ an# h!" he &i$ht ta e a si&ilar re'resentati!n !( the evils attache# t! a c!nnecti!n "ith her% she #are# n!t 'r!n!unce) 6he ne" n!t the e*act #e$ree !( his a((ecti!n (!r his aunt% !r his #e'en#ence !n her 1u#$&ent% but it "as natural t! su''!se that he th!u$ht &uch hi$her !( her la#yshi' than she c!ul# #!/ an# it "as certain that% in enu&eratin$ the &iseries !( a &arria$e "ith !ne "h!se i&&e#iate c!nnecti!ns "ere s! une9ual t! his !"n% his aunt "!ul# a##ress hi& !n his "ea est si#e) 3ith his n!ti!ns !( #i$nity% he "!ul# 'r!bably (eel that the ar$u&ents "hich t! Eli8abeth ha# a''eare# "ea an# ri#icul!us% c!ntaine# &uch $!!# sense an# s!li# reas!nin$) I( he ha# been "averin$ be(!re as t! "hat he sh!ul# #!% "hich ha# !(ten see&e# li ely% the a#vice an# entreaty !( s! near a relati!n &i$ht settle every #!ubt% an# #eter&ine hi& at !nce t! be as ha''y as #i$nity unble&ishe# c!ul# &a e hi&) In that case% he "!ul# return n! &!re) 0a#y Catherine &i$ht see hi& in her "ay thr!u$h t!"n% an# his en$a$e&ent t! -in$ley !( c!&in$ a$ain t! Nether(iel# &ust $ive "ay) +I(% there(!re% an e*cuse (!r n!t ee'in$ his 'r!&ise sh!ul# c!&e t! his (rien# "ithin a (e" #ays%+ she a##e#% +I shall n!" h!" t! un#erstan# it) I shall then $ive !ver every e*'ectati!n% every "ish !( his c!nstancy) I( he is satis(ie# "ith !nly re$rettin$ &e% "hen he &i$ht have !btaine# &y a((ecti!ns an# han#% I shall s!!n cease t! re$ret hi& at all)+ The sur'rise !( the rest !( the (a&ily% !n hearin$ "h! their visit!r ha# been% "as very $reat/ but they !bli$in$ly satis(ie# it "ith the sa&e in# !( su''!siti!n "hich ha# a''ease# ,rs) -ennet;s curi!sity/ an# Eli8abeth "as s'are# (r!& &uch teasin$ !n the sub1ect) The ne*t &!rnin$% as she "as $!in$ #!"nstairs% she "as &et by her (ather% "h! ca&e !ut !( his library "ith a letter in his han#) +0i88y%+ sai# he% +I "as $!in$ t! l!! (!r y!u/ c!&e int! &y r!!&)+ 6he (!ll!"e# hi& thither/ an# her curi!sity t! n!" "hat he ha# t! tell her "as hei$htene# by the su''!siti!n !( its bein$ in s!&e &anner c!nnecte# "ith the letter he hel#) It su##enly struc her that it &i$ht be (r!& 0a#y Catherine/ an# she antici'ate# "ith #is&ay all the c!nse9uent e*'lanati!ns) 6he (!ll!"e# her (ather t! the (ire'lace% an# they b!th sat #!"n) He then sai#+I have receive# a letter this &!rnin$ that has ast!nishe# &e e*cee#in$ly) As it 'rinci'ally c!ncerns y!ursel(% y!u !u$ht t! n!" its c!ntents) I #i# n!t n!" be(!re that I ha# t"! #au$hters !n the brin !( &atri&!ny) 0et &e c!n$ratulate y!u !n a very i&'!rtant

c!n9uest)+ The c!l!r n!" rushe# int! Eli8abeth;s chee s in the instantane!us c!nvicti!n !( its bein$ a letter (r!& the ne'he"% instea# !( the aunt/ an# she "as un#eter&ine# "hether &!st t! be 'lease# that he e*'laine# hi&sel( at all% !r !((en#e# that his letter "as n!t rather a##resse# t! hersel(/ "hen her (ather c!ntinue#+2!u l!! c!nsci!us) 2!un$ la#ies have $reat 'enetrati!n in such &atters FasG these/ but I thin I &ay #e(y even y!ur sa$acity t! #isc!ver the na&e !( y!ur a#&irer) This letter is (r!& ,r) C!llins)+ +>r!& ,r) C!llins5 an# "hat can he have t! say.+ +6!&ethin$ very &uch t! the 'ur'!se% !( c!urse) He be$ins "ith c!n$ratulati!ns !n the a''r!achin$ nu'tials !( &y el#est #au$hter% !( "hich it see&s he has been t!l#% by s!&e !( the $!!#-nature#% $!ssi'in$ 0ucases) I shall n!t s'!rt "ith y!ur i&'atience by rea#in$ "hat he says !n that '!int) 3hat relates t! y!ursel( is as (!ll!"s7 ;Havin$ thus !((ere# y!u the sincere c!n$ratulati!ns !( ,rs) C!llins an# &ysel( !n this ha''y event% let &e n!" a## a sh!rt hint !n the sub1ect !( an!ther/ (!r "hich "e have been a#vertise# by the sa&e auth!rity) 2!ur #au$hter Eli8abeth% it is 'resu&e#% "ill n!t l!n$ bear the na&e !( -ennet% a(ter her el#er sister has resi$ne# it% an# the ch!sen 'artner !( her (ate &ay be reas!nably l!! e# u' t! as !ne !( the &!st illustri!us 'ers!na$es in this lan#); +Can y!u '!ssibly $uess% 0i88y% "h! is &eant by this. ;-This y!un$ $entle&an is blesse#% in a 'eculiar "ay% "ith everythin$ the heart !( &!rtal can &!st #esire%- s'len#i# 'r!'erty% n!ble in#re#% an# e*tensive 'atr!na$e) 2et% in s'ite !( all these te&'tati!ns% let &e "arn &y c!usin Eli8abeth% an# y!ursel(% !( "hat evils y!u &ay incur by a 'reci'itate cl!sure "ith this $entle&an;s 'r!'!sals% "hich% !( c!urse% y!u "ill be incline# t! ta e i&&e#iate a#vanta$e !(); +Have y!u any i#ea% 0i88y% "h! this $entle&an is. -ut n!" it c!&es !ut+;,y &!tive (!r cauti!nin$ y!u is as (!ll!"s7 "e have reas!n t! i&a$ine that his aunt% 0a#y Catherine #e -!ur$h% #!es n!t l!! !n the &atch "ith a (rien#ly eye); +,r) Darcy% y!u see% is the &an5 N!"% 0i88y% I thin I have sur'rise# y!u) C!ul# he !r the 0ucases have 'itche# !n any &an% "ithin the circle !( !ur ac9uaintance% "h!se na&e "!ul# have $iven the lie &!re e((ectually t! "hat they relate#. ,r) Darcy% "h! never l!! s at any "!&an but t! see a ble&ish% an# "h! 'r!bably never l!! e# at y!u in his li(e. It is a#&irable5+ Eli8abeth trie# t! 1!in in her (ather;s 'leasantry% but c!ul# !nly (!rce !ne &!st reluctant s&ile) Never ha# his "it been #irecte# in a &anner s! little a$reeable t! her) +Are y!u n!t #iverte#.+ +4h5 yes) Pray rea# !n)+ +;A(ter &enti!nin$ the li elih!!# !( this &arria$e t! her la#yshi' last ni$ht% she i&&e#iately% "ith her usual c!n#escensi!n% e*'resse# "hat she (elt !n the !ccasi!n/ "hen it beca&e a''arent% that !n the sc!re !( s!&e (a&ily !b1ecti!ns !n the 'art !( &y c!usin% she "!ul# never $ive her c!nsent t! "hat she ter&e# s! #is$race(ul a &atch) I th!u$ht it &y #uty t! $ive the s'ee#iest intelli$ence !( this t! &y c!usin% that she an# her n!ble a#&irer &ay be a"are !( "hat they are

ab!ut% an# n!t run hastily int! a &arria$e "hich has n!t been 'r!'erly sancti!ne#);- ,r) C!llins% &!re!ver% a##s% ;I a& truly re1!ice# that &y c!usin 0y#ia;s sa# business has been s! "ell hushe# u'% an# a& !nly c!ncerne# that their livin$ t!$ether be(!re the &arria$e t!! 'lace sh!ul# be s! $enerally n!"n) I &ust n!t% h!"ever% ne$lect the #uties !( &y stati!n% !r re(rain (r!& #eclarin$ &y a&a8e&ent% at hearin$ that y!u receive# the y!un$ c!u'le int! y!ur h!use as s!!n as they "ere &arrie#) It "as an enc!ura$e&ent !( vice/ an# ha# I been the rect!r !( 0!n$b!urn% I sh!ul# very strenu!usly have !''!se# it) 2!u !u$ht certainly t! (!r$ive the&% as a Christian% but never t! a#&it the& in y!ur si$ht% !r all!" their na&es t! be &enti!ne# in y!ur hearin$);- That is his n!ti!n !( Christian (!r$iveness5 The rest !( his letter is !nly ab!ut his #ear Charl!tte;s situati!n% an# his e*'ectati!n !( a y!un$ !live-branch) -ut% 0i88y% y!u l!! as i( y!u #i# n!t en1!y it) 2!u are n!t $!in$ t! be &issish% I h!'e% an# 'reten# t! be a((r!nte# at an i#le re'!rt) >!r "hat #! "e live% but t! &a e s'!rt (!r !ur nei$hb!rs% an# lau$h at the& in !ur turn.+ +4h5+ crie# Eli8abeth% +I a& e*cessively #iverte#) -ut it is s! stran$e5+ +2es- that is "hat &a es it a&usin$) Ha# they (i*e# !n any !ther &an% it "!ul# have been n!thin$/ but his 'er(ect in#i((erence% an# y!ur '!inte# #isli e% &a e it s! #eli$ht(ully absur#5 ,uch as I ab!&inate "ritin$% I "!ul# n!t $ive u' ,r) C!llins;s c!rres'!n#ence (!r any c!nsi#erati!n) Nay% "hen I rea# a letter !( his% I cann!t hel' $ivin$ hi& the 're(erence even !ver 3ic ha&% &uch as I value the i&'u#ence an# hy'!crisy !( &y s!n-in-la") An# 'ray% 0i88y% "hat sai# 0a#y Catherine ab!ut this re'!rt. Di# she call t! re(use her c!nsent.+ T! this 9uesti!n his #au$hter re'lie# !nly "ith a lau$h/ an# as it ha# been as e# "ith!ut the least sus'ici!n% she "as n!t #istresse# by his re'eatin$ it) Eli8abeth ha# never been &!re at a l!ss t! &a e her (eelin$s a''ear "hat they "ere n!t) It "as necessary t! lau$h% "hen she "!ul# rather have crie#) Her (ather ha# &!st cruelly &!rti(ie# her by "hat he sai# !( ,r) Darcy;s in#i((erence% an# she c!ul# #! n!thin$ but "!n#er at such a "ant !( 'enetrati!n% !r (ear that% 'erha's% instea# !( his seein$ t!! little% she &i$ht have (ancie# t!! &uch) CHAPTER:0@III CHAPTER 0@III IN6TEAD !( receivin$ any such letter !( e*cuse (r!& his (rien#% as Eli8abeth hal( e*'ecte# ,r) -in$ley t! #!% he "as able t! brin$ Darcy "ith hi& t! 0!n$b!urn be(!re &any #ays ha# 'asse# a(ter 0a#y Catherine;s visit) The $entle&an arrive# early/ an# be(!re ,rs) -ennet ha# ti&e t! tell hi& !( their havin$ seen his aunt% !( "hich her #au$hter sat in &!&entary #rea#% -in$ley% "h! "ante# t! be al!ne "ith Jane% 'r!'!se# their all "al in$ !ut) It "as a$ree# t!) ,rs) -ennet "as n!t in the habit !( "al in$) ,ary c!ul# never s'are ti&e% but the re&ainin$ (ive set !(( t!$ether) -in$ley an# Jane% h!"ever% s!!n all!"e# the !thers t! !utstri' the&) They la$$e# behin#% "hile Eli8abeth% <itty% an# Darcy "ere t! entertain each !ther) @ery little "as sai# by either7 <itty "as t!! &uch a(rai# !( hi& t! tal /

Eli8abeth "as secretly (!r&in$ a #es'erate res!luti!n/ an#% 'erha's% he &i$ht be #!in$ the sa&e) They "al e# t!"ar#s the 0ucases% because <itty "ishe# t! call u'!n ,aria/ an# as Eli8abeth sa" n! !ccasi!n (!r &a in$ it a $eneral c!ncern% "hen <itty le(t the& she "ent b!l#ly !n "ith hi& al!ne) N!" "as the &!&ent (!r her res!luti!n t! be e*ecute#/ an#% "hile her c!ura$e "as hi$h% she i&&e#iately sai#+,r) Darcy% I a& a very sel(ish creature/ an# (!r the sa e !( $ivin$ relie( t! &y !"n (eelin$s% care n!t h!" &uch I &ay be "!un#in$ y!urs) I can n! l!n$er hel' than in$ y!u (!r y!ur une*a&'le# in#ness t! &y '!!r sister) Ever since I have n!"n it% I have been &!st an*i!us t! ac n!"le#$e t! y!u h!" $rate(ully I (eel it) 3ere it n!"n t! the rest !( &y (a&ily% I sh!ul# n!t have &erely &y !"n $ratitu#e t! e*'ress)+ +I a& s!rry% e*cee#in$ly s!rry%+ re'lie# Darcy% in a t!ne !( sur'rise an# e&!ti!n% +that y!u have ever been in(!r&e# !( "hat &ay% in a &ista en li$ht% have $iven y!u uneasiness) I #i# n!t thin ,rs) ?ar#iner "as s! little t! be truste#)+ +2!u &ust n!t bla&e &y aunt) 0y#ia;s th!u$htlessness (irst betraye# t! &e that y!u ha# been c!ncerne# in the &atter/ an#% !( c!urse% I c!ul# n!t rest till I ne" the 'articulars) 0et &e than y!u a$ain an# a$ain% in the na&e !( all &y (a&ily% (!r that $ener!us c!&'assi!n "hich in#uce# y!u t! ta e s! &uch tr!uble% an# bear s! &any &!rti(icati!ns% (!r the sa e !( #isc!verin$ the&)+ +I( y!u "ill than &e%+ he re'lie#% +let it be (!r y!ursel( al!ne) That the "ish !( $ivin$ ha''iness t! y!u &i$ht a## (!rce t! the !ther in#uce&ents "hich le# &e !n% I shall n!t atte&'t t! #eny) -ut y!ur (a&ily !"e &e n!thin$) ,uch as I res'ect the&% I believe I th!u$ht !nly !( y!u)+ Eli8abeth "as t!! &uch e&barrasse# t! say a "!r#) A(ter a sh!rt 'ause% her c!&'ani!n a##e#% +y!u are t!! $ener!us t! tri(le "ith &e) I( y!ur (eelin$s are still "hat they "ere last A'ril% tell &e s! at !nce) ,y a((ecti!ns an# "ishes are unchan$e#/ but !ne "!r# (r!& y!u "ill silence &e !n this sub1ect (!r ever)+ Eli8abeth% (eelin$ all the &!re than c!&&!n a" "ar#ness an# an*iety !( his situati!n% n!" (!rce# hersel( t! s'ea / an# i&&e#iately% th!u$h n!t very (luently% $ave hi& t! un#erstan# that her senti&ents ha# un#er$!ne s! &aterial a chan$e since the 'eri!# t! "hich he allu#e#% as t! &a e her receive "ith $ratitu#e an# 'leasure his 'resent assurances) The ha''iness "hich this re'ly 'r!#uce# "as such as he ha# 'r!bably never (elt be(!re% an# he e*'resse# hi&sel( !n the !ccasi!n as sensibly an# as "ar&ly as a &an vi!lently in l!ve can be su''!se# t! #!) Ha# Eli8abeth been able t! enc!unter his eyes% she &i$ht have seen h!" "ell the e*'ressi!n !( heart(elt #eli$ht #i((use# !ver his (ace beca&e hi&/ but% th!u$h she c!ul# n!t l!! % she c!ul# listen% an# he t!l# her !( (eelin$s "hich% in 'r!vin$ !( "hat i&'!rtance she "as t! hi&% &a#e his a((ecti!n every &!&ent &!re valuable) They "al e# !n% "ith!ut n!"in$ in "hat #irecti!n) There "as t!! &uch t! be th!u$ht% an# (elt% an# sai#% (!r attenti!n t! any !ther !b1ects) 6he s!!n learnt that they "ere in#ebte# (!r their 'resent $!!# un#erstan#in$ t! the e((!rts !( his aunt% "h! #i# call !n hi&

in her return thr!u$h 0!n#!n% an# there relate her 1!urney t! 0!n$b!urn% its &!tive% an# the substance !( her c!nversati!n "ith Eli8abeth/ #"ellin$ e&'hatically !n every e*'ressi!n !( the latter "hich% in her la#yshi';s a''rehensi!n% 'eculiarly #en!te# her 'erverseness an# assurance% in the belie( that such a relati!n &ust assist her en#eav!rs t! !btain that 'r!&ise (r!& her ne'he" "hich she ha# re(use# t! $ive) -ut% unluc ily (!r her la#yshi'% its e((ect ha# been e*actly c!ntrari"ise) +It tau$ht &e t! h!'e%+ sai# he% +as I ha# scarcely ever all!"e# &ysel( t! h!'e be(!re) I ne" en!u$h !( y!ur #is'!siti!n t! be certain% that ha# y!u been abs!lutely% irrev!cably #eci#e# a$ainst &e% y!u "!ul# have ac n!"le#$e# it t! 0a#y Catherine% (ran ly an# !'enly)+ Eli8abeth c!l!re# an# lau$he# as she re'lie#% +2es% y!u n!" en!u$h !( &y (ran ness t! believe &e ca'able !( that) A(ter abusin$ y!u s! ab!&inably t! y!ur (ace% I c!ul# have n! scru'le in abusin$ y!u t! all y!ur relati!ns)+ +3hat #i# y!u say !( &e that I #i# n!t #eserve. >!r% th!u$h y!ur accusati!ns "ere ill-(!un#e#% (!r&e# !n &ista en 're&ises% &y behavi!r t! y!u at the ti&e ha# &erite# the severest re'r!!() It "as un'ar#!nable) I cann!t thin !( it "ith!ut abh!rrence)+ +3e "ill n!t 9uarrel (!r the $reater share !( bla&e anne*e# t! that evenin$%+ sai# Eli8abeth/ +the c!n#uct !( neither% i( strictly e*a&ine#% "ill be irre'r!achable) -ut since then "e have b!th% I h!'e% i&'r!ve# in civility)+ +I cann!t be s! easily rec!ncile# t! &ysel() The rec!llecti!n !( "hat I then sai#- !( &y c!n#uct% &y &anners% &y e*'ressi!ns #urin$ the "h!le !( it- is n!"% an# has been &any &!nths% ine*'ressibly 'ain(ul t! &e) 2!ur re'r!!(% s! "ell a''lie#% I shall never (!r$et7 ;Ha# y!u behave# in a &!re $entle&anli e &anner); Th!se "ere y!ur "!r#s) 2!u n!" n!t% y!u can scarcely c!nceive% h!" they have t!rture# &e/th!u$h it "as s!&e ti&e% I c!n(ess% be(!re I "as reas!nable en!u$h t! all!" their 1ustice)+ +I "as certainly very (ar (r!& e*'ectin$ the& t! &a e s! str!n$ an i&'ressi!n) I ha# n!t the s&allest i#ea !( their bein$ ever (elt in such a "ay)+ +I can easily believe it) 2!u th!u$ht &e then #ev!i# !( every 'r!'er (eelin$% I a& sure y!u #i#) The turn !( y!ur c!untenance I shall never (!r$et% as y!u sai# that I c!ul# n!t have a##resse# y!u in any '!ssible "ay that "!ul# in#uce y!u t! acce't &e)+ +4h5 #! n!t re'eat "hat I then sai#) These rec!llecti!ns "ill n!t #! at all) I assure y!u% that I have l!n$ been &!st heartily asha&e# !( it)+ Darcy &enti!ne# his letter) +Di# it%+ sai# he% +#i# it s!!n &a e y!u thin better !( &e. Di# y!u% !n rea#in$ it% $ive any cre#it t! its c!ntents.+ 6he e*'laine# "hat its e((ect !n her ha# been% an# h!" $ra#ually all her (!r&er 're1u#ices ha# been re&!ve#) +I ne"%+ sai# he% +that "hat I "r!te &ust $ive y!u 'ain/ but it "as necessary) I h!'e y!u have #estr!ye# the letter) There "as !ne 'art% es'ecially the !'enin$ !( it% "hich I sh!ul# #rea# y!ur havin$ the '!"er !( rea#in$ a$ain) I can re&e&ber s!&e e*'ressi!ns "hich &i$ht 1ustly &a e y!u hate &e)+

+The letter shall certainly be burnt% i( y!u believe it essential t! the 'reservati!n !( &y re$ar#/ but% th!u$h "e have b!th reas!n t! thin &y !'ini!ns n!t entirely unalterable% they are n!t% I h!'e% 9uite s! easily chan$e# as that i&'lies)+ +3hen I "r!te that letter%+ re'lie# Darcy% +I believe# &ysel( 'er(ectly cal& an# c!!l/ but I a& since c!nvince# that it "as "ritten in a #rea#(ul bitterness !( s'irit)+ +The letter% 'erha's% be$an in bitterness/ but it #i# n!t en# s!) The a#ieu is charity itsel()- -ut thin n! &!re !( the letter) The (eelin$s !( the 'ers!n "h! "r!te an# the 'ers!n "h! receive# it are n!" s! "i#ely #i((erent (r!& "hat they "ere then% that every un'leasant circu&stance atten#in$ it !u$ht t! be (!r$!tten) 2!u &ust learn s!&e !( &y 'hil!s!'hy)- Thin !nly !( the 'ast as its re&e&brance $ives y!u 'leasure)+ +I cann!t $ive y!u cre#it (!r any 'hil!s!'hy !( the in#) 2!ur retr!s'ecti!ns &ust be s! t!tally v!i# !( re'r!ach% that the c!ntent&ent arisin$ (r!& the& is n!t !( 'hil!s!'hy% but% "hat is &uch better% !( i$n!rance) -ut "ith &e it is n!t s!) Pain(ul rec!llecti!ns "ill intru#e% "hich cann!t% "hich !u$ht n!t% t! be re'elle#) I have been a sel(ish bein$ all &y li(e% in 'ractice% th!u$h n!t in 'rinci'le) As a chil#% I "as tau$ht "hat "as ri$ht/ but I "as n!t tau$ht t! c!rrect &y te&'er) I "as $iven $!!# 'rinci'les% but le(t t! (!ll!" the& in 'ri#e an# c!nceit) Un(!rtunately% an !nly s!n D(!r &any years an !nly chil#E% I "as s'!ile# by &y 'arents% "h!% th!u$h $!!# the&selves D&y (ather 'articularly% all that "as benev!lent an# a&iableE% all!"e#% enc!ura$e#% al&!st tau$ht &e t! be sel(ish an# !verbearin$- t! care (!r n!ne bey!n# &y !"n (a&ily circle% t! thin &eanly !( all the rest !( the "!rl#% t! "ish at least t! thin &eanly !( their sense an# "!rth c!&'are# "ith &y !"n) 6uch I "as% (r!& ei$ht t! ei$ht-an#-t"enty/ an# such I &i$ht still have been but (!r y!u% #earest% l!veliest Eli8abeth5 3hat #! I n!t !"e y!u. 2!u tau$ht &e a less!n% har# in#ee# at (irst% but &!st a#vanta$e!us) -y y!u I "as 'r!'erly hu&ble#) I ca&e t! y!u "ith!ut a #!ubt !( &y rece'ti!n) 2!u sh!"e# &e h!" insu((icient "ere all &y 'retensi!ns t! 'lease a "!&an "!rthy !( bein$ 'lease#)+ +Ha# y!u then 'ersua#e# y!ursel( that I sh!ul#.+ +In#ee# I ha#) 3hat "ill y!u thin !( &y vanity. I believe# y!u t! be "ishin$% e*'ectin$ &y a##resses)+ +,y &anners &ust have been in (ault% but n!t intenti!nally% I assure y!u) I never &eant t! #eceive y!u% but &y s'irits &i$ht !(ten lea# &e "r!n$) H!" y!u &ust have hate# &e a(ter that evenin$5+ +Hate y!u5 I "as an$ry% 'erha's% at (irst% but &y an$er s!!n be$an t! ta e a 'r!'er #irecti!n)+ +I a& al&!st a(rai# !( as in$ "hat y!u th!u$ht !( &e "hen "e &et at Pe&berley) 2!u bla&e# &e (!r c!&in$.+ +N!% in#ee#% I (elt n!thin$ but sur'rise)+ +2!ur sur'rise c!ul# n!t be $reater than &ine in bein$ n!tice# by y!u) ,y c!nscience t!l# &e that I #eserve# n! e*tra!r#inary '!liteness% an# I c!n(ess that I #i# n!t e*'ect t! receive &!re than &y #ue)+ +,y !b1ect then%+ re'lie# Darcy% +"as t! sh!" y!u% by every civility in &y '!"er% that I "as n!t s! &ean as t! resent the 'ast/ an# I h!'e#

t! !btain y!ur (!r$iveness% t! lessen y!ur ill-!'ini!n% by lettin$ y!u see that y!ur re'r!!(s ha# been atten#e# t!) H!" s!!n any !ther "ishes intr!#uce# the&selves I can har#ly tell% but I believe in ab!ut hal(-an-h!ur a(ter I ha# seen y!u)+ He then t!l# her !( ?e!r$iana;s #eli$ht in her ac9uaintance% an# !( her #isa''!int&ent at its su##en interru'ti!n/ "hich naturally lea#in$ t! the cause !( that interru'ti!n% she s!!n learnt that his res!luti!n !( (!ll!"in$ her (r!& Derbyshire in 9uest !( her sister ha# been (!r&e# be(!re he 9uitte# the inn% an# that his $ravity an# th!u$ht(ulness there ha# arisen (r!& n! !ther stru$$les than "hat such a 'ur'!se &ust c!&'rehen#) 6he e*'resse# her $ratitu#e a$ain/ but it "as t!! 'ain(ul a sub1ect t! each t! be #"elt !n (arther) A(ter "al in$ several &iles in a leisurely &anner% an# t!! busy t! n!" anythin$ ab!ut it% they (!un# at last% !n e*a&inin$ their "atches% that it "as ti&e t! be at h!&e) +3hat c!ul# FhaveG bec!&e !( ,r) -in$ley an# Jane5+ "as a "!n#er "hich intr!#uce# the #iscussi!n !( their a((airs) Darcy "as #eli$hte# "ith their en$a$e&ent/ his (rien# ha# $iven hi& the earliest in(!r&ati!n !( it) +I &ust as "hether y!u "ere sur'rise#.+ sai# Eli8abeth) +N!t at all) 3hen I "ent a"ay% I (elt that it "!ul# s!!n ha''en)+ +That is t! say% y!u ha# $iven y!ur 'er&issi!n) I $uesse# as &uch)+ An# th!u$h he e*clai&e# at the ter&% she (!un# that it ha# been 'retty &uch the case) +4n the evenin$ be(!re &y $!in$ t! 0!n#!n%+ sai# he% +I &a#e a c!n(essi!n t! hi& "hich I believe I !u$ht t! have &a#e l!n$ a$!) I t!l# hi& !( all that ha# !ccurre# t! &a e &y (!r&er inter(erence in his a((airs absur# an# i&'ertinent) His sur'rise "as $reat) He ha# never ha# the sli$htest sus'ici!n) I t!l# hi&% &!re!ver% that I believe# &ysel( &ista en in su''!sin$% as I ha# #!ne% that y!ur sister "as in#i((erent t! hi&/ an# as I c!ul# easily 'erceive that his attach&ent t! her "as unabate#% I (elt n! #!ubt !( their ha''iness t!$ether)+ Eli8abeth c!ul# n!t hel' s&ilin$ at his easy &anner !( #irectin$ his (rien#) +Di# y!u s'ea (r!& y!ur !"n !bservati!n%+ sai# she% +"hen y!u t!l# hi& that &y sister l!ve# hi&% !r &erely (r!& &y in(!r&ati!n last s'rin$.+ +>r!& the (!r&er) I ha# narr!"ly !bserve# her #urin$ the t"! visits "hich I ha# lately &a#e her here% an# I "as c!nvince# !( her a((ecti!n)+ +An# y!ur assurance !( it% I su''!se% carrie# i&&e#iate c!nvicti!n t! hi&)+ +It #i#) -in$ley is &!st una((ecte#ly &!#est) His #i((i#ence ha# 'revente# his #e'en#in$ !n his !"n 1u#$&ent in s! an*i!us a case% but his reliance !n &ine &a#e everythin$ easy) I "as !bli$e# t! c!n(ess !ne thin$ "hich (!r a ti&e% an# n!t un1ustly% !((en#e# hi&) I c!ul# n!t all!" &ysel( t! c!nceal that y!ur sister ha# been in t!"n three &!nths last "inter- that I ha# n!"n it% an# 'ur'!sely e't it (r!& hi&) He "as an$ry) -ut his an$er% I a& 'ersua#e#% laste# n! l!n$er than he re&aine# in any #!ubt !( y!ur sister;s senti&ents) He

has heartily (!r$iven &e n!")+ Eli8abeth l!n$e# t! !bserve that ,r) -in$ley ha# been a &!st #eli$ht(ul (rien#- s! easily $ui#e#% that his "!rth "as invaluable/ but she chec e# hersel() 6he re&e&bere# that he ha# yet t! learn t! be lau$he# at% an# it "as rather t!! early t! be$in) In antici'atin$ the ha''iness !( -in$ley% "hich !( c!urse "as t! be in(eri!r !nly t! his !"n% he c!ntinue# the c!nversati!n till they reache# the h!use) In the hall they 'arte#) CHAPTER:0IB CHAPTER 0IB +,2 #ear 0i88y% "here can y!u have been "al in$ t!.+ "as a 9uesti!n "hich Eli8abeth receive# (r!& Jane as s!!n as she entere# the r!!&% an# (r!& all the !thers "hen they sat #!"n t! table) 6he ha# !nly t! say in re'ly% that they ha# "an#ere# ab!ut till she "as bey!n# her !"n n!"le#$e) 6he c!l!re# as she s'! e/ but neither that% n!r anythin$ else% a"a ene# a sus'ici!n !( the truth) The evenin$ 'asse# 9uietly% un&ar e# by anythin$ e*tra!r#inary) The ac n!"le#$e# l!vers tal e# an# lau$he#/ the unac n!"le#$e# "ere silent) Darcy "as n!t !( a #is'!siti!n in "hich ha''iness !ver(l!"s in &irth/ an# Eli8abeth% a$itate# an# c!n(use#% rather ne" that she "as ha''y% than (elt hersel( t! be s!/ (!r% besi#es the i&&e#iate e&barrass&ent% there "ere !ther evils be(!re her) 6he antici'ate# "hat "!ul# be (elt in the (a&ily "hen her situati!n beca&e n!"n/ she "as a"are that n! !ne li e# hi& but Jane% an# even (eare# that "ith the !thers it "as a #isli e "hich n!t all his (!rtune an# c!nse9uence &i$ht #! a"ay) At ni$ht she !'ene# her heart t! Jane) Th!u$h sus'ici!n "as very (ar (r!& ,iss -ennet;s $eneral habits% she "as abs!lutely incre#ul!us here) +2!u are 1! in$% 0i88y) This cann!t be5- en$a$e# t! ,r) Darcy5N!% n!% y!u shall n!t #eceive &e) I n!" it t! be i&'!ssible)+ +This is a "retche# be$innin$ in#ee#5 ,y s!le #e'en#ence "as !n y!u/ an# I a& sure n!b!#y else "ill believe &e% i( y!u #! n!t) 2et% in#ee#% I a& in earnest) I s'ea n!thin$ but the truth) He still l!ves &e% an# "e are en$a$e#)+ Jane l!! e# at her #!ubtin$ly) +4h% 0i88y5 it cann!t be) I n!" h!" &uch y!u #isli e hi&)+ +2!u n!" n!thin$ !( the &atter) That is all t! be (!r$!t) Perha's I #i# n!t al"ays l!ve hi& s! "ell as I #! n!") -ut in such cases as these a $!!# &e&!ry is un'ar#!nable) This is the last ti&e I shall ever re&e&ber it &ysel()+ ,iss -ennet still l!! e# all a&a8e&ent) Eli8abeth a$ain% an# &!re seri!usly% assure# her !( its truth) +?!!# Heaven5 can it be really s!. 2et n!" I &ust believe y!u%+ crie# Jane) +,y #ear% #ear 0i88y% I "!ul#- I #! c!n$ratulate y!ubut are y!u certain- (!r$ive the 9uesti!n- are y!u 9uite certain that y!u can be ha''y "ith hi&.+ +There can be n! #!ubt !( that) It is settle# bet"een us alrea#y that "e are t! be the ha''iest c!u'le in the "!rl#) -ut are y!u 'lease#% Jane. 6hall y!u li e t! have such a br!ther.+

+@ery% very &uch) N!thin$ c!ul# $ive either -in$ley !r &ysel( &!re #eli$ht) -ut "e c!nsi#ere# it% "e tal e# !( it as i&'!ssible) An# #! y!u really l!ve hi& 9uite "ell en!u$h. 4h% 0i88y5 #! anythin$ rather than &arry "ith!ut a((ecti!n) Are y!u 9uite sure that y!u (eel "hat y!u !u$ht t! #!.+ +4h% yes5 2!u "ill !nly thin I (eel &!re than I !u$ht t! #!% "hen I tell y!u all)+ +3hat #! y!u &ean.+ +3hy I &ust c!n(ess that I l!ve hi& better than I #! -in$ley) I a& a(rai# y!u "ill be an$ry)+ +,y #earest sister% n!" be% be seri!us) I "ant t! tal very seri!usly) 0et &e n!" everythin$ that I a& t! n!"% "ith!ut #elay) 3ill y!u tell &e h!" l!n$ y!u have l!ve# hi&.+ +It has been c!&in$ !n s! $ra#ually% that I har#ly n!" "hen it be$an) -ut I believe I &ust #ate it (r!& &y (irst seein$ his beauti(ul $r!un#s at Pe&berley)+ An!ther entreaty that she "!ul# be seri!us% h!"ever% 'r!#uce# the #esire# e((ect% an# she s!!n satis(ie# Jane by her s!le&n assurances !( attach&ent) 3hen c!nvince# !n that article% ,iss -ennet ha# n!thin$ (urther t! "ish) +N!" I a& 9uite ha''y%+ sai# she% +(!r y!u "ill be as ha''y as &ysel() I al"ays ha# a value (!r hi&) 3ere it (!r n!thin$ but his l!ve !( y!u% I &ust al"ays have estee&e# hi&/ but n!"% as -in$ley;s (rien# an# y!ur husban#% there can be !nly -in$ley an# y!ursel( &!re #ear t! &e) -ut% 0i88y% y!u have been very sly% very reserve# "ith &e) H!" little #i# y!u tell &e !( "hat 'asse# at Pe&berley an# 0a&bt!n5 I !"e all that I n!" !( it t! an!ther% n!t t! y!u)+ Eli8abeth t!l# her the &!tives !( her secrecy) 6he ha# been un"illin$ t! &enti!n -in$ley/ an# the unsettle# state !( her !"n (eelin$s ha# &a#e her e9ually av!i# the na&e !( his (rien#) -ut n!" she "!ul# n! l!n$er c!nceal (r!& her his share in 0y#ia;s &arria$e) All "as ac n!"le#$e#% an# hal( the ni$ht s'ent in c!nversati!n) +?!!# $raci!us5+ crie# ,rs) -ennet% as she st!!# at a "in#!" the ne*t &!rnin$% +i( that #isa$reeable ,r) Darcy is n!t c!&in$ here a$ain "ith !ur #ear -in$ley5 3hat can he &ean by bein$ s! tires!&e as t! be al"ays c!&in$ here. I ha# n! n!ti!n but he "!ul# $! a-sh!!tin$% !r s!&ethin$ !r !ther% an# n!t #isturb us "ith his c!&'any) 3hat shall "e #! "ith hi&. 0i88y% y!u &ust "al !ut "ith hi& a$ain% that he &ay n!t be in -in$ley;s "ay)+ Eli8abeth c!ul# har#ly hel' lau$hin$ at s! c!nvenient a 'r!'!sal% yet "as really ve*e# that her &!ther sh!ul# be al"ays $ivin$ hi& such an e'ithet) As s!!n as they entere#% -in$ley l!! e# at her s! e*'ressively% an# sh!! han#s "ith such "ar&th% as le(t n! #!ubt !( his $!!# in(!r&ati!n/ an# he s!!n a(ter"ar#s sai# al!u#% +,rs) -ennet% have y!u n! &!re lanes hereab!uts in "hich 0i88y &ay l!se her "ay a$ain t!-#ay.+ +I a#vise ,r) Darcy% an# 0i88y% an# <itty%+ sai# ,rs) -ennet% +t! "al t! 4a ha& ,!unt this &!rnin$) It is a nice l!n$ "al % an# ,r) Darcy has never seen the vie")+ +It &ay #! very "ell (!r the !thers%+ re'lie# ,r) -in$ley/ +but I a&

sure it "ill be t!! &uch (!r <itty) 3!n;t it% <itty.+ <itty !"ne# that she ha# rather stay at h!&e) Darcy 'r!(esse# a $reat curi!sity t! see the vie" (r!& the ,!unt% an# Eli8abeth silently c!nsente#) As she "ent u'stairs t! $et rea#y% ,rs) -ennet (!ll!"e# her% sayin$+I a& 9uite s!rry% 0i88y% that y!u sh!ul# be (!rce# t! have that #isa$reeable &an all t! y!ursel() -ut I h!'e y!u "ill n!t &in# it7 it is all (!r Jane;s sa e% y!u n!"/ an# there is n! !ccasi!n (!r tal in$ t! hi&% e*ce't 1ust n!" an# then) 6! #! n!t 'ut y!ursel( t! inc!nvenience)+ Durin$ their "al % it "as res!lve# that ,r) -ennet;s c!nsent sh!ul# be as e# in the c!urse !( the evenin$) Eli8abeth reserve# t! hersel( the a''licati!n (!r her &!ther;s) 6he c!ul# n!t #eter&ine h!" her &!ther "!ul# ta e it/ s!&eti&es #!ubtin$ "hether all his "ealth an# $ran#eur "!ul# be en!u$h t! !verc!&e her abh!rrence !( the &an) -ut "hether she "ere vi!lently set a$ainst the &atch% !r vi!lently #eli$hte# "ith it% it "as certain that her &anner "!ul# be e9ually ill a#a'te# t! #! cre#it t! her sense/ an# she c!ul# n! &!re bear that ,r) Darcy sh!ul# hear the (irst ra'tures !( her 1!y than the (irst vehe&ence !( her #isa''r!bati!n) In the evenin$% s!!n a(ter ,r) -ennet "ith#re" t! the library% she sa" ,r) Darcy rise als! an# (!ll!" hi&% an# her a$itati!n !n seein$ it "as e*tre&e) 6he #i# n!t (ear her (ather;s !''!siti!n% but he "as $!in$ t! be &a#e unha''y% an# that it sh!ul# be thr!u$h her &eans that she% his (av!rite chil#% sh!ul# be #istressin$ hi& by her ch!ice% sh!ul# be (illin$ hi& "ith (ears an# re$rets in #is'!sin$ !( her% "as a "retche# re(lecti!n% an# she sat in &isery till ,r) Darcy a''eare# a$ain% "hen% l!! in$ at hi&% she "as a little relieve# by his s&ile) In a (e" &inutes he a''r!ache# the table "here she "as sittin$ "ith <itty% an#% "hile 'reten#in$ t! a#&ire her "!r % sai# in a "his'er% +?! t! y!ur (ather/ he "ants y!u in the library)+ 6he "as $!ne #irectly) Her (ather "as "al in$ ab!ut the r!!&% l!! in$ $rave an# an*i!us) +0i88y%+ sai# he% +"hat are y!u #!in$. are y!u !ut !( y!ur senses% t! be acce'tin$ this &an. Have n!t y!u al"ays hate# hi&.+ H!" earnestly #i# she then "ish that her (!r&er !'ini!ns ha# been &!re reas!nable% her e*'ressi!ns &!re &!#erate5 It "!ul# have s'are# her (r!& e*'lanati!ns an# 'r!(essi!ns "hich it "as e*cee#in$ly a" "ar# t! $ive/ but they "ere n!" necessary% an# she assure# hi&% "ith s!&e c!n(usi!n% !( her attach&ent t! ,r) Darcy) +4r% in !ther "!r#s% y!u are #eter&ine# t! have hi&) He is rich% t! be sure% an# y!u &ay have &!re (ine cl!thes an# (ine carria$es than Jane) -ut "ill they &a e y!u ha''y.+ +Have y!u any !ther !b1ecti!n%+ sai# Eli8abeth% +than y!ur belie( !( &y in#i((erence.+ +N!ne at all) 3e all n!" hi& t! be a 'r!u#% un'leasant s!rt !( &an/ but this "!ul# be n!thin$ i( y!u really li e# hi&)+ +I #!% I #! li e hi&%+ she re'lie#% "ith tears in her eyes/ +I l!ve hi&) In#ee# he has n! i&'r!'er 'ri#e) He is 'er(ectly a&iable) 2!u #! n!t n!" "hat he really is/ then 'ray #! n!t 'ain &e by s'ea in$ !( hi& in such ter&s)+

+0i88y%+ sai# her (ather% +I have $iven hi& &y c!nsent) He is the in# !( &an% in#ee#% t! "h!& I sh!ul# never #are re(use anythin$ "hich he c!n#escen#e# t! as ) I n!" $ive it t! y!u% i( y!u are res!lve# !n havin$ hi&) -ut let &e a#vise y!u t! thin better !( it) I n!" y!ur #is'!siti!n% 0i88y) I n!" that y!u c!ul# be neither ha''y n!r res'ectable unless y!u truly estee&e# y!ur husban#- unless y!u l!! e# u' t! hi& as a su'eri!r) 2!ur lively talents "!ul# 'lace y!u in the $reatest #an$er in an une9ual &arria$e) 2!u c!ul# scarcely esca'e #iscre#it an# &isery) ,y chil#% let &e n!t have the $rie( !( seein$ y!u unable t! res'ect y!ur 'artner in li(e) 2!u n!" n!t "hat y!u are ab!ut)+ Eli8abeth% still &!re a((ecte#% "as earnest an# s!le&n in her re'ly/ an# at len$th% by re'eate# assurances that ,r) Darcy "as really the !b1ect !( her ch!ice% by e*'lainin$ the $ra#ual chan$e "hich her esti&ati!n !( hi& ha# un#er$!ne% relatin$ her abs!lute certainty that his a((ecti!n "as n!t the "!r !( a #ay% but ha# st!!# the test !( &any &!nths; sus'ense% an# enu&eratin$ "ith ener$y all his $!!# 9ualities% she #i# c!n9uer her (ather;s incre#ulity% an# rec!ncile hi& t! the &atch) +3ell% &y #ear%+ sai# he% "hen she cease# s'ea in$% +I have n! &!re t! say) I( this be the case% he #eserves y!u) I c!ul# n!t have 'arte# "ith y!u% &y 0i88y% t! any !ne less "!rthy)+ T! c!&'lete the (av!rable i&'ressi!n% she then t!l# hi& "hat ,r) Darcy ha# v!luntarily #!ne (!r 0y#ia) He hear# her "ith ast!nish&ent) +This is an evenin$ !( "!n#ers% in#ee#5 An# s!% Darcy #i# everythin$- &a#e u' the &atch% $ave the &!ney% 'ai# the (ell!";s #ebts% an# $!t hi& his c!&&issi!n5 6! &uch the better) It "ill save &e a "!rl# !( tr!uble an# ec!n!&y) Ha# it been y!ur uncle;s #!in$% I &ust an# "!ul# have 'ai# hi&/ but these vi!lent y!un$ l!vers carry everythin$ their !"n "ay) I shall !((er t! 'ay hi& t!-&!rr!"7 he "ill rant an# st!r& ab!ut his l!ve (!r y!u% an# there "ill be an en# !( the &atter)+ He then rec!llecte# her e&barrass&ent a (e" #ays be(!re% !n his rea#in$ ,r) C!llins;s letter/ an# a(ter lau$hin$ at her s!&e ti&e% all!"e# her at last t! $!% sayin$% as she 9uitte# the r!!&% +I( any y!un$ &en c!&e (!r ,ary !r <itty% sen# the& in% (!r I a& 9uite at leisure)+ Eli8abeth;s &in# "as n!" relieve# (r!& a very heavy "ei$ht% an#% a(ter hal(-an-h!ur;s 9uiet re(lecti!n in her !"n r!!&% she "as able t! 1!in the !thers "ith t!lerable c!&'!sure) Everythin$ "as t!! recent (!r $ayety% but the evenin$ 'asse# tran9uilly a"ay/ there "as n! l!n$er anythin$ &aterial t! be #rea#e#% an# the c!&(!rt !( case an# (a&iliarity "!ul# c!&e in ti&e) 3hen her &!ther "ent u' t! her #ressin$-r!!& at ni$ht she (!ll!"e# her% an# &a#e the i&'!rtant c!&&unicati!n) Its e((ect "as &!st e*tra!r#inary/ (!r% !n (irst hearin$ it% ,rs) -ennet sat 9uite still% an# unable t! utter a syllable) N!r "as it un#er &any% &any &inutes% that she c!ul# c!&'rehen# "hat she hear#% th!u$h n!t in $eneral bac "ar# t! cre#it "hat "as (!r the a#vanta$e !( her (a&ily% !r that ca&e in the sha'e !( a l!ver t! any !( the&) 6he be$an at len$th t! rec!ver% t! (i#$et ab!ut in her chair% $et u'% sit #!"n a$ain% "!n#er% an# bless hersel() +?!!# $raci!us5 0!r# bless &e5 !nly thin 5 #ear &e5 ,r) Darcy5 3h!

"!ul# have th!u$ht it. An# is it really true. 4h% &y s"eetest 0i88y5 h!" rich an# h!" $reat y!u "ill be5 3hat 'in-&!ney% "hat 1e"els% "hat carria$es y!u "ill have5 Jane;s is n!thin$ t! it- n!thin$ at all) I a& s! 'lease#- s! ha''y5 6uch a char&in$ &an5- s! han#s!&e5 s! tall5- 4h% &y #ear 0i88y5 'ray a'!l!$i8e (!r &y havin$ #isli e# hi& s! &uch be(!re) I h!'e he "ill !verl!! it) Dear% #ear 0i88y5 A h!use in t!"n5 Everythin$ that is char&in$5 Three #au$hters &arrie#5 Ten th!usan# a year5 4h% 0!r#5 "hat "ill bec!&e !( &e. I shall $! #istracte#)+ This "as en!u$h t! 'r!ve that her a''r!bati!n nee# n!t be #!ubte#/ an# Eli8abeth% re1!icin$ that such an e((usi!n "as hear# !nly by hersel(% s!!n "ent a"ay) -ut be(!re she ha# been three &inutes in her !"n r!!&% her &!ther (!ll!"e# her) +,y #earest chil#%+ she crie#% +I can thin !( n!thin$ else5 Ten th!usan# a year% an# very li ely &!re5 ;Tis as $!!# as a l!r#5 An# a s'ecial license5 2!u &ust an# shall be &arrie# by a s'ecial license5 -ut% &y #earest l!ve% tell &e "hat #ish ,r) Darcy is 'articularly (!n# !(% that I &ay have it t!-&!rr!")+ This "as a sa# !&en !( "hat her &!ther;s behavi!r t! the $entle&an hi&sel( &i$ht be/ an# Eli8abeth (!un#% that th!u$h in the certain '!ssessi!n !( his "ar&est a((ecti!n% an# secure !( her relati!ns; c!nsent% there "as still s!&ethin$ t! be "ishe# (!r) -ut the &!rr!" 'asse# !(( &uch better than she e*'ecte#/ (!r ,rs) -ennet luc ily st!!# in such a"e !( her inten#e# s!n-in-la" that she venture# n!t t! s'ea t! hi&% unless it "as in her '!"er t! !((er hi& any attenti!n% !r &ar her #e(erence (!r his !'ini!n) Eli8abeth ha# the satis(acti!n !( seein$ her (ather ta in$ 'ains t! $et ac9uainte# "ith hi&/ an# ,r) -ennet s!!n assure# her that he "as risin$ every h!ur in his estee&) +I a#&ire all &y s!ns-in-la" hi$hly%+ sai# he) +3ic ha&% 'erha's% is &y (av!rite/ but I thin I shall li e y!ur husban# 9uite as "ell as Jane;s)+ CHAPTER:0B CHAPTER 0B E0IAA-ETH;6 s'irits s!!n risin$ t! 'lay(ulness a$ain% she "ante# ,r) Darcy t! acc!unt (!r his havin$ ever (allen in l!ve "ith her) +H!" c!ul# y!u be$in.+ sai# she) +I can c!&'rehen# y!ur $!in$ !n char&in$ly% "hen y!u ha# !nce &a#e a be$innin$/ but "hat c!ul# set y!u !(( in the (irst 'lace.+ +I cann!t (i* !n the h!ur% !r the s'!t% !r the l!! % !r the "!r#s% "hich lai# the (!un#ati!n) It is t!! l!n$ a$!) I "as in the &i##le be(!re I ne" that I ha# be$un)+ +,y beauty y!u ha# early "ithst!!#% an# as (!r &y &anners- &y behavi!r t! y!u "as at least al"ays b!r#erin$ !n the uncivil% an# I never s'! e t! y!u "ith!ut rather "ishin$ t! $ive y!u 'ain than n!t) N!"% be sincere/ #i# y!u a#&ire &e (!r &y i&'ertinence.+ +>!r the liveliness !( y!ur &in#% I #i#)+ +2!u &ay as "ell call it i&'ertinence at !nce) It "as very little less) The (act is% that y!u "ere sic !( civility% !( #e(erence% !( !((ici!us attenti!n) 2!u "ere #is$uste# "ith the "!&en "h! "ere al"ays

s'ea in$ an# l!! in$ an# thin in$ (!r y!ur a''r!bati!n al!ne) I r!use# an# intereste# y!u% because I "as s! unli e the&) Ha# y!u n!t been really a&iable% y!u "!ul# have hate# &e (!r it/ but% in s'ite !( the 'ains y!u t!! t! #is$uise y!ursel(% y!ur (eelin$s "ere al"ays n!ble an# 1ust/ an#% in y!ur heart% y!u th!r!u$hly #es'ise# the 'ers!ns "h! s! assi#u!usly c!urte# y!u) There- I have save# y!u the tr!uble !( acc!untin$ (!r it/ an# really% all thin$s c!nsi#ere#% I be$in t! thin it 'er(ectly reas!nable) T! be sure% y!u n!" n! actual $!!# !( &ebut n!b!#y thin s !( that "hen they (all in l!ve)+ +3as there n! $!!# in y!ur a((ecti!nate behavi!r t! Jane% "hile she "as ill at Nether(iel#.+ +Dearest Jane5 3h! c!ul# have #!ne less (!r her. -ut &a e a virtue !( it by all &eans) ,y $!!# 9ualities are un#er y!ur 'r!tecti!n% an# y!u are t! e*a$$erate the& as &uch as '!ssible/ an#% in return% it bel!n$s t! &e t! (in# !ccasi!ns (!r teasin$ an# 9uarrelin$ "ith y!u as !(ten as &ay be/ an# I shall be$in #irectly% by as in$ y!u "hat &a#e y!u s! un"illin$ t! c!&e t! the '!int at last. 3hat &a#e y!u s! shy !( &e "hen y!u (irst calle#% an# a(ter"ar#s #ine# here. 3hy% es'ecially% "hen y!u calle#% #i# y!u l!! as i( y!u #i# n!t care ab!ut &e.+ +-ecause y!u "ere $rave an# silent% an# $ave &e n! enc!ura$e&ent)+ +-ut I "as e&barrasse#)+ +An# s! "as I)+ +2!u &i$ht have tal e# t! &e &!re "hen y!u ca&e t! #inner)+ +A &an "h! ha# (elt less% &i$ht)+ +H!" unluc y that y!u sh!ul# have a reas!nable ans"er t! $ive% an# that I sh!ul# be s! reas!nable as t! a#&it it5 -ut I "!n#er h!" l!n$ y!u "!ul# have $!ne !n i( y!u ha# been le(t t! y!ursel(5 I "!n#er "hen y!u "!ul# have s'! en% i( I ha# n!t as e# y!u5 ,y res!luti!n !( than in$ y!u (!r y!ur in#ness t! 0y#ia ha# certainly $reat e((ectt!! &uch% I a& a(rai#/ (!r "hat bec!&es !( the &!ral% i( !ur c!&(!rt s'rin$s (r!& a breach !( 'r!&ise. (!r I !u$ht n!t t! have &enti!ne# the sub1ect) This "ill never #!)+ +2!u nee# n!t #istress y!ursel() The &!ral "ill be 'er(ectly (air) 0a#y Catherine;s un1usti(iable en#eav!rs t! se'arate us "ere the &eans !( re&!vin$ all &y #!ubts) I a& n!t in#ebte# (!r &y 'resent ha''iness t! y!ur ea$er #esire !( e*'ressin$ y!ur $ratitu#e) I "as n!t in a hu&!r t! "ait (!r an !'enin$ !( y!urs) ,y aunt;s intelli$ence ha# $iven &e h!'e% an# I "as #eter&ine# at !nce t! n!" everythin$)+ +0a#y Catherine has been !( in(inite use% "hich !u$ht t! &a e her ha''y% (!r she l!ves t! be !( use) -ut tell &e% "hat #i# y!u c!&e #!"n t! Nether(iel# (!r. 3as it &erely t! ri#e t! 0!n$b!urn% an# be e&barrasse#. !r ha# y!u inten#e# any &!re seri!us c!nse9uences.+ +,y real 'ur'!se "as t! see y!u% an# t! 1u#$e% i( I c!ul#% "hether I &i$ht ever h!'e t! &a e y!u l!ve &e) ,y av!"e# !ne% !r "hat I av!"e# t! &ysel(% "as t! see "hether y!ur sister "as still 'artial t! -in$ley% an#% i( she "ere% t! &a e the c!n(essi!n t! hi& "hich I have since &a#e)+ +6hall y!u ever have c!ura$e t! ann!unce t! 0a#y Catherine "hat is t! be(all her.+ +I a& &!re li ely t! "ant ti&e than c!ura$e% Eli8abeth) -ut it !u$ht t! be #!ne/ an# i( y!u "ill $ive &e a sheet !( 'a'er% it shall be #!ne

#irectly)+ +An# i( I ha# n!t a letter t! "rite &ysel(% I &i$ht sit by y!u% an# a#&ire the evenness !( y!ur "ritin$% as an!ther y!un$ la#y !nce #i#) -ut I have an aunt% t!!% "h! &ust n!t be l!n$er ne$lecte#)+ >r!& an un"illin$ness t! c!n(ess h!" &uch her inti&acy "ith ,r) Darcy ha# been !verrate#% Eli8abeth ha# never yet ans"ere# ,rs) ?ar#iner;s l!n$ letter% but n!"% havin$ that t! c!&&unicate "hich she ne" "!ul# be &!st "elc!&e% she "as al&!st asha&e# t! (in# that her uncle an# aunt ha# alrea#y l!st three #ays !( ha''iness% an# i&&e#iately "r!te as (!ll!"s7+I "!ul# have than e# y!u be(!re% &y #ear aunt% as I !u$ht t! have #!ne% (!r y!ur l!n$% in#% satis(act!ry #etail !( 'articulars/ but% t! say the truth% I "as t!! cr!ss t! "rite) 2!u su''!se# &!re than really e*iste#) -ut n!" su''!se as &uch as y!u ch!!se/ $ive a l!!se t! y!ur (ancy% in#ul$e y!ur i&a$inati!n in every '!ssible (li$ht "hich the sub1ect "ill a((!r#% an# unless y!u believe &e actually &arrie#% y!u cann!t $reatly err) 2!u &ust "rite a$ain very s!!n% an# 'raise hi& a $reat #eal &!re than y!u #i# in y!ur last) I than y!u% a$ain an# a$ain% (!r n!t $!in$ t! the 0a es) H!" c!ul# I be s! silly as t! "ish it5 2!ur i#ea !( the '!nies is #eli$ht(ul) 3e "ill $! r!un# the Par every #ay) I a& the ha''iest creature in the "!rl#) Perha's !ther 'e!'le have sai# s! be(!re% but n! !ne "ith such 1ustice) I a& ha''ier even than Jane/ she !nly s&iles% I lau$h) ,r) Darcy sen#s y!u all the l!ve in the "!rl# that can be s'are# (r!& &e) 2!u are all t! c!&e t! Pe&berley at Christ&as)- 2!urs% =c)+ ,r) Darcy;s letter t! 0a#y Catherine "as in a #i((erent style% an# still #i((erent (r!& either "as "hat ,r) -ennet sent t! ,r) C!llins% in re'ly t! his last) +DEAR 6IR%+I &ust tr!uble y!u !nce &!re (!r c!n$ratulati!ns) Eli8abeth "ill s!!n be the "i(e !( ,r) Darcy) C!ns!le 0a#y Catherine as "ell as y!u can) -ut% i( I "ere y!u% I "!ul# stan# by the ne'he"/ he has &!re t! $ive)- 2!urs sincerely% =c)+ ,iss -in$ley;s c!n$ratulati!ns t! her br!ther !n his a''r!achin$ &arria$e "ere all that "as a((ecti!nate an# insincere) 6he "r!te even t! Jane !n the !ccasi!n% t! e*'ress her #eli$ht% an# re'eat all her (!r&er 'r!(essi!ns !( re$ar#) Jane "as n!t #eceive#% but she "as a((ecte#% an#% th!u$h (eelin$ n! reliance !n her% c!ul# n!t hel' "ritin$ her a &uch in#er ans"er than she ne" "as #eserve#) The 1!y "hich ,iss Darcy e*'resse# !n receivin$ si&ilar in(!r&ati!n "as as sincere as her br!ther;s in sen#in$ it) >!ur si#es !( 'a'er "ere insu((icient t! c!ntain all her #eli$ht% an# all her earnest #esire !( bein$ l!ve# by her sister) -e(!re any ans"er c!ul# arrive (r!& ,r) C!llins% !r any c!n$ratulati!ns t! Eli8abeth% (r!& his "i(e% the 0!n$b!urn (a&ily hear# that the C!llinses "ere c!&e the&selves t! 0ucas 0!#$e) The reas!n !( this su##en re&!val "as s!!n evi#ent) 0a#y Catherine ha# been ren#ere# s! e*cee#in$ly an$ry by the c!ntents !( her ne'he";s

letter% that Charl!tte% really re1!icin$ in the &atch% "as an*i!us t! $et a"ay till the st!r& "as bl!"n !ver) At such a &!&ent the arrival !( her (rien# "as a sincere 'leasure t! Eli8abeth% th!u$h in the c!urse !( their &eetin$s she &ust s!&eti&es thin the 'leasure #early b!u$ht% "hen she sa" ,r) Darcy e*'!se# t! all the 'ara#in$ an# !bse9ui!us civility !( her husban#) He b!re it% h!"ever% "ith a#&irable cal&ness) He c!ul# even listen t! 6ir 3illia& 0ucas% "hen he c!&'li&ente# hi& !n carryin$ a"ay the bri$htest 1e"el !( the c!untry% an# e*'resse# his h!'es !( their all &eetin$ (re9uently at 6t) Ja&es;s% "ith very #ecent c!&'!sure) I( he #i# shru$ his sh!ul#ers% it "as n!t till 6ir 3illia& "as !ut !( si$ht) ,rs) Phili's;s vul$arity "as an!ther% an#% 'erha's% a $reater ta* !n his (!rbearance/ an# th!u$h ,rs) Phili's% as "ell as her sister% st!!# in t!! &uch a"e !( hi& t! s'ea "ith the (a&iliarity "hich -in$ley;s $!!# hu&!r enc!ura$e#% yet% "henever she #i# s'ea % she &ust be vul$ar) N!r "as her res'ect (!r hi&% th!u$h it &a#e her &!re 9uiet% at all li ely t! &a e her &!re ele$ant) Eli8abeth #i# all she c!ul# t! shiel# hi& (r!& the (re9uent n!tice !( either% an# "as ever an*i!us t! ee' hi& t! hersel(% an# t! th!se !( her (a&ily "ith "h!& he &i$ht c!nverse "ith!ut &!rti(icati!n/ an# th!u$h the unc!&(!rtable (eelin$s arisin$ (r!& all this t!! (r!& the seas!n !( c!urtshi' &uch !( its 'leasure% it a##e# t! the h!'e !( the (uture/ an# she l!! e# (!r"ar# "ith #eli$ht t! the ti&e "hen they sh!ul# be re&!ve# (r!& s!ciety s! little 'leasin$ t! either% t! all the c!&(!rt an# ele$ance !( their (a&ily 'arty at Pe&berley) CHAPTER:0BI CHAPTER 0BI HAPP2 (!r all her &aternal (eelin$s "as the #ay !n "hich ,rs) -ennet $!t ri# !( her t"! &!st #eservin$ #au$hters) 3ith "hat #eli$hte# 'ri#e she a(ter"ar#s visite# ,rs) -in$ley% an# tal e# !( ,rs) Darcy% &ay be $uesse#) I "ish I c!ul# say% (!r the sa e !( her (a&ily% that the acc!&'lish&ent !( her earnest #esire in the establish&ent !( s! &any !( her chil#ren 'r!#uce# s! ha''y an e((ect as t! &a e her a sensible% a&iable% "ell-in(!r&e# "!&an (!r the rest !( her li(e/ th!u$h% 'erha's% it "as luc y (!r her husban#% "h! &i$ht n!t have relishe# #!&estic (elicity in s! unusual a (!r&% that she still "as !ccasi!nally nerv!us% an# invariably silly) ,r) -ennet &isse# his sec!n# #au$hter e*cee#in$ly/ his a((ecti!n (!r her #re" hi& !(tener (r!& h!&e than anythin$ else c!ul# #!) He #eli$hte# in $!in$ t! Pe&berley% es'ecially "hen he "as least e*'ecte#) ,r) -in$ley an# Jane re&aine# at Nether(iel# !nly a t"elve&!nth) 6! near a vicinity t! her &!ther an# ,eryt!n relati!ns "as n!t #esirable even t! his easy te&'er% !r her a((ecti!nate heart) The #arlin$ "ish !( his sisters "as then $rati(ie#7 he b!u$ht an estate in a nei$hb!rin$ c!unty t! Derbyshire/ an# Jane an# Eli8abeth% in a##iti!n t! every !ther s!urce !( ha''iness% "ere "ithin thirty &iles !( each !ther) <itty% t! her very &aterial a#vanta$e% s'ent the chie( !( her ti&e "ith her t"! el#er sisters) In s!ciety s! su'eri!r t! "hat she ha#

$enerally n!"n% her i&'r!ve&ent "as $reat) 6he "as n!t !( s! un$!vernable a te&'er as 0y#ia7 an#% re&!ve# (r!& the in(luence !( 0y#ia;s e*a&'le% she beca&e% by 'r!'er attenti!n an# &ana$e&ent% less irritable% less i$n!rant% an# less insi'i#) >r!& the (urther #isa#vanta$e !( 0y#ia;s s!ciety she "as !( c!urse care(ully e't/ an# th!u$h ,rs) 3ic ha& (re9uently invite# her t! c!&e an# stay "ith her% "ith the 'r!&ise !( balls an# y!un$ &en% her (ather "!ul# never c!nsent t! her $!in$) ,ary "as the !nly #au$hter "h! re&aine# at h!&e/ an# she "as necessarily #ra"n (r!& the 'ursuit !( acc!&'lish&ents by ,rs) -ennet;s bein$ 9uite unable t! sit al!ne) ,ary "as !bli$e# t! &i* &!re "ith the "!rl#% but she c!ul# still &!rali8e !ver every &!rnin$ visit/ an# as she "as n! l!n$er &!rti(ie# by c!&'aris!ns bet"een her sisters; beauty an# her !"n% it "as sus'ecte# by her (ather that she sub&itte# t! the chan$e "ith!ut &uch reluctance) As (!r 3ic ha& an# 0y#ia% their characters su((ere# n! rev!luti!n (r!& the &arria$e !( her sisters) He b!re "ith 'hil!s!'hy the c!nvicti!n that Eli8abeth &ust n!" bec!&e ac9uainte# "ith "hatever !( his in$ratitu#e an# (alseh!!# ha# be(!re been un n!"n t! her% an#% in s'ite !( everythin$% "as n!t "h!lly "ith!ut h!'e that Darcy &i$ht yet be 'revaile# !n t! &a e his (!rtune) The c!n$ratulat!ry letter "hich Eli8abeth receive# (r!& 0y#ia !n her &arria$e e*'laine# t! her that% by his "i(e at least% i( n!t by hi&sel(% such a h!'e "as cherishe#) The letter "as t! this e((ect+,2 DEAR 0IAA2%+I "ish y!u 1!y) I( y!u l!ve ,r) Darcy hal( s! "ell as I #! &y #ear 3ic ha&% y!u &ust be very ha''y) It is a $reat c!&(!rt t! have y!u s! rich% an# "hen y!u have n!thin$ else t! #!% I h!'e y!u "ill thin !( us) I a& sure 3ic ha& "!ul# li e a 'lace at c!urt very &uch% an# I #! n!t thin "e shall have 9uite &!ney en!u$h t! live u'!n "ith!ut s!&e hel') Any 'lace "!ul# #!% !( ab!ut three !r (!ur hun#re# a year7 but% h!"ever% #! n!t s'ea t! ,r) Darcy ab!ut it% i( y!u ha# rather n!t)- 2!urs% =c)+ As it ha''ene# that Eli8abeth ha# &uch rather n!t% she en#eav!re# in her ans"er t! 'ut an en# t! every entreaty an# e*'ectati!n !( the in#) 6uch relie(% h!"ever% as it "as in her '!"er t! a((!r#% by the 'ractice !( "hat &i$ht be calle# ec!n!&y in her !"n 'rivate e*'enses% she (re9uently sent the&) It ha# al"ays been evi#ent t! her that such an inc!&e as theirs% un#er the #irecti!n !( t"! 'ers!ns s! e*trava$ant in their "ants% an# hee#less !( the (uture% &ust be very insu((icient t! their su''!rt/ an# "henever they chan$e# their 9uarters% either Jane !r hersel( "ere sure !( bein$ a''lie# t!% (!r s!&e little assistance t!"ar#s #ischar$in$ their bills) Their &anner !( livin$% even "hen the rest!rati!n !( 'eace #is&isse# the& t! a h!&e% "as unsettle# in the e*tre&e) They "ere al"ays &!vin$ (r!& 'lace t! 'lace in 9uest !( a chea' situati!n% an# al"ays s'en#in$ &!re than they !u$ht) His a((ecti!n (!r her s!!n sun int! in#i((erence/ hers laste# a little l!n$er/ an# in s'ite !( her y!uth an# her &anners% she retaine# all the clai&s t! re'utati!n "hich her &arria$e ha# $iven her)

Th!u$h Darcy c!ul# never receive hi& at Pe&berley% yet% (!r Eli8abeth;s sa e% he assiste# hi& (urther in his 'r!(essi!n) 0y#ia "as !ccasi!nally a visit!r there% "hen her husban# "as $!ne t! en1!y hi&sel( in 0!n#!n !r -ath/ an# "ith the -in$leys they b!th !( the& (re9uently staye# s! l!n$% that even -in$ley;s $!!# hu&!r "as !verc!&e% an# he 'r!cee#e# s! (ar as t! tal !( $ivin$ the& a hint t! be $!ne) ,iss -in$ley "as very #ee'ly &!rti(ie# by Darcy;s &arria$e/ but as she th!u$ht it a#visable t! retain the ri$ht !( visitin$ at Pe&berley% she #r!''e# all her resent&ent/ "as (!n#er than ever !( ?e!r$iana% al&!st as attentive t! Darcy as heret!(!re% an# 'ai# !(( every arrear !( civility t! Eli8abeth) Pe&berley "as n!" ?e!r$iana;s h!&e/ an# the attach&ent !( the sisters "as e*actly "hat Darcy ha# h!'e# t! see) They "ere able t! l!ve each !ther% even as "ell as they inten#e#) ?e!r$iana ha# the hi$hest !'ini!n in the "!rl# !( Eli8abeth/ th!u$h at (irst she !(ten listene# "ith an ast!nish&ent b!r#erin$ !n alar& at her lively% s'!rtive &anner !( tal in$ t! her br!ther) He% "h! ha# al"ays ins'ire# in hersel( a res'ect "hich al&!st !verca&e her a((ecti!n% she n!" sa" the !b1ect !( !'en 'leasantry) Her &in# receive# n!"le#$e "hich ha# never be(!re (allen in her "ay) -y Eli8abeth;s instructi!ns she be$an t! c!&'rehen# that a "!&an &ay ta e liberties "ith her husban#% "hich a br!ther "ill n!t al"ays all!" in a sister &!re than ten years y!un$er than hi&sel() 0a#y Catherine "as e*tre&ely in#i$nant !n the &arria$e !( her ne'he"/ an# as she $ave "ay t! all the $enuine (ran ness !( her character% in her re'ly t! the letter "hich ann!unce# its arran$e&ent% she sent hi& lan$ua$e s! very abusive% es'ecially !( Eli8abeth% that (!r s!&e ti&e all interc!urse "as at an en#) -ut at len$th% by Eli8abeth;s 'ersuasi!n% he "as 'revaile# !n t! !verl!! the !((ense% an# see a rec!nciliati!n/ an#% a(ter a little (urther resistance !n the 'art !( his aunt% her resent&ent $ave "ay% either t! her a((ecti!n (!r hi&% !r her curi!sity t! see h!" his "i(e c!n#ucte# hersel(7 an# she c!n#escen#e# t! "ait !n the& at Pe&berley% in s'ite !( that '!lluti!n "hich its "!!#s ha# receive#% n!t &erely (r!& the 'resence !( such a &istress% but the visits !( her uncle an# aunt (r!& the city) 3ith the ?ar#iners they "ere al"ays !n the &!st inti&ate ter&s) Darcy% as "ell as Eli8abeth% really l!ve# the&/ an# they "ere b!th ever sensible !( the "ar&est $ratitu#e t!"ar#s the 'ers!ns "h!% by brin$in$ her int! Derbyshire% ha# been the &eans !( unitin$ the&) THE END