Elizabeth Bennet's Deception: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary Read Online Free PDF Page A

made their exit, Elizabeth sat down beside the small table in the let sitting room to enjoy Jane’s letters. She chose to read the missent one first. It was written five days prior. The beginning contained an account of all their little parties and engagements, with such news as the country afforded; but the latter half, which was dated a day later, and written in evident agitation, gave more important intelligence.
     
    Since writing the above, dearest Lizzy, something occurred of a most unexpected and serious nature; but I fear alarming you–be assured that we are all well. What I must relate has to do with poor Lydia. An express came from Colonel Forster at twelve last night, just as we all claimed our beds. It informed us that Lydia went off to Scotland with one the colonel’s officers–to own the truth, with Wickham! Imagine our surprise. To Kitty, however, it does not seem so wholly unexpected. I am very, very sorry. So imprudent a match on both sides! Even so, I am willing to hope the best, and that we misunderstood Mr. Wickham’s character. Thoughtless and indiscreet I can easily believe him, but this step (and let us rejoice over it) marks nothing bad at heart. His choice is disinterested at least, for he must know my father can give Lydia nothing. Our poor mother is sadly grieved. My father bears it better. How thankful am I that we never let them know what was said against Mr. Wickham; we must forget it ourselves. He and Lydia were off Saturday night about twelve, as is conjectured, but were not missed till yesterday morning at eight. The express was sent off directly. My dear Lizzy, they must have passed within ten miles of us. Colonel Forster gives us reason to expect him here soon. Lydia left a few lines for Mrs. F., informing her of their intentions. I must conclude, for I cannot be long from my poor mother. I am afraid you will not be able to make it out, for I hardly know what I wrote
     
    Without allowing herself time for consideration and scarcely knowing what she felt, Elizabeth, on finishing the first letter, seized the other, and opening it with the utmost impatience, noted that it was written a day later than the conclusion of the first.
     
    By this time, my dearest sister, you received my hurried letter; I wish this may be more intelligible, but though not confined for time, my head is so bewildered that I cannot answer for being coherent. Dearest Lizzy, I hardly know what I would write, but I have bad news for you, and it cannot be delayed. Imprudent as a marriage between Mr. Wickham and our poor Lydia would be, we are now anxious to be assured it took place, for there is but too much reason to fear they did not go to Scotland. Colonel Forster came yesterday, having left Brighton the day before, not many hours after the express. Though Lydia’s short letter to Mrs. F. gave them to understand that she and Mr. Wickham were going to Gretna Green, Denny led the colonel to believe that W. never intended to go there or to marry Lydia at all. Colonel F. took the news as an alarm and set off from B. intending to trace their route. He did trace them to Clapham, but no farther, for on entering that place they removed into a hackney coach and dismissed the chaise that brought them from Epsom. All that is known after this is they were seen to continue the London road. I know not what to think. After making every possible enquiry on that side of London, Colonel F. came on into Hertfordshire, anxiously renewing them at the turnpikes and at the inns in Barnet and Hatfield, but without any success. No such people were seen to pass through. With the kindest concern the colonel came on to Longbourn and broke his apprehensions to us in a manner most creditable to his heart. I am sincerely grieved for him and Mrs. F., but no one can throw any blame on them. Our distress, my dear Lizzy, is very great. My father and mother believe the worst, but I cannot think so ill of Mr. Wickham. Many circumstances might make it