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

more eligible for them to marry privately in Town than to pursue their first plan; and even if “he” could form such a design against a young woman of Lydia’s connections, which is not likely, can I suppose her so lost to everything? Impossible. I grieve to find, however, that Colonel F. is not disposed to depend upon their marriage; he shook his head when I expressed my hopes and said he feared W. was not a man to be trusted. My poor mother is really ill and keeps to her room. Could she exert herself, it would be better, but this is not to be expected; and as to father, I never in my life saw him so affected. Poor Kitty knows father’s anger for having concealed the attachment between Lydia and Wickham, but as it was a matter of confidence, one cannot but wonder. I am truly glad, dearest Lizzy, you were spared something of these distressing scenes, but now, as the first shock is over, shall I own that I long for your return? I am not so selfish, however, as to press for it, if inconvenient. Adieu.
    I take up my pen again to do what I just told you I would not, but circumstances are such that I cannot help earnestly begging you all to come here as soon as possible. I know my dear uncle and aunt so well I am not afraid of requesting it, though I have still something more to ask of the former. My father is going to London with Colonel Foster to try to discover Lydia. What he means to do, I am certain I know not, but his excessive distress will not allow him to pursue any measure in the best and safest manner. Unfortunately, Colonel Forster is obliged to be at Brighton again tomorrow evening. In such an exigence, my uncle’s advice and assistance would be every thing in the world; he will immediately comprehend what I must feel, and I rely upon his goodness.
     
    Elizabeth rushed to the cord to beckon her uncle’s servant. Within minutes the man appeared.
    “Please summon your master’s return to the inn. It is a matter of urgency.”
    With the servant’s exit, Elizabeth sank heavily in a chair.
    “Ah, Lydia,” she groaned. “How could you be so foolish? You subjected your family to ostracism.”
    Unable to wallow in her despair, Elizabeth was up and packing her things when her aunt and uncle returned.
    “What is amiss?” Her aunt took the day gown from Elizabeth’s trembling fingers. “What brought you such distress?”
    Elizabeth gave herself up to the tears she denied earlier. Snuggling into her aunt’s comforting embrace she gestured to the table where Jane’s letters rested. Hiding her face in her aunt’s shoulder, Elizabeth did not see her uncle take the offending missives into his grasp, but she knew when Uncle Gardiner came to the part announcing Lydia’s folly.
    “I will kill the dastard with my bare hands,” he growled.
    “We will go to London?” Elizabeth managed to ask. “My father has no means to understand Town rules of engagement.”
    Her uncle looked up from where he continued to read.
    “A coach is too slow. I will let a horse. You and Margaret may follow in the carriage. Mr. Bennet will have the good sense to call in at Gracechurch Street.” He squeezed Elizabeth’s shoulder. “All will be well. I will see to it.” He handed the letters to his wife. “Assist me by packing a small bag. I must see to a mount.”
    “Should we not?” Elizabeth began but her aunt shook her head in warning.
    Within a half hour, her uncle kissed his wife farewell, as well as placing a promise kiss on Elizabeth’s forehead.
    “I suppose we should finish packing our things. We could still cover part of the distance to London today,” her Aunt Margaret said with lackluster.
    Elizabeth watched, as the figure of her uncle grew smaller with this leaving.
    “How will any of us find Lydia? None of us know anything of Mr. Wickham’s friends or his haunts.” Her words brought the glimmer of an idea as Elizabeth paused to permit the possibility root.
    “Are you well?” her aunt asked in