Pride and Prejudice Part 19

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Welcome to Jane Austin Stories. I'm Julie Andrews and from the Noiser podcast network, this is Pride and Prejudice Part 19. In the last episode, Elizabeth continued to wrestle with her increasingly complicated feelings for Mr. Darcy. When meeting his cherished younger sister, Torjiana, Lizzie found herself eager to please Darcy and did all she could to befriend the girl. A sleepless night soon followed as our hero in struggled to make sense of her shifting attitude towards Darcy. The next day, a couple of familiar faces arrived in Darby's year, the warm Mr. Bingley and his less than warm sister. It turns out little has changed since we last saw the siblings as Miss Bingley continued to be jealous over Darcy's fondness for Elizabeth. Her attempts to belittle Lizzie totally backfired with Darcy jumping to her defense and telling Miss Bingley that Elizabeth is one of the hand-sumist women he knows. But any burgeoning romance between Lizzie and Darcy is about to be cut short. Now we rejoin Lizzie at the inn as her quiet morning is thrown into disarray by a shocking twist. From the Noisabh podcast network, this is Pride and Prejudice. Chapter 46 Elizabeth had been a good deal disappointed in not finding a letter from Jane on their first arrival at Lampton. And this disappointment had been renewed on each of the mornings that had now been spent there. But finally her repining was over and her sister justified by the receipt of two letters from her at once. On one of which was marked that it had been Miss sent elsewhere. Elizabeth was not surprised at it as Jane had written the direction remarkably ill. They had just been preparing to walk as the letters came in and her uncle and aunt leaving her to enjoy them in quiet set off by themselves. The one Miss sent must be first attended to. It had been written five days ago. The beginning contained an account of all their little parties and engagements with such news as the country afforded. But the letter half which was dated a day later and written in evident agitation gave more important intelligence. Jane wrote to this effect. Since writing the above dearest Lizzie, something has occurred of a most unexpected and serious nature. But I am afraid of alarming you. Be assured that we are all well. What I have to say relates to poor Lydia. An express came at twelve last night just as we were all gone to bed from Colonel Forster to inform us that she was gone off to the Scotland with one of his officers. To own the truth with Wiccom. 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. But I am willing to hope the best and that his character has been misunderstood. Thoughtless and indiscreet I can easily believe him, but this tab 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 her nothing. Her poor mother is sadly grieved. Father bears it better. Oh, have thankful am I that we never let them know what has been said against him. We must forget it ourselves. They were off Saturday night about twelve as is conjectured, but were not missed till yesterday morning at eight. 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 his wife informing her of their intention. I must conclude, for I cannot belong from poor mother. I am afraid you will not be able to make it out, but I hardly know what I have written. In the end, I have been given the time to consideration, without allowing herself time for consideration, as scarcely knowing what she felt, Elizabeth on finishing this letter instantly seized the other and opening it with the utmost impatience read as follows. It had been written a day later than the conclusion of the first. By this time my dearest sister, you have received my hurried letter. I wish this may be more intelligible, but though not 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 had news for you and it cannot be delayed. Improodant as a marriage between Mr. Wickham and our poor Lydia would be, we are now anxious to be assured it has taken place, for there is but too much reason to fear they are not gone to Scotland. Colonel Foster came yesterday, having left Brighton the day before, not many hours after the express, though Lydia's short letter to Mrs. Foster gave them to understand that they were going to Gretna Green. Something was dropped by Wickham's friend, Denny, expressing his belief that Wickham never intended to go there or to marry Lydia at all, which was repeated to Colonel Foster, who instantly taking the alarm, set off from Brighton, intending to trace their route. He did trace them easily to clap them, but no farther. For on entering that place, they removed into a hackly coach and dismissed the shades that brought them from Epsom. All that is known after this is that they were seen to continue the London road. I know not what to think, after making every possible inquiry on that side of London, Colonel Foster came on into Hartfordshire, anxiously renewing them at all the turnpikes, and at the ins in Barnett and Hatfield, but without any success. No such people had been seen to pass through. With the kindest concern, he came on to Longborn and broke his apprehensions to us in a manner most creditable to his heart. I am sincerely grieved for him and Mrs. Foster, but no one can throw any blame on them. I distress my dear Lizzie is very great. My father and mother believe the worst, but I cannot think so ill of him. Many circumstances might make it more eligible for them to be married privately in town than to pursue their first plan, and even if Wickham 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 Foster is not disposed to depend upon their marriage. He shook his head when I expressed my hopes and said he feared Wickham was not a man to be trusted. Our 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 my father, I never in my life saw him so affected. Poor Kitty has anger for having concealed their attachment, but as it was a matter of confidence, one cannot wonder. I am truly glad, dearous Lizzie, that you have been 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 have just told you I would not, but circumstances are such that I cannot help earnestly begging you all to come here as soon as possible. I know my dear uncle and aunt so well that I am not afraid of requesting it, though I have still something more to ask of the former. Father is going to London with Colonel Foster instantly to try to discover Lydia. What he means to do, I am sure I know not, but his excessive distress will not allow him to pursue any measure in the best and safest way, and Colonel Foster is obliged to be a brighten again tomorrow evening. In such an urgent circumstance, my uncle's advice and assistance would be everything in the world. He will immediately comprehend what I must feel and I rely upon his goodness. Oh, where is my uncle, Pryd Elizabeth, darting from her seat as she finished the letter in eagerness to go after him without losing a moment of the time so precious, but as she reached the door, it was opened by a servant and Mr. Darcy appeared. Her pale face and impetuous manner made him start, and before he could recover himself enough to speak, she in whose mind every idea was superseded by Lydia's situation, hastily explained, I beg your pardon, but I must leave you, I must find Mr. Garner this moment on business that cannot be delayed, I have not an instant to lose. Good, God, what is the matter, cried Mr. Darcy, with more feeling than politeness. Then recollecting himself, I will not detain you a minute, but let me or the servant go after Mr. Garner, you are not well enough, you cannot go yourself. Elizabeth hesitated, but her knees trembled under her, and she felt how little would be gained by her attempting to pursue Mr. and Mrs. Garner. Calling back the servant, therefore, she commissioned him, though in so breathless an accent as made her almost unintelligible to fetch his master and mistress home instantly. On his quitting the room, she sat down unable to support herself, and looking so miserably ill that it was impossible for Darcy to leave her, or to refrain from saying, in a tone of gentleness and commiseration, let me call your maid, is there nothing you could take to give you present leave? At glass of wine shall I get you one? You are very ill. No, I thank you, she replied, endeavouring to recover herself. There is nothing that the matter with me, I am quite well, I am only distressed by some dreadful news which I have just received from long-born. She burst into tears as she alluded to it and for a few minutes could not speak another word. Darcy in wretched suspense could only say something indistinctly of his concern and observe her in compassionate silence. At length she spoke again. I have just had a letter from Jane with such dreadful news. It cannot be concealed from anyone. My youngest sister, Lydia, has left all her friends, has aloaked, has thrown herself into the power of Mr. Wickham. They have gone off together from Brighton. You know him too well to doubt the rest. She has no money, no connections, nothing that could tempt him to, she is lost forever. Darcy was fixed in astonishment. When I consider, dizzy-added, and a yet more agitated voice, that I might have prevented it, I, who knew what he was, had I but explained some part of it only, some part of what I learned to my own family, had his character been known, this could not have happened. But it is all all too late now. I am grieved indeed, cried Darcy, grieved, shocked. But is it certain, absolutely certain? Oh yes, replied Lizzie, they left Brighton together on Sunday night and were traced almost to London, but not beyond. They are certainly not gone to Scotland. And what has been done, what has been attempted to recover her? My father has gone to London, replied Lizzie, and Jane has written to beg my uncle's immediate assistance, and we shall be off, I hope, in half an hour. But nothing can be done. I know very well that nothing can be done. How is such a man to be worked on? How are they even to be discovered? I have not the smallest hope. It is every way horrible. Darcy shook his head in silent acquiescence. When my eyes were open to his real character, cried Elizabeth, oh, had I known what I ought, what I dared to do, but I knew not I was afraid of doing too much, wretched, wretched mistake. Darcy made no answer. He seemed scarcely to hear her, and was walking up and down the room in earnest meditation. His brow contracted his air, gloomy. Elizabeth soon observed and instantly understood it. Her power was sinking. Everything must think under such a proof of family weakness, such an assurance of the deepest disgrace. She could neither wonder nor condemn, but the belief of Darcy's now vanquishing his affection for her brought nothing consultory to her bosom afforded no relief of her distress. It was on the contrary exactly calculated to make her understand her own wishes, and never had she so honestly felt that she could have loved him as now when all love must be vain. But, self, though it would intrude, could not engross her, Lydia, the humiliation, the misery she was bringing on them all, soon swallowed up every private care, and covering her face with her handkerchief, Elizabeth was soon lost to everything else. And after a pause of several minutes was only recalled to a sense of her situation by the voice of her companion who, in a manner which, though its spoke compassion, spoke likewise restraint, said, I am afraid you have been long desiring my absence, nor have I anything to plead in excuse of my stay, but real, though unavailing concern, would to heaven that anything could be either said or done on my part, that might offer consolation to such distress. But I will not torment you with vain wishes, which may you seem purposely to ask for your thanks. This unfortunate affair will, I fear, prevent my sisters having the pleasure of seeing you at Pembley today. Oh, yes, said Lizzie, be so kind as to apologise for us to Mr. Asi. Say that urgent business calls us home immediately, conceal the unhappy truth as long as it is possible. I know it cannot be long. He readily assured her of his secrecy, again expressed his sorrow for her distress, wished it a happier conclusion than there was at present reason to hope, and leaving his compliments for her relations with only one serious parting look. He went away. As he quitted the room, Elizabeth felt how improbable it was that they should ever see each other again on such terms of cordiality as had marked their several meetings in Darbyshire, and as she threw a retrospective glance over the whole of their acquaintance, so full of contradictions and varieties, side at the perverseness of those feelings, which would now have promoted its continuance and would formally have rejoiced in its termination. If gratitude and esteem are good foundations of affection, Elizabeth's change of sentiment will be neither improbable nor faulty. But if otherwise, if the regards bringing from such sources is unreasonable or unnatural in comparison of what is so often described as a rising on a first interview with its object, and even before two words have been exchanged, nothing can be said in her defence except that she had been given somewhat of a trial by her original partiality for Wickham, and that its ill success might perhaps also rise her now to seek the other more measured mode of attachment to Darcy. Be that as it may, she saw Darcy go with regret, and in this early example of what Lydia's infamy must produce, found additional anguish as she reflected on that wretched business. Never since reading Jane's second letter had she entertained a hope of Wickham's meaning to marry her, no one but Jane she thought could flatter herself with such an expectation a surprise was the least of all her feelings on this development. While the contents of the first letter remained on her mind, Lizzie was all surprised all astonishment that Wickham should marry a girl whom it was impossible he could marry for money, and how Lydia could ever have attached him had appeared incomprehensible. But now it was all too natural. For such an attachment as this, Lydia might have sufficient charms and though she did not expect her to be deliberately engaging in an elopement without the intention of marriage, Lizzie had no difficulty in believing that neither her virtue nor her understanding would preserve her from falling an easy prey. Lizzie had never perceived while the regiment was in heart for sheer that Lydia had any partiality for him, but she was convinced that Lydia had wanted only encouragement to attach herself to anybody. Sometimes one officer, sometimes another, had been her favorite as their attentions raised them in her opinion. Her affections had been continually fluctuating but never without an object. The mischief of neglect and mistaken indulgence towards such a girl, oh how cutely did Lizzie now feel it. She was wild to be at home, to hear, to see, to be upon the spot to share with Jane in the cares that must now fall wholly upon her in a family so deranged, a father absent, a mother incapable of exertion and requiring constant attendance, and though almost persuaded that nothing could be done for Lydia, her uncle's interference seemed of the utmost importance. Until he entered the room, the misery of her impatience was severe. Mr and Mrs Gardner had hurried back from their walk in alarm, supposing by the servant's account that their niece was taken suddenly ill, but satisfying them instantly on that head, she eagerly communicated the course of their summons, reading the two letters aloud and dwelling on the postscript of the last with trembling energy. Though Lydia had never been a favorite with them, Mr and Mrs Gardner could not but be deeply affected, not Lydia only but all were concerned in it, and after the first exclamation of surprise and horror, Mr Gardner readily promised every assistance in his power. Elizabeth, though expecting no less, thanked him with tears of gratitude and all three being actuated by one spirit, everything relating to their journey was speedily settled. They were to leave as soon as possible. But what is to be done about Pemberley, cried Mrs Gardner, John told us that Mr Darcy was here when you sent for us, was it so? Yes, and I told him we should not be able to keep our engagement, that is all settled replied Lizzy. What is all settled repeated Mrs Gardner as she ran into her room to prepare, and our Lizzy and Darcy upon such terms as for her to disclose the real truth, oh, that I knew how it was. But wishes were vain, or at best could serve only to amuse her in the hurry and confusion of the following hour. Had Elizabeth been leisure to be idle, she would have remained certain that all employment was impossible to once a wretched as herself, but she had her share of business as well as her aunt, and amongst the rest there were notes to be written to all their friends at Lampton with false excuses for their sudden departure. And our however saw the whole completed, and Mr Gardner meanwhile, having settled his account at the inn, nothing remained to be done but to go, and Elizabeth, after all the misery of the morning, found herself in a shorter space of time than she could have supposed, seated in the carriage, and on the road to Longborn. This episode is sponsored by Magic Radio. Magic Radio plays the best variety from the 80s to now. The songs you love, the ones you know, and the ones that lift your die. 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Research shows that what's important for patients best outcomes is not only the treatment we give, but the ability for them to continue their lives, which often means continuing to work and have purpose for what they're doing. Learn more and sign the pledge at workingwithcancerpledge.com. It appears to me so very unlikely that any young man should form such a design against a girl who is why no means unprotected or friendless and who was actually staying in his Colonel's family that I'm strongly inclined to hope the best. Could he expect that her friends would not step forward? Could he expect to be noticed again by the regiment after such an affront to Colonel Foster? His temptation is not adequate to the risk. Do you really think so, crytellism is brightening up for a moment? Upon my words, said Mrs. Gardner, I begin to be of your uncle's opinion. It is really too great a violation of decency, honour and interest for him to be guilty of it. I cannot think so very ill of Wickham. Can you yourself Lizzie so wholly give him up as to believe him capable of it? Not perhaps of neglecting his own interest, replied Lizzie, but of every other neglect I can believe him capable if indeed it should be so, but I dare not hope it. Why should they not go on to Scotland if that had been the case? In the first place replied Mr. Gardner, there is no absolute proof that they are not gone to Scotland. Oh, but they're removing from the shares into a hackney coach is such a presumption, said Lizzie, and besides no traces of them were to be found on the Barnett Road. Well then, replied Mr. Gardner, supposing them to be in London, they may be there, though for the purpose of concealment for no more exceptional purpose. It is not likely that money should be very abundant on either side and it might strike them that they could be more economically, though less expeditiously married in London than in Scotland. But why all this secrecy asks Lizzie? Why any fear of detection? Why must their marriage be private? Oh no, no, no, no, this is not likely. His most particular friend you see by Jane's account was persuaded of his never intending to marry Lydia. Wicken will never marry a woman without some money, he cannot afford it. And what claims has Lydia what attractions has she, beyond youth, health and a good humour that could make him for her sake, for go every chance of benefiting himself by marrying well. As to what restraint to the apprehensions of disgrace in the militia might throw on a dishonorable allotment with her, I am not able to judge, for I know nothing of the effects that such a step might produce. But as to your other objection, I'm afraid it will hardly hold good. Lydia has no brothers to step forward, and he might imagine, from my father's behaviour, from his indolence and the little attention he has ever seemed to give to what was going forward in his family, that he would do as little and think as little about it as any father could do in such a matter. But, said Mr. Gardner, can you think that Lydia is so lost to everything but love of him, as to consent to live with him, on any other terms than marriage. It does seem and it is most shocking indeed, replied Elizabeth with tears in her eyes, that a sister's sense of decency and virtue on such a point should admit of doubt. But really I know not what to say. Perhaps I am not doing her justice. But she is very young. She has never been taught to think on serious subjects. And for the last half year, nay for 12 months, she has been given up to nothing but amusement and vanity. She has been allowed to dispose of her time in the most idle and frivolous manner and to adopt any opinions that came in her way. Since the militia were first quoted in Meriton, nothing but loved, flirtational and officers have been in her head. She has been doing everything in her power by thinking and talking on the subject to give greater, what should I call it, a susceptibility to her feelings which are naturally, lively enough. And we all know that Wycombe has every charm of person and address that can captivate a woman. But you see that Jane, said her aunt, does not think so ill of Wycombe as to believe him capable of the attempt, of whom does Jane ever think ill, replied Lizzie. And who is there, whatever might be their former conduct, that she would believe capable of such an attempt till it were proved against them. But Jane knows as well as I do, what Wycombe really is. We both know that he has been proficate in every sense of the word, that he has neither integrity or honor, that he is as false and deceitful as he appears charming. And do you really know all this, cried Mrs. Gardner, whose curiosity as to the mode of her intelligence was all alive? I do indeed, replied Elizabeth coloring. I told you the other day of his infamous behavior to Mr. Darcy and you yourself when last at Longborn, heard in what manner Wycombe spoke of the man who had behaved with such forbearance and liberality towards him. And there are other circumstances which I am not at liberty, which is not worthwhile to relate. But his lies about the whole Pimbley family are endless. From what he said of Mrs. Darcy, I was thoroughly prepared to see a proud, reserved, disagreeable girl. Yet he knew to the contrary himself. He must know that she was as amiable and unpretending as we have found her. But does Lydia know nothing of this, asked Mrs. Gardner? Can she be ignorant of what you and Jane seem so well to understand? Oh yes, that is the worst of all, till I was in Kent and saw so much both of Mr. Darcy and his relation, Colonel Fitzwilliam, I was ignorant of the truth myself. And when I returned home, the militia was to leave Meriton in a week or fortnight's time. As that was the case, neither Jane, to whom I related the whole, nor I thought it necessary to make our knowledge public. For of what use could it apparently be to anyone that the good opinion which all the neighborhood had of him should then be overthrown? And even when it was settled that Lydia should go with Mrs. Forster, the necessity of opening her eyes to his character never occurred to me that she could be in any danger from the deception never entered my mind that such consequences this should ensue, you may easily believe was far enough from my thoughts. When they all removed to Briton, said Mrs. Gardner, therefore you had no reason I suppose to believe them fond of each other. Not the slightest replied Lizzie, I can remember no symptom of affection on either side, and had anything of the kind been perceptible you must be aware that ours is not a family on which it could be thrown away. When first he entered the militia she was ready enough to admire him, but so we all were. Every girl in all near Mariton was out of her senses about him for the first two months, but he never distinguished Lydia by any particular attention and consequently after a moderate period of extravagant and wild admiration, her fancy for him gave way and others of the regiment who treated her with more distinction again became her favourites. It may be easily believed that however little of novelty could be added to their fears, hopes and conjectures on this interesting subject by its repeated discussion, no other could detain them from it long during the whole of the journey. From Elizabeth's thoughts it was never absent, fixed there by the keenest of all anguish, self reproach, she could find no interval of ease or forgetfulness. They travelled as expeditiously as possible and sleeping one night on the road, reached long-born by dinner time the next day. It was a comfort to Elizabeth to consider that Jane could not have been weirige by long expectations of their arrival. The little gardeners attracted by the sight of a shears were standing on the steps of the house as they entered the paddock, and when the carriage drove up to the door the joyful surprise that lighted up their faces and displayed itself over their whole bodies in a variety of capers and frisks was the first pleasing indication of their welcome. In Elizabeth jumped out and after giving each of them a hasty kiss hurried into the vestibule where Jane, who came running downstairs from her mother's apartment, immediately met her. Elizabeth as she affectionately embraced her whilst tears filled the eyes of both lost not a moment in asking whether anything had been heard of the fugitives. Not yet replied Jane, but now that my dear uncle is come I hope everything will be well. Is our father in town asked Lizzie? Yes, he went on Tuesday as I wrote you word replied Jane, and have you heard from him often? We have heard only once said Jane, he wrote me a few lines on Wednesday to say that he had arrived in safety and to give me his directions which I particularly begged him to do. He merely added that he should not write again till he had something of importance to mention. And our mother said Lizzie, how is she? How are you all? Our mother is tolerably well replied Jane, I trust. Though her spirits are greatly shaken, she's upstairs and will have great satisfaction in seeing you all. She does not yet leave her dressing room, Mary and Kitty thank heaven are quite well. But you, how are you, Crytelisous? You look pale how much you must have gone through. Her sister however assured her of being perfectly well, and their conversation which had been passing while Mr. Mrs. Gardner were engaged with their children was now put to an end by the approach of the whole party. Jane ran to her uncle and aunt and welcomed and thanked them both with alternate smiles and tears. When they were all in the drawing room, the questions which Lizzieworth had already asked were of course repeated by the others and they soon found that Jane had no intelligence to give. The sanguine hope of good however, which the benevolence of her heart suggested had not yet deserted her. She still expected that it would all end well and that every morning would bring some letter either from Lydia or their father to explain their proceedings and perhaps announce their marriage. Mrs. Bennett to whose apartment they all repaired, after a few minutes conversation together received them exactly as might be expected with tears and lamentations of regret, invectives against the villainous conduct of Wickham and complains of her own sufferings and ill usage blaming everybody but the person to whose ill judging indulgence the errors of her daughter must be principally owing. If I had been able, said she to carry my point in going to Brighton with all my family, this would not have happened but poor Lydia had no idea to take care of her. Why did the forced us ever let her go out of their sight? I'm sure there was some great neglect or other on their side for she is not the kind of girl to do such a thing if she had been well looked after. I always thought they were very unfit to have the charge of her but I was over ruled as I always am. Poor dear child and now here's Mr. Bennett gone away and I know he will fight Wickham wherever he meets him and then he will be killed and what is to become of us all. The Collinses will turn us out before he is cold in his grave and if you are not kind to us brother I do not know what we shall do. They all exclaimed against such dreadful ideas and Mr. Gardner after general assurances of his affection for her and all her family told her that he meant to be in London the very next day and would assist Mr. Bennett in every endeavour for recovering Lydia. Do not give way to useless alarm added he though it is right to be prepared for the worst there is no occasion to look on it as certain. It is not quite a week since they left Brighton. In a few days more we may gain some news of them and till we know that they are not married and have no design of marrying do not let us give the matter over as lost. As soon as I get to town I shall go to my brother and make him come home with me to Grace Church Street and then we may consult together as to what is to be done. Oh my dear brother replied Mr. Bennett that is exactly what I could most wish for and now do when you get to town find them out wherever they may be and if they are not married already make them marry and as for waiting clothes do not let them wait for that but tell Lydia she shall have as much money as she chooses to buy them after they are married and above all things keep Mr. Bennett from fighting tell him what a dreadful state I am in that I am frightened out of my wits and have such trembling such flutterings all over me such spasms in my side and pains in my head and such beatings at my heart that I can get no rest by night nor by day and tell my dear Lydia not to give any directions about her clothes till she has seen me for she does not know which are the best warehouses oh brother how kind you are I know you will contrive it all but Mr. Gardner though he assured her again of his earnest endeavors in the could not avoid recommending moderation to her as well in her hopes as her fears and after talking with her in this manner till dinner was on the table they left her to vent all her feelings on the housekeeper who attended in the absence of her daughters though her brother and sister were persuaded that there was no real occasion for such a seclusion from the family they did not attempt to oppose it for they knew that Mrs. Bennett had not prudence enough to hold her tongue before the servants while they waited at table and judged it better that one only of the household and the one whom they could most trust should comprehend all her fears and solicitude on the subject in the dining room they were soon joined by Mary and Kitty who had been too busily engaged in their separate apartments to make their appearance before one came from her books and the other from her dressing table the faces of both however were tolerably calm and no change was visible in either except that the loss of her favorite sister or the anger which Kitty had herself encode in the business had given something more of fretfulness than usual to her voice as for Mary she was mistress enough of herself to whisper to Elizabeth with a countenance of grave reflection soon after they were seated at the table this is a most unfortunate affair and will probably be much talked off but we must stem the tide of malice and pour into the wounded bosoms of each other the balm of sisterly consolation then receiving in Elizabeth no inclination of replying she added unhappy as the event must be for Lydia we may draw from it this useful lesson that loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable that one false step involves her in endless ruin and that she cannot be too much guarded in her behavior towards the undeserving of the other sex Elizabeth lifted up her eyes in amazement but was too much oppressed to make any reply Mary however continued to console herself with such kind of moral extractions from the evil before them this is an ad from better help am i forgetting something did 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today in the afternoon the two elder miss Bennets were able to be for half an hour by themselves and Elizabeth instantly availed herself of the opportunity of making any inquiries which Jane was equally eager to satisfy after joining in general lamentations over the dreadful cycle of this event which Elizabeth considered is all but certain and miss Bennet could not assert to be holy impossible the former continued the subject by saying tell me all and everything about it Jane which I have not already heard give me further particulars what did Colonel forced to say had they no apprehension of anything before the allotment took place they must have seen them together forever Colonel Foster replied Jane did own that he had often suspected some partiality especially on Lydia's side but nothing to give him any alarm I am so grieved for him his behavior was attentive and kind to the utmost he was coming to us in order to assure us of his concern before he had any idea of their not being gone to Scotland when that apprehension first got abroad it hastened his journey and was Denny convinced that Wickham would not marry asked Lizzie did he know of their intending to go off had Colonel Foster seen Denny himself yes replied Jane but when questioned by him Denny denied knowing anything of their plan and would not give his real opinion about it he did not repeat his persuasion of their not marrying and from that I am inclined to hope he might have been misunderstood before and said Lizzie till Colonel Foster came himself not one of you entertained doubt I suppose of their being really married how was it possible that such an idea should enter our brains replied Jane I felt a little uneasy a little fearful of my sisters happiness with him in marriage because I knew that his conduct had not been always quite right father and mother knew nothing of that they only felt how imprudent a match it must be kissy then owned with a very natural triumph on knowing more than the rest of us that in Lydia's last letter she had prepared her for such a step kissy had known it seems of their being in love with each other many weeks but not before they went to Brighton asked Lizzie no I believe not replied Jane and did Colonel Foster appear to think ill of Wickham himself does he know his real character I must confess replied Jane that he did not speak so well of Wickham as he formally did he believed him to be imprudent and extravagant and since this sad affair has taken place it is said that Wickham left Meriton greatly in debt but I hope this may be false oh Jane had we been less secret had we told what we knew of him this could not have happened perhaps it would have been better replied her sister but to expose the form of faults of any person without knowing what their present feelings were seemed unjustifiable said Lizzie we acted with the best intentions replied Jane could Colonel Foster repeat the particulars of Lydia's note to his wife Lizzie asked he brought it with him for us to see replied Jane Jane then took the letter from her pocketbook and gave it to Elizabeth these were the contents my dear Harriet you will laugh when you know where I am gone and I cannot help laughing myself at your surprise tomorrow morning as soon as I am missed I am going to grit the green and if you cannot guess with who I shall think you are simple for there is but one man in the world I love and he is an angel I should never be happy without him so think it no harm to be off you need not send them word at longborn of my going if you do not like it for it will make the surprise the greater when I write to them and sign my name Lydia Wickham what a good joke it will be I can hardly write for laughing pray make my excuses to Mr Pratt for not keeping my engagement and dancing with him tonight tell him I hope he will excuse me when he knows all and tell him I will dance with him at the next ball we meet with great pleasure I shall send for my clothes when I get to longborn but I wish you would tell Sally to mend a great slit in my worked muslin gown before they are packed up goodbye give my love to Colonel Foster I hope you will drink to our good journey your affection a friend Lydia Bennett oh thoughtless thoughtless Lydia cried Elizabeth when she had finished it what a letter is this to be written at such a moment but at least it shows that she was serious in the object of her journey whatever he might afterwards persuade her to it was not on her side a scheme of impome my poor father how he must have felt it I never saw anyone so shocked said Jane he could not speak a word for full ten minutes mother was taken ill immediately and the whole house in such confusion oh Jane cried Elizabeth was there a servant belonging to it who did not know the whole story before the end of the day I do not know replied Jane I hope there was but to be guarded at such a time is very difficult mother was in hysterics and though I endeavoured to give her every assistance in my power I'm afraid I did not do so much as I might have done but the horror of what might possibly happen almost took me from my faculties your attendance upon her has been too much for you you do not look well said Lizzie oh that I had been with you you have had every care and anxiety upon yourself alone Mary and Kitty have been very kind replied Jane and would have shared in every fatigue I am sure but I did not think it right for either of them Kitty is slight and delicate and Mary studies so much that her hours of repose should not be broken in on our aunt Phillips came to Longborn on Tuesday after our father went away and was so good as to stay till first day with me she was of great use and comfort to us all and Lady Lucas has been very kind she walked here on Wednesday morning to condole with us and offered her services or any of her daughters if they could be of use to us she had better have stayed at home right Elizabeth perhaps she meant well but under such a misfortune as this one cannot see too little of one's neighbors assistance is impossible condolence insufferable let them triumph over us at a distance and be satisfied Lizzie then proceeded to inquire into the measures which her father had intended to pursue while in town for the recovery of his daughter he meant I believe replied Jane to go to Epsom the place where they last changed horses see the postilians and try if anything could be made out from them his principal object must be to discover the number of the Hackney coach which took them from Clapham it had come with a fair from London and as father thought the circumstance of a gentleman and ladies removing from one carriage into another might be remarked he meant to make inquiries at Clapham if he could anyhow discover at what house the coachman had before set down his fair he determined to make inquiries there and hoped it might not be impossible to find out the stand and number of the coach I do not know of any other designs that he had formed but he was in such a hurry to be gone and his spirits so greatly discomposed that I had difficulty in finding out even so much as this in the next episode even more of Mr. Wickham's vices come to light Mr. Bennett combs the rough streets of London searching for any sign of his runaway daughter as Elizabeth and Jane anxiously await news but even if the fugitive couple can be found will anyone be able to reason with Wickham and protect Lydia's future that's next time on Jane Austin stories pride and prejudice you can listen to the next two episodes of pride and prejudice right now without waiting by subscribing to noiser plus head to www.noiser.com slash subscriptions for more information or click the link in the episode description hi it's Kate thonton from white wine quest and time and i'm thrilled to say we're being sponsored by did you know that boots pharmacists can diagnose, provide advice and treatment on everyday common health concerns i'm talking sinusitis, 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