Pride and Prejudice

Chapter 10

A Family Scandal

                While Elizabeth had been waiting impatiently for a letter from Jane. Finally, two letters arrived on the same day, while her aunt and uncle were out, Elizabeth opened the first one. Dearest Lizzy: Something very serious has happened. Please don’t be alarmed we are all well...

And the next letter : Dearest Lizzy: I hardly know what to write. We’re not certain that Lydia and Wickham have been married at all! A friend of Wickham’s has confessed to Colonel Forster that Wickham had no intention of marrying her...

I have had some dreadful news from home,she said before bursting into tears, for a few minutes she couldn’t speak. Finally, she went on This news cannot be kept secret from anyone. My father has gone to London,she said. Jane has written to ask our uncle’s help. But I have no hope. Darcy hardly seemed to hear her. He walked up and down the room, a gloomy expression was on his face, now Elizabeth understood her own feelings. Soon after Darcy said goodbye, her aunt and uncle returned, trembling, Elizabeth read them the letters, her uncle quickly offered to help. An hour later, they were seated in the carriage, headed toward the Bennets’ house, as they rode, Elizabeth’s thoughts turned to Lydia again and again. ometimes one officer,sometimes another had been her favorite. It seemed that poor Lydia was eager to attach herself to anybody, arriving at home Elizabeth found her mother in bed, Mrs. Bennet greeted them with noisy tears. I cannot rest by night or day, and now Mr. Bennet’s gone away I know that he will fight Wickham. If he’s killed,what will become of us? Everyone tried to calm her down Mr.Gardiner assured her that he would travel to London the very next day. The letter Jane showed Elizabeth the letter Lydia had written to Mrs. Forster. It read : You’ll laugh tomorrow when you know where I’ve gone. I cannot help laughing myself to imagine your surprise tomorrow morning...

They waited anxiously for a letter from Mr. Bennet, Instead, a letter addressed to him arrived from Mr. Collins, Jane had received directions to open all of her fathers mail. The letter talk about : I feel I must comfort your family during this sad time. Your distress must be of the worst kind for time will not heal it! Indeed, the death of your daughter would...

The next letter they received was from Mr.Gardiner, he told them Wickham had left Brighton because of his many gambling debts. Mr.Gardiner then added that Lydia’s father had become discouraged in his search, he did be arriving home soon. Mr. Bennet was in a dark mood when he returned home. Elizabeth tried to comfort him, but he said, For once in my life, Lizzy,let me feel how much I’m to blame,but I’m not afraid of being overpowered with my guilt, it will pass away soon enough.