Pride and Prejudice

Chapter 4

Wickham’s Story

                The next day, Elizabeth discovered the connection between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham. She and her sisters, along with Mr. Collins, had been invited to the Philipses for supper and cards. Mr. Wickham had also been invited. Wickham spoke out, Elizabeth, you might have noticed the very cold manner of my meeting with Mr.Darcy yesterday. We grew up in the same house. Mr. Darcy’s father was a great man the truest friend I ever had. When my own father died, Darcy’s father promised to help me. In his will, he left me a valuable living. But his son made sure it was given to another man. He gives his money quite freely to the poor. And he is a very thoughtful guardian of his sister, he can be kind when he chooses, but his pride is always with him. Just then, their quiet conversation was interrupted by Mr. Collins loud voice, he was saying something about Lady Catherine de Bourge. When Elizabeth smiled at the thought of poor Caroline Bingley. And all of her attentions to Mr.Darcy had been in vain. On the way home, she could think of nothing but what Mr. Wickham had told her.When she told Jane, her sister was upset. Yet Jane could not believe ill of Wickham nor Darcy, she insisted there must have been some mistake. Elizabeth’s dislike of Mr. Darcy grew. Two days later, Mr. Bingley gave a ball at Netherfield they Elizabeth arrived in high spirits.She looked around the room eagerly, hoping to find Mr. Wickham, Instead, Mr. Denny told her that his friend wasn’t coming. While she was talking to Charlotte, Mr.Darcy asked Elizabeth to dance. She was so surprised that she said yes. For some time they danced in silence. Finally, Elizabeth couldn’t resist talking about Mr. Wickham, that they become friends Mr.Darcy. Darcy made no answer. When the dance finished they parted in silence,Elizabeth looked around for Jane, who been dancing with Bingley. Jane was glowing when they met with reading her feelings, Elizabeth was filled with hope for her. But surely he does know the entire story, My opinion of Mr.Darcy and Mr. Wickham is the same. The rest of the evening was not pleasant. When Mr. Collins spoke to Mr. Darcy without being introduced, he made a fool of himself. During supper, Mrs. Bennet spoke long and loudly to Lady Lucas,the subject was Jane and Bingley that they would probably be married soon. When Elizabeth begged her mother to lower her voice, Mrs.Bennet scolded her. Then, Elizabeth’s youngest sister Mary sang for the guests. Mary’s voice was weak and her manner affected. The next day at the Bennets’ house was even more embarrassing, Elizabeth had guessed that Mr. Collins might propose to her and she was correct. After breakfast, he asked to speak to her alone. Mr. Collins was blushing. Almost as soon as I entered this house I singled you out as my future wife, he said, Let me assure you that your lack of fortune will be no obstacle to our happiness. But you are too hasty sir, Elizabeth interrupted. You forget that I have made no answer, please accept my thanks for the compliment you are paying me. I am honored by your offer, but it is quite impossible for me to accept. I know it is usual with young ladies to say no at first, therefore I am not discouraged at all. My dearest cousin, Mr. Collins went on forgive me if I do not believe you. My situation in life is excellent. My connection with Lady Catherine makes my offer a handsome one in spite of your many attractions, a poor girl like you may never get another offer of marriage. Therefore, I believe you mean to make my love stronger by suspense. The situation was impossible, Not knowing what else to do Elizabeth left the room. A few minutes later, she was called to the library, her parents were waiting for her. You have an unhappy choice before you Elizabeth,he said. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins. But  I will never see you again if you do, Mr. Bennet his wife cried out Elizabeth couldn’t help but smile.