Darcy's Trial Read Online Free

of the elopement had spread rapidly around the neighbourhood, and no doubt further afield.
    Although the situation was as hopeless as she had feared, Elizabeth was glad to be back home, where she could take some of the load off Jane. She was also relieved that Mrs Gardiner decided to stay on, with the children, while Mr Gardiner proceeded to London to assist Mr Bennet. Since enquiries at hotels had yielded nothing, Mr Gardiner had written to Colonel Forster in the hope of finding men in the regiment who might know of Wickham’s other associates. Post followed post without further communication bar a letter from Mr Collins, which Jane had permission to open. While Elizabeth had no desire to read this foolish homily from start to finish, a superficial scan revealed one or two choice phrases such as ‘The death of your daughter would have been a blessing by comparison’, and ‘Who will connect themselves with such a family?’—the latter graciously offered by no less a personage than Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
    With nothing learned from Colonel Forster’s enquiries, except for fresh revelations of Wickham’s debts, Mr Bennet elected to return to Longbourn, while Mrs Gardiner, keen to return to her home, met him halfway so that he could return in his own coach. Just two days later, an express from Mr Gardiner brought startlingly good news. Wickham and Lydia had been found, and were shortly to be married. His debts were less than had been feared, and he asked from Mr Bennet only Lydia’s share of the £5000 settled on the sisters, along with a small yearly allowance. On hearing this news Mrs Bennet could hardly contain her joy. Instead Elizabeth, cringing at these effusions, wondered along with her father how much money Mr Gardiner must have secretly contributed in order to bring about this welcome conclusion.

    During the following week, Elizabeth gradually recovered her health and peace of mind, as the disturbing flux of events settled down. Mr Bennet resumed his books, Elizabeth her rambles, and Mrs Bennet continued to fret on when the nuptuals would take place, and whether Mrs Gardiner had followed her recommendations in the matter of Lydia’s wedding clothes.
    Although Elizabeth had told Jane of her visit to Dove Cottage, she was wary of elaborating on her conversations with Bridget, and her hopes for their friendship. She often recalled the scene of their final meeting in the inn, partly with embarrassment that in her distress she had revealed her family’s disgrace to a very recent acquaintance, and partly with gratitude to Bridget for her kindness. However, she worried that after cold deliberation, as well as discussions with her husband, Bridget might have had second thoughts—and so, reluctantly, she decided to let Bridget initiate their correspondence, and was upset that day followed day without any post from the Lakes.
    Meanwhile, a stream of letters from Mr Gardiner kept them up-to-date with plans for Wickham’s career, details of the settlement, and arrangements for the wedding. It was decided that the couple would move to the north of England, where Wickham would take up his commission in the regulars. However, as a signal that the match was accepted by her parents, Lydia and Wickham would visit Longbourn directly after the ceremony, and remain there several days before proceeding north—thus providing Mrs Bennet with some consolation in the opportunity to show off her married daughter in the neighbourhood.
    The day arrived, and by dinner-time the family were reunited. After embracing her mother in a fit of giggles, Lydia was received less warmly by her father and her sisters. Mr Bennet and Mary openly disapproved, Kitty was jealous, while Jane and Elizabeth maintained a stony silence. Wickham simpered and flattered in a manner so repellent to Elizabeth that she sought every excuse to avoid his company. On one occasion however, cornered by Lydia in the conservatory, she politely listened to an account of