Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 398 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 398

JANE AUSTEN

and substitute a more contracted tour, and, according

to the present plan, were to go no farther northwards

than Derbyshire. In that county there was enough to be

seen to occupy the chief of their three weeks; and to

Mrs. Gardiner it had a peculiarly strong attraction. The

town where she had formerly passed some years of her

life, and where they were now to spend a few days, was

probably as great an object of her curiosity as all the

celebrated beauties of Matlock, Chatsworth, Dovedale,

or the Peak.

Elizabeth was excessively disappointed; she had set

her heart on seeing the Lakes, and still thought there

might have been time enough. But it was her business

to be satisfiedand certainly her temper to be happy;

and all was soon right again.

With the mention of Derbyshire there were many

ideas connected. It was impossible for her to see the

word without thinking of Pemberley and its owner.

“But surely,” said she, “I may enter his county with

impunity, and rob it of a few petrified spars without his

perceiving me.”

The period of expectation was now doubled. Four

weeks were to pass away before her uncle and

aunt’s arrival. But they did pass away, and Mr. and

390