Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 448 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 448

JANE AUSTEN

a day later, and written in evident agitation, gave more

important intelligence. It was to this effect:

“Since writing the above, dearest Lizzy, something

has occurred of a most unexpected and serious nature;

but I am afraid of alarming yoube 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 Scotland with one of his officers; to

own the truth, with Wickham! 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 step (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. Our poor mother is sadly

grieved. My father bears it better. How 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. The express

was sent off directly. My dear Lizzy, they must have

passed within ten miles of us. Colonel Forster gives us

440