Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 459 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 459

Pride and Prejudice

She was wild to be at hometo hear, to see, to

be upon the spot to share with Jane in the cares

that must now fall wholly upon her, in a family

so deranged, a father absent, a mother incapable

of exertion, and requiring constant attendance; and

though almost persuaded that nothing could be done

for Lydia, her uncle’s interference seemed of the utmost

importance, and till he entered the room the misery

of her impatience was severe. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner

had hurried back in alarm, supposing by the servant’s

account that their niece was taken suddenly ill; but

satisfying them instantly on that head, she eagerly

communicated the cause of their summons, reading the

two letters aloud, and dwelling on the postscript of the

last with trembling energy. Though Lydia had never

been a favourite with them, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner

could not but be deeply afflicted. Not Lydia only, but all

were concerned in it; and after the first exclamations

of surprise and horror, Mr. Gardiner promised every

assistance in his power. Elizabeth, though expecting

no less, thanked him with tears of gratitude; and all

three being actuated by one spirit, everything relating

to their journey was speedily settled. They were to

be off as soon as possible. “But what is to be done

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