Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 631 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 631

Pride and Prejudice

The joy which Miss Darcy expressed on receiving

similar information, was as sincere as her brother’s

in sending it. Four sides of paper were insufficient to

contain all her delight, and all her earnest desire of

being loved by her sister.

Before any answer could arrive from Mr. Collins,

or any congratulations to Elizabeth from his wife, the

Longbourn family heard that the Collinses were come

themselves to Lucas Lodge. The reason of this sudden

removal was soon evident. Lady Catherine had been

rendered so exceedingly angry by the contents of her

nephew’s letter, that Charlotte, really rejoicing in the

match, was anxious to get away till the storm was

blown over. At such a moment, the arrival of her

friend was a sincere pleasure to Elizabeth, though in

the course of their meetings she must sometimes think

the pleasure dearly bought, when she saw Mr. Darcy

exposed to all the parading and obsequious civility

of her husband. He bore it, however, with admirable

calmness. He could even listen to Sir William Lucas,

when he complimented him on carrying away the

brightest jewel of the country, and expressed his hopes

of their all meeting frequently at St. James’s, with very

decent composure. If he did shrug his shoulders, it was

not till Sir William was out of sight.

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