It is a relation which you tell me is to give you great surprise; I

hope at least it will not afford you any displeasure. Lydia came to

us, and Wickham had constant admission to the house. He was

exactly what he had been when I knew him in Hertfordshire; but I

would not tell you how little I was satisfied with her behaviour

while she stayed with us, if I had not perceived, by Jane’s letter

last Wednesday, that her conduct on coming home was exactly of a

piece with it, and therefore what I now tell you can give you no

fresh pain. I talked to her repeatedly in the most serious manner,

representing to her the wickedness of what she had done, and all

the unhappiness she had brought on her family. If she heard me, it

was by good luck, for I am sure she did not listen. I was sometimes

quite provoked; but then I recollected my dear Elizabeth and Jane,

and for their sakes had patience with her. Mr. Darcy was punctual

in his return, and, as Lydia imformed you, attended the wedding. He

dined with us the next day, and was to leave town again on

Wednesday or Thursday. Will you be very angry with me, my dear{399}

Lizzy, if I take this opportunity of saying (what I was never bold

enough to say before) how much I like him? His behaviour to us has,

in every respect, been as pleasing as when we were in Derbyshire.

His understanding and opinions all please me; he wants nothing but

a little more liveliness, and that, if he marry prudently, his

wife may teach him. I thought him very sly; he hardly ever

mentioned your name. But slyness seems the fashion. Pray forgive

me, if I have been very presuming, or at least do not punish me so

far as to exclude me from P. I shall never be quite happy till I

have been all round the park. A low phaeton with a nice little pair

of ponies would be the very thing. But I must write no more. The

children have been wanting me this half hour.


“Yours, very sincerely,

“M. Gardiner.”