Chapter 46 263
expectation . Surprise was the least of her feelings on this development . While the contents of the first letter remained in her mind , she was all surprise--all astonishment that Wickham should marry a girl whom it was impossible he could marry for money ; and how Lydia could ever have attached him had appeared incomprehensible . But now it was all too natural . For such an attachment as this she might have sufficient charms ; and though she did not suppose Lydia to be deliberately engaging in an elopement without the intention of marriage , she had no difficulty in believing that neither her virtue nor her understanding would preserve her from falling an easy prey .
She had never perceived , while the regiment was in Hertfordshire , that Lydia had any partiality for him ; but she was convinced that Lydia wanted only encouragement to attach herself to anybody . Sometimes one officer , sometimes another , had been her favourite , as their attentions raised them in her opinion . Her affections had continually been fluctuating but never without an object . The mischief of neglect and mistaken indulgence towards such a girl--oh ! how acutely did she now feel it !
She was wild to be at home--to 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 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