Elizabeth's spirits were so much improved by the occupation of her thoughts, and the consequent absence of all lighter impressions, that they rose to a degree of cheerfulness which surprised herself. She was at Pemberley, her mind quite at ease from the concerns of Lydia, and with the assurance of the amiable Mr. Darcy's regard, she felt a happiness which she had not been mistaken in expecting, and which was all the more welcome from its unexpectedness.
She had not been many minutes in the drawing-room when she was roused from her reverie by the sound of a carriage. It was Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet, who had arrived in consequence of a letter from Longbourn, which the latter had received that morning, and which communicated some very unpleasant news. It was not of the description which Elizabeth had been accustomed to dread, but of a more domestic and less alarming nature, yet it had been sufficient to bring her father and uncle to Netherfield.
Elizabeth felt at once that they must have some fresh intelligence, and though she was tolerably sure it could not be of any great consequence, she was eager to hear it. Her father’s countenance, however, was so dismal that she began to suspect it was something of importance. His countenance was not the only thing which surprised her; for his attire, which was that of a country gentleman, was not more remarkable than the agitation of his manner.
“I am delighted to see you,” she said to her father. “But what has brought you here? You have not been to Netherfield for a great many years.”
“It is true,” replied her father, “that I have not had the pleasure of seeing you for a great many years; but I have been so unfortunate as to have had a letter from Longbourn this morning, which has brought me here. And as I have no doubt that you are curious to know what it is, I will tell you without further preamble.”
He then proceeded to explain the contents of the letter, which, he said, had been written by his wife, and which conveyed the intelligence that Jane had at last consented to be married to Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth, to her surprise, found that her father had had the satisfaction of assuring her that her proposal had been favourably received.
“I am very glad to hear it,” said Elizabeth, “and I hope that it will be followed by many other happy events.”
“I am very glad to hear it too,” replied her father; “for I have no doubt that it will be followed by many other happy events.”
Elizabeth, however, could not help feeling that there was a great deal of truth in what her father had said. For she had no doubt that it would be followed by many other happy events.
They had not been long together when Mr. Darcy entered the room. His countenance was so altered by the change of circumstances that Elizabeth could hardly recognise him. His usual reserve was gone, and he was entirely at his ease. He was so altered that Elizabeth could hardly recognise him.
“I am very glad to see you,” said Elizabeth. “I hope that you are well.”
“I am very glad to see you too,” replied Mr. Darcy. “I hope that you are well.”
“I am very glad to hear it,” said Elizabeth. “I hope that it will be followed by many other happy events.”
“I am very glad to hear it too,” replied Mr. Darcy. “For I have no doubt that it will be followed by many other happy events.”
Elizabeth, however, could not help feeling that there was a great deal of truth in what Mr. Darcy had said. For she had no doubt that it would be followed by many other happy events.