第143章[第3页/共5页]

With the Gardiners, they were always on the most intimate terms. Darcy, as well as Elizabeth, really loved them; and they were both ever sensible of the warmest gratitude towards the persons who, by bringing her into Derbyshire, had been the means of uniting them.

“My Dear Lizzy,

“I wish you joy. If you love Mr. Darcy half as well as I do my dear Wickham,you must be very happy.It is a great comfort to have you so rich,and when you have nothing else to do,I hope you will think of us. I am sure Wickham would like a place at court very much,and I do not think we shall have quite money enough to live upon without some help.Any place would do,of about three or four hundred a year;but however,do not speak to Mr.Darcy about it,if you had rather not.

Lady Catherine was extremely indignant on the marriage of her nephew; and as she gave way to all the genuine frankness of her character in her reply to the letter which announced its arrangement, she sent him language so very abusive, especially of Elizabeth, that for some time all intercourse was at an end. But at length,by Elizabeth's persuasion,he was prevailed on to overlook the offence,and seek a reconciliation;and,after a little further resistance on the part of his aunt, her resentment gave way,either to her affection for him,or her curiosity to see how his wife conducted herself; and she condescended to wait on them at Pemberley,in spite of that pollution which its woods had received,not merely from the presence of such a mistress,but the visits of her uncle and aunt from the city.