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Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen
Chapter 50
Mr. Bennet had very often wished before this period of his life that, instead of spending his whole income, he had laid by an annual sum for the better provision of his children, and of his wife, if she survived him. He now wished it more than ever. Had he done his duty in that respect, Lydia need not have been indebted to her uncle for whatever of honour or credit could now be purchased for her. The satisfaction of prevailing1 on one of the most worthless young men in Great Britain to be her husband might then have rested in its proper place.
He was seriously concerned that a cause of so little advantage to anyone should be forwarded at the sole expense of his brother-in-law, and he was determined2, if possible, to find out the extent of his assistance, and to discharge the obligation as soon as he could.
When first Mr. Bennet had married, economy was held to be perfectly3 useless, for, of course, they were to have a son. The son was to join in cutting off the entail4, as soon as he should be of age, and the widow and younger children would by that means be provided for. Five daughters successively entered the world, but yet the son was to come; and Mrs. Bennet, for many years after Lydia's birth, had been certain that he would. This event had at last been despaired of, but it was then too late to be saving. Mrs. Bennet had no turn for economy, and her husband's love of independence had alone prevented their exceeding their income.
Five thousand pounds was settled by marriage articles on Mrs. Bennet and the children. But in what proportions it should be divided amongst the latter depended on the will of the parents. This was one point, with regard to Lydia, at least, which was now to be settled, and Mr. Bennet could have no hesitation5 in acceding6 to the proposal before him. In terms of grateful acknowledgment for the kindness of his brother, though expressed most concisely7, he then delivered on paper his perfect approbation8 of all that was done, and his willingness to fulfil the engagements that had been made for him. He had never before supposed that, could Wickham be prevailed on to marry his daughter, it would be done with so little inconvenience to himself as by the present arrangement. He would scarcely be ten pounds a year the loser by the hundred that was to be paid them; for, what with her board and pocket allowance, and the continual presents in money which passed to her through her mother's hands, Lydia's expenses had been very little within that sum.
That it would be done with such trifling9 exertion10 on his side, too, was another very welcome surprise; for his wish at present was to have as little trouble in the business as possible. When the first transports of rage which had produced his activity in seeking her were over, he naturally returned to all his former indolence. His letter was soon dispatched; for, though dilatory11 in undertaking12 business, he was quick in its execution. He begged to know further particulars of what he was indebted to his brother, but was too angry with Lydia to send any message to her.
The good news spread quickly through the house, and with proportionate speed through the neighbourhood. It was borne in the latter with decent philosophy. To be sure, it would have been more for the advantage of conversation had Miss Lydia Bennet come upon the town; or, as the happiest alternative, been secluded13 from the world, in some distant farmhouse14. But there was much to be talked of in marrying her; and the good-natured wishes for her well-doing which had proceeded before from all the spiteful old ladies in Meryton lost but a little of their spirit in this change of circumstances, because with such an husband her misery15 was considered certain.
It was a fortnight since Mrs. Bennet had been downstairs; but on this happy day she again took her seat at the head of her table, and in spirits oppressively high. No sentiment of shame gave a damp to her triumph. The marriage of a daughter, which had been the first object of her wishes since Jane was sixteen, was now on the point of accomplishment16, and her thoughts and her words ran wholly on those attendants of elegant nuptials17, fine muslins, new carriages, and servants. She was busily searching through the neighbourhood for a proper situation for her daughter, and, without knowing or considering what their income might be, rejected many as deficient18 in size and importance.
"Haye Park might do," said she, "if the Gouldings could quit it—or the great house at Stoke, if the drawing-room were larger; but Ashworth is too far off! I could not bear to have her ten miles from me; and as for Pulvis Lodge19, the attics20 are dreadful."
Her husband allowed her to talk on without interruption while the servants remained. But when they had withdrawn21, he said to her: "Mrs. Bennet, before you take any or all of these houses for your son and daughter, let us come to a right understanding. Into one house in this neighbourhood they shall never have admittance. I will not encourage the impudence22 of either, by receiving them at Longbourn."
A long dispute followed this declaration; but Mr. Bennet was firm. It soon led to another; and Mrs. Bennet found, with amazement23 and horror, that her husband would not advance a guinea to buy clothes for his daughter. He protested that she should receive from him no mark of affection whatever on the occasion. Mrs. Bennet could hardly comprehend it. That his anger could be carried to such a point of inconceivable resentment24 as to refuse his daughter a privilege without which her marriage would scarcely seem valid25, exceeded all she could believe possible. She was more alive to the disgrace which her want of new clothes must reflect on her daughter's nuptials, than to any sense of shame at her eloping and living with Wickham a fortnight before they took place.
Elizabeth was now most heartily26 sorry that she had, from the distress27 of the moment, been led to make Mr. Darcy acquainted with their fears for her sister; for since her marriage would so shortly give the proper termination to the elopement, they might hope to conceal28 its unfavourable beginning from all those who were not immediately on the spot.
She had no fear of its spreading farther through his means. There were few people on whose secrecy29 she would have more confidently depended; but, at the same time, there was no one whose knowledge of a sister's frailty30 would have mortified31 her so much—not, however, from any fear of disadvantage from it individually to herself, for, at any rate, there seemed a gulf32 impassable between them. Had Lydia's marriage been concluded on the most honourable33 terms, it was not to be supposed that Mr. Darcy would connect himself with a family where, to every other objection, would now be added an alliance and relationship of the nearest kind with a man whom he so justly scorned.
From such a connection she could not wonder that he would shrink. The wish of procuring34 her regard, which she had assured herself of his feeling in Derbyshire, could not in rational expectation survive such a blow as this. She was humbled35, she was grieved; she repented36, though she hardly knew of what. She became jealous of his esteem37, when she could no longer hope to be benefited by it. She wanted to hear of him, when there seemed the least chance of gaining intelligence. She was convinced that she could have been happy with him, when it was no longer likely they should meet.
What a triumph for him, as she often thought, could he know that the proposals which she had proudly spurned38 only four months ago, would now have been most gladly and gratefully received! He was as generous, she doubted not, as the most generous of his sex; but while he was mortal, there must be a triumph.
She began now to comprehend that he was exactly the man who, in disposition39 and talents, would most suit her. His understanding and temper, though unlike her own, would have answered all her wishes. It was an union that must have been to the advantage of both; by her ease and liveliness, his mind might have been softened40, his manners improved; and from his judgement, information, and knowledge of the world, she must have received benefit of greater importance.
But no such happy marriage could now teach the admiring multitude what connubial41 felicity really was. An union of a different tendency, and precluding42 the possibility of the other, was soon to be formed in their family.
How Wickham and Lydia were to be supported in tolerable independence, she could not imagine. But how little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue43, she could easily conjecture44.
* * *
Mr. Gardiner soon wrote again to his brother. To Mr. Bennet's acknowledgments he briefly45 replied, with assurance of his eagerness to promote the welfare of any of his family; and concluded with entreaties46 that the subject might never be mentioned to him again. The principal purport47 of his letter was to inform them that Mr. Wickham had resolved on quitting the militia48.
"It was greatly my wish that he should do so," he added, "as soon as his marriage was fixed49 on. And I think you will agree with me, in considering the removal from that corps50 as highly advisable, both on his account and my niece's. It is Mr. Wickham's intention to go into the regulars; and among his former friends, there are still some who are able and willing to assist him in the army. He has the promise of an ensigncy in General ——'s regiment51, now quartered in the North. It is an advantage to have it so far from this part of the kingdom. He promises fairly; and I hope among different people, where they may each have a character to preserve, they will both be more prudent52. I have written to Colonel Forster, to inform him of our present arrangements, and to request that he will satisfy the various creditors53 of Mr. Wickham in and near Brighton, with assurances of speedy payment, for which I have pledged myself. And will you give yourself the trouble of carrying similar assurances to his creditors in Meryton, of whom I shall subjoin a list according to his information? He has given in all his debts; I hope at least he has not deceived us. Haggerston has our directions, and all will be completed in a week. They will then join his regiment, unless they are first invited to Longbourn; and I understand from Mrs. Gardiner, that my niece is very desirous of seeing you all before she leaves the South. She is well, and begs to be dutifully remembered to you and your mother.—Yours, etc.,
"E. GARDINER."
Mr. Bennet and his daughters saw all the advantages of Wickham's removal from the ——shire as clearly as Mr. Gardiner could do. But Mrs. Bennet was not so well pleased with it. Lydia's being settled in the North, just when she had expected most pleasure and pride in her company, for she had by no means given up her plan of their residing in Hertfordshire, was a severe disappointment; and, besides, it was such a pity that Lydia should be taken from a regiment where she was acquainted with everybody, and had so many favourites.
"She is so fond of Mrs. Forster," said she, "it will be quite shocking to send her away! And there are several of the young men, too, that she likes very much. The officers may not be so pleasant in General ——'s regiment."
His daughter's request, for such it might be considered, of being admitted into her family again before she set off for the North, received at first an absolute negative. But Jane and Elizabeth, who agreed in wishing, for the sake of their sister's feelings and consequence, that she should be noticed on her marriage by her parents, urged him so earnestly yet so rationally and so mildly, to receive her and her husband at Longbourn, as soon as they were married, that he was prevailed on to think as they thought, and act as they wished. And their mother had the satisfaction of knowing that she would be able to show her married daughter in the neighbourhood before she was banished54 to the North. When Mr. Bennet wrote again to his brother, therefore, he sent his permission for them to come; and it was settled, that as soon as the ceremony was over, they should proceed to Longbourn. Elizabeth was surprised, however, that Wickham should consent to such a scheme, and had she consulted only her own inclination55, any meeting with him would have been the last object of her wishes.
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1
prevailing
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| adj.盛行的；占优势的；主要的 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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entail
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| vt.使承担，使成为必要，需要 | |
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5
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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6
acceding
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| v.（正式）加入( accede的现在分词 )；答应；（通过财产的添附而）增加；开始任职 | |
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7
concisely
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| adv.简明地 | |
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8
approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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9
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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10
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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dilatory
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| adj.迟缓的，不慌不忙的 | |
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12
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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13
secluded
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| adj.与世隔绝的；隐退的；偏僻的v.使隔开，使隐退( seclude的过去式和过去分词) | |
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14
farmhouse
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| n.农场住宅（尤指主要住房） | |
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15
misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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16
accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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17
nuptials
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| n.婚礼；婚礼( nuptial的名词复数 ) | |
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18
deficient
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| adj.不足的，不充份的，有缺陷的 | |
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19
lodge
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| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
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20
attics
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| n. 阁楼 | |
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21
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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22
impudence
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| n.厚颜无耻；冒失；无礼 | |
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23
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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24
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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25
valid
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| adj.有确实根据的；有效的；正当的，合法的 | |
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26
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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27
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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28
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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29
secrecy
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| n.秘密，保密，隐蔽 | |
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30
frailty
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| n.脆弱；意志薄弱 | |
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31
mortified
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| v.使受辱( mortify的过去式和过去分词 )；伤害（人的感情）；克制；抑制（肉体、情感等） | |
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32
gulf
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| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
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33
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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34
procuring
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的现在分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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35
humbled
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| adj. 卑下的，谦逊的，粗陋的 vt. 使 ... 卑下，贬低 | |
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36
repented
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| 对（自己的所为）感到懊悔或忏悔( repent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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37
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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38
spurned
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| v.一脚踢开，拒绝接受( spurn的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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39
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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40
softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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41
connubial
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| adj.婚姻的，夫妇的 | |
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42
precluding
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| v.阻止( preclude的现在分词 )；排除；妨碍；使…行不通 | |
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43
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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44
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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45
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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46
entreaties
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| n.恳求，乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
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47
purport
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| n.意义，要旨，大要；v.意味著，做为...要旨，要领是... | |
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48
militia
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| n.民兵，民兵组织 | |
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49
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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50
corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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51
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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52
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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53
creditors
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| n.债权人，债主( creditor的名词复数 ) | |
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54
banished
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| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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55
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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