Elizabeth was disappointed that she had not received a letter from Jane since arriving in Lambton. But on the third morning, two letters finally arrived. Jane had written the address badly, so one had been delayed.
Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle went for a walk, leaving her to read in peace. The first letter started with normal news, but the second half was written in great agitation.
“Dearest Lizzy, something terrible has happened. Lydia has run away to Scotland with Mr. Wickham! We are all in shock. Our poor mother is crying, and my father is very upset. They left on Saturday night. Please come home as soon as you can.”
Elizabeth was horrified. She quickly opened the second letter, which was even worse.
“My dear sister, I have more bad news. We now fear they are not in Scotland at all. Colonel Forster has followed them to London, but he lost their trail. There is reason to believe that Wickham does not intend to marry Lydia. My father has gone to London to find them. Please, I beg you, bring our uncle home. We need his help and advice.”
"Oh! Where is my uncle?" Elizabeth cried, jumping up. She had to find him immediately. But as she reached the door, it opened, and Mr. Darcy appeared.
He was shocked by her pale face. "I must find Mr. Gardiner!" she exclaimed. "I have no time to lose!"
"What is the matter?" he asked with great concern. "You are not well. Let me send a servant to find them."
Elizabeth was trembling so much that she had to sit down. She burst into tears. Finally, she was able to speak. "I have just had a letter from Jane. My youngest sister has run away with Mr. Wickham. They are in London, and we fear he will not marry her. She is lost forever."
Darcy was silent with astonishment.
"I should have told my family the truth about him!" Elizabeth cried. "If his character had been known, this would not have happened. But it is too late now."
Darcy walked up and down the room, looking gloomy and serious. Elizabeth watched him and felt her heart sink. She believed that he was thinking about the disgrace of her family. Who could love a girl whose sister had run away with a man like Wickham? She realized that now, just when she finally understood her own heart, all hope of being with him was gone.
After a few minutes, Darcy spoke with a voice full of compassion and regret. "I am truly sorry. I wish I could do something to help you. I will keep your secret as long as I can. Please tell your sister that we cannot come to dinner today."
He said goodbye with a serious look and left. Elizabeth felt that they would never see each other again as friends. She sighed, thinking about how her feelings had changed. She used to want to avoid him, but now she wanted him to stay.
Soon, the Gardiners returned. They were shocked by the news and immediately agreed to leave for Longbourn. While they packed, Elizabeth felt a terrible weight of guilt. She blamed herself for Lydia’s mistake and for her father’s neglect.
Within an hour, everything was ready. Mr. Gardiner settled the bill at the inn, and they all got into the carriage. Elizabeth sat in silence as they began the long journey home, her mind full of worry for Jane and the family she had left behind.