Pride and Prejudice

On the third morning, Elizabeth receives two letters from Jane. In the first, Jane writes that an urgent message arrived from Colonel Forster informing them that Lydia and Wickham ran off together to Scotland, where many young English people eloped in order to escape the stricter marriage laws of England. Jane hopes for the best, writing that Wickham must not be after money because Lydia’s family isn’t wealthy.

The second letter reveals that they now believe Lydia and Wickham did not go to Scotland. Colonel Forster has traced them to London. Jane writes that as unfortunate a marriage as it would be, they “are now anxious to be assured it has taken place” (255), for the shame of the couple living together out of wedlock would be worse. Jane thinks Lydia and Wickham might still be married, but Colonel Forster warns Wickham “[is] not a man to be trusted” (256). Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are devastated and angry with Kitty for hiding Lydia and Wickham’s plans. Jane asks Elizabeth and the Gardiners to return to Longbourn. Mr. Bennet, she writes, is going to London.

Just as Elizabeth finishes reading, Darcy arrives. Unable to hide her distress, she tells him she must find Mr.