Читать книгу Pride and Prejudice / Гордость и предубеждение - Джейн Остин, Сет Грэм-Смит - Страница 25

Elizabeth was sitting with her mother and sisters, reflecting on what she had heard, when Sir William Lucas himself appeared, sent by his daughter, to announce her engagement to the family.

Elizabeth mentioned her prior knowledge of it from Charlotte herself; and endeavoured to put a stop to the exclamations of her mother and sisters by the earnestness of her congratulations to Sir William.

Mr. Bennet’s emotions were much more tranquil on the occasion. He discovered that Charlotte Lucas, whom he had been used to think tolerably sensible, was as foolish as his wife, and more foolish than his daughter!

Between Elizabeth and Charlotte there was a restraint which kept them mutually silent on the subject; and Elizabeth felt that no real confidence could ever subsist between them again. Her disappointment in Charlotte made her turn to her sister. Bingley had now been gone a week and nothing more was heard of his return.

Jane was in a great distress of Mr. Bingley’s continued absence. Day after day passed away without bringing any news of him.

Even Elizabeth began to fear that his sisters would be successful in keeping him away. The united efforts of his two unfeeling sisters and of his overpowering friend, assisted by the attractions of Miss Darcy and the amusements of London might be too much, she feared, for the strength of his attachment.