Mr. Darcy departs from Rosings the same day he delivers his letter and Elizabeth's stay doesn't last much longer. Jane returns to Longbourn around the same time as Lizzie and is the only person Lizzie tells about the proposal. Shortly after Lizzie's return she is pleased to learn that the militia is leaving so she won't have to endure Mr. Wickham's company any longer which she finds intolerable after learning the truth from Darcy. However, Lizzie is distraught to hear that Lydia has been invited to be Mrs. Forster's particular companion when the militia leaves. Mr. Bennet dismisses Lizzie's concerns and allows Lydia to go. Late in the summer Lizzie accompanies her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner on a trip to enjoy the beauties of Derbyshire. While in the county Lizzie is convinced to visit Pemberly by her aunt and uncle when assured the master is not at home. However, fate is at work and Mr. Darcy is called home a day early and stumbles upon Lizzie and her companions. The next day Darcy brings his sister and Bingley who has just arrived at Pemberly to call on Lizzie. Darcy again calls on Lizzie two days later right after she has received a letter from Jane relating how Lydia has run away with Mr. Wickham and begging them to return immediately. She relays all this to Darcy in her initial shock. Some days after they have returned and Mr. Gardiner has assisted in the search, the couple is discovered and marry after Wickham is properly bribed. The Wickhams come to Longbourn for a visit after their wedding and Lydia lets it slip that Darcy was present at their wedding, but says no more. Lizzie immediately writes to her aunt asking for the whole story.
The latter part of this is section is definitely one of my favorite parts. The meeting at Pemberly is one of my favorite scenes. It is the optimum example of an awkward situation. It was slightly uncomfortable for Lizzie even before Darcy popped in out of nowhere. I really like where she compliments Pemberly and then realizes how it might sound coming from her and blushes. That is just such a timeless happening. Girls throughout the centuries have said something, realized how it might have been taken, and in turn blushed. There is a definite difference in Darcy and this opens Lizzie's eyes to the change in her own feelings. One thing that isn't brought out in the movies and that I had forgotten about is Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner perception of the couple's feelings. These feelings become even more complicated when Darcy becomes aware of the contents of the letter. While that kind of scandal couldn't be kept a secret from society, Darcy knew the intimate details which was embarrassing for Lizzie, especially with her realizing her feelings for him.
I feel so sorry for Lizzie about the whole Lydia situation. She took over a bit of Mrs. Collin's foreshadowing. Mr. Bennet's refusal to do anything to prevent his daughter's wild habits is the reason I lose my respect for him. He is constantly talking about how silly his daughters are, but he doesn't have the backbone to do anything about it. I was glad when Wickham's character is exposed to all. Some may say that he gets off to easy, but I'm sure being married to Lydia is fairly reasonable punishment for all his past sins.
Even though she has such a small role I really like Georgiana. I think it is a pretty name too. She shows the exact opposite of Lizzie's younger sisters. She has a well established place in society, yet she is extremely shy and not at all forward. The youngest Bennet girls have little to no true standing in society, yet they are little besides forward. Georgiana 's shyness and Lizzie's boldness contrast each other well and make them good companions.
It's really sad how depressed Jane still is when she returns to Longbourn. Her sweet temper and all around goodness make seeing her suffer a hard thing for her sister and for us readers to endure. She deserves perfect happiness and it's quite frustrating to see little chance of it at present.
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I don't lose respect for Mr. Bennet because I think he sees that his daughters are going to be like that regardless of what he says. Even though this story is set back in the day which generally means the man is the head of the household, I think Mrs. Bennet dominates and plays the head a little. But I also see where you are coming from, I am just saying. :)
ReplyDeleteI think Mr. Bennet gives in to Lydia because he knows he won't hear the end of it until he does. Poor Mr. Bennet.
ReplyDeleteBut I like how you've pointed out that Georgiana is a foil to Lydia. She really is, and I never thought about that. Austen really offers a foil for every major character in her novel. Maybe that's why there are so many minor characters! ha!