“Mr.Darcy was punctual in his return,and as Lydia informed you, attended the wedding. He dined with us the next day, and was to leave town again on Wednesday or Thursday.Will you be very angry with me,my dear Lizzy,if I take this opportunity of saying (what I was never bold enough to say before) how much I like him. His behaviour to us has, in every respect, been as pleasing as when we were in Derbyshire. His understanding and opinions all please me; he wants nothing but a little more liveliness,and that,if he marry prudently,his wife may teach him. I thought him very sly;―he hardly ever mentioned your name. But slyness seems the fashion.
“I believe I have now told you every thing.It is a relation which you tell me is to give you great surprise;I hope at least it will not afford you any displeasure.Lydia came to us;and Wickham had constant admission to the house. He was exactly what he had been,when I knew him in Hertfordshire;but I would not tell you how little I was satisfied with her behaviour while she stayed with us,if I had not perceived,by Jane's letter last Wednesday, that her conduct on coming home was exactly of a piece with it, and therefore what I now tell you can give you no fresh pain. I talked to her repeatedly in the most serious manner,representing to her all the wickedness of what she had done, and all the unhappiness she had brought on her family.If she heard me, it was by good luck, for I am sure she did not listen. I was sometimes quite provoked, but then I recollected my dear Elizabeth and Jane,and for their sakes had patience with her.