When the party broke up, Lydia returned with Mrs. Forster to Meryton, from whence they were to set out early the next morning.The separation between her and her family was rather noisy than pathetic.Kitty was the only one who shed tears;but she did weep from vexation and envy.Mrs.Bennet was diffuse in her good wishes for the felicity of her daughter,and impressive in her injunctions that she should not miss the opportunity of enjoying herself as much as possible―advice which there was every reason to believe would be attended to; and in the clamorous happiness of Lydia herself in bidding farewell, the more gentle adieus of her sisters were uttered without being heard.
“Nearly three weeks.”
“How long did you say he was at Rosings?”
“You, who so well know my feeling towards Mr. Darcy, will readily comprehend how sincerely I must rejoice that he is wise enough to assume even the appearance of what is right.His pride, in that direction, may be of service, if not to himself, to many others,for it must only deter him from such foul misconduct as I have suffered by.I only fear that the sort of cautiousness to which you,I imagine,have been alluding,is merely adopted on his visits to his aunt, of whose good opinion and judgement he stands much in awe.His fear of her has always operated,I know,when they were together;and a good deal is to be imputed to his wish of forwarding the match with Miss de Bourgh,which I am certain he has very much at heart.”