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Not Lydia only , but all were concerned in it ; and after the first exclamations of surprise and horror , Mr . Gardiner readily promised every assistance in his power . Elizabeth , though expecting no less , thanked him with tears of gratitude ; and all three being actuated by one spirit , everything relating to their journey was speedily settled . They were to be off as soon as possible . “ But what is to be done about Pemberley ? ” cried Mrs . Gardiner . “ John told us Mr . Darcy was here when you sent for us ; — was it so ? ” “ Yes ; and I told him we should not be able to keep our engagement . That is all settled . ” “ What is all settled ? ” repeated the other , as she ran into her room to prepare . “ And are they upon such terms as for her to disclose the real truth ? Oh , that I knew how it was ! ” But wishes were vain ; or , at best , could serve only to amuse her in the hurry and confusion of the following hour . Had Elizabeth been at leisure to be idle , she would have remained certain that all employment was impossible to one so wretched as herself ; but she had her share of business as well as her aunt , and amongst the rest there were notes to be written to all their friends at Lambton , with false excuses for their sudden departure . An hour , however , saw the whole completed ; and Mr . Gardiner , meanwhile , having settled his account at the inn , nothing remained to be done but to go ; and Elizabeth , after all the misery of the morning , found herself , in a shorter space of time than she could have supposed , seated in the carriage , and on the road to Longbourn . CHAPTER XLVII . “ I HAVE been thinking it over again , Elizabeth , ” said her uncle , as they drove from the town ; “ and really , upon serious consideration , I am much more inclined than I was to judge as your eldest sister does of the matter . It appears to me so very unlikely that any young man should form such a design against a girl who is by no means unprotected or friendless , and who was actually staying in his Colonel’s family , that I am strongly inclined to hope the best . Could he expect that her friends would not step forward ? Could he expect to be noticed again by the regiment , after such an affront to Colonel Forster ? His temptation is not adequate to the risk . ” “ Do you really think so ? ” cried Elizabeth , brightening up for a moment . “ Upon my word , ” said Mrs . Gardiner , “ I begin to be of your uncle’s opinion . It is really too great a violation of decency , honour , and interest , for him to be guilty of it . I cannot think so very ill of Wickham . Can you , yourself , Lizzie , so wholly give him up , as to believe him capable of it ? ” “ Not perhaps of neglecting his own interest . But of every other neglect I can believe him capable . If , indeed , it should be so ! But I dare not hope it . Why should they not go on to Scotland , if that had been the case ? ”
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