キティとメアリー

プライドと偏見 - 第19章

Pride and Prejudice - Chapter 19

エリザベスとダーシーの関係が改善しつつある中、恐ろしい知らせが届く。リディアがウィカムと駆け落ちしたのだ。これは家族全員の評判を台無しにするスキャンダルだ。

Elizabeth spent a delightful day at Pemberley. Darcy was everything that was gracious and kind, and she began to see him in a completely new light.

エリザベスはすべてをダーシーに話し、急いで帰宅する。彼女は、不名誉な家族とは関わりたくないだろうから、ダーシーとの希望はすべて終わったと考える。

He introduced her to his friends, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst and Colonel Fitzwilliam, who were also staying at Pemberley. They were all friendly and welcoming, and Elizabeth felt at ease among them.

During dinner, Elizabeth observed Darcy with his sister. He was gentle and protective, speaking to her with great affection. It was clear that he loved her dearly.

Miss Darcy was sweet and shy, and Elizabeth could see that she adored her brother. The relationship between them was touching.

"They are very close," Colonel Fitzwilliam whispered to Elizabeth. "Darcy has been both father and brother to her since their father died."

Elizabeth was moved by this information. She had thought Darcy proud and arrogant, but here was evidence of his capacity for love and devotion.

After dinner, they took a walk in the gardens. Darcy walked with Elizabeth, and they spoke easily together for the first time.

"I have been thinking about what happened at Hunsford," Darcy said. "I realize now that I was wrong about many things."

"I too have been thinking," Elizabeth replied. "And I realize that I judged you unfairly. I should not have believed Wickham's lies without questioning them."

Darcy looked at her with surprise and hope. "Does this mean that your opinion of me has changed?"

"It has changed," Elizabeth admitted. "I see now that you are a good man, Mr. Darcy. A man of honour and integrity."

Darcy's face lit up with joy. "Then perhaps there is hope for us yet."

But before they could say anything more, Elizabeth received a letter that changed everything. It was from Jane, and it brought terrible news.

Lydia had run off with Wickham.

The letter explained that Lydia and Wickham had eloped, leaving behind a scandal that would destroy the Bennet family's reputation.

Elizabeth was horrified. She had to return home immediately to help deal with the crisis.

As she prepared to leave, Darcy offered to help in any way he could.

"I am so sorry," he said. "If there is anything I can do, please tell me."

Elizabeth thanked him, but she was too upset to think clearly. She could only hope that something could be done to save the family from disgrace.