{{prxprp208.jpg}} || 208 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

be prevented by business from setting out till a fortnight later in

July, and must be in London again within a month; and as that

left too short a period for them to go so far, and see so much as

they had proposed, or at least to see it with the leisure and comfort

they had built on, they were obliged to give up the Lakes, and

substitute a more contracted tour; and, according to the present

plan, were to go no farther northward than Derbyshire. In that

county there was enough to be seen to occupy the chief of their

three weeks; and to Mrs. Gardiner it had a peculiarly strong

attraction. The town where she had formerly passed some years

of her life, and where they were now to spend a few days, was

probably as great an object of her curiosity, as all the celebrated

beauties of Matlock, Chatsworth, Dovedale, or the Peak.

Elizabeth was excessively disappointed; she had set her heart

on seeing the Lakes, and still thought there might have been

time enough. But it was her business to be satisfied -- and

certainly her temper to be happy; and all was soon right

again.

With the mention of Derbyshire, there were many ideas con'

nected. It was impossible for her to see the word without thinking

of Pemberley and its owner. 'But surely,' said she, 'I may enter

his county with impunity, and rob it of a few petrified spars

without his perceiving me.'

The period of expectation was now doubled. Four weeks

were to pass away before her uncle and aunt's arrival. But they

did pass away, and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, with their four

children, did at length appear at Longbourn. The children,

two girls of six and eight years old, and two younger boys, were

to be left under the particular care of their cousin Jane, who was

the general favourite, and whose steady sense and sweetness of

temper exactly adapted her for attending to them in every way-

teaching them, playing with them, and loving them.

The Gardiners stayed only one night at Longbourn, and set

off the next morning with Elizabeth in pursuit of novelty and

amusement. One enjoyment was certain -- that of suitableness as

companions; a suitableness which comprehended health and

temper to bear inconveniences -- cheerfulness to enhance every

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