Chapter 7 of Pride and Prejudice.
Mr. bonet's property mainly includes a property worth 2000 pounds a year, but unfortunately, due to the lack of male heirs, this property will not be inherited by ladies, but only by a distant relative. Their mother's property, although more than enough for the present life, is in excess of demand. Her father was a lawyer in Meryton. When he died, he left her four thousand pounds.
She has a sister who married Mr. Philip, who used to be an employee of her father and later had a successful career. Another brother settled in London and engaged in enviable business.
Longbourn is only a mile from Meryton. This is the most convenient way for these young ladies who are often attracted by dense forests or visit their aunts and hat shops four times a week. The two youngest girls, Catherine and Liu Ye, often hang out here. Compared with their sisters, they have no idea. When there is nothing to do, a trip to Meryton is enough to kill the morning time and add fun to the evening conversation. No matter how boring the news about this town is, they can always get something new from their aunt. At present, they are very excited to learn that an army has recently returned to the town. In other words, Meryton is the base camp of the army this winter.
When they went to Phillips' house, it was also the most rewarding and interesting time. Every day, they always know the names of some new officers and their relationship. Their residence was no longer a secret, and finally they began to understand the officers themselves. Mr. Philip visited all of them and made his nieces feel a kind of happiness that they had never experienced before. They only talk about things in the army. At this time, compared with the flag of the army, Mr. Bingley's huge property is no longer important.
One morning, after listening to what they have seen and heard these days endlessly, their father watched calmly.
"Judging from your words and deeds just now, you are definitely the two most stupid girls in town. I used to doubt this, but now I am convinced. "
Catherine suddenly felt uneasy and didn't answer. But Liu Ye went on talking about her admiration for Captain Carter, as if she hadn't heard him, and said that she hoped to meet him one day, because he was going to London the next morning.
"Honey, I feel very strange," said their mother. "Don't you think your child is so stupid? If I want to despise anyone's children, it should not be my own children. "
"If my child is slow, I never want to be ignorant."
"Yes, but they are actually very smart."
"This is just one aspect that we didn't reach * * *. Once, I hoped that we could have a heart-to-heart talk everywhere, but when considering whether our children are smart, your opinion is really far from you. "
"My dear bonet, you don't want your daughters to feel the same way as their parents. When they reach our age, I dare say they will not consider officers at all. I remember I used to like a red coat. Actually, I really like it. If a clever, young colonel with an annual income of five or six thousand pounds really wants to marry our young lady, I won't refuse. And I think Colonel Foster will definitely become a talent like Mr. William. "
"Mom!" Lydia cried, "menstruation said that when Colonel Foster and Captain Carter first met, they didn't often go to Miss Watson's house. Now it seems that Miss Watson often stays in Clark's study. "
Mrs bonet wanted to say something, but a letter from Miss Bingley interrupted her. The servant who delivered the letter said that he would wait for a reply here. Mrs bonet's eyes sparkled with excitement. When her daughter read the letter, she cried excitedly.
"Jane, who wrote this letter? What did the letter say? What did Mr Bingley say? Jane, read quickly and let us know. Hurry up, dear. "
My dear friend:
If you don't want to come to my dinner with Louisa tonight, Louisa and I will never make up again, because we have been arguing all day. Please come as soon as you receive this letter. My brother and gentlemen are having dinner with the officers.
Caroline Bentley
"And officers!" Lidia cried. "I feel very strange that my aunt didn't tell us about it." "Go out for dinner?" Mrs. bonet said, "This is not a good idea."
"Can I go by carriage?" Jane asked.
"No, honey, you'd better ride there, because it looks like it's going to rain soon, and then you can spend the night there."
"This is a good plan," said Elizabeth. "If you're really sure they won't send her home."
"How come! These gentlemen are going to Meryton in Mr. Bingley's carriage tomorrow, and Mr. Hurst doesn't want their horses. "
"I'd better go by carriage."
"But, my dear, your father can't take the carriage tomorrow. They are going to the farm, aren't they? "
"They often go to the farm by carriage, and there are more opportunities than me."
"But if you use a carriage today," said Elizabeth, "that's just as mother wishes."
Finally, Jane didn't go out in a carriage, but had to ride a horse. Her mother left her at the door and said many words of encouragement. Her wish has come true. Soon after Jane went out, it began to rain. Her sisters are always worried about her, but their mother is very satisfied. It rained heavily all night. Jane finally spent the night there.
"My idea is simply wonderful!" Mrs bonet praised herself more than once, as if all the credit for the rain was hers. Until the next morning, she was completely unaware of the happiness brought by her coup. At the end of breakfast, a servant from Netherfield sent a letter to Miss Elizabeth:
My dear Liz:
I feel very sick this morning. I guess it was because I got wet last night. Thanks to the concern of my good friends here, let me wait until I feel better. They insist that I visit Mr Jones-so don't be surprised if you hear that Mr Jones will visit me. Apart from a sore throat and a headache, I'm fine at the moment.
? Your friend
"My God!" When Elizabeth read the letter, Mr. bonet sighed, "If your daughter is suffering from illness, if she may die, maybe pursuing Mr. Bingley will make her feel more comfortable, and it is under your arrangement."
"oh! I am not afraid of her death at all. People don't die from a little cold. She will be taken good care of. As long as she stays there, everything will be fine. If I had a carriage, I would go to see her at once. "
At this time, Elizabeth was particularly worried and anxious. Although there was no carriage, she decided to visit her. But because she is not a rider, walking is her only choice. She spoke out her solution.
"How can you be so stupid?" Her mother screamed, "I am covered in mud to visit my friends!" " They won't receive you when you get there. "
"I think I'll be introduced to Jane, and that's what I want to do."
"Are you implying me? Liz? " Father said, "Let me send someone to get a horse?"
"Really don't have to. I really want to try this hiking trip. When a person is motivated, the distance is not important, as long as three miles. I'll be back at dinner. "
"I admire your kindness." Mary said, "But there should be a reason behind every impulse. In my opinion, effort and demand should be in direct proportion."
"We are going to Meryton with you." Catherine and Lydia said. Elizabeth accepted their peers and the other three sisters followed suit.
"If we hurry," Lidia said as he walked, "maybe we can meet before Captain Carter leaves."
They parted at Meryton, and Catherine and Lydia were placed in the home of an officer's wife. Elizabeth continued her journey, trotting across fields and tirelessly across streams and ponds. Finally, I saw the house. At this time, there were wet and muddy socks at her ankles, and a red face after exercise.
Immediately, she was taken into the breakfast room. Everyone was there except Jane, and her appearance caused a great surprise. It is inconceivable to Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley that a person can get here so early after walking three miles in such bad weather. Elizabeth knew they looked down on her, but she was received very politely. In a sense, their brother's behavior is more comfortable, humorous and full of goodwill than this courtesy. Mr Darcy said nothing, and neither did Mr Hurst. Darcy is influenced by two thoughts. On the one hand, he envies her radiant face after exercise. On the other hand, he doubts whether it is fair for him to attend this occasion alone. Mr. Hurst is just thinking about his breakfast.
The request to visit my sister is not such a coincidence. Jane has fallen asleep. Although she is awake, she is too weak to leave the room. Elizabeth was very happy to be taken into her sister's room. Jane-in the letter, she fully expressed all her fears, inconveniences and expectations for her sister's arrival. She was very happy when she came in. On the other hand, Elizabeth is not. When Miss Bingley left the room and left them together, she could not express her gratitude for the friendly treatment she received at this moment. Elizabeth just looked at her calmly.
After breakfast, they were surrounded by sisters. When she saw their love and concern for Jane, she began to approach them. Then the doctor came and examined the patient, saying that Jane had a bad cold and suggested staying in bed and keeping the room dry. Therefore, everyone immediately began to take action to prevent Jane's symptoms from getting worse and getting a headache again. Elizabeth never left the room, nor did the other sisters. The gentlemen are all gone. In fact, they can't help.
When the clock struck three, Elizabeth felt that she had to leave. She reluctantly said goodbye to her sister. Miss Bingley provided her with a carriage, but time was short and she had to accept it. When Jane asked Elizabeth to sneak down and live in Netherfield, she politely refused because she didn't want to be separated from her sister. Then a servant accompanied her, escorted her home safely and brought some clothes.
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