Chapter Seven
Elizabeth returned home after her assignation with Nell to find there had been developments in the family crisis. Lydia had come back in the company of their uncle. He and Mr Bennet were closeted in Mr Bennet’s study for a long time. Then her uncle went away, promising to return soon. Lydia had refused to say a word to either of her parents, certain that there would be no sympathy for her plight. But at last Elizabeth, always ready to sympathise with the sufferings of others (especially if they offered some prospect of intervention on her part), managed to get the girl to unburden herself.
“You must tell me everything, Lydia. Absolutely everything. Hold nothing back, for only if I know the truth can I help ensure that Wickham is punished and justice is done.”
“I will do my
