A significant stroll

I could not be happier to know that Mr.Darcy's feelings for me have not vanished! As we took a walk in the garden today, I decided to be courageous and discuss my gratitude for him concerning the matter with Lydia; we continued to talk, and he asked me once again if my feelings towards him were the same as they were last April. I could not deny the fact that his improved character has made a strong impression on me and that my feelings for him are tremendous, and I was glad to finally reveal this to him. He added that Lady Catherine did find him in London and told him what had passed between her and I, which made him hope that I had had a change of heart. However, despite what joy this walk with Mr. Darcy has brought me, I fear that my family will not be understanding to my feelings for him and will attempt to persuade me against my desires. 

Unexpected visitor to Longbourn

Early this morning, my family and I saw a carriage approaching through the window, and we were perplexed as to who could be visiting at such an hour; additionally, the carriage was quite unfamiliar. However, Lady Catherine soon stepped through the door, and I do not think I have ever been more surprised in my entire life. She was no less arrogant and rude than the last time I saw her, and she asked me to take a walk with her in the lawn; I wondered what she had to say that was urgent enough for her to travel all the way to Longbourn. Lady Catherine began asking me about Mr. Darcy and if I was to be engaged to him very soon, pointing out aspects of my character and my life which would prove to be detrimental to our marriage; I could be civil with her no longer. I refused to promise her that I would not marry Mr. Darcy, and I made it clear that her opinions and the opinions of those who are not a significant part of my life do not matter; I just worry that her schemes to convince Mr. Darcy against marrying me will be more successful. 

Complete joy for Jane

I knew that Bingley's love for Jane had not diminished since he last saw her! Jane could not even contain her excitement as she was informing me of their engagement, and I sincerely congragulated her because I knew that being Mrs. Bingley is exactly what she yearned for. It also brings a smile to my face to know that Jane will no longer have any sorrow towards the matter, and hopefully Mr. Bingley can explain to Jane what had prevented their engagement in the beginning. Mr. Bingley is truly a good-natured, kind man, and I would not wish for any one else to be the companion of my sister; they will be happily married, and their affection for each other will only continue to grow. However, my mother is the most delighted person of all, and I am glad that she is able to witness her greatest dream in action. 

My mother's pathetic schemes

Unfortunately, Mr. Darcy has left for London and will not return for ten days, but Mr. Bingley has continued to come to Longbourn to visit my family and dine with us. Although Jane and Bingley have only been in contact again for a few days now, my mother insists that they will be married and is trying everything in her power to ensure of its happening. She has thought of excuses to get Kitty and I out of the room when Jane and Bingley are conversing with one another multiple times today, and I cannot help but laugh at how pathetic my mother looks because her purpose is extremely obvious. Kitty must not have understood quite as well what my mother's plot was, for she asked her why she was winking at her so many times, but Jane nor I had any doubt of it; however, Jane was afraid to be alone with Bingley. I tried to ignore my mother as much as possible so I could stay with my beloved sister, but I eventually had to succumb to my mother's desires.  

A visit from the newlyweds

Jane and I were eager for the Wickhams' carriage to arrive to Longbourn, but my mother was most impatient; my father acted as if their visit was nothing out of the ordinary. However, I was not excited because I hadn't seen Lydia in months; I was excited because I would be able to witness whether their affection for one another was true and evident in their behavior. My mother greeted them warmly, and Wickham portrayed himself as noble as ever, yet I was not fond that he continued to try to converse with me about his acquaintances in the neighborhood. Lydia informed my sisters and I of the details of the wedding, and it was obvious that she felt no regret whatsoever for her elopement and departure from Brighton. Nevertheless, I was pleased to confirm my previous thoughts; Lydia had much more affection for Wickham than he had for her, and it was almost impossible to picture them as happy in the future as Lydia imagined.

Utter embarassment and regret

I sincerely wish that I had not told Mr. Darcy of Lydia's elopement with Wickham in my sudden moments of distress! I am fully aware and grateful to know that he can be trusted and did not inform anyone else of this troubling circumstance. However, I am ashamed that Mr. Darcy is knowledgeable of my sister's stupidity for acting in this manner, and there is no hope that he will ever renew the purposals I once rejected of his. I desire to hear what he has to say of the matter, although I know it would be far from delightful, and it brings me disappointment to be unsure of when him and I will meet next. Nonetheless, I can only imagine how glad Mr. Darcy must feel now, considering the fact that he is not connected with a family such as mine; I hate to wonder how happy I could have been with him.

Married at last

As Jane and I were taking a stroll, Mrs. Hill came up to us to inform us that an express had come from Mr. Gardiner for father, and we could not help but wonder the possibilities of its contents! We quickly ran to meet him, and I read the letter aloud; it revealed that Mr. Gardiner had found Lydia and Wickham's whereabouts, and as long as the engagements were met, the couple would be married. What joy this brought to Jane and I, but mostly to mother! Although I know that it is impossible for Lydia to have everlasting happiness with Wickham, and that their marriage will soon turn to a disaster, it is delightful to finally know that Lydia is safe and in good condition. Jane cannot help but believe that Wickham must have at least some regard for Lydia, but I could never allow myself to believe that; Jane is obviously a lot kinder than I.