Volume 3: Chapter 4 Summary

The following day two letters arrive from Jane. Elizabeth is eager to open them, as one was sent to the wrong place and was postmarked for four days earlier. However, as she reads the letter, her expression turns from excitement to horror. Jane relates that Lydia has just been discovered missing from Brighton, and it is suspected that she has eloped with Mr. Wickham. The following letter confirms that they have indeed run away together, but they now have reason to suspect that Wickham has no intention of marrying Lydia, and despite Jane's normally optimistic spirit, she has begun to fear the worst.

Elizabeth finishes the letter, and as she is rushing out to find her aunt and uncle, Mr. Darcy walks through the door. She allows him to calm her slightly, and he sends a servant to find the Gardiners...