Mrs. Gardiner abused her stupidity.“If it were merely a fine house richly furnished,”said she,“I should not care about it myself; but the grounds are delightful.They have some of the finest woods in the country.”
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 of companions; a suitableness which comprehended health and temper to bear inconveniences―cheerfulness to enhance every pleasure―and affection and intelligence, which might supply it among themselves if there were disappointments abroad.
Elizabeth was distressed. She felt that she had no business at Pemberley,and was obliged to assume a disinclination for seeing it.She must own that she was tired of seeing great houses;after going over so many,she really had no pleasure in fine carpets or satin curtains.