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had the highest opinion in the world of Elizabeth; though at first she often listened with an
astonishment bordering on alarm at her lively, sportive, manner of talking to her brother. He,
who had always inspired in herself a respect which almost overcame her affection, she now saw
the object of open pleasantry. Her mind received knowledge which had never before fallen in her
way. By Elizabeth's instructions, she began to comprehend that a woman may take liberties with
her husband which a brother will not always allow in a sister more than ten years younger than
himself.
Lady Catherine was extremely indignant on the marriage of her nephew; and as she gave way to
all the genuine frankness of her character in her reply to the letter which announced its
arrangement, she sent him language so very abusive, especially of Elizabeth, that for some time
all intercourse was at an end. But at length, by Elizabeth's persuasion, he was prevailed on to
overlook the offence, and seek a reconciliation; and, after a little farther resistance on the part of
his aunt, her resentment gave way, either to her affection for him, or her curiosity to see how his
wife conducted herself; and she condescended to wait on them at Pemberley, in spite of that
pollution which its woods had received, not merely from the presence of such a mistress, but the
visits of her uncle and aunt from the city.
With the Gardiners, they were always on the most intimate terms. Darcy, as well as Elizabeth,
really loved them; and they were both ever sensible of the warmest gratitude towards the persons
who, by bringing her into Derbyshire, had been the means of uniting them.