Chapter 49

Summary

Lydia and Wickham are found and, as expected, they are not married. Wickham, however, has agreed to marry her on the stipulation that his debts are cleared and he is given a stipend of one hundred pounds a year. Mr. Bennet agrees to the offer, but suspects that a much greater amount must have been passed on by Mr. Gardiner to maneuver Wickham to yield. Mrs. Bennet, upon hearing that Lydia is to be married, forgets the disgraceful state of affairs under which the marriage is coming to a pass. She enthusiastically proceeds to make arrangements for a wedding and to convey the glad tidings in the neighborhood.

Notes

When Lydia is found living with Wickham, Elizabeth realizes that her sister is devoid of moral scruples; so is Mrs. Bennet. When she hears that Lydia is to be married, she forgets the shameful circumstances, eagerly plans a wedding, and tells all her neighbors the "good" news. She never gives a second thought to the kind of man that Lydia is getting for a husband or that the family has to pay one hundred pounds a year to Wickham to accomplish the marriage.

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