Pride and Prejudice

Chapter 51

Their sister's wedding day arrived; and Jane and Elizabeth felt

for her probably more than she felt for herself. The carriage

was sent to meet them at ----, and they were to return in it

by dinner-time. Their arrival was dreaded by the elder Miss

Bennets, and Jane more especially, who gave Lydia the feelings

which would have attended herself, had she been the culprit,

and was wretched in the thought of what her sister must endure.

They came. The family were assembled in the breakfast room to

receive them. Smiles decked the face of Mrs. Bennet as the

carriage drove up to the door; her husband looked impenetrably

grave; her daughters, alarmed, anxious, uneasy.

Lydia's voice was heard in the vestibule; the door was thrown

open, and she ran into the room. Her mother stepped forwards,

embraced her, and welcomed her with rapture; gave her hand,

with an affectionate smile, to Wickham, who followed his lady;

and wished them both joy with an alacrity which shewed no doubt

of their happiness.

Their reception from Mr. Bennet, to whom they then turned, was

not quite so cordial. His countenance rather gained in austerity;

and he scarcely opened his lips. The easy assurance of the

young couple, indeed, was enough to provoke him. Elizabeth was

disgusted, and even Miss Bennet was shocked. Lydia was Lydia

still; untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy, and fearless. She turned

from sister to sister, demanding their congratulations; and when

at length they all sat down, looked eagerly round the room, took

notice of some little alteration in it, and observed, with a

laugh, that it was a great while since she had been there.

Wickham was not at all more distressed than herself, but his

manners were always so pleasing, that had his character and his

marriage been exactly what they ought, his smiles and his easy

address, while he claimed their relationship, would have

delighted them all. Elizabeth had not before believed him

quite equal to such assurance; but she sat down, resolving

within herself to draw no limits in future to the impudence of

an impudent man. She blushed, and Jane blushed; but the

cheeks of the two who caused their confusion suffered no

variation of colour.

There was no want of discourse. The bride and her mother could

neither of them talk fast enough; and Wickham, who happened to

sit near Elizabeth, began inquiring after his acquaintance in