Chapter 51 297
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