Jane and Elizabeth anticipate Lydia's wedding day with mixed emotions, feeling more concerned about Lydia’s situation than she herself does.
Lydia and Wickham arrive at Longbourn, and their reception by the family is divided—Mrs. Bennet greets them joyfully, while Mr. Bennet and the elder sisters react with discomfort and disapproval.
Lydia remains wild and unabashed, showing no regret for her actions and eagerly seeking congratulations from her family.
Wickham displays his characteristic charm and ease, despite the awkwardness of the situation.
Lydia boasts about her wedding and marriage, demonstrating a lack of awareness of the impropriety of her behavior, even making comments that shock her family.
Elizabeth becomes increasingly upset by Lydia’s behavior and leaves the room at one point to avoid further confrontation.
Lydia continues to boast about her new status as “Mrs. Wickham” and makes plans to showcase her marriage to acquaintances in the neighborhood.
Only Mrs. Bennet seems excited about the couple’s short stay, organizing frequent social gatherings to show them off.
Elizabeth observes that Wickham’s affection for Lydia is superficial, and their elopement seems more driven by Lydia’s infatuation and Wickham’s personal circumstances than mutual love.
Lydia inadvertently reveals to Elizabeth and Jane that Mr. Darcy was present at her wedding, a surprising and mysterious detail that captivates Elizabeth.
Elizabeth, curious and unsettled, writes to her aunt to request an explanation as to why Mr. Darcy, seemingly unconnected with Lydia and Wickham, attended the wedding.
Jane chooses not to discuss the matter further out of respect for propriety, leaving Elizabeth to investigate the mystery on her own.