Pride and Prejudice Chapters 49-55

A letter arrives from Mr. Gardiner. He has found Lydia and Mr. Gardiner, and they have announced their intention to marry. However, they will only do so if Mr. Wickham’s debts are paid off, and upon the agreement that Lydia receives an annual allowance. Apparently, these terms have now been met. Mr. Bennet is concerned, assuming that his brother-in-law, Mr. Gardiner, must have already paid Mr. Wickham’s considerable debts, leaving Mr. Bennet deeply in debt to Mr. Gardiner.  

Mrs. Bennet, however, is immediately overwhelmed with joy, and begins planning the wedding. She selects wedding attire, and goes about preparing to share the news with others.  

Another letter from Mr. Gardiner notes that Mr. Wickham has military orders that will take the new couple to northern England.   

Elizabeth’s hopes for romance and marriage to Mr. Darcy are dashed. She understands that her family’s embarrassing behavior, financial inferiority, and social status are enough to discourage Mr. Darcy from wanting to be associated with the Bennet family. Now, however, she also realizes that with Mr. Wickham joining the family, Mr. Darcy will surely never wish to have Elizabeth as a wife.  

Lydia and Mr. Wickham are soon married, but they embarrass the family with their behavior. Elizabeth is sure that Mr. Wickham does not love Lydia as much as she loves him, and that he probably used her as an excuse to escape his considerable gambling debts. In spite of her suspicions, she wishes to to be diplomatic, and expresses to him her wish for an amicable friendship with him.  

Lydia happens to mention that Mr. Darcy had attended her wedding. Piquing Elizabeth’s interest, she begins to ask around, to find out why he had attended, especially given his rather disdainful opinion of Mr. Wickham.  

Elizabeth’s aunt explains that Mr. Darcy was the one that had made the wedding possible. He had been the one that found the ‘runaway” pair, and had then provided a very substantial payment to Mr. Wickham in order to ensure that he married Lydia. Mr. Darcy had paid off Mr. Wickham’s debts, and purchased a commission for him in the military. Elizabeth’s aunt appears to think that this was done out of love for Elizabeth, thinking that ensuring this marriage might pave the way for Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy to be together. Elizabeth remains unsure that this could be true, as she has already assumed that their romance is hopelessly impossible, and that Mr. Darcy would not want her.  

Mrs. Bennet is unaware that Mr. Darcy has facilitated the marriage between Lydia and Mr. Wickham, and is somewhat cold towards Mr. Darcy when he visits with Mr. Bingley. Mr. Bingley seems distant and distracted, which concerns Elizabeth. However, after Mr. Darcy leaves, Mr. Bingley remains, eventually proposing to a willing, and very happy, Jane.  

Analysis:  

This section is fraught with ups and downs, as the author generates emotional turmoil in the final chapters of the book.   

First, the great shame that Lydia’s behavior in running off with Mr. Wickham has been turned, in a moment, into a source of happiness. As the news that a marriage will take place is heard, the family honor is salvaged, and a crisis is averted.

Mrs. Bennet is thrilled that Lydia is to marry, but is soon disappointed to learn that Mr. Wickham’s commission will have the newlyweds living far away.  

Mr. Bennet is glad that his daughter will be married, but is greatly distressed over his mistaken belief that he will now owe a great debt to Mr. Gardiner.  

Elizabeth continues to happen upon more evidence that Mr. Darcy is truly a good man.  

Mr. Bingley appears to lack interest in Jane… but then his perceived indifference is just a matter of nervousness, as he proposes marriage to Jane.