Volume 3: Chapter 7 Summary

Finally, there arrives an express from Mr. Gardiner. It states that he has found out the whereabouts of Lydia and Wickham, and that although they are not married, Wickham has been persuaded to marry Lydia in the event that she is paid one hundred pounds per annum, and her share of five thousand pounds when Mr. Bennet is deceased. He mentions that Wickham had found the means to repay his debts in Brighton, and the girls and Mr. Bennet are mortified that it has likely been Mr. Gardiner's money that has repaid his debts in an effort to coerce him to marry Lydia.

However, at least she is to be married, and the girls go directly to their mother to tell her the news. Mrs. Bennet is ecstatic, and is instantly out of bed, and making plans to order fabric for...