Chapter 46
Elizabeth receives letters from Jane informing her that Lydia has run away with Wickham. Just as she is telling the Gardiners they have to leave for home, Darcy comes in. She tells him the news, thinking she must be disgusting him with her family. After she leaves, she regrets that she will never see him again. Jane thinks that Lydia and Wickham will marry, but Elizabeth is skeptical.
Chapter 47
Elizabeth continues to despair over Elizabeth's fate. She knows that Wickham will never marry Lydia. She reveals to the Gardiners that Wickham is not to be trusted. Mrs. Bennet is in uproar when they get home, believing that Mr. Bennet will be killed in a duel. Mr. Gardiner leaves immediately for London to find Lydia with Mr. Bennet. Jane and Elizabeth continue to wonder whether Wickham and Lydia will marry. They all find out that Wickham was fleeing gambling debts, the real reason for his elopement.
Chapter 48
Meryton begins to spread rumors about Wickham. Mr. Gardiner tries to find connections to Wickham, and suggests that Elizabeth might know (spoiler: she doesn't). They also receive a letter from Mr. Collins who despairs over the reputation of their family. We also learn that he has spread the news of Lydia to Lady Catherine, a fact which will be significant later in the book. We also learn that Wickham had over a thousand pounds in debt. Mr. Bennet is coming home and Mr. Gardiner will continue to look for Lydia. Elizabeth continues to contemplate Darcy's feelings.
Chapter 49
Mr. Gardiner had finally found them and convinced them to marry. Mr. Bennet thinks that Mr. Gardiner bribed Mr. Wickham to marry Lydia, with at least 10,000 pounds. Mrs. Bennet is delighted that her youngest daughter will be married first.
Chapter 50
Mr. Bennet has no money saved up, because he assumed he would have a son. He didn't. He writes a brief letter of thanks to Mr. Gardiner, as courtesy requires. Mr. Bennet refuses to pay for wedding clothes for Lydia and he also will not let them into his home after the marriage. Elizabeth wishes that she never told Darcy about Lydia and Wickham. She thinks she could have concealed the initial weakness of the couple. She also thinks that she would be glad of her refusal, especially since if he knew that she would accept it now. She begins to realize that she would be a very good match for Darcy. Mr. Bennet receives a letter from Mr. Gardiner telling him not to worry about the bribe. They also learn that Wickham is leaving the militia to join the regular army, so that they will not live nearby. Elizabeth and Jane finally convince Mr. Bennet to receive the Wickhams after the marriage.