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CHAPTER LI . 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 dinnertime . 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 showed 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 man . She blushed , and Jane blushed ; but the cheeks of the two who caused their confusion suffered no variation of colour . There was no want of discourse . The bride and her mother could neither of them talk fast enough ; and Wickham , who happened to sit near Elizabeth , began inquiring after his acquaintance in that neighbourhood , with a good - humoured ease , which she felt very unable to equal in her replies . They seemed each of them to have the happiest memories in the world . Nothing of the past was recollected with pain ; and Lydia led voluntarily to subjects which her sisters would not have alluded to for the world .
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