Lydia Bennet's Flirtation and Elopement

Lydia's heedless pursuit of pleasure and her elopement with Wickham bring scandal to the family, but also force a crisis that ultimately leads to the resolution of the main plot.

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Lydia's Love of Officers

Lydia's Love of Officers The Flirtatious Youngest Sister Lydia Bennet, at fifteen, is obsessed with the officers of the militia stationed in Meryton. She is loud, flirtatious, and completely without caution. Her mother encourages her, seeing it as a way to catch a husband. Elizabeth and Jane are often embarrassed by her behavior. The Trip to Meryton Lydia and Kitty constantly visit their aunt in Meryton to meet the officers. They are the first to hear news of the regiment and the first to make new acquaintances. Lydia's boldness makes her a favorite with the young men, but it also marks her as imprudent. A Family Concern Elizabeth is aware of Lydia's dangerous tendencies. She tries to warn her father, but Mr. Bennet dismisses her concerns, preferring to avoid conflict. Lydia's wild behavior is a ticking time bomb that will eventually explode.

Lydia's Invitation to Brighton

Lydia's Invitation to Brighton The Forster Connection Lydia becomes friends with Mrs. Forster, the wife of the colonel. She is invited to Brighton with the regiment, a place of pleasure and, for Lydia, a paradise of officers. She is ecstatic, while Elizabeth is alarmed. Elizabeth's Warning Elizabeth begs her father to forbid the trip, arguing that Lydia's behavior will only worsen in Brighton. Mr. Bennet refuses, saying that Lydia will be a disgrace sooner or later, and it is better that it happen away from home. Elizabeth's fears are dismissed. The Fatal Journey Lydia leaves for Brighton with high spirits. She writes frivolous letters about balls and officers. The reader knows, as Elizabeth does, that Lydia is heading for disaster. The invitation is the first step in the elopement plot.

The Elopement

The Elopement The Sudden Flight Lydia and Wickham run away from Brighton together. Lydia leaves a note for Mrs. Forster, saying they are going to Gretna Green to be married. The family is thrown into panic. The Search Mr. Bennet goes to London to find them. Colonel Forster helps, but there is no trace. Elizabeth fears the worst, knowing Wickham's true character. The family's reputation hangs by a thread. The Rescue Darcy, as we later learn, finds them and forces Wickham to marry Lydia. The elopement is averted from becoming a complete ruin, but it is a close call. Lydia's thoughtlessness is exposed, and she shows no remorse. The episode is a turning point in the novel, bringing Elizabeth and Darcy closer.

Lydia's Return as a Married Woman

Lydia's Return as a Married Woman The Unashamed Bride Lydia returns to Longbourn as Mrs. Wickham, completely unrepentant. She boasts about her marriage and shows off her ring. She is the same giddy, thoughtless girl she was before, and she does not understand the gravity of her actions. The Family's Discomfort Elizabeth and Jane are embarrassed by Lydia's behavior. Mrs. Bennet is overjoyed to have her daughter married, but Mr. Bennet is cold and distant. The visit is awkward, as the family must tolerate Wickham's presence. The Departure Lydia and Wickham leave for the north, where Wickham has a new commission. Lydia promises to write, but she will not. The family is relieved to see them go. Lydia's character remains unchanged, a cautionary example of the consequences of indulgence and lack of guidance.

Early in the novel, when the militia arrives in Meryton

After the regiment leaves Meryton for Brighton

When Lydia and Wickham flee Brighton

After Lydia's marriage, when she visits Longbourn