“Well, mamma,”said she, when they were all returned to the breakfast room,“and what do you think of my husband? Is not he a charming man? I am sure my sisters must all envy me. I only hope they may have half my good luck.They must all go to Brighton.That is the place to get husbands.What a pity it is, mamma,we did not all go.”
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 shewed no doubt of their happiness.
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.
“Oh! mamma, do the people hereabouts know I am married to-day? I was afraid they might not; and we overtook William Goulding in his curricle, so I was determined he should know it,and so I let down the side-glass next to him,and took off my glove,and let my hand just rest upon the window frame,so that he might see the ring,and then I bowed and smiled like anything.”