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.”
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.
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.