“I should like it beyond anything!”said her mother.
It was not to be supposed that time would give Lydia that embarrassment from which she had been so wholly free at first. Her ease and good spirits increased. She longed to see Mrs. Phillips,the Lucases,and all their other neighbours,and to hear herself called“Mrs.Wickham”by each of them;and in the mean time,she went after dinner to show her ring,and boast of being married,to Mrs.Hill and the two housemaids.
“Only think of its being three months,”she cried,“since I went away;it seems but a fortnight I declare;and yet there have been things enough happened in the time.Good gracious!When I went away,I am sure I had no more idea of being married till I came back again!Though I thought it would be very good fun if I was.”Her father lifted up his eyes. Jane was distressed. Elizabeth looked expressively at Lydia; but she, who never heard nor saw anything of which she chose to be insensible,gaily continued,
“I thank you for my share of the favour,”said Elizabeth;“but I do not particularly like your way of getting husbands.”
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.