Mr. Wickham

A handsome young officer, newly returned from London with a lieutenant's commission, draws the attention of the Bennet sisters. Central speaker who reveals his bitter history with Mr. Darcy and critiques Darcy’s character and actions. Wickham's allegations against Mr. Darcy are relayed to Jane through Elizabeth, portraying him as having suffered unkindness and deprivation of a promised living. Wickham’s absence at the Netherfield ball is explained, and false rumors about his lineage are spread. Avoided meeting Mr. Darcy by self‑imposed absence, accompanied Elizabeth to Longbourn, and attended to her during the walk. Mr. Wickham's connections to Derbyshire and his limited recent presence there are noted; he can provide fresh intelligence about former friends, and his relationship with Mr. Darcy is strained. Wickham is discussed as a charming but financially unsuitable suitor for Elizabeth. Wickham says a friendly and admiring farewell to Elizabeth, recalling past admiration and expressing continued regard. The letter supplies Wickham's family background, his education, financial expectations, and his attempted elopement with Georgiana. Wickham's background is expanded, revealing his loss of the living, financial settlement, and his designs on Darcy's sister. Wickham, in his last meeting with Elizabeth, airs his resentment toward Darcy, claiming Darcy only improves outwardly and that his pride may be useful. Wickham abandons his previous position, elopes with Lydia, and is suspected by Colonel Forster. Wickham is discussed as the probable cause of Lydia’s elopement, with doubts about his moral integrity. Wickham is revealed to be deeply in debt, a gambler, with no living relatives, and possibly hiding in London; his past extravagance is reported by an aunt. Wickham eloped with Lydia Bennet and intends to marry her at Gretna Green, prompting urgent pursuit by the Gardiners. Wickham plans to leave the militia for a regular army commission, with debts to settle. Wickham marries Lydia, secures a commission and will rejoin his regiment, and his affection for her is described. Wickham fled with Lydia planning an elopement to Gretna Green; his debts were settled by Darcy and he sought a new army commission after leaving the militia. Wickham is now married to Lydia and they depart for Newcastle; his regiment is far off and his farewell is unusually affectionate.