exactly the man, who, in disposition
and talents, would most suit her. His understanding and temper, though unlike
her own, would have answered all her wishes. It was an union that must have been
to the advantage of both; by her ease and liveliness, his mind might have been
softened, his manners improved, and from his judgment, information, and
knowledge of the world, she must have received benefit of greater importance.
    But no such happy marriage could now teach the admiring multitude what
connubial felicity really was. An union of a different tendency, and precluding
the possibility of the other, was soon to be formed in their family.
    How Wickham and Lydia were to be supported in tolerable independence, she
could not imagine. But how little of permanent happiness could belong to a
couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than
their virtue, she could easily conjecture.
 
Mr. Gardiner soon wrote again to his brother. To Mr. Bennet's acknowledgments he
briefly replied, with assurances of his eagerness to promote the welfare of any
of his family; and concluded with intreaties that the subject might never be
mentioned to him again. The principal purport of his letter was to inform them,
that Mr. Wickham had resolved on quitting the Militia.
 
        »It was greatly my wish that he should do so,« he added, »as soon as his
        marriage was fixed on. And I think you will agree with me, in
        considering a removal from that corps as highly advisable, both on his
        account and my niece's. It is Mr. Wickham's intention to go into the
        regulars; and, among his former friends, there are still some who are
        able and willing to assist him in the army. He has the promise of an
        ensigncy in General --'s regiment, now quartered in the North. It is an
        advantage to have it so far from this part of the kingdom. He promises
        fairly, and I hope among different people, where they may each have a
        character to preserve, they will both be more prudent. I have written to
        Colonel Forster, to inform him of our present arrangements, and to
        request that he will satisfy the various creditors of Mr. Wickham in and
        near Brighton, with assurances of speedy payment, for which I have
        pledged myself. And will you give yourself the trouble of carrying
        similar assurances to his creditors in Meryton, of whom I shall subjoin
        a list, according to his information. He has given in all his debts; I
        hope at least he has not deceived us.