Story so far
George Wickham and Lydia Bennet spend their married life moving frequently in search of cheap situations while spending beyond their means. His affection for Lydia soon cools to indifference, and he continues to hope that Darcy's connection to Elizabeth may make his fortune. He repeatedly depends on assistance from the elder Bennet sisters when bills accumulate.
Mr. Darcy cannot receive Wickham at Pemberley, but supplies further professional help for Elizabeth Bennet's sake. Wickham bears philosophically the fact that Elizabeth knows his past ingratitude and falsehood; marriage and family ties do not revise his character, only limit the consequences others can permit.
Appearance
He is a handsome English army officer with a fine countenance, good figure, gentlemanlike air, and an exceptionally pleasing, correct, unassuming manner. His hair, eye colour, complexion, and exact uniform are not described.
Role
He is Elizabeth's permanently distrusted brother-in-law, assisted at a distance but excluded from the Pemberley family circle.
Relationships
Mr. Darcy — Mr. Darcy assists Wickham's profession for Elizabeth's sake but will never receive him at Pemberley.
Sources — 15 recorded facts, by chapter
Chapter 15
- A strikingly handsome new militia officer whose charged recognition with Darcy instantly captivates Elizabeth and unsettles Meryton.
Chapter 16
- A captivating officer whose account of Darcy's alleged injustice gives Elizabeth both a romantic grievance and a ready explanation for his pride.
Chapter 21
- Wickham confesses that he avoided the Netherfield ball to escape Darcy, and his pointed attention deepens Elizabeth's confidence in him.
Chapter 25
- Wickham's easy intimacy with Elizabeth draws Mrs. Gardiner's concern, even as his Derbyshire knowledge makes his story about Darcy feel more credible.
Chapter 26
- Wickham's attention shifts toward Miss King and her new fortune, persuading Elizabeth that affection cannot compete with immediate means.
Chapter 33
- Darcy's private letter recasts Wickham as a man who sold his expected living, squandered the money, and nearly eloped with Georgiana for her fortune.
Chapter 34
- Elizabeth's careful review makes Wickham's polished story and conduct look increasingly like self-serving deception.
Chapter 39
- Wickham's revived attentions and alarm at Elizabeth's changed view of Darcy expose the calculation beneath his polished charm.
Chapter 44
- Wickham absconds from Brighton with Lydia, and the discovery that he may not intend marriage confirms Elizabeth's deepest fears of him.
Chapter 45
- Wickham is missing with Lydia, and the known debts and deceptions behind his charm make a marriage increasingly uncertain.
Chapter 46
- The search uncovers Wickham's isolation and enormous gaming debts, giving him strong reasons to hide in London.
Chapter 47
- Found in London still unmarried, Wickham agrees to marry Lydia only after Gardiner makes a financial settlement possible.
Chapter 48
- Wickham quits the militia for a northern ensigncy, with Gardiner arranging payment of the debts he says he has fully declared.
Chapter 49
- Wickham visits Longbourn as an easy, unembarrassed new relation, while Lydia's account unexpectedly reveals Darcy attended their wedding.
Chapter 59
- Wickham remains charming, indebted, and unsettled after marriage; Darcy aids his profession but never admits him to Pemberley.