Lydia, Kitty, and Mrs. Bennet are upset about the regiment leaving Meryton. They wish they could accompany them to Brighton, where they will be stationed for the summer.
Lydia gets an invitation from Mrs. Foster, the wife of a colonel, to accompany her to Brighton.
Elizabeth tries to talk her father into dissuading Lydia from accepting the invitation. She is afraid that Lydia might ruin the family’s reputation in Brighton.
However, Mr. Bennet finds no reason to prevent Lydia, thinking that she is too unimpressive for the soldiers’ liking.
He is certain that Lydia will have no opportunity to tarnish her reputation or the family’s.
Elizabeth does not run into Wickham over the next few days.
On their last day, at a party, Wickham tries to approach Elizabeth again. Irritated by his advances, Elizabeth subtly lets him know that she is aware of his deceptions.
Wickham in turn avoids her for the rest of the party.
At the end of the party, Lydia accompanies Mrs. Foster to Meryton to leave for Brighton the next day.