Wickham himself "has neither integrity or honor"(230). He will not marry a woman without some money (229). Lydia does not have much to offer anyone but health and youth (230). In this age, Lydia's irrational decision- making is, by definition, scandalous. She is scolded for acting in a way that can harm her sisters' chances of marrying well. It is quite obvious that the marriage of Lydia and Wickham is a recipe for disaster.
The couple have no real love for each other and neither has any money. At least Charlotte.
and Collins fulfill each other's needs for security. The marriage of the Lydia to Wickham will be a waste. They have nothing in common really, and neither can provide anything the other needs. No matter how much their marriage does not make sense, it must take place in order to save the reputation of all parties involved. Elizabeth does not realize that Darcy is the one who helped to locate Wickham and Lydia in London and bring them back to Netherfield. As far as she knows, she believes it is her uncle, Mr. Gardiner, who solves her family's problems.
Elizabeth has already made up her mind about Darcy from the first time she became aquatinted with him at a ball. She believed him to be snobby and arrogant. Darcy took notice of Elizabeth and became fond of her when she stayed at Mr. Bingley's when Jane was sick. Unfortunately, Elizabeth's preconceptions ended up causing both her and Darcy pain. When Elizabeth heard word from Darcy's friend, Colonel Fitwilliam, that Darcy had "saved a friend from the inconveniences of a most imprudent marriage"(153), she was immediately angered that Darcy would ruin Jane and Bingley's relationship and break her heart.
Darcy is unaware of Elizabeth's dislike of him when he makes a proposal of marriage to her, but he becomes aware quickly when Elizabeth shoots down his proposal and tells him exactly everything she thinks of him. Darcy writes a letter that contains all his true feelings and hands it to Elizabeth.
