How is Lydia’s elopement resolved?

Lydia runs off with Wickham; the family’s reputation and the other sisters’ marriage prospects are suddenly at stake. What looks like a private scandal is a public economy problem: without a marriage, the Bennets are socially ruined. Darcy, acting largely out of regard for Elizabeth and residual responsibility for Wickham, tracks them down, pays Wickham’s debts, and forces a wedding.

The resolution matters because it is quiet. Darcy does not claim credit; Elizabeth learns the truth through the Gardiners. Austen’s comedy can restore order, but only after money and influence do work that Elizabeth’s wit cannot. Link this to reputation-and-performance and to Darcy’s second approach to Elizabeth — the man who once insulted her family now repairs it without theater.