later as well. While I don't condone the sentiment that Lydia would have been better off dead, they didn't call losing one's virginity in an unmarried state a "fate worse than death" for nothing. And Lydia was so brazen and bold about her actions, just as she had been when living with her parents, what's a clergyman to do, especially one with a wealthy patroness who will be shocked to the core? More than a little charity would have been in order, but considering the times and the people involved, one shouldn't be surprised. Lizzy had a feeling the trip wouldn't turn out well, and she was right!