See my response to Benedicte, above.

About Mrs. B., There was one point I made earlier that I think shows she was not only thinking, but quite preceptive (though you may disagree about the choice of word--I couldn't think of a better one just now) when it came to possible matches for her daughters. That was when she alone seemed to understand Mr. Collins's hint about making reparation for inheriting Longbourn. I think she refuses to see anything that would hinder her designs, but sees amazingly well anything that could further them. Her initial reaction to the elopement (assuming they were getting married) I chalk up to Wickham's lack of fortune--Lydia would have no security for her future.