A good point. However, we are speaking of the Miitia rather than the Regular forces. Given that the ideal Militia Officer was also a land owner (thus giving him the greatest interest in defeanding the realm), I could see it being argued that being married would make them even more desirable. The stability of a marriage would further add to their reliability.

In addition, the Militia were never intended to serve overseas, ths avoiding the problem of either adding the officer's family to the corp's "Baggage", or seperating them. Regular soldiers could be sent almost anywhere in the world. Being sent into battle would also have created the likelihood of creating a lot of widows.

If Wickham had deserted without taking Lydia along, he would simply have sent off a junior officer and a small party to run him to ground. He set off in pursuit because Lydia, who was not yet an adult, was under his (and his wife's) care. He had a responsiblity to act directly.

I remain,
Jason E.