And only Mrs Hill, a close family servent who had coped well with Mrs Bennet's nerves so well over the years could be trusted with the wailing banshee upstairs. In early Ch.48 the ON tells us all Meryton was full of rumours about his debts and seductions. Lizzy, although she felt the rumours exaggerated believed enough to feel assured Lydia was ruined. I wonder if Lydia's disgrace is known by local people at this time.