In Chapter 48 Mr. Gardiner asked Colonel Forster by letter to question Wickham’s intimates for clues to where he may have taken Lydia; he thinks and I agree “Colonel Forster will, I dare say, do everything in his power to satisfy us on this head.” I do not think Col Forster would have told the Bennet’s of Denny’s original claim that Wickham had no intention of marrying Lydia if he was not positive the man had said it. I do not think he would have told them of Denny’s refusal to repeat his opinion if he was not positive that was also the case. I think if men of the corps were telling tales about Denny then Col Forster would have found that out too and not told Lydia’s family unconfirmed tales about Denny’s opinion. I think Col Forster is telling the truth of the matter because there is no indication that the information he finds out is wishy-washy in any sense and it is actually true. Col Forster believes it so much when he hears it that he immediately sets out to track the pair. I am of course putting a great deal of belief in Col Forster on this subject.

I do agree with you however that Denny may not have been privy to Wickham’s specific plan but once learning of the elopement could have believed from personal knowledge of Wickham’s habits and character that he never intended to marry Lydia and said so. Not knowing the specific plan does not really excuse Denny’s refusal to explain his original claim that Wickham would not marry Lydia IMO. In the interest of a young girl “lost” and respect for his superior Denny should have been honest about his real opinion of the situation—Chapter 47. His refusal to clarify rankles with me because I think it shows little regard for Lydia, a girl to whom he has been a favorite which indicates to me he has been attentive to her as well as accepted attention from her. Denny persuaded Wickham to join the militia and he has been his intimate friend as Denny’s knowledge of Wickham’s grievance against Darcy at the Netherfield ball indicated—that is before Wickham makes it general knowledge. Denny could have known about Wickham’s plan or you may be right and he did not but either way I think he should have given his real opinion when asked by his commanding officer. ;D