These words are spoken by Jane, who as we know, never speaks ill of anyone! Many times, she is correct, or is correct in wishing to think the best of people. But throughout the Wickham/Lydia ordeal, she is hoping ("It is just as I always hoped, they are married!") for the best possible outcome (which depends on the best possible intentions on the part of Wickham). I always took that phrase as a way of JA indicating perhaps some blame should be assigned to them.

Nevertheless, it doesn't excuse Mr. Bennet's indolence in allowing Lydia to go with them in the first place. By the by, does Mr. B know that Col F participated in (or at least condoned) the Chamberlyne dress-up? I know Lydia spoke of it, but I presumed Mr. Bennet wasn't present for that. I would assume any converstion that CF and Mr. B would have had (without the ladies present) would have been far more sensible and serious, thus Mr B's comment that CF was a sensible man. Despite his lackidasical manner, he didn't seem the type to make empty compliments.