Mr. Bennet knew of Col Forster's participation in dressing a man as a woman. I agree any conservation between them would be more sensible and Mr. Bennet does not give comments with a free hand. Perhaps this sort of silliness is just something the colonel fancies and indulges in his wife. I think Col Forster was responsible for Lydia because she was under his protection in his house but how much he could do to stop her or how sever criticism of him should be I am unsure. ;D