Mr. Bennet

     But the morrow passed off much better than she had expected; for Mrs. Bennet luckily stood in awe of her intended son-in-law, that she ventured not to speak to him, unless it was in her power to offer him any attention, or mark her deference for his opinion.
     Elizabeth had the satisfaction of seeing her father taking pains to get acquainted with him; and Mr. Bennet soon assured her that he was rising every hour in his esteem.
     "I admire all my three sons-in-law highly," said he. "Wickham, perhaps, is my favorite; but I shall like your husband quite as well as Jane's."

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 Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Volume 3 ch. 17 (pg) 358

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      I could not fathom why in the world would Wickham be Mr. Bennet's favorite son-in-law. Wickham, the man who had eloped with the youngest Bennet daughter, was the favorite now? Wickham, the man who had brought shame upon the family, was liked better than the two richest men, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, in the book. Mr. Bennet had been furious and did not want Lydia, the youngest daughter, or Wickham to come anywhere near his home after they had eloped. So why would Mr. Bennet prefer the wild soldier to the civil gentlemen?
     Then it hit me. Mr. Wickham married Lydia, the wild, obnoxious child. He took her to live with him many miles away from Longbourn, Mr. Bennet's estate. Wickham had given Mr. Bennet the gift of peace and quiet now that Lydia was far away, whereas Darcy and Bingley were taking the two older, more mature daughters Mr. Bennet would miss them, especially Lizzie, but never, never ever would he miss Lydia.