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On Friday, Elizabeth took breakfast in her room. At eleven that morning, when visitors arrived, she appeared in the sitting room without her disguise. Mr. Collins’ eyes bulged at the sight of her from his seat beside Mary. However, due to the visitors, he was unable to question her unexpected change of appearance. Lieutenants Denny and Wickham and Mr. Bingley arrived to call within minutes of each other. Elizabeth anxiously anticipated Darcy’s return. It surprised her how much she missed his presence in her daily life. While she was distracted with thoughts of William, Wickham positioned himself on a settee next to Elizabeth.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Elizabeth. I am sorry you did not accompany your sisters into Meryton on the day we met. It seems they left the true gem of the family behind.”
Elizabeth’s tinkling laugh met his statement. It was apparent to her that Mr. Wickham was a practiced flatterer, so rather than respond, she asked, “How do you like life in the militia?”
Mr. Wickham allowed sadness to briefly cross his face before he gave Elizabeth a tight, bright smile. “Though it was not my first choice for a profession, the experience is not unpleasant.”
“If you did not wish to be a soldier, why did you join the militia?”
“I was to be a clergyman, but the living that was promised to me by my godfather was denied to me by his son.”
A warning resounded in Elizabeth’s head. The story sounded familiar, but she could not immediately recall why. However, Elizabeth did not wish to hear more of his tale of woe. “That is unfortunate. It is good that you can move beyond your misfortunes.”
“With no other choice before me, moving forward was the only option. The young Mr. Darcy saw to it that my life would be as difficult as he could make it.”
Elizabeth stiffened at Darcy’s name. Could this be the man about whom Darcy told her? Perhaps, with subtle questioning, she could learn what story he was spreading about William.
“Are you speaking of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Derbyshire?”
“Indeed, I am. Do you know the man?”
“We met at an assembly shortly after he arrived in Meryton. It was obvious that he was unhappy to be present at such a countrified event.”
“That sounds like the proud and disdainful Darcy I know.” Wickham went on to tell the same story that William had told her, though he conveniently left out the part about having received payment for the living he refused.
“How shocking!” said Elizabeth. As she finished speaking, the mantle clock chimed. Looking at the time, Elizabeth said, “Please excuse me, Mr. Wickham. I must take some tea to my father.”
Elizabeth moved to the tea tray. Wickham smirked as he watched her walk away.
Upon setting a cup of tea in front of her father, Elizabeth spoke to him. “Papa, I need you to join us in the sitting room. There is a visitor here who is telling lies about William.” Elizabeth related to her father the things she had learned from William early in their relationship, though she did not name his sister as the young woman whom Wickham had targeted. “William should be arriving soon and I do not know how Mr. Wickham will act should he be confronted by his misdeeds. Even if you are not needed to keep order, you will find Mr. Wickham amusing. He seems to think he is irresistible to women. I doubt that Lydia or Kitty are mature enough to recognize his practiced charm, but I found him rather transparent.”
Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet reached the foyer just as Mrs. Hill opened the door to Mr. Darcy and an unknown gentleman.
“Welcome back, Mr. Darcy. I missed you.” Elizabeth greeted William with a brilliant smile.
“I am delighted to be back, Miss Elizabeth,” said Darcy as he bowed over her hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss. “Allow me to introduce you to my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. He had a few days’ leave and wished to join me for a rest in the country. Richard, this is Mr. Thomas Bennet and his second daughter, Miss Elizabeth.”
Richard bowed in acknowledgment of the introductions. “It is a pleasure to meet you both. I have heard much about you–particularly you, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Are you ready to announce your courtship, Mr. Darcy?”
“Indeed, I am, Mr. Bennet. This week has been very long waiting to hear that announcement.”
“Mr. Darcy, before we enter, I should warn you of something.”
A worried expression appeared on Darcy’s face. “Is something amiss, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Not with us,” was her encouraging reply. “However, you will find an unpleasant visitor when we enter the sitting room. Apparently, Mr. George Wickham recently joined the militia stationed here in Meryton. I believe my sisters met him on Tuesday.”
At the mention of Wickham’s name, both gentlemen’s expressions became exceedingly grim. Then the colonel’s slowly changed to a smug grin. “I believe that Wickham has effectively hanged himself this time, Darcy.”
“What do you mean?”
“Militiamen are subject to following orders from any superior officer. Are the papers showing Wickham’s debts with you, or would you need to send for them?”
“I always carry them in case I should ever encounter him. They are in my trunk.”
“Ask your valet to locate them. We will finally have Wickham where we want him and, more importantly where he deserves to be.”
Darcy stepped out the door and gave instructions to his Evans.
“Mr. Bennet, does the magistrate live nearby?”
“Yes, he is my neighbor, Sir William Lucas.”
“How long would it take this Lucas to arrive? Would you please direct a servant to retrieve him as soon as possible?”
“It should take only about twenty minutes.” Mr. Bennet turned to Mrs. Hill, who had remained in the hall, waiting for instruction. “Please send Sam from the stables to Lucas Lodge. Let Sir William know that we need him in his official capacity.”
“Of course, sir.” The housekeeper bobbed a curtsey and turned towards the back of the house. The group was distracted from watching the housekeeper by the entrance of Darcy’s valet through the front door.
“Here are the papers you wanted, sir.”
Darcy took the sheaf of papers the servant handed him.
“Now that everything is in place, I believe it is time to greet our old friend,” said Richard with a grin. “After you, Mr. Bennet.”
Expecting to enjoy the events about to play out, Mr. Bennet opened the door to the sitting room. “Look who has returned and come to visit us so soon upon his arrival,” said Mr. Bennet as he entered the room. He was followed by Elizabeth on Mr. Darcy’s arm. The colonel brought up the rear.
Mrs. Bennet looked up and cried, “Mr. Darcy, how nice of you to visit. And who is this with you?” Both Mrs. Bennet and her two youngest daughters were eyeing the colonel speculatively.
“This is my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, of the regulars.”
“Welcome to Longbourn, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Please be seated, gentlemen.”
When Wickham saw who had entered the room, he moved to stand with his back to the others. He looked out the window, hoping to avoid discovery. As soon as conversation distracted the others, Wickham would sneak from the room. Upon hearing footsteps enter the room, Wickham edged along the wall, hoping to make it to the hall without detection.
Unfortunately, before he had gone more than a few steps, Wickham felt a firm grip on his shoulder. “Well, well, well, whom do we have here?”
Wickham’s stomach dropped as he heard the voice of the only man whom he feared. Plastering a pleasant smile on his face, Wickham turned in the only way possible, bringing the colonel’s arm to rest along his shoulders as he faced his antagonist. “Why, Fitzwilliam, fancy meeting you here.”
“Up to your old tricks, again, Wickham, and still telling the same tired tales.”
“I am sure I do not know what you mean.”
“Come now, Wickham. Do not be coy. How many people have heard your misleading tale of suffering at Darcy’s hand?”
Wickham did not say anything.
“You mean you did not tell anyone that Darcy denied you a living and forced you to seek other employment?”
Kitty spoke up. “He told me that tale the night after we met. I told him he was lucky not to wear the black of a parson because he looks much better in a red coat.”
Richard smiled at Kitty’s naiveté. “Did he perhaps mention that he had refused the living and received a total of four thousand pounds for it, which he gambled away within a year?”
All of the females in the room gasped in shock.
“He wasted four thousand pounds in one year?” asked Mrs. Bennet.
“Indeed, he did, madam. Georgie here is a wastrel, gambler, and drunkard, among other things. One of his favorite tricks is to run up debts and then slip away without paying them.” Fitzwilliam turned to the man still firmly in his grip. “How much debt did you manage to accumulate in your few days in Meryton, Georgie?”
“Now, Fitzwilliam, why would you want to tell these fine people such ridiculous stories? I am sure you are not trying to ruin my reputation with these excellent folk.” There was an undertone of menace in Wickham’s voice as he spoke. His eyes wore a hard expression.
“Now, Georgie, how can I be ruining your reputation by telling the truth? Darcy carries the documents you signed when you relinquished the living. He also purchased all of your debts in Lambton, Cambridge, and any others that merchants presented to him for payment. Unfortunately for you, you made a fatal mistake this time.”
“Again, your disturbing sense of humor rears its head, Fitzwilliam. What mistake have I supposedly made?”
“Darcy carries with him the papers regarding your debts, in the event that you again crossed his path. As such, I will be accompanying you to Marshalsea. With debts as high as yours, you may never see the light of day again.” Richard could not restrain a little chuckle.
The blood rushed from Wickham’s face, leaving him quite pale. Lowering his voice, he spoke through gritted teeth, “I will destroy Georgiana if you do not let me walk out of this room.”
“I cannot allow you to do that. As a member of the militia, you are subject to the authority of any superior officer. Since I outrank you, you are subject to me.” The two men glared at each other.
Not wanting to give Wickham time to speak, Darcy leaned over to Mr. Bennet. “I believe now would be the perfect time to make our announcement,” Darcy whispered.
Mr. Bennet looked surprised but acquiesced at younger man’s encouraging nod. The focus of all those in the room had been on the conversation between the two military men. “Your attention, please.” Several started at the sound of Mr. Bennet’s voice. “I would like to announce the courtship of my daughter, Elizabeth, to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
Mr. Collins, who had been unable to take his eyes from Elizabeth since her first appearance in the room, cried, “Mr. Darcy cannot be courting Cousin Elizabeth, as he is engaged to his cousin, Miss de Bourgh!”
“Be quiet, Mr. Collins. We are dealing with the matter of Lieutenant Wickham. Anything else will have to wait.”
At Mr. Bennet’s pronouncement, Wickham’s mouth fell open in shock. Darcy engaged to a mere country miss? It was beyond belief. However, to distract everyone’s attention away from himself, Wickham was quick to second Mr. Collins’ pronouncement. “Mr. Collins speaks the truth! Lady Catherine de Bourgh has spoken of the engagement forever. She claims it was the wish of Darcy’s mother and herself that their children be engaged upon Anne’s birth.”
“Quiet, Wickham,” said Richard. “Attempting to stir the pot will not change your situation.”
Wickham thought frantically, searching for something else he could use to gain his freedom. He said the first thing that came into his head. “I am surprised, Mr. Bennet, that you would allow your daughter to court a man whose sister is ruined. It will disgrace all of your daughters by association.”
“If you are referring to your failed attempt to run away with a fifteen-year-old child so that you could control her large dowry, I am already aware of that. I also know that Mr. Darcy thwarted your attempt. Consequently, I see no reason to prevent the relationship.”
“I swear to you, Darcy, you let me go or I will ruin your sister. When I am through with her, she will never be able to show her face in town again,” ground out Wickham.
Darcy tensed at Wickham’s words and took a step forward. He paused, however, when Elizabeth placed her hand on his arm. A look passed between the couple and Darcy relaxed somewhat.
“Mr. Wickham, when those to whom you told your ridiculous stories learn they were all lies, why would they believe anything else you might say, particularly if you managed to run up any debts during your short visit? Nor will anyone present say anything which could damage the reputation of a sweet young girl who might someday be a part of our family.” Darcy smiled so widely at Elizabeth’s words, his dimples appeared.
Richard grinned at Wickham and said, “What makes you think you will be speaking to anyone before you are placed in your cell at Marshalsea?”
Again Wickham’s face paled. “You cannot simply lock me up like that.” His voice did not sound as confident as he wished.
“Actually, I can. The one and only person you will see is the jailor. Moreover, you can be sure he will know of your so-called charm. Nothing there comes without a price–not food, not paper, not a blanket for warmth–and you will have nothing with which to buy yourself any comforts. Your debts will see you locked up until you are old and gray– if you live that long,” added Richard carelessly.
Wickham attempted to wrestle his shoulder from Richard’s grip, which was so tight as to cause a feeling of numbness in his arm. Wickham gazed around the room, looking for a sign of sympathy. Every eye he met was cold. They glared at him the same way a housekeeper looked at a puddle of mud on a clean carpet. He would get no help from any of the Bennets.
At just that moment, the sitting-room door opened. Everyone turned to look. Mrs. Hill appeared in the opening to announce, “Sir William Lucas to see you, sir.”
With everyone distracted, Wickham twisted with all his might. He managed to break the hold the colonel had on him and dashed for the window, planning to leap out and escape. However, Wickham did not count on Lydia Bennet, who shoved a chair in his path mid-leap. He hit the chair, knocking it over backward. His back leg caught on the upturned chair and Wickham flew head-first into the wall, knocking himself unconscious.
When he came to, his hands and feet were bound. Lydia Bennet was leaning over him. “A scoundrel like you does not deserve to escape. Seeing you tied up is far more fitting! You tried to mislead my sisters, lied about a gentleman who likes my sister, and tried to hurt a young girl. You deserve whatever it is that happens to you. I must thank you, however, Mr. Wickham, for opening my eyes to how untrustworthy some gentlemen can be.” Lydia gave the gentleman a kick for good measure as she strode away.
Wickham’s humiliation was complete. Most of those in the room were laughing at him as he lay there trussed up like a pig, his nose broken by the feel of it.
“I will happily sign the papers that will commit this scoundrel to Marshalsea,” said Sir William. “Perhaps we could ask Mr. Philips to attend us to help with the legalities.”
Mr. Bennet turned to the housekeeper. Before he spoke, Mrs. Hill bashfully said, “I sent a boy for him at the same time I sent someone for Sir William, sir. I hope that is acceptable.”
“Of course, Mrs. Hill. I congratulate you on your forethought.” The housekeeper looked relieved at his words.
At that moment, there was a knock at the door. Mrs. Hill opened it and admitted Mr. Phillips.
The gentlemen adjourned to Mr. Bennet’s study, leaving the trussed-up Wickham on the sitting room floor. It did not take them long to prepare the necessary papers. When the group rejoined the ladies, they noticed a gag tied around Wickham’s face.
When Lydia observed the gentlemen’s grins, she explained. “First he was trying to convince us that we should release him. When that didn’t work, he started abusing us. I got tired of listening to him.”
The explanation evoked a bigger laugh from all of the gentlemen. A muffled invective sounded from the general direction of the bound officer.
When this contretemps had begun, Lieutenant Denny, who was also visiting with Wickham and the Bennets, made his excuses and departed. Seeing that a higher ranking officer was attempting to take away Wickham, he went to retrieve Colonel Forster.
Just as Richard was about to ask for assistance in taking Wickham back to camp before transporting him to London, Mrs. Hill appeared in the doorway to the sitting room. “Colonel Forster and Lieutenant Denny.”
“I understand someone is attempting to remove Mr. Wickham from my unit,” began the new arrival loudly.
“Why, Forster, you old dog! What are you doing in Meryton?”
Colonel Forster turned in the direction of the familiar voice. “Is that you, Fitzwilliam? What brings you here?”
“I came to visit my cousin Mr. Darcy and his friend Bingley for a day or two. However, to my surprise, I found a scoundrel in the midst of a room full of ladies.”
“Do you refer to Wickham?”
“I do. We just completed the papers to deliver the scoundrel to Marshalsea.”
“If you are taking him there, he must be a debtor.”
Richard nodded.
“Indeed,” announced Mr. Philips, “to the tune of over six thousand pounds.” The ladies in the room gasped at the amount.
“He is also a drunkard, gambler, cheater, liar, and debaucher,” Richard informed them.
Colonel Forster’s eyes widened at each word. “Well, then, I believe it would be appropriate to strip him of his rank and retain the funds he paid for it.”
Wickham’s feet kicked the floor for attention. Again a muffled sound came from his corner of the room. His commanding officer gave him a withering look. “You obviously did not read the contract you signed, and I quote, “Disgraced officers can be stripped of their rank and lose the cost of their commission for actions unbecoming to an officer.”
“Forster, might you spare a few men who could help me escort this rogue to the jail in London?”
“Certainly, Fitzwilliam. I will send three of my largest and strongest men with you. We would not want this disgrace of a man to escape. It is getting late in the day. I will lock him in the brig, on bread and water, until the day of your departure. Enjoy your planned visit. We will keep this scoundrel under control.”
Within a short time, Wickham was thrown over a horse and being led back to the militia encampment. Sir William and Mr. Philips departed, and Mrs. Bennet invited the gentlemen to stay and dine. Once the gentlemen accepted, Mr. Collins stood, saying, “Mr. Bennet, I must protest.”
