Within a few days time, Charles set it upon himself to visit Longbourn and inquire as to the health of Miss Bennet. The suggestion of sending a letter requiring a response was not to be entertained by Charles; and in a mood of solemn acceptance, Darcy agreed to ride with Charles.
The thought of seeing Elizabeth peaked Darcy’s interest, but the passage of a few days time had lessened her appeal in his mind. He was not disposed to reverse the effect.
The ride into town was pleasant enough, and Bingley and Darcy fell into easy conversation. The former conversed mainly about Miss Bennet and the latter tolerated the topic. The sway of Miss Bennet on Bingley was becoming apparent to Darcy, and concern arose in regards to the Bennet lineage.
The logical detractors Darcy held for Elizabeth held just as firmly for Jane Bennet. This fact, coupled with Darcy’s inobservance of a particular affinity by Miss Jane Bennet, were reason for Darcy to worry about his friend.
“Charles, you seem presupposed to ascribe feelings to a lady that you are not well acquainted with. I wish you would tread more carefully in matters of the heart.”
“Would you have me sit home all day and read letters or dispatch orders as you do? I say, Darcy, I want to live a little and enjoy the pleasantries of life; and I find Miss Bennet to be one of the most pleasant things in my life at the moment.”
“You are making that fact clear to many an individual. However, I do not see her offering a similar reaction. I merely wish to caution you on putting forth emotions which may not be met with equal regard.”
“Shall I forego all society and restrict myself to business matters such as yours?”
Darcy’s horse whinnied and bolted for a second. Quickly reining in the beast, Darcy replied to his friend.
“If I were to choose between the present social situation and business of my nature, then I would wish you all the fanciful girls you could desire,” Darcy said with a smile.
Bingley, knowing full well that Darcy’s business dealings were much more intricate than his, let the matter drop. Darcy on the other hand, looked at his friend and truly wished him a happy life, free from some of the horrors familiar to Darcy House.
On the way to Longbourn the two rode through Meryton. Engrossed as they were in conversation, they came across Miss Elizabeth Bennet and a few of her sisters. The small group was gathered near the center of the road engaged in conversation with two gentlemen.
Charles took the opportunity to approach without caution, partake in immediate conversation, and reveal his intent to visit with Jane. Darcy nodded politely to Elizabeth who in turn gave a non-committal reply.
The gentlemen, with whom the ladies were conversing, turned their attention to the men arriving on horseback; it was a simultaneous realization of the acquaintance. Before Mr. Darcy stood Lt. Denny whom he had met just a week prior. That fact was overshadowed by the recognition of the second gentleman.
Darcy’s face turned red as George Wickham’s paled. This reaction did not go unnoticed by Elizabeth as it did by other members of the party.
The fear attacking Mr. Wickham’s mind recoiled him mentally, but he soon gained composure and was able to maintain a semblance of normality. Wickham, having grown up in the same household as Darcy, was well aware of the darker side of the family. Charles Bingley, on the other hand, enjoyed the company of Mr. Darcy but remained pleasantly ignorant regarding some of the more objectionable business matters that the family attended to; not so for George Wickham.
The late Mr. Darcy, Fitzwilliam Darcy’s father, was Godfather to George Wickham. It was his intention for George to work closely with the family and assist in many business dealings. With the passing of Mr. Darcy, George Wickham turned to more pleasurable pursuits, relying on his childhood friend, the current Mr. Darcy, for financial support.
This tactic did not play as well as Wickham supposed it would. One troubling matter after another ensued; until Wickham found himself in a predicament that Darcy found unforgivable. Wickham’s saving grace was Darcy’s sense of honour and pride. Nobless oblige.
George Wickham was familiar with the term and its obligations. He was also familiar where the obligations of the Darcy family began and ended. While his youthful follies were an annoyance, and an embarrassment to Darcy, they were not within the realm of serious trespass; and for this reason Darcy would not employ the powers at his disposal.
This knowledge allowed George Wickham freedom to move within society to the extent that his good manners and pleasant personality allowed. In many ways he was a counterpointe to Darcy. Where Darcy showed conservation and restraint, Wickham showed disregard; moving with ease and recommending himself to ladies and gentlemen of any rank. The ease and grace of his smile, his flair for flattering remarks, and a seemingly pleasant personality, worked well for him within society.
Had Wickham attempted these schemes years before, he would have met with more challenging obstacles. As it happened, recent wars and rapid changes in nobility across Europe allowed for a larger crack in society, whereby the odd serpent could slither. Wickham used this weakness in the upper ranks of the gentry for his personal gain and personal pleasure.
It was not until evening and the return to Netherfield that Darcy allowed himself to seriously contemplate the arrival of Wickham. Sitting in the drawing room, he wrote several letters to be dispatched immediately. To the ladies of Sussex he inquired as to Wickham’s most recent exploits. The emissaries in London, as well as the attorneys, were prevailed upon for similar reports and to his dear friend Colonel Fitzwilliam a request for information regarding Wickham’s possibilities of a commission in the ranks.
Darcy did not relish the idea of Wickham purchasing a commission. Although he could scarcely believe the man possessed the required funds, he did believe Wickham possessed the needed charm to obtain the funds.
Darker thoughts came to mind as Darcy brooded in the drawing room. The site of Miss Elizabeth with Wickham provoked unsettling emotions. Darcy trusted the motivation of Miss Bennet to analyze character, but he questioned her skills to arrive at a correct conclusion.
Wickham was artful with his craft, and should he prevail upon any of the Bennets they might be the worse for it. Knowing Wickham as he did, Darcy hoped the man would realize the limited means of the local families and choose to locate himself elsewhere.