But as self-incriminations began to surface, he acknowledged that he had some guilt with regard to her maidenly status. He had taken her virginity, a circumstance he had not foreseen.
During their interview, when he had asked if she had ever done anything like this before, he had meant had she ever entered into such an agreement before; obviously she had meant something of far greater import.
He had assumed that any woman who would agree to the terms of an arrangement such as theirs was no longer a maiden. Why would an innocent young lady, regardless of her lower social standing, consent to such an agreement?
He poured himself another brandy and sat before the dying fire. As he reflected upon all the events that had led up to this evening, he concluded that he should not feel guilty at all. After all, he had not forced her to do anything. It had been her decision to enter into their agreement. However, this train of thought did little to ease his conscience.
As he finished off the bottle of brandy, he truly hoped he would pass out from the alcohol, for he feared that it would be his only chance for any rest tonight.
CHAPTER SIX
Elizabeth awoke the next morning to a steady rain. She welcomed the grey and gloomy day as it matched her mood perfectly. The brightest thought that entered her mind all morning was that, with any luck, the worst of it was over. She could not imagine anything more humiliating than what she had gone through the night before. But, despite the previous night’s experience, she was determined to maintain as much of her dignity as possible.
Not wishing to be in company, she had requested that her breakfast be brought up to her room. She sat before the now cold fireplace and poured herself another cup of tea. Her mood was melancholy.
She held no resentment towards the gentleman. Had she not willingly consented to the terms of the agreement? After all, she told herself, it could have been much worse. When she had entered her room the previous evening and saw the gentleman seated before her, she was not repulsed by his countenance.
Over the last fortnight, when her thoughts had anticipated the abhorrence of their first intimate encounter, she had prepared herself to keep her eyes firmly shut as not to look upon the disagreeable visage that must surely be his. However, the exact opposite had occurred. She had found herself unable to look away from him.
But it was more than his physical beauty that had kept her eyes transfixed with his. She somehow had felt a connection with the gentleman. Perhaps it was a normal phenomenon that occurred while indulging in such intimacies. Being a neophyte to such activity, she could not say.
She was grateful that he was a man of his word. He had promised to provide part of the money in settlement of their arrangement prior to their designated meeting, acquiescing to her entreaty to Mr. Gallagher.
The unpleasantness of that entire episode would not be easily forgotten.
In July when Elizabeth had visited her sister Jane in London as they had planned, she had not expected the turn of events that quickly followed her arrival.
~*~
With their Aunt and Uncle Gardiner travelling in America, Jane had made arrangements with the Morgans that she would stay with Lizzy at their uncle’s townhouse on weekends and return to Grosvenor Street during the week. She wanted to spend as much time as possible with her sister.
During the week, Elizabeth would walk the several blocks from Gracechurch Street to the park where Jane took the children to play. The flowers were now in full bloom and the trees’ foliage afforded shade over the park benches. The sisters sat and caught up on all that was happening in their lives. Elizabeth was truly enjoying her visit.
During the second week of her visit, Jane received an express letter from their sister Kitty. Since it was a rare occasion for Kitty to write, she was doubly curious as to why she would send an express. Elizabeth watched Jane’s face as she read the letter and saw the myriad of emotions displayed upon it.
“Jane, tell me!” said Elizabeth. “What does our sister write that distresses you so?” Jane could not speak. Tears immediately filled her eyes as she handed the letter to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth took the letter and read:
July 27, 1812
Dear Jane,
I am writing with the most dreadful news. Our mother has received a communication from Colonel Foster in Brighton. He has informed us that Lydia has run off with one of his officers. To be more precise, she has run off with Mr. Wickham. He has no further information other than he believes they have gone to London.
He has sent two of his best officers in hopes of locating them and has promised to keep us informed of any news.
Our mother has taken to her bed and refuses to see anyone other than our Aunt Philips. I will write you again as soon as we have received any further information.
Love, your sister
Kitty
Elizabeth slowly put down the letter. She looked over to Jane who was now crying openly. “Who is Mr. Wickham, Jane? Have you made his acquaintance?”
“No, Lizzy, I have not,” she answered through her sobs. “But I understand that he was a frequent guest of our Aunt Philips when the Militia was in Meryton. If the rumours that our aunt has relayed to me are true, he has left many debts to the shopkeepers in town, and his scandalous behaviour has ruined more than one young lady’s reputation.”
What was to be done? The only person who could help them was their Uncle Gardiner. Even if they knew where to write him, it would take him weeks to get back to London. By then, all would be lost.
Elizabeth decided that the best course would be for her to go to Meryton. She would be aware of any new communication from Colonel Foster much sooner if she were there.
As she left for Meryton the following morning, she promised Jane she would keep her informed. “Do not distress yourself, Jane. Maybe things are not as grave as they seem. We should not lose hope.” The sisters hugged, each one thinking they would remain strong for the other’s sake.
Upon her arrival at her mother’s cottage, her sister Kitty came running to her and hugged her tightly. “Lizzy! I can’t believe you are here! I am so happy to see you.”
Elizabeth returned her sister’s hug. She hadn’t seen her since the week of their father’s death. She had grown into a lovely young woman, and she appeared much improved in sense and behaviour in the short time away from her sister Lydia’s influence.
When they were settled into the house, Elizabeth said, “Now tell me all you know, Kitty.” Her sister relayed all the details she had learned thus far. Mrs. Foster had sent along a letter that Lydia had left for her the night she ran off with Wickham. The letter had indicated that Lydia believed Mr. Wickham intended to marry her, as she said she would return from Gretna Green as Mrs. George Wickham. Elizabeth knew that was not likely. Lydia had no money or connections. Certainly nothing that could tempt Mr. Wickham into matrimony.
Knowing she would have to face her mother sooner or later, Elizabeth approached her bed chamber and slowly turned the knob. She peeked into the room and found her mother lying on her settee, her hands wringing her handkerchief.
“Hello, Mama,” said Elizabeth softly.
Mrs. Bennet looked over towards the door and gave her least favourite daughter a glare. “Lizzy! We are all ruined, and it is your fault! If you had married Mr. Collins, we could all have gone to Brighton, and your sister would now be safe.”
Elizabeth approached her mother. “Really, Mama, I hardly think you can blame me for Lydia’s imprudent behaviour.”
“Oh, yes, yes! Had I but been there, I would have made sure she behaved herself in front of the officers. I also blame Colonel Foster for not keeping a watchful eye on her. My poor Lydia!”
“Have you been able to reach our Uncle Gardiner?” asked Elizabeth.
“I have sent a post to his last address, but I fear he is travelling again. I will not be able to contact him until he next writes to me. Oh, my poor nerves! How could he leave us at a time like this? He should not have made such exten
sive plans! Oh, what is to become of us? We are all ruined!”
“Mama,” sighed Elizabeth. She knew there was no point in continuing. Her mother was never one to listen to reason. “I will have some supper sent to you in a little while, Mama.”
Conversation at dinner was stilted, even with Mary quoting what she thought to be relevant passages from her book of Fordyce’s Sermons. Kitty and Elizabeth tried to carry on pleasant conversation, but they just didn’t have it in them. They were too worried to pretend. Elizabeth knew all they could do was wait.
That night Elizabeth found no sleep. Even though she knew her mother’s propensity for hyperbole, she could not dismiss the fact that there was truth in her words. Her refusal of Mr. Collins had left her family susceptible to the harsh realities of life. Might this situation have been avoided had she married Mr. Collins? Would they all have accompanied Lydia to Brighton? Of course, there was no way to judge such things, but she could not deny the guilt she felt.
The following morning two officers appeared at the cottage door. “Allow me to introduce myself, Miss Bennet. I am Colonel Fitzwilliam, and this is Captain Grayson. We have been sent by Colonel Foster, and I wish to assure you of our full cooperation in the search for your sister.”
“I am surprised that this situation would require someone of your rank, sir.”
“Well, normally it would not Miss Bennet,” said the colonel. “May I speak freely?”
“Yes, of course.”
“When I discovered that Mr. Wickham was involved in this situation, I informed Colonel Foster that I would like to lend my assistance to your family. I have had previous dealings with Mr. Wickham in a similar matter, and I thought I might be of some use. We are on our way to London where I hope to locate former associates of Mr. Wickham’s who might know of his present whereabouts.”
“That is very good of you, Colonel Fitzwilliam. We certainly could use your help, and we are most grateful for it.”
“I cannot promise that we will be successful, but I will let you know of any progress in locating your sister.”
The gentlemen bowed as they left her company. However, Colonel Fitzwilliam turned back one last time to admire the young lady who possessed the finest eyes he had seen in a long time.
~*~
Three days later Elizabeth received a communication from Colonel Fitzwilliam. The colonel had located a Mrs. Younge on his first day in London. Mrs. Younge had been associated with Mr. Wickham in the past and would most likely know how to contact him. Since she knew the colonel by sight, Captain Grayson had approached the woman advising her that he represented the Bennet family and was acting on their behalf.
The following day Mrs. Younge informed Captain Grayson that Mr. Wickham refused to meet with him but was willing to relay his unyielding demands. There would be no negotiating.
Mrs. Younge revealed exactly what it would take to induce Mr. Wickham to marry Lydia, namely that all of his debts in town be paid, and that he receive an additional sum of ten thousand pounds. Unless the family agreed to his terms, he would not marry Lydia nor divulge her whereabouts.
Colonel Fitzwilliam and Captain Grayson returned to the cottage the following day. “I’m sorry we were not successful in obtaining your sister’s location,” stated the colonel. “I wanted to be able to assure you of her wellbeing. We can only hope that she has been unharmed.”
“Believe me, Colonel; I am grateful for everything you have been able to accomplish. I would not have known where even to begin looking for Mr. Wickham.’’
“Are you in possession of the money he is demanding?” he asked, his tone almost apologetic.
“No,” said Elizabeth, “but if it means saving my family from ruin, I will find a way to raise it. I will go to London and discuss the situation with my sister. I will contact you as soon as we have found a way to acquire the money.”
The colonel bowed before her and departed. Had it not been for the unfortunate circumstances of their acquaintance, he might have acted upon his undeniable attraction towards the young lady, but certainly the grievous nature of their association made any such conduct inappropriate. It was probably for the best; for as a second son he knew he must marry a woman of means. Still, he could not deny her appeal.
~*~
Elizabeth met Jane at their usual bench in the park. As she relayed to her sister what had transpired over the last few days, Jane could not help express her great concern.
“Oh Lizzy, how are we ever to come up with such a sum of money?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I don’t know, Jane. Perhaps, I could borrow it from Mrs. Worthington.”
Elizabeth highly doubted that Mrs. Worthington possessed such a large sum of money, and, even if she did, Elizabeth was certain her son and only heir would not approve of her making such a loan with no guarantee of its repayment. She did not relate these thoughts to Jane, as she wanted to give her some hope to cling to.
Unable to come up with a feasible resolution, the sisters sat in silence. After some time had passed, Jane stood. “I promised Mrs. Morgan I would stop by her salon and make an appointment for her for Saturday.” Elizabeth offered to accompany her, stating she needed a diversion from her thoughts. They gathered the children and made their way towards the centre of town.
As they entered the salon, Elizabeth lifted Caleb into her arms while Jane guided Jaime and Sarah toward the counter. The shop was very busy accommodating London’s most upper class of clientele. As Jane tried to gain the attention of the lady behind the desk, Elizabeth sat with Caleb in the waiting area.
Several ladies were seated about the room and looked over at Elizabeth as she entered. She immediately became self-conscious of her appearance. It was obvious that Elizabeth was not a member of their social circle. Her attire, though neat and clean, was simple in nature and contrasted with the fashions worn by those around her. Elizabeth could see the look of disdain on the ladies’ faces.
She sat down avoiding all eye contact and focused on Caleb. The two ladies closest to her were engaged in a conversation that was conducted in a stage whisper. Elizabeth was sure this was done for her benefit to produce a reaction of shock.
“Have you ever heard of such a thing?” said one young lady to the other. “I have it on good authority that it is absolutely true!”
“No!” said the other, “How deliciously scandalous!”
“Yes, I heard that whoever he is, he is willing to pay a very large sum of money. Can you imagine paying someone to have your child?”
“If that’s the case, I’m sure he must be most disagreeable. Who else would have to do such a thing?”
“Oh, I quite agree, my dear. I’m sure he is most abhorrent.”
“How did you ever learn of such circumstances?”
“Well, promise you won’t breathe a word of this to anyone, but one of my servants has a cousin who works for Mr. Gallagher, the attorney handling all the arrangements.”
Elizabeth saw that Jane had concluded her errand and was walking in her direction. She stood, holding Caleb in her arms. As she turned to leave, she looked back at the ladies who remained still deeply immersed in their gossip.
When they exited the salon, Elizabeth begged to be excused. “I just remembered an important matter that requires my attention, Jane.” She handed Caleb over to Jane and kissed her sister on the cheek. “I will see you on Saturday at Gracechurch Street. I’m sorry, but I really must hurry.”
“Where is Lizzy going, Jane?” asked Jaime.
Jane stood there quite perplexed as she watched her sister hasten away. “I truly cannot imagine.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Elizabeth nervously awaited Colonel Fitzwilliam’s arrival. She had insisted that he allow her to accompany him, and she was grateful that he understood her anxiety in wanting to be assured of Lydia’s safety as soon as possible.
She was also extremely thankful that the money from her “business arrangement” had been sent to Mr. Gallagher’s office by speci
al courier on the previous morning, as promised by the gentleman.
When she informed the colonel she was in possession of the money demanded by Mr. Wickham, he arranged to meet her at Cheapside. Jane was not even a little suspicious when Elizabeth informed her that Mrs. Worthington had agreed to lend her the money.
When the colonel finally arrived, he apologized for his tardiness. “It was my hope that my cousin would accompany us to meet with Mr. Wickham. I know he would be very interested in the outcome of this situation, as he also has had dealings with Mr. Wickham in the past.”
“Did he not wish to make the trip?” inquired Elizabeth.
“When I arrived at his townhouse, I was informed that he had some urgent matters to attend to with an attorney here in town, and then he would be departing to Scotland on business. His housekeeper was not sure when he might return, but expected him to be away for a fortnight or possibly more.”
Elizabeth was startled for a moment at the mention of Scotland but quickly dismissed it from her mind.
As their carriage approached the more dissolute part of the city, the colonel reached into his pocket and pulled out the paper Mrs. Younge had given to Captain Grayson. “I’m afraid this is not the best of neighbourhoods. I am certainly glad that circumstances did not prevail upon you to go alone, Miss Bennet.
“Once we have established that your sister is unharmed, it would be best if I were to speak with Mr. Wickham in private. I think I might be more persuasive in convincing him that an immediate wedding would be prudent.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam unconsciously touched the sheath of his sword at his side. He could not help but feel protective towards the young lady in his company. She appeared so vulnerable and trusting. Alone, she certainly would have been no match for Wickham.
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