Love Unsought
Page 20
Wickham did not see his nemesis when the door opened. It was not until Darcy sat before him and ordered a drink that Wickham looked up. “Darcy! My old friend, what brings you to Portsmouth?” His voice was half contempt and half hope. “Have you come for the sea air? No? Then perhaps you seek our charming accommodations? Or do you look for charms of another sort? For that I may be able to make a recommendation,” he said this last with a significant glance across the room towards Miss Lydia.
Darcy was disgusted. “Have you married her at least?”
“Who? Lydia? Great god, no!” Wickham’s shout attracted Lydia’s attention. She looked up from the table she was clearing.
“Did you need me, love?”
The object of her attentions scowled and shook his head. “Mind the tables, Lydia.” He turned back to Darcy and lowered his voice before continuing. “She has been an excellent diversion, and she did pay for the coach that brought us here, but marriage? You know I must give some attention to money when I wed. Even if that were not so, Lydia is hardly the kind of girl one takes to wife, despite her manifold talents.”
Darcy continued with an almost preternatural calm. “Perhaps you should have considered that before you ruined the girl.”
“I can assure you, I was not the first to plough that field.”
“Be that as it may…it is not only her reputation, but that of all her sisters which is now in jeopardy. You must marry her.”
“What is that to me?” Wickham leaned back, eyeing him. “And now we arrive at the material point. You are not in the least concerned for the youngest Miss Bennet. You are worried for her sisters, or at least the luscious Elizabeth. Well, I must congratulate you on your good taste. The elder sister is far superior to the younger. I should know. I have sampled them both.”
Darcy’s voice dropped so it was barely audible. “Listen to me well, Wickham, for I shall only say this once. If I had only my wishes to consult, I would see you at the end of my blade. But I must consider what is best for the whole of the Bennet family. Therefore, I am offering you this one chance to make something decent of this sordid affair.”
“By marrying someone so far beneath my expectations? I have the right to the life of a gentleman, Darcy!”
“A gentleman would never be seen behind the bar. You forsook that life when you abandoned your post.”
“You robbed me of it long before I left Brighton!”
“How have you been robbed? The living? My sister? One you forfeited and the other was never yours to claim!”
“Yes, those things. But I would have accepted the first and never needed the second but for your abominable pride!”
“What?” Darcy was genuinely confused.
“My child, Darcy! It was my child in Arabella’s belly! She was meant for me! But you cast her aside like a bit of dirtied linen. And now you want me to marry that worthless little girl over there in order to save her family? To save your precious Elizabeth? No,” hissed Wickham.
Darcy stared at his childhood friend, sickened by the revelation that the woman he had once planned to wed had been the lover and willing accomplice to the man who most hated him. Despite the shock he felt rushing through him, Darcy replied in a cool voice.
“Why did you not run away with Arabella then?”
Wickham sneered. “Do you really think Lord Rawlins would have allowed his precious daughter to marry the son of a mere steward? Of course not, and had we run to Scotland he would have denied her dowry leaving us nothing on which to live. You were supposed to marry her. Then she would reside at Pemberley, I would take the living at Kympton, and my son would inherit your lands.”
“Good god. All of it, all of this…it was all because of her?” Darcy shook his head in disbelief.
“Of course it was for her. Always for her. She was my future, and you destroyed it. And now we shall destroy yours. She wanted the Bennets ruined so you would not find happiness. Though I must say, our plan has succeeded even beyond my imaginings.”
“Yet here you are, hiding from your debts and living as a common servant.”
“Yet here I am. And I had thought to ruin only one sister.”
It happened before Darcy had time to consider his actions. His fist met Wickham’s face, and Wickham found himself sprawled on the floor, blood pouring from his nose. Darcy did not spare him another look, even when Lydia rushed past wailing about fetching a rag for her dear Wickham. Instead, he resumed his seat and wiped his knuckles with a handkerchief before dropping it to the floor near Wickham’s face. In a completely unperturbed tone, he said, “Now, you have a new future. The manner of it is for you to decide. You can marry Lydia, and I will find you a suitable means of supporting her, or I can call in your debts and have you transported. Either way, you are not likely to see Her Ladyship again. The choice is yours.”
Darcy set his untouched drink to the side and stood to leave. Wickham was now struggling to stop his nose from bleeding. Leaving Wickham to a hysterical Miss Lydia’s dubious care, Darcy said, “I shall give you a few hours to consider your options.”
Darcy left feeling hopeful. His first friendship had been with George Wickham, and the acquaintance had taught him his first lessons in betrayal, as time and again Wickham had used their connexion to manipulate others. The news that Wickham had used his bitterness over the loss of Lady Arabella and the baby to wound Darcy had not surprised him, though it did help to explain a great many things. Every act of treachery since his father’s death, every lie, every betrayal, Darcy could now comprehend.
When Darcy returned to the tavern, he was pleased to see that Wickham was sporting a swollen nose and his eyes had already begun to blacken. “I will marry her. I do not especially care for her, but she is eager to please, and it would be a terrible nuisance to find a replacement. But we must have some money, Darcy. She is, after all, a gentleman’s daughter.” Wickham’s attempt at a genteel tone was spoiled by the damage to his nose.
Darcy was not surprised by Wickham’s impudence. “How much?”
“Ten thousand pounds.”
Darcy scoffed. “Absolutely not. I mean to help establish you, not fund your depravity for years to come!”
“Five thousand then. We must have something to live upon.”
“I will settle one thousand pounds on Miss Lydia but only the interest shall be made available for her exclusive use.”
“Be serious, Darcy!” Wickham exclaimed.
“I assure you, I am perfectly serious. The interest on such a sum should see to her needs even if you are not inclined to do so.”
“You must do better than that if you expect me to marry her. Give us three thousand at least and my situation with the regiment must be resolved.”
Darcy sighed. He suspected they were at last near an agreement. “Two thousand pounds and not a farthing more. I shall speak with Colonel Forster and the funds will be settled as I explained before.”
“And how do you propose we survive with no income?”
“You are in luck. I have an acquaintance who has been considering retirement. He owns an inn in Northumbria—”
Wickham coughed and spluttered. “Northumbria? Are you insane? Why, that is nearly in Scotland!”
“It is. The inn is located on the border. I am given to understand it owes its name and much of its patronage to young couples seeking to marry over the anvil and then quickly return to English soil. You and Miss Lydia could act as innkeepers. It is an elevation from your current position and managed correctly would adequately provide for whatever children might come.”
“And you think he would allow us to operate the place in his stead?”
“In time, he may even allow you to purchase it from him, though to be clear I shall not finance the venture on your behalf.”
“You would not wish to dirty the Darcy name by association.” Wickham sneered.
Darcy would not be provoked. “Make of it what you will. The choice is yours.”
“We will go.”
“The owner of the Black Anvil shall expect you in two weeks. You will necessarily have to make your visit to Hertfordshire a short one. I am certain Mrs Wickham’s family will understand. I will pay your travel expenses first to Longbourn and then to your new home. Once you arrive at your final destination, I want nothing further to do with either of you.” Darcy looked across the room, “You should smile. Your bride approaches.”
Wickham gave Darcy an exaggerated bow before handing his wife into the waiting carriage. “As you wish.”
Darcy breathed a sigh of relief. It was done. He was free to return to London and then, finally, to his Elizabeth. Elizabeth. He had not dared to include any message of his own with Wickham’s letter to Mr Bennet. The words he wished to say could only be spoken in person. Although he had arranged the entire patched up affair, he did not wish the family to know of his role in bringing about Mrs Wickham’s marriage.
Each passing week of Lydia’s absence left Mrs Bennet more and more distraught, and she was often overcome by fits of nerves. As the only daughters remaining at home, Kitty and Mary worked together to discharge the duties of mistress of the estate while their mother was indisposed.
Though she shared her family’s concern about Lydia’s continued absence, Elizabeth found she was feeling more herself with each passing day. She had been home for more than a month and was walking in the garden when she recognised a servant from Longbourn running up the steps to Netherfield’s front entrance. She followed his progress with one hand shading her eyes and was more than a little curious to know what news required such haste. She had already turned to go to the house when a servant appeared and said her presence was requested in the drawing room.
Elizabeth arrived to find her sister and brother in consultation over a message. “What is it?”
Jane turned a tear streaked face to her sister. “’Tis a message from Papa. They have been found.”
“They are married then?”
Jane looked down at the note in her hand and read one portion aloud. “You will be pleased to learn your sister and Mr Wickham are married and will make their home in Northumbria following a short visit to Hertfordshire.” Jane looked up at Elizabeth. “Lydia is saved.”
Elizabeth murmured, “So she is,” and fled the room.
Elizabeth could not make sense of her own emotions. She was relieved for the sake of her family that Lydia had married. She was angry that Lydia should be able to wed the man she professed to love, his poor character notwithstanding, and she was devastated that in the weeks since their first kiss she had heard nothing from Darcy.
Jane found her sister several minutes later. “Lizzy? What troubles you, dearest? Do you fear encountering Lydia during her visit? If so, you need not be concerned. Charles and I have already determined that the Wickhams shall not be welcomed in this house, nor will we accept any invitation to events where they might be included. I believe Lydia will be greatly disappointed to learn her society is likely to be restricted to Longbourn.”
Elizabeth gave a harsh laugh. “Yes, I am certain we shall all hear of her great misfortunes!” Jane remained silent and reached a hand to her sister. “Jane, I do not fear meeting with Lydia, though I will own I do not look forward to such a confrontation, and I will not be held to account for my actions should I chance to encounter her husband.”
“You must know we will do all in our power to prevent such a meeting.”
Elizabeth took a deep breath and released it slowly. “I am angry, Jane. I am so angry all the time. I am angry with Papa for making me go to Brighton. I am angry with Mama because she has taken Lydia’s part in all this, and I am furious that Lydia shall have her way at the expense of my happiness.”
“You refer to Mr Darcy?”
“Who else, Jane?” Elizabeth sighed and placed her head in her hands for a moment before raising it again to speak. “I love him, Jane. I love him completely, irrevocably, and beyond all reason. But it has become clear to me that he is not coming back.” She sniffed, wiped her eyes and said with a good deal of false bravado and forced resolve, “So, I shall resign myself to do what I have always threatened. I shall become a bluestocking spinster and watch as all my sisters marry well.”
“Lizzy! You know you shall always be welcome in our home, but I do not think your future is as bleak as you make it out to be.”
“You would not be my Jane if you imagined it any other way.”
Once Darcy had seen to the Wickhams’ wedding, his thoughts turned to home and Elizabeth. The journey from Portsmouth to London was uneventful, and Darcy arrived at his townhouse in good time. His plan was to bathe, eat, and then retreat to his study. From there he would sort through his correspondence and send notes to Bingley and Mr Bennet, declaring his intention to travel to Hertfordshire. He need not have bothered making a plan at all. He had taken but one step into the drawing room when he was met by his sister.
“Fitzwilliam, you are home!” Georgiana exclaimed, then embraced her brother.
“As are you, I see. I thought you were at Matlock.”
“I was. But you have not replied to any letters for weeks now and we—”
“Darcy! Where have you been?” Colonel Fitzwilliam interrupted loudly, as he entered the drawing room.
“Something we should all like to know,” Anne added from behind the colonel. “What could you have been thinking disappearing like that? The message you sent was scarcely of use. The earl and countess returned early from Matlock and upon discovering your continued absence, Lady Matlock threatened to call in the runners! She agreed to wait only on our promise to come here and question your staff.”
Darcy directed his reply to Georgiana. “Miss Elizabeth experienced some”—he hesitated, searching for the appropriate word—“difficulties in Brighton.”
“What sort of difficulties? What happened?” Georgiana asked.
“Do you remember her youngest sister, Miss Lydia?”
“I dare say I do. She is rather memorable.”
“Miss Lydia eloped from Brighton with George Wickham.”
Georgiana and Anne gasped, and Richard swore quietly. Then Georgiana said, “Oh! That is dreadful news. Is that where you have been? Were you helping Miss Bennet?”
“In my way, yes.”
“I am glad to hear it.”
“As am I, Darcy, but unlike your sister, I require more details,” said Anne.
Darcy eyed his cousins warily and knew he would have to reveal the whole of the matter. Neither would be satisfied with half-truths. “How came the two of you to be here? I thought you were off somewhere polishing Wellington’s boots, and I cannot believe my aunt has allowed Anne out of Kent!”
Richard answered first. “As it happens, the disappearance of a beloved family member is considered reason enough for additional leave.”
“I did not disappear,” Darcy said defensively.
His cousins continued as if he had not spoken.
“We did not know that. As to Mama, she will think I have come to London to find you and bring you to your senses,” Anne said with a smirk.
“Now that we have answered your questions, let us return to your own misadventures. I have heard the most alarming gossip from my men.” Richard’s tone was unyielding.
“Your men gossip like a bunch of old women,” Darcy grumbled.
“And yet they are often correct. Did you truly spend several nights gambling at the docks?” the colonel asked.
“What if I did?”
“Then I shall be f
orced to do the most disagreeable thing of my life!” Anne exclaimed.
“And what is that?”
“I shall have to agree with my mother and conclude that you are bound for Bedlam!”
“Tragic,” Darcy said drily.
“You have no idea. What have you been doing for Miss Bennet that required such a long absence,” Anne rejoined, “and gambling on the docks?”
“Might I at least sit down?”
The colonel answered, “Of course. Shall we retire to your study?”
Darcy surrendered. “By all means. After you.”
“Shall I ring for tea, or does your tale require something stronger?” asked Anne.
“Stronger, I think. But I could do with some food. I have been on the road since dawn.”
Georgiana excused herself to see about the refreshments while the others made their way to Darcy’s study. A tray was delivered, and Anne poured sherry for herself and brandy for the gentlemen. Once they were all settled and he had a few bites of food, Darcy began his story. He started with the letter received while he was in Mr Bennet’s office and continued through his departure from Portsmouth.
There was silence for several moments after he ended his narrative. Anne was the first to speak. “You have not mentioned anything of Miss Elizabeth’s current condition, Cousin. Is she well?”
“I do not know. I hope to send a note to Netherfield even today,” Darcy said.
Richard looked at him, his mouth agape. “Do you mean to say you have been absent all this time and you have sent no word to Miss Elizabeth or her family?”
“I have been busy trying to salvage what remained of her youngest sister’s reputation!”
“Let me rightly understand. It has been weeks since you received word in Hertfordshire that Miss Elizabeth had been importuned in Brighton. You then left that county, telling her father, sister, and your best friend that you were going to London to purchase a common licence and would return immediately. After setting out, you decided you must see your lady love and went to Brighton instead, telling no one. When you arrived in Brighton you met with Colonel Forster, whom you swore to secrecy, kissed Elizabeth, apologised, and left. You then spent the next several weeks tracking down that miscreant Wickham and Elizabeth’s foolish sister. Is that correct?”