“That very well may be true,” Elizabeth said. “Mr. Darcy told me that Lady Catherine tended to annoy people enough so that only the extreme toadies would visit.”
“I believe that,” Kitty said on a huff. “She asks impertinent questions and gives unwanted advice. If there is anyone I would keep away from our wedding day, it’s her.”
“May we assume she asked impertinent questions of you?” Mrs. Gardiner asked.
Kitty’s pert features pulled down in a frown. “Yes, with the excuse that I’m marrying her nephew. She managed to corner me when everyone else was busy. I didn’t know what to do, so I answered her questions. Richard said if it happens again, I should tell her that he ordered me to refuse to answer any questions I was uncomfortable with and she should ask them in his presence.”
Elizabeth smiled mischievously at her sister. “He’s ordering you around and you are not even married yet.”
Kitty’s frown disappeared as she affected a supercilious expression. “It’s an easy order to follow, since it is my decision whether I’m comfortable answering her. Besides,” she said, becoming more serious, “he must follow orders. If his general hadn’t ordered him to investigate potential heiresses for some relation, we never would have met.”
“Is that what happened?” Elizabeth asked, surprised. Mr. Darcy had never mentioned that. She’d assumed he and the colonel had come to walk with their cousin.
“Yes,” Kitty said. “Richard’s general wanted his relation to win an heiress. He asked Richard to ensure we were worthy and then arrange an introduction, since he’s Miss de Bourgh’s cousin. That’s why the gentlemen came to the park that day. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley didn’t know they’d already met the women who were walking with their cousin.”
It must have been rather a shock, Elizabeth realized, to see them there with Miss de Bourgh. Was that partially why Mr. Darcy had reacted so poorly? He had many strengths but reacting well to a surprise was not one of them.
“I’m grateful to the general, then.” Jane’s smile was radiant.
“And then I joined you all,” Mr. Searle said, also with a smile.
“What did your colonel tell his general then, Kitty?” Uncle Gardiner asked. “Once the gentlemen decided to keep you all for themselves?”
“Mr. Gardiner,” Aunt Gardiner protested, but Elizabeth didn’t think anyone was truly scandalized by her uncle’s words.
Kitty shook her head and smiled. “He told the truth,” she said. “He would never lie to his general. But he considered doing so and was going to say we were goats. I told him baa.” She giggled, the sound reminiscent of Lydia.
“The prettiest goats in London,” Mr. Searle said, standing. “I won’t take up any more of your time. Thank you again, all of you, for helping make Miss de Bourgh’s and my wedding day a joyous one.” He bowed to the room and left among a sea of farewells.
In the wake of Mr. Searle’s departure, Jane let out a sigh. “I wish Colonel Fitzwilliam’s general could order some of his people to find Lydia,” she said, causing Elizabeth to wonder if Jane, too, was reminded of their youngest sister by Kitty’s laughter. “I hope she and Mr. Wickham come to our weddings, and I’ve grown somewhat distressed that no one has found them yet.”
“I have some information on Mr. Wickham,” Uncle Phillips said.
Elizabeth turned to him with a surge of hope. She was more on Kitty’s side than Jane’s when it came to having the Wickhams at the joint wedding ceremony and breakfast, but she, too, was worried. It wasn’t like Lydia to be silent for so long.
“I don’t know where they are,” Uncle Phillips continued, “but my information at least suggests that he hasn’t run away from debts.”
“Well, that’s something, at least,” Aunt Gardiner said.
Elizabeth thought it was a sad sign when a man was praised for not running from his debts. “What did you learn?”
“I received a letter from Colonel Forster this afternoon,” Mr. Phillips said.
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Kitty interrupted.
Uncle Phillips shrugged. “If you’d all decided not to worry over Lydia, I didn’t wish to reignite the feeling.”
Kitty made a face.
“That was very considerate of you, Uncle,” Elizabeth said. She gave Kitty a stern look. “What did the letter from Colonel Forster say?”
Uncle Phillips offered Elizabeth a slight smile. “Mr. Wickham has been gradually paying off his gambling debts. Colonel Forster didn’t know until recently because Mr. Wickham paid off those in the most financial need first. Forster’s letter commented that Mr. Wickham seemed to have a better idea about the finances of the officers of the regiment than he did.”
“How did Forster find out?” Uncle Gardiner asked.
“I can only assume Mr. Wickham’s efforts finally reached him,” Uncle Phillips said. “The letter went on to apologize for his anger when he last saw me and said that I apparently knew how to handle Mr. Wickham better than he did.” Uncle Phillips’ slight smile grew. “I might add that I had no idea Mr. Wickham would ever pay his debts.”
“What about his debts to the merchants?” Uncle Gardiner asked.
“Those are still being paid, as promptly as I’m able,” Uncle Phillips said.
“Will it be difficult for you now in Meryton because the gambling debts were paid first?” Elizabeth asked.
“I doubt it,” Uncle Phillips said with a smile.
Elizabeth scrutinized him, wondering at his calm. There was something he wasn’t saying, but she’d long ago learned that Uncle Phillips kept his own council.
“So, we still don’t know if they’re coming to our weddings.” Kitty sounded exasperated.
“No,” Uncle Phillips agreed. “We have no idea at all.”
***
Elizabeth hoped Mr. Searle’s reason for wedding quickly, rather than lavishly, hadn’t been all about his mother, for she thwarted his plans by moving out very quickly. Within days, her personal possessions were transferred to her new residence. It was almost as if she’d already had the house rented and had only been waiting for the right moment to begin living there.
All Mr. Searle said on the subject was, “She surprised me, but I should have known that after being married to my father and helping him in his business, she was capable of handling anything.” While he was caught off guard by his mother, he still seemed very happy with the quickness with which he was wedding Miss de Bourgh.
Mary and her husband arrived the evening before the weddings. They were to remain for two nights, at Uncle Phillips insistence. That evening, the Gardiners’ home was stuffed to bursting, but everyone was happy to endure the press for so joyous an occasion. Jane, in particular, was pleased to have Mary there, tears filling her eyes as she greeted the sister she’d shared a room with through the past few, trying years.
The following morning, Jane was gorgeous, which wasn’t surprising. Kitty was radiant and looked beautiful. What was surprising, was Uncle Phillips’ new clothing. His limited wardrobe made him a comforting presence, but Elizabeth was glad to see him look like he belonged in their company, not like a country attorney. Fortunately, her surprise didn’t cause her to voice that sentiment aloud, for she was immediately ashamed of her thought.
Once they’d all made ready, a bit complicated in the stuffed house, they went en masse to the church they’d been attending with the Gardiners. The day was blissfully bright, with only a hint of a breeze in the crisp air, and the walk to the church short. The Gardiners led the way, with Uncle Phillips and Mary’s husband a pace behind them. Jane walked with Mary, followed by Elizabeth and Kitty. Elizabeth couldn’t help but wonder if it was the last time the four of them would walk together.
They arrived to find Colonel Fitzwilliam’s relatives there, as well as Mr. Bingley’s and Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh. Mr. Searle’s mother and two sisters were also there, as were the sisters’ smartly dressed husbands. With three couples marrying, they’d filled the small
church to capacity and created a rather festive atmosphere. Lady Catherine was nowhere to be seen.
Shortly before the ceremonies were to begin, the Wickhams slipped in. Elizabeth didn’t think most of the attendees noticed them, but she watched Mr. Darcy’s head swivel toward them. When he turned back, even from where she sat across the aisle, Elizabeth could see his frown.
Both Wickham and Lydia were dressed well, but not in the height of fashion. He, of course, made his clothes look more fashionable than they were. Lydia was dressed surprisingly conservatively. Despite their appropriate attire and quiet arrival, Elizabeth felt a prickle of nervousness.
Her worry was confirmed when, just as the first ceremony was about to begin, Mr. Wickham stood. At first, as he was near the back, no one seemed to notice. He cleared his throat loudly. More and more heads began to turn. A murmur filled the church. The priest, an unimposing and round man, stared at Wickham in confusion.
“I am sorry for interrupting this, but here, in church, in front of witnesses, I have to confess a wrong and give an apology,” Mr. Wickham said in a loud, strong voice, causing the assemblage to quiet.
Elizabeth turned to Miss Darcy. She stared at Wickham with wide, horrified eyes. Mr. Darcy looked ready to leap to his feet, but Wickham was half a church away.
To Elizabeth’s horror, Wickham gestured toward Miss Darcy. “I attempted to persuade Miss Darcy to elope with me,” Mr. Wickham proclaimed. “She told her brother, and nothing came of it. I was after her money and wrong to do so. She is shy and uncertain of herself. This means she probably blames herself for what nearly happened. She is in no way to blame. I took advantage of my position as the protégé of her father and of the friendliness of her governess.” He leveled apologetic eyes on Miss Darcy. “I don’t expect forgiveness, from you or your brother, but I can accept the blame.”
“Wickham,” Mr. Searle called from the front of the church, where he waited to marry. “What are you doing? I didn’t realize this was the public apology you said you must make.”
Mr. Wickham shrugged. “I didn’t realize you were getting married at the same time as my wife’s sisters.”
“You know this man, George?” Lydia asked, coming to her feet. “But I don’t even know Miss de Bourgh, except that my sisters have mentioned walking with her.”
Mr. Wickham and Mr. Searle exchanged a glance. Wickham leaned over and said something to Lydia in a low voice. He grasped her arm, obviously urging her to sit.
“No,” Lydia said loudly. “You’ve been nothing but secretive since we married. You wouldn’t even tell me why you made me get this horrible gown. I want to know what’s going on. Right now.”
A glance toward the front of the church showed Jane’s and Bingley’s confusion. Kitty was scowling at her younger sister. Elizabeth could easily guess Kitty’s thoughts, that this was exactly the sort of behavior she expected from Lydia, stealing a wedding day she was already sharing with two other women. Miss de Bourgh’s expression was questioning, her eyes on Mr. Searle. Mr. Searle looked about the church, as if seeking aid.
“Well?” Lydia cried. “Where are my answers?”
Wickham clasped her arm again, whispering urgently. Lydia shrugged free. She aimed a glare at Mr. Searle.
Mr. Searle offered the assemblage an apologetic shrug. “I’ll explain, Mrs. Wickham, but only if you promise to sit down once I do. I wouldn’t wish to have you removed from your sisters’ wedding.”
Lydia angled her chin in the air and offered a condescending nod. “I promise.”
“Very well,” Mr. Searle said. “I was at an inn having dinner with a man who claimed he was in need of money. I’d bought him dinner and was listening to all his woes. Mr. Wickham was at a table next to me. He leaned over and said that the man was fleecing me. I didn’t believe him, but when he explained, I realized he was right.”
“He claimed he hadn’t eaten in two days, but he left a bit of meat on a bone on his plate,” Mr. Wickham said, taking up the story. “Even though he had good teeth and chewed on the bone some, he didn’t gnaw enough to clean the bone. He also said he’d spent the past four months working on the docks, but his hands had no callouses.” He looked back to Mr. Searle.
“I was impressed,” Mr. Searle said. “I asked Mr. Wickham if he would help me evaluate others. He said he was more likely to cheat me than to help me.” Mr. Searle shrugged. “I appreciated his honesty and we fell to talking. I believe, at first, Mr. Wickham was simply using me for a free meal, but we came to an understanding eventually and made a deal. If he would right as many of his past wrongs as he could, I would pay him to help me decide where to give my charitable money.”
Elizabeth, who was nervously looking from face to face during the tale, took in surprise on Mr. Darcy’s and understanding on Uncle Phillips’. Miss Darcy was doing her best to look small, her face bright red. At the front of the church, Kitty still glared at Lydia.
Mr. Searle turned toward where Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy sat, expression apologetic. “I knew he was paying off old debts. He also told me he needed to publicly apologize to someone for an attempt to do something wrong. He didn’t go into details.”
Lydia rounded on Wickham. “So you’ve been getting money and just giving it away?” she cried. “While this monstrosity you insisted on is the only new dress I have?”
“Sit down, Lydia,” Kitty cried. “You promised.”
Mr. Wickham took his seat. Lydia looked about the church. Elizabeth followed her gaze, taking in the lack of sympathy she knew was reflected on her own face. Wickham touched Lydia’s arm. Scowling, she plunked down into the pew and crossed her arms over her chest.
A sort of collective sign went through the assemblage. The little priest cleared his throat. Everyone turned their attention back to the front of the church. First Jane, then Kitty, and lastly Miss de Bourgh took their turns as brides.
The happiness of the occasion quickly overcame the commotion in the church. A cheerful procession spilled forth when the ceremonies were concluded. They all turned and headed toward the Gardiners’ residence.
Elizabeth deliberately maneuvered to walk beside Mr. Darcy. She had thought to speak with Miss Darcy, to ensure she was well, but Jane and the newly made Mrs. Searle were on either side of Mr. Darcy’s sister, speaking to her earnestly. Beyond them, Kitty walked between Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lydia. Elizabeth couldn’t make out the words, but she knew her youngest two sisters were arguing.
To Elizabeth’s surprise, and Mr. Darcy’s obvious annoyance, Mr. Wickham came to walk on Mr. Darcy’s other side. He greeted them both amiably, but then fell into a strained sort of silence.
“Well?” Mr. Darcy said, tone sharp.
“Look, I’m sure you’re angry with me.” Mr. Wickham sounded nothing so much as weary. “You always are, and with reason. It had to be done, though. Georgi--”
Mr. Darcy’s head jerked toward Wickham. Elizabeth couldn’t see his face, but she could read the tension in his jaw. Mr. Wickham blanched.
“That is, Miss Darcy,” Wickham amended. “She would have held her imagined crime inside and let it make her miserable for years. She wouldn’t have felt worthy of a decent gentleman. She would always be afraid that I would tell someone. This way, it’s a brief scandal, and no discredit to her, and she can put it all behind her.”
Elizabeth touched Mr. Darcy’s arm. “I think he may be correct.”
Mr. Darcy continued to glare at Wickham. “You said your piece. Go.”
Wickham shook his head. “No, Darcy, not quite yet. Searle’s been paying me enough to cover my debts. I’ve put aside money to pay the ones I owe in Lambton. I suspect you covered them?”
“I did,” Mr. Darcy gritted out.
“Let me pay you back.”
“I don’t want your money.”
“Darcy, I’m trying to make things right between us.”
The silence between the two was alive with tension. Elizabeth touched Mr. Darcy’s sleeve again. If he could just get ove
r his deep hatred of the man, maybe… she didn’t dare finish that thought.
“Please?” Wickham finally said. “Take the money.”
“I will.” Mr. Darcy’s words were clipped. “I will give it to one of Searle’s charities. I’m sure he’ll give me the usual terms.”
“What are the usual terms?” Elizabeth asked, seeking any alleviation in the tension between the two men.
Mr. Darcy turned to her, appearing somewhat surprised to find her there. “He adds twenty-five percent to what I give.”
“I learned long ago that my fortune isn’t enough, but I can use it to encourage others to give,” Mr. Searle said.
All three looked over their shoulders. Elizabeth hadn’t realized Mr. Searle was walking so near. She could tell by the chagrin on Mr. Darcy’s face that he hadn’t either.
Mr. Searle lengthened his stride, coming up on Wickham’s other side. “Mr. Wickham helped teach me not to be too trusting,”
“Who guards the guardians?” Elizabeth murmured. The words were an echo of her father, who quoted that phrase sometimes, usually in Latin.
Looking across the other two men, Mr. Searle smiled at her. “I hired some people to watch Mr. Wickham. However badly he’s behaved in the past, he is behaving himself now.”
“If you have to hire people to watch him, how can you afford to pay him?” Mr. Darcy asked.
“Sadly, he saves me more than enough on fraudulent claims. And believe me, I check his findings,” Mr. Searle said.
“Why wouldn’t you permit us to have your forwarding address?” Elizabeth asked Mr. Wickham. “We were worried for Lydia. Where have you been living?”
“We rented the top floor of a house,” Mr. Wickham supplied. “I can give you the address. As for why we didn’t tell you, that’s the concession I made to get Lydia to behave well these past weeks. She said she wished to arrive at the wedding in a new gown and tell the story of how much better we’re living, as a surprise. She wasn’t happy when I told her the gown had to be appropriate for a wedding guest, not a bride.” He grimaced. “I admit, it didn’t occur to me you would worry. Since Darcy’s father died, I’m not used to anyone caring where I’m living.”
Hypothetically Married_A Pride and Prejudice Variation Page 18
