Darcy began to turn toward the stairs.
“It will not do any good. He is … sleeping.”
Darcy turned back toward his cousin, his head tilted in a questioning manner.
“We found Mr. Wickham at a small tavern in a game of chance. We were a bit surprised when he came with us so easily. A short distance from here, he had the foolish notion he could slip away when others were distracted.” Colonel Forster smiled at the Captain. “He failed to realize he was atop Lieutenant Denny’s horse,” he finished with a wink and Captain McDermott laughed heartily.
Darcy looked a bit confused until the Captain explained Denny’s horse disliked carrying unknown parties and would not wander far from his owner. He was known to throw and strike out at any who made the attempt.
Darcy turned back to the three grinning officers and relaxed for the first time since leaving Elizabeth. “Will I recognize him in the morning?” he asked as he sat down and motioned for the barmaid.
Darcy ordered for himself and the Captain before turning to his companions. “We were correct in our estimations of our old friend. He had run up debts with nearly every merchant in Meryton, though not as much as has been his want. I suspect Elizabeth’s warnings kept the merchants from extending a higher amount.”
Colonel Forster shook his head and angrily stabbed a piece of meat. “I never would have thought Mr. Wickham capable of this.”
Darcy exchanged a knowing glance with his cousin. “Do not berate yourself, Colonel. My own father was taken in by Wickham to the day he passed.”
The Colonel and the Captain looked at each other.
“No doubt you have heard rumors of how I refused to bestow the inheritance upon him.”
They reddened as they nodded.
“He was given the thousand pounds which was bequeathed to him. There was a position in the church my father hoped he would fill, should he take orders. Wickham made it clear he would not be doing so and requested compensation. As you can imagine, I was relieved he would not be leading a flock and was quite willing to meet his requests.”
“Certainly, sir. I would not wish Mr. Wickham overseeing the eternal salvation of any soul,” Colonel Forster agreed before he took a swallow of ale.
“When I heard his tale, I doubted his suitability for the church.” Captain McDermott grimaced.
Darcy nodded. “Well, I now hold his debts. We have that as leverage should he try to deny any of the charges.”
The Colonels exchanged a glance. “Actually, Cousin, I questioned Wickham about the attack on Miss Elizabeth.”
Darcy snorted as he picked up his ale, “I sincerely doubt he confessed.”
“Not directly, but he did state you appeared to be pleased with the outcome,” Colonel Forster said as he glanced between the gentlemen.
Darcy slammed his mug down, splashing ale over the side. “He what?” He turned toward Richard, “Do you believe he was confessing?”
Colonel Fitzwilliam shrugged his shoulders. “I tried to get him to say more, but he would not. I fear Miss Elizabeth shall have to come forward to testify.”
Darcy groaned as he drew his hand through his hair. “I had hoped to spare her this. We are so close to our wedding day. Is there any chance we can convince the courts he deserted?
“He was out of uniform when we found him so there is hope,” Richard said unconvincingly.
“Can we expedite the process?” Darcy asked.
Colonel Forster nodded, “I have requested a field general court martial and believe there are three officers available to preside. We are in luck that a court session will begin in a few days as Miss Elizabeth’s offense occurred prior to Wickham’s joining the militia. With the right amount of persuasion,” he glanced at Darcy meaningfully, “I believe we will be able to convene a hearing within a few days.”
Darcy sighed as he exchanged a glance with his cousin and wondered how much the persuasion would affect his purse. He softly said a prayer this would be done before their wedding day.
Chapter Eight
Darcy paced nervously outside the Old Bailey as he watched for the carriage. Elizabeth and her father had arrived the two days prior and were staying with her Aunt and Uncle Gardner in Cheapside. He had offered to collect them in his carriage, but Mr. Bennet had told him it was not necessary as they would use Mr. Gardner’s equipage while in London. Darcy glanced at his pocket watch again before returning his gaze to the street.
Richard approached, chuckling. “She will be here, Darcy. Why are you so nervous? Wickham realizes it is in his best interest not to say anything about his conduct with Georgie and Miss Lydia. He is already in deep enough. Their reputations are safe.”
Darcy turned to his cousin. “I wish I could spare her this,” he waved toward the door. “We are to be wed in two days’ time. You know how these things can be. We should leave for Hertfordshire in the morning. With so many cases to be heard, chances are we will be here again tomorrow.”
The Colonel laid a reassuring hand on his cousin’s shoulder. “I have spoken to the Constable. I believe he agrees that Wickham is the man who attacked Miss Elizabeth. With his testimony, the debts you have purchased, and Colonel Forster’s report, we may finally see the last of the man.”
Darcy turned to look back down the street, searching for the Gardner’s carriage. “Elizabeth has asked he not be hung,” he said softly.
“What? Why would she do this? She is the one who was so adamant he not be able to harm your family again.”
“She cannot abide the thought of his blood on her hands. She has asked me to request transportation.”
Richard sighed and allowed his gaze to travel over the busy street. “They may not listen to her request,” he said with a hint of hope in his voice.
Darcy turned his attentions to his cousin. He knew Richard had seen more of war and death than Darcy ever desired. His thoughts travelled back to Ramsgate when his only wish was to wring Wickham’s neck with his bare hands, to the night he carried Elizabeth to Longbourn after her attack, and finally to the moment at the ball when he learned Wickham was the man in the shadows. He understood the desire to have George Wickham at the end of a hangman’s noose. He also knew it would haunt his tenderhearted Elizabeth and cast a veil over their life together.
“Elizabeth is one of the strongest women I have ever known, but I cannot ask her to carry this burden. I will back her request for transportation.” He turned and smiled sadly as he saw the carriage approach. “She is not a soldier, Richard. Do not expect her to behave as one.”
Richard watched as Darcy handed Elizabeth out of the carriage and greeted Mr. Bennet. They turned to approach him and he saw the sadness written on her countenance. He bowed over her hand before rising and meeting his cousin’s eyes. A quick nod was enough to acknowledge he understood and they turned to enter the courtroom.
***********
The afternoon drew on and the smells from the spectator’s gallery increased. Heavy applications of parfum and cologne by the individuals who had paid to observe the court proceedings barely masked the oppressing odor of unwashed, sweating bodies and, in fact, battled one another in a most disagreeable manner. Darcy repeatedly patted Elizabeth’s hand reassuringly as each new case was called until she slipped it from his arm in annoyance and, flipping her fan open, began waving it vigorously. This only served to stir the surrounding aromas. After a glance from her father, she snapped the fan shut and sighed heavily. In any other situation, her companions would have chuckled at her antics, but in this instance they shared her frustration.
Darcy glanced at his pocket watch and then to the long case clock in the corner of the room. The afternoon was slipping away and still Wickham had not been called to the dock. As if in understanding of their plight, the lead judge stopped the senseless ramblings of the current defendant and began the summation of the case before turning it over to the jury for debate. Almost immediately, the jurors stood and a guilty verdict was passed down. The defendant was qui
ckly led away before he could begin his protestations again. Darcy was relieved when he saw Wickham being lead to the bar.
Gone was the charming, attractive man of their youth. It had been several days since his attempted escape and his then black eye was now a plethora of colours including a sickly green. His right arm was held up in a filthy sling and his normally well-coiffed hair hung greasily about his face. Darcy could only shake his head in disgust at the depths to which his childhood friend had fallen.
The charges were read and the first witness called. A wave of whispers ran through the gallery as Elizabeth stood and made her way to the witness box, her head held high, not looking at any one in particular. The clerk performed the swearing in and the lead judge nodded for Elizabeth to begin her testimony.
Darcy held his breath as she once more told the story which had placed them on their current path. He turned toward the dock to find Wickham watching him intensely, the corner of his mouth twitching as he fought the urge to smirk. Darcy glared at the man before quickly returning his attention to his betrothed.
Elizabeth remained calm throughout her testimony, looking directly at the lead judge and pretending no others were in the room. When she finished, the judge leaned forward.
“Miss Bennet, you have stated it was dark the night of your attack and you did not see your assailant. How then are you certain it was Mr. Wickham?”
For the first time, Elizabeth turned to look at the defendant. She swallowed hard before raising her chin in defiance to the fear in her heart. “I will never forget the voice of the man in the shadows that evening. It haunted my dreams immediately following the attack, but those dreams diminished as time passed. They recurred once I was introduced to Mr. Wickham. I confronted him and he did not deny it.”
“Did Mr. Wickham confess to attacking you, Miss Bennet?”
Elizabeth returned her gaze to the judge. “No, Your Honour. He did not respond in any way.”
The judge nodded and Elizabeth returned to her place between her father and Darcy as the Constable was called forward. Darcy kept his eye on the time as they progressed through the testimonies, his stomach clenching as the minutes ticked away. As he feared, after the third witness was called the judges stated the case would be continued to the following morning and recess was called for the night. Elizabeth gripped his arm as he led her from the courtroom, tears sparkling in her eyes. Would this tribulation never end?
***********
Elizabeth paced about the drawing room of the Gardner’s home as she wrung her handkerchief. Mrs. Gardner sat quietly, watching her niece while they waited for the gentlemen to rejoin them. She jumped as Elizabeth dropped unceremoniously into a chair and growled softly, “I cannot believe we are not leaving in the morning.”
Mrs. Gardner reached out to comfort her, but Elizabeth was up and pacing again. “Lizzy, wearing out my new carpet is not going to get you to Longbourn any faster.”
Elizabeth stopped and turned to face her aunt. “I am sorry, Aunt. I am simply upset as …” she grasped the handkerchief to her mouth and swallowed a sob.
Mrs. Gardner stood and crossed to her, slipping an arm about her shoulders. She kissed her niece lightly on the forehead as she had done when she was younger. “I understand.”
“Everything has been so … maddening from the start. I simply wish to be wed and away from … all of this.” She hugged her aunt, laying her head on her shoulder.
“I know, dear. I am certain Mr. Darcy feels the same way. He is most likely wearing a path in your uncle’s carpet as well. Luckily that one is not so new.”
Elizabeth chuckled softly as she pictured her betrothed matching her step for step.
“Now come, dab your eyes and have a seat. I believe a glass of sherry might be best this evening. You have not yet told me the contents of Jane’s letter.” The ladies sat down and her aunt poured the wine.
Elizabeth smirked, “Did I not? I was so surprised at the time, I thought I told you.”
“No, dear, that was just before the gentlemen arrived.”
Her eyes lit as she remembered the relief she had felt when Darcy entered the room. Aunt Gardner cleared her throat and Elizabeth laughed at her abstraction.
“You will never believe it when I tell you. Mr. Collins has proposed to Charlotte and she has accepted him. Mama is in an uproar, but Jane keeps reminding her Mr. Darcy has promised to see to her care after Papa passes.”
“It is a good match for Miss Lucas,” Mrs. Gardner said diplomatically.
“Of course, but he is such a silly man. I am certainly glad he did not address any of my sisters. Oh, and she shall have to live with Lady Catherine hovering nearby, waiting to find fault or give advice on any minor thing.” She shook her head. “I do not envy her.”
“Well, Lizzy, not everyone is able to find a love match as you have.”
Elizabeth blushed and took a sip of her sherry as the gentlemen entered the room.
Darcy crossed quickly to her side, knowing she was as anxious as he for the trial to end. “Elizabeth, if this is not over tomorrow, we shall simply ask for a day’s recess. I will not allow this to interfere with our wedding day.” She nodded silently, her mind drawn back to the reason they were here in London instead of home preparing for their wedding.
Mr. Bennet watched the couple from the seat he had taken by the fire. “I believe they are near a decision. If they decide early, we may simply have to press the magistrates for a sentence.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam glanced out the window at the sky, “It appears we shall have a full moon tomorrow. As long as the skies are clear, we could travel at any time.”
Elizabeth glanced about at the men. They were all determined to reassure her. She forced a smile as she squeezed Darcy’s hand. “You are all correct. I am certain we shall see this ended tomorrow.” Darcy lifted her hand and pressed a light kiss to her fingers.
***********
“Mr. Wickham, are you attempting to accuse Mr. Darcy and his father of being the cause of your reprobate behaviour?”
Wickham flinched at the judge’s tone and realized he had gone too far. Swallowing, he paused a moment before responding. “Darcy’s father supported me in all things while I was growing up at Pemberley. He insinuated he would provide for me. After his passing, I learned that was not the case. I was forced out and made to fend for myself without the training or experience needed. I was raised as a gentleman’s son, but given a servant’s inheritance.”
Darcy clenched his fists at his sides in the witness box. Wickham had waited until Darcy was called before taking any interest in questioning his accusers. It was once again a competition between the two.
“You were given a gentleman’s education and my father provided a living in the church for you had you taken orders. The results of you squandering his gifts falls solely upon your shoulders,” he spat out with suppressed anger.
The contention between the two men was palpable. Wickham’s sneer as he stared Darcy down did nothing to help his case. The judges waited to see if either would continue but, when both remained immobile, decided to dismiss Darcy.
Colonel Fitzwilliam patted his cousin on the shoulder as they passed before he took his place on the stand. Turning a cold smile on Wickham, he was sworn in and began his testimony.
***********
Elizabeth sighed softly as the jury declared George Wickham guilty of assault and desertion. Everyone seemed to glance at the long case clock and Darcy quickly stood to address the bench.
“Your Honours, my fiancée and I would like to make a request of the counsel.”
The lead judge waved him forward.
“I believe you are aware we are to be wed tomorrow in Hertfordshire and wish to be on our way as soon as possible. We also prefer to have this … unpleasantness … behind us before then.” Taking a deep breath, he pressed forward. “We ask Mr. Wickham’s sentence be issued at this time. We also understand the sentence for these crimes to be execution, but we would request
the court be lenient. We would have Mr. Wickham transported for life instead.”
The magistrates exchanged glances before the lead responded. “By your own words, sir, you have suffered at this man’s hands for some time. Your fiancée was attacked by him. Yet you wish him spared?” They all looked at Darcy dubiously.
Darcy turned back to where Elizabeth sat beside her father. Their eyes met and he could see the concern on her face. Taking a deep breath, he faced the bench again.
“Tomorrow will be one of the happiest days of our lives. We will not allow this man to cast a shadow over it in any manner. It will not be postponed and we wish to leave this completely behind us when we walk out these doors today. I will not allow anything to lessen that happiness for us, if it is in my power.”
The magistrates looked at the couple before withdrawing from the room to discuss the request. General murmurings began all about the room. Darcy spoke softly with his cousin for some time before crossing slowly to Wickham who stood in the dock, his face as pale as fine linen.
“You realize of course, I do this only for Elizabeth. She should not have your blood on her hands,” he said bitterly. Before Wickham could respond, the court was called to order, and Darcy returned to his seat as the magistrates entered.
“We have taken your request into consideration, Mr. Darcy. Given the circumstances, it is decided Mr. Wickham shall be transported to Australia. It is our understanding there is a ship leaving two days from now. He shall remain under guard until that time.”
Wickham was led away as the others left the courtroom without a glance in his direction. As the doors closed behind them, Darcy took a deep breath and patted Elizabeth’s hand which lay in its place upon his arm. Their eyes met and he smiled at her. “Are you packed, my love? Can we leave immediately?”
A spark lit in her eye and she blushed.
The Ball At Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice Alternative Novella by Bronwen Chisholm Page 11
