“I will stay. Whatever you have to say, I must know the truth of my sister’s circumstances. I will demand the information from my aunt and Charlotte anyway, so save us the time and tell us all now.”
Mr. Darcy looked to Mrs. Gardiner.
“As much as I might agree with you, Mr. Darcy, in a wish to protect Elizabeth’s sensibilities, I fear such an exercise to be impossible at this point. I will not summon Jane and am glad she is not present, but I will not send Elizabeth away.” Mr. Darcy frowned, but acknowledged the truth of the matter with a nod.
“I have found them. I observed Wickham leave the location this morning and spoke to Miss Lydia myself.”
“Where are they? Why did you not bring her here?”
Mr. Darcy held up a hand to hold off the questions Elizabeth fired at him. “They are staying in a room above a tavern in a most disreputable part of town. I implored Miss Lydia to come with me that I might bring her to you, but she refused to come.” He glanced at Elizabeth quickly before directing himself back to Mrs. Gardiner. “They are not married, nor does she seem to be concerned about when they will marry, though she still seems to assume they will at some point.”
Elizabeth closed her eyes. She could not bear to see the disdain on his face that she heard in his voice. Any hopes she may have still harbored inside herself shattered and she felt the shards slice through her.
She would hold herself together. She would not cry. Elizabeth had not thought her sister so lost to decency as this, but accept it she must.
If Lydia could not see the shame in her situation, nothing could be done to save the family’s reputation. They were all lost. Would Mr. Bingley even stay with Jane in the face of such a repugnant association?
“According to Miss Lydia, Wickham is expected back this evening. I suggest that Mr. Bennet, Mr. Gardiner and myself wait in a hackney coach near the tavern and then accost Wickham as soon as he has gone to his room. I fear that once he learns that his location has been discovered, he may flee. Whether or not he would take Miss Lydia with him, I cannot say.”
Elizabeth looked at her hands sitting in her lap. She still could not bear to look in his direction. She was not certain if she would see disgust, disapproval, or disappointment, but she did not think she could hold back her tears, no matter his expression.
“You have found them, that is the point we must hold onto,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “Once you are able to apprehend Wickham and bring Lydia back here, then we will focus on our next steps.”
“I have men watching the tavern in the event Wickham returns early. I must see to a few matters and then I will return here in two hours. Hopefully by that time Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet will have returned so that we may discuss a plan. I am afraid I must take my leave now.” The ladies stood.
“Certainly, Mr. Darcy,” Mrs. Gardiner walked him to the door. “We are most grateful for your assistance in locating Lydia.” He nodded to the ladies and left.
Elizabeth sat, afraid her knees would not hold her much longer. Charlotte came and sat next to her.
“Lydia is found, Lizzy. Tis far better news than we had this morning.”
“She is not married, though she has been staying in a room with Mr. Wickham for days, and does not care. We are lost, Charlotte.”
“She is not married now, but that can be quickly rectified and no one else need know the exact timing of the matter. All is not lost.”
“Not yet, perhaps. If Mr. Wickham has not married her by now, how do we induce him to do so? What price will he demand and how are we to afford it?”
“I do not know, but do not give up hope just yet. I have far more confidence of a satisfactory outcome now than I did this morning.”
“I hope you are correct, Charlotte.”
CHAPTER 38
Two hours later, Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam descended from their carriage and walked to the door, ready to meet with Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner.
Darcy’s primary objective during the intervening time had been to convince Bingley to head back to Pemberley. Much as Darcy liked his friend, he feared the younger man would wish to assist in the reclamation of his soon-to-be sister. Bingley had no knowledge of the seedier side of town, nor had he any experience dealing with men such as Wickham. Darcy feared no good could come of his assistance, so he requested Bingley return to Pemberley to keep watch over Georgianna for him. That she needed protection primarily from Bingley’s sisters, he did not state, nor did he need to. While Bingley was reluctant to leave at such a time, he recognized Darcy’s presence in London was more necessary than his own to save Lydia. He finally agreed that he could serve their needs best by returning to Pemberley which would leave Darcy free to continue his efforts.
Thankfully, Bingley had not remarked upon Georgianna’s ability to fend for herself in the days Darcy had already been absent. Darcy’s concern for Georgianna was genuine, as was his need to get Bingley away until matters had been settled. He feared Bingley recognized his true objective in sending the man away, but such could not be helped.
Darcy and his cousin were quickly let into the home and shown to Mr. Gardiner’s study.
“I hear you have found them. I must thank you, Mr. Darcy, though I do not understand why you were searching,” Mr. Bennet said as soon as the gentlemen had entered and introductions completed.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam and I have a history with Mr. Wickham and thought our knowledge of his habits may be of use. Until we had located him, I did not wish to raise your hopes.”
“And I appreciate your efforts, but I do not see why you believe you should accompany us to retrieve Lydia this evening.”
Darcy had considered how he would answer this very reasonable question when asked.
Because my failure to stop him earlier allowed this latest incident to occur.
Because I love Elizabeth and will not see her hurt again by this cad.
Because my love for your daughter likely placed a target upon your family.
“I fear that Wickham is taking his revenge upon Miss Elizabeth and myself through your other daughter. Miss Elizabeth for refusing his advances, and upon me for not funding the life of indolence he believes he deserves.” He felt that answer provided enough truth for now. He could not speak of his feelings for Elizabeth until he had more confidence they were returned.
“You are not responsible for my youngest daughter’s folly.”
“Knowing what I do of Wickham, I fear he targeted her. Few girls her age would recognize the dangers of trusting such a charming man. If he targeted your daughter as part of his revenge against me, I must have a part in resolving the situation.”
Mr. Bennet considered, obviously weighing Mr. Darcy’s words carefully. Darcy only hoped he had not revealed too much. He had no way of knowing what Mr. Gardiner may have told Elizabeth’s father of her time at Pemberley.
“I have brought Colonel Fitzwilliam,” Darcy continued when Mr. Bennet remained silent, “As he can relate military threats to Wickham that may be more persuasive than anything we can say. Wickham has deserted his regiment twice now.”
Mr. Bennet finally agreed, and Darcy breathed a bit easier. How the man would handle the negotiations was another matter. Darcy well knew that Wickham would demand more than the Bennets could afford. Threats of punishment for desertion may make him more amenable to accepting a deal, but without a significant financial incentive the man would simply find a way to disappear. Unfortunately, they needed Wickham to save the Bennets respectability.
The gentlemen took Mr. Gardiner’s carriage to the district where the fugitives could be found before switching to a hackney coach. Mr. Darcy had already arranged for men to guard the carriage until their return.
The sun had not yet set when they arrived at their position a street away from the tavern. A gangly street urchin walked up to the coach and knocked.
“Has he come yet?” the colonel asked him.
“Not yet he ain’t. Trolly’s sister’s workin inside tonight so he�
�s to get a signal from her when yer man goes up to his room. Trolly’ll signal me and I’ll get you lot.” Colonel Fitzwilliam passed the boy a coin.
“Are the other men still in there?”
“Yeah, Johnnie’s waitin at the bar and Gus is by the door. Once yer man comes in they won’t let him get out. Bender’s out back in case he tries a window upstairs.”
“Excellent work,” the colonel replied. With the arrogance of youth, the boy tipped his dirty cap at the compliment, then sauntered back to his post.
“You seem to be well prepared,” Mr. Gardiner noted.
“Our best chance is to approach him when he is already in his room, so as to limit his escape options. We may be here hours and a hackney sitting right next to the tavern that long would likely draw some attention. Wickham is wily and likely looking for signs he has been discovered. We have men inside the tavern already in case he tries to flee before going up to his room.”
“Have you had to apprehend him in this manner before?” Mr. Bennet asked.
“No, but we have heard from others who have made the attempt. Generally, they were unsuccessful as Wickham tends to know his escape routes. Luckily, he will not have many options today, given the layout of the tavern.”
Mr. Bennet gave Darcy another considering look, but said nothing more.
Darcy was glad they were in position early as they waited but half an hour before being notified their target had arrived and gone straight upstairs. The hackney took them to the tavern and the gentlemen moved to the room Darcy indicated.
Wickham quickly opened the door with a large smile.
“Guests! How wonderful. Do come in gentlemen.”
Darcy had not expected to be welcomed and was instantly on the alert.
They entered the room and saw Lydia sitting upon an unmade bed in the corner. She was in the same disarray he had observed earlier, having made no effort to make herself more presentable, despite knowing he must plan to return with her father. How she could be related to Elizabeth was a mystery to him.
“If you welcome us, then let us come to the point,” Mr. Bennet said. “Why have you not married my daughter?”
“Oh Papa, we will marry,” Lydia called from her corner and Wickham grinned wide.
“I fear we have not the funds to marry just yet.”
“And what funds do you require to stand together in a church?”
“I fear I have been unlucky of late, and I have incurred some unexpected debts. I could not, in good conscience, marry with such debts hanging over my head. I would not put any wife of mine at risk of my being sent to debtors’ prison.”
“How much debt have you incurred?” Mr. Bennet asked through clenched teeth.
“We shall get to that. I fear I also will need to purchase a new commission. I must have an income if I am to have a wife. We must have something to live on.”
“So you can quit another commission?” Colonel Fitzwilliam asked.
“My debts will require at least seven thousand pounds, though it may be more. Then we will need funds to set up a household. Altogether I think fifteen thousand pounds should be sufficient.”
“Now let us try reason,” Mr. Bennet replied acridly. “You knew my daughter was no heiress when you absconded with her.
“No, but Darcy will pay. He feels responsible, as he should. You should blame him for your daughter’s ruin.”
“Mr. Darcy is not the seducer who eloped with a sixteen-year-old girl.”
“No, but he has seen fit to deny me the life that should have been mine.”
“You have received far more already than you deserved,” Darcy replied.
“I was brought up to be a gentleman. Your father promised my own that he would see to it.”
“He promised to give you a gentleman’s education, which he did. You did nothing with that education. I gave you three thousand pounds to pursue a career in law and you did nothing but squander that as well. What more do you think you deserve?”
“I deserve all of it. I was his favorite, and had he lived, he would have seen to it that I was treated better.”
“Had he lived, he would eventually have seen you for the vile wretch that you are.”
Wickham grinned. “Well, vile wretch that I am, I have something you want. What are you willing to pay?”
“Lydia, come here. We are leaving now,” Mr. Bennet called.
“But Papa, we are to be married, just as soon as Mr. Darcy pays.”
“I would prefer to buy up your debts and put you in prison myself,” Darcy said.
“But that would not save Miss Lydia’s reputation, would it? Once Lydia is ruined, so are her sisters. You could not marry Elizabeth and connect yourself to such a disgraced family.”
“I could not marry Miss Elizabeth regardless, so your point is moot.”
“I do not think so. You would not be here, dealing with me, unless she was important to you. You expect more than a mistress out of her, or you would have let me ruin Lydia and ease your path. Either you plan to save Elizabeth so you can marry her, or you plan to save her but do your duty by your family anyway. Either way, I believe fifteen thousand pounds to be a fair price for that lady’s reputation.”
“Are you saying Miss Elizabeth is worth fifteen thousand pounds, but not her sister?” the colonel asked.
“Lydia is worth less than nothing right now, which is why you must pay me to marry her.”
“And if I do not?”
“Then I throw her to the gutters and laugh as her family falls into disgrace. Lydia can starve for all I care. I am sure she can make good money on the streets, at least for a while. A lady’s looks do not hold up long living that way.”
Much as he wanted to, Darcy did not hit Wickham. He needed Lydia to hear Wickham and understand who he was.
“Ten,” Darcy spat. “That is all you will get.”
He turned and walked out of the room. Mr. Bennet may be able to add some bit to the amount, but Darcy’s part in the negotiations was complete.
He climbed into the hackney and waited for the other men. He cared not how long they took. Fitzwilliam would see they departed soon enough.
Eventually, the door opened and the gentlemen and Lydia entered. Darcy did not look at any of them. He wished no conversation. Colonel Fitzwilliam directed the driver back to the Gardiner carriage.
They travelled in silence, save for the creaking of the coach and noise of the horses. When they reached the carriage, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Gardiner, and Lydia left while he stayed with Fitzwilliam. Their own carriage was at Mr. Gardiner’s house, but he preferred to travel the rest of the way in the hackney. He could tolerate the filth of the carriage more than he could tolerate additional company right now.
CHAPTER 39
Elizabeth sat with Jane, Charlotte, and her aunt in the front parlor. She had given up any attempts to sew or read a book. They were all waiting for the carriage to return, hoping Lydia would be with the gentlemen.
“Sitting by the window will not make them come any sooner, Lizzy,” Charlotte said as she sewed calmly. “They will arrive when they arrive.”
“I know, but I cannot sit and sew like you.”
“You should try. Sewing is an excellent activity when you are worried or upset. Force yourself to focus on the stitches, keep up a steady rhythm, and it can be a very soothing activity.”
“Is that how your stitches are so perfect?” Jane asked, as she too sat sewing.
“I have had plenty of practice. One cannot always go for a walk or even escape a room at a difficult time, so I find it helpful to have a method to ease myself that I can use anywhere.”
“Very practical,” Mrs. Gardiner observed as she sat and planned the week’s menu.
Elizabeth just looked at them. How could they stay calm at such a time? Their very future lay in the balance and their fate was largely in the hands of her youngest sister and a man of no honor. Had others been present, Elizabeth would have made more of an effort to conceal her anxiet
y, but she saw no need to act for her family.
Elizabeth stopped herself. If the others felt the need to appear calm, she would not fault them for it. She knew they all felt her concerns and she could see the effects of the past week in the dark circles under her aunt’s eyes or in Jane’s pale face and limp smile.
Helpless to do otherwise, Elizabeth again checked the window.
“They are come.”
For all their calm moments earlier, the ladies moved remarkably fast to join Elizabeth at the window. They watched Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet exit, followed by Lydia. Jane let out a soft sob at the sight. The carriage then moved on.
What of Mr. Darcy and his cousin? As thankful as Elizabeth was to see her sister, the absence of the other gentlemen had her insides knotting.
The party joined them in the parlor and Jane ran to embrace Lydia.
“Oh Lydia! We are so glad you are here. Are you well, dear?”
“I am well, and soon to be a married woman. I may not be the first sister to marry, but I will still do so before you, Jane.”
Elizabeth looked to her father and saw him grimace at Lydia’s audacity. She walked to him as the others asked Lydia questions. Elizabeth would not give her sister the attention she craved.
“Sir?”
Mr. Bennet walked to the study and Elizabeth followed.
“What happened? Why did Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam not return with you?”
“Mr. Darcy preferred to return in the hackney, and in his place, I would have done the same. I was ashamed to force your sister’s presence upon him for the short ride to your uncle’s carriage.”
“But she will marry?”
“She will. We have managed a bribe worthy of the most worthless young man in England. No, that is not true at all. Your Mr. Darcy has managed a bribe Wickham will accept.”
“Mr. Darcy?”
“Yes, it seems he is to pay ten thousand pounds to save you from sharing in your sister’s ruin.” Mr. Bennet sat and looked at his daughter. “Would you care to enlighten me as to what is going on between you and that gentleman?”
Folly and Forgiveness: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Page 26
