Compromising Mr. Darcy

by Rose Fairbanks

  “Yes.” Elizabeth nearly gulped as his eyes never left hers.

  “You bewitched me, and I desired nothing more but to cast aside my notions of duty and make you my own. There were times, especially when you displayed your intelligence and wit during our conversations, that I felt such an intense longing for even a shred of the liveliness you had to be present in my life. It started as merely feeling like a boy denied a treat, but it grew with each encounter. I knew your captivating combination was all I ever wished for a partner in life. At each encounter, it seemed less possible to obtain, given my prejudices. You were more than a treat; you were life itself, and I began to feel as though the very air was being sucked out of me as I continued to refuse offering for you.”

  “William,” she murmured, feeling longing of her own. “I have undervalued your honour so much, but you are truly the best of men. How you ever came to offer for me in spite of everything, not the least of which was my behaviour towards you, I do not think I will ever comprehend.”

  “Anything good in me is because you inspire me. You deserve nothing less.”

  At last they kissed. It was hardly enough before they were interrupted, but then Elizabeth was uncertain she would ever be able to show Darcy how much she loved him.

  *****

  That moment served as more of a farewell between them than their official leave-taking did on the following Monday. Although they saw each other every day, they were constantly surrounded by others. Heartfelt sentiments were constrained to coy looks, affectionate smiles, discreet squeezes, caresses of hands and many promises to write.

  Darcy was seated behind his desk the afternoon after Elizabeth departed, and he spent several entirely unproductive hours in his study. The loss of her company was acute. His only bearable consolation was their mutual agreement to continue with the wedding regardless of Wickham. He hoped all would settle in time for him to arrive as host at Pemberley, but Georgiana would leave Town soon in any case. Whether their next meeting would be at Pemberley or Longbourn, Elizabeth Bennet would soon become Mrs. Darcy. That knowledge was more potent than even the most vivid memories of her in his arms. He was just about to give up any hope of accomplishment for the day when his butler announced the arrival of an express from Lady Catherine.

  Rosings, Kent

  June 22

  Darcy,

  I have received a note which will be of extreme interest to you, and I have enclosed it. It will once again display my shameful and selfish behaviour in the past, and I continue to ask your forgiveness for it.

  Your penitent aunt,

  Lady C. de Bourgh

  Darcy quickly moved his attention to the forwarded note and read:

  Edward Street, London

  June 19

  Dear Lady Catherine,

  I have received notice from Mr. Wickham asking for lodgings from July 1 for a week complete with suites acceptable to a lady. I do not have anything available then and have sent him a recommendation of another lodging house. I have abided by your wishes to inform you if I ever heard from him again or suspected him of involving me in a scheme of any kind.

  Your servant,

  H. Younge

  At that moment, Darcy believed he could actually be grateful for his aunt’s past link with Wickham and Mrs. Younge.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Thursday, June 25, 1812

  Wickham descended the steps of the mail coach and dusted himself off. They had made excellent time, as the night before had been a full moon, and had arrived in about one full day and night of travel, but he was sore from travel and hungry. Taking his small trunk, he walked the short distance to one of the more affordable but still respectable inns of Weymouth. After a bath and rest, Wickham intended to dine in the tavern and hear the latest gossip before walking along the street of the most fashionable shops with every hope of being seen by Lydia Bennet. As he frequently heard in letters read by Mrs. Forster, Lydia shopped daily at a certain milliners to see and be seen.

  Wickham knew from the latest letter from Lydia that she and the Lucases intended to attend a ball hosted by Mrs. Hay, wife to the new governor of the Royal Military College, the following week. He knew of the lady, another young, insipid, and flirtatious thing married to a much older major-general who had quickly moved up the ranks. His little wife was likely bored out of her mind and, therefore, susceptible to Wickham’s exceptional skills at flattery and charm. Undoubtedly, all he needed was an introduction and a few days to enchant Mrs. Hay, and he could procure an invitation to the ball. The atmosphere of the evening would contribute to his plans for Lydia, who reportedly drank heavily at the Netherfield Ball. Additionally, he would have courted her for nearly a week by that point, and she should be entirely captivated by his attentions. Even the prudish Georgiana Darcy succumbed after two weeks of careful attention.

  At the fashionable hour, Wickham strolled in front of the main shops and successfully feigned surprise when he heard “Mr. Wickham!” from the familiar voice of Lydia Bennet.

  Turning, he affected his most charming smile and was not surprised to see her accompanied by Maria Lucas. He took little notice of the gentlemen with them.

  “Mr. Wickham, we had heard you were gone up to Newcastle,” Lydia said breathlessly.

  He was surprised that she knew that piece of information but bluffed quite believably. “Aye, an express reached me before I even made it to London that my grandmother suddenly recovered, and she insisted I not trouble myself to travel so far. Instead, the dedicated soldier that I am, I could not miss the chance to visit Weymouth and see Melcombe Regis, the King’s Statue, the Osmington White Horse, and other enchanting sights.” He gave her a meaningful look, which seemed to have met its mark.

  “Mr. Wickham, as our particular acquaintance, we must introduce you to our friends, Captain Sloane and Mr. Henry.” Both gentlemen bowed to Wickham, and the first man seemed vaguely familiar to him. Captain Sloane made no sign of displeasure at meeting Wickham, and any brief fears he had of previously knowing and offending the gentleman disappeared.

  Lydia soon tugged on his arm, without releasing Sloane’s. “Come, Mr. Wickham. We are enjoying a merry walk, and you must join us!”

  Wickham gave her a sincere smile. Things seemed to be progressing exactly as he anticipated.

  *****

  Tuesday, June 30, 1812

  Darcy sat in his study in London and once more leafed through his correspondence concerning Wickham, Lydia, and Captain George Sloane. His inquiry to his solicitor, who had been the one to hire the men Darcy employed for looking after Lydia, was most enlightening. George Sloane was not typically the type of man Darcy would have employed. A former corporal who had served under Sloane was recently hired by Darcy. Upon learning of his assignment, he had alerted his former superior officer.

  Sloane had gone to school with Darcy and Wickham. While not particular friends with either gentleman, he knew that the two men’s friendship had lapsed many years ago and was unsurprised to hear Wickham continued to plague Darcy. Sloane had a particular grievance against Wickham, that he had seduced his sister-in-law, a colonel’s wife. Sloane had volunteered to aid Darcy in bringing Wickham to justice and had secured leave from his regiment for a month complete.

  Darcy shook his head. His old “friend” was really too stupid for his own good. As soon as Wickham appeared, Sloane sent an express to Darcy. Finding himself in the curious position of trusting a man of whom he knew little, Darcy was impressed by the man’s sense of honour and that his involvement was not merely a means of additional income.

  He reread the express he received the day before:

  Saturday, June 27

  Queen’s Road, Weymouth

  Dear Mr. Darcy,

  Events continue to progress well. Miss Lydia is always accompanied, whether by myself, other new “friends” she has met, or the Lucases directly. Wickham has been paying her marked attention, and it seems your supposition was correct. The Lucases and Miss Lydia have f
ound no difficulty in believing Wickham’s reasons for being in Weymouth, nor my suggestion to forgive the man his misdeeds. I do not believe the girl to be partial to Wickham, but she has a generally flirtatious nature that can lead many a man astray and give false hope. I believe Wickham is conceited enough to think himself the first object of her affection and rather self-assured of his plan.

  Wickham seemed excessively pleased to make the acquaintance of Mrs. Hay and to be invited to her ball on July 3. Knowing how Wickham worked on my sister-in-law, I believe he will try to convince Miss Lydia of an elopement that very night. He has explained he must leave Weymouth to return to his regiment on July 5. I would suggest you arrive in Weymouth no later than July 3.

  Your obedient servant,

  G. Sloane

  Elizabeth, Kitty, and the Gardiners would be arriving at Pemberley on July 6, and Georgiana was already there. Darcy believed he had every reason to hope for a satisfactory end to Wickham’s schemes by then and could hope to join them a week later. The three months of anxiety over Wickham’s ability to harm his family, including the Bennets, was nearing an end. Tomorrow, he would depart for Weymouth. In a fortnight, he would breathe the peaceful Derbyshire air, enjoy the comforts of his estate, and acquaint Elizabeth with all the beauties Pemberley had to offer. In short, it would feel as though his life could truly begin.

  To add to his feelings of near-contentment, he reread Elizabeth’s latest letter. She had written daily, and nothing could cheer his mood like her cherished words of love.

  June 26

  Woodstock

  Dearest William,

  Today, we toured Blenheim Palace, and although it is quite a fearsome sight to behold, I am sure you will not be surprised when I tell you I enjoyed the grounds and gardens more. And yet if I were truthful, I would tell you I remained unimpressed by the artificial appearance and formally and falsely adorned gardens and follies. I admit to a preference to the wild and untamed beauty of a more natural order.

  Yesterday, we visited Oxford, including the Radcliffe Camera. I fear even Mr. Hurst would have discerned that I am indeed a great reader if he had seen my expression upon the sight of the library. While I prefer histories, even I was tempted by the notion of the science library, and the Bodleian was beyond my imagination.

  Next, we are to see Warwick Castle before continuing to the ruins of Kenilworth and the excitement and history of Birmingham, but little of it can hold my attention. I find what I look forward to most is arriving at Pemberley and seeing your beloved face again. I know I will be viewing my new home, and I have heard much of its grandeur, but you must know that it is your presence that will make me happy to reside anywhere.

  Lydia still proves an inconstant correspondent, but I trust the information you are obtaining through Captain Sloane is satisfactory.

  Until we meet again, with all my love,

  Elizabeth

  *****

  Friday, July 3, 1812

  Wickham looked in the mirror again and adjusted his cravat. He had spent a good deal of money to look his most dashing tonight. He had well managed Lady Catherine’s final payment, received weeks ago. He had enough left to travel with Lydia in style and stay in fashionable hotels on their journey to Gretna Green. His old accomplice, Mrs. Younge, had no openings for this week and instead suggested a friend’s establishment. He knew the hotel; it was suitably fine and more affordable than many other locations. Wickham had no desire to slink into the depths of the city and hide. He remained firm in his decision to stop in London for a few days in an attempt to have Darcy secure the wedding.

  He wondered how much he could get for Lydia, or rather, how much Elizabeth was worth to Darcy. As much as his dear sister? More? Thinking about the delights he expected to enjoy in a few hours, a grin slipped across his face. More. Much, much more. And if nothing else, Darcy would never want yet another relation tainted with having to work. A supplemented dowry for Lydia and the small Scottish estate, with a good steward so he need not visit, would do nicely. He could even make it sound as though he were doing Darcy a favour.

  Wickham glanced over his attire a final time. Expensive cufflinks in place, shoes shined, and buckles reflecting the candlelight, he was sure to charm Lydia. If only Mrs. Hay, the very image of Lydia in manner and looks, would not cling to his side, and if he could distract Sloane from Lydia, all would be very easy. Nothing I have not succeeded at before.

  *****

  At last, Wickham was dancing with Lydia. The evening had not progressed as smoothly as he had hoped, but he had seen Lydia enjoying increasing amounts of the strong punch Mrs. Hay served. Their dance concluded, and Wickham made his move.

  “Miss Lydia, you appear very flushed. Allow me to escort you to the balcony for a breath of fresh air.”

  “Only for a moment, Mr. Wickham. I cannot keep my next partner waiting.” Wickham ground his teeth; she would be dancing a third set with Sloane. What is that fool about?

  Once out of doors, Wickham stood very close to Lydia and took her gloved hand in his. Using his practiced smile of false affection and hope, he lowered his voice to speak to her.

  “Miss Lydia, I must tell you the truth. My grandmother was never ill. I contrived a reason to leave my regiment and travel to Weymouth just to see you. I felt as though my heart would burst from my longing and desire for you. I cannot live any longer until I have told you how passionately I love you.”

  Lydia looked at him in surprise but obvious pleasure at the flattery. “Come away with me? We can leave tonight for Gretna Green and visit Grandmamma on the return. She desires to meet you and has sworn to give me my inheritance if I do marry. Should not you like to marry before your sisters? To be mistress of an estate?”

  He leaned in closer and felt Lydia’s rapid breaths. Stroking his hand up and down her arm, he whispered in her ear, “Dare I hope you feel the same about me? That you will ease my suffering?”

  “Mr. Wickham, I…” Lydia pulled back from his touch, and he was quite surprised by the expression on her face. “I...I cannot accept, sir. I am in love with another.”

  “No, Lydia. You will accept. Who is this man? What does he offer you?”

  “Captain Sloane…”

  Wickham interrupted her. “Sloane can offer you nothing, my dear. He is only a poor army captain, and I should not ruin your sensibilities, but he is no gentleman to ladies. He is only trifling with your affections. We called him Swindler Sloane at school for a reason.” Wickham’s continued interactions with the man had made him place his memories of the captain. Of course, he had not earned the cruel name, rather an elder brother had. The man was nearly as dull as Darcy.

  Lydia gasped, and her eyes welled with tears. Wickham began to pull her to him when she looked beyond him, eyes wide in hope and surprise.

  “Wickham! You will unhand her!”

  At the stern and familiar voice, Wickham turned his head and saw Sloane approaching him in anger. “No, you will not swindle her out of her virtue. I will not allow you to ruin her and leave her.” Wickham was determined to continue with his pretence.

  “Lydia, you must not believe Wickham.”

  To the surprise of both men, who expected her to launch herself into one of their arms, she stepped back and looked at them both.

  “Captain Sloane, is what Mr. Wickham speaks the truth? You cannot afford to marry?”

  He clenched his fists. “It is true; my income is currently insufficient for a wife.”

  Wickham stepped towards Lydia, but she threw up her hands to ward him off. “And Mr. Wickham, is it true that you love me so much that you left your regiment solely to see me and ask me to elope with you?”

  “I could never lie to you, my dear.”

  Her eyes flickered between the two men, but before she could make any decision, they were joined by a fourth, and very angry, person.

  Strong arms pulled at Wickham’s shoulders from behind, and a voice boomed, “Isabella! Have you so little regard for me that you will c
avort with not just one man but two at your own ball and under my nose?”

  Lydia, Sloane, and Wickham turned to see the possessed countenance of Major-General Hay!

  *****

  Saturday, July 4, 1812

  Darcy walked into the room where Wickham and Sloane were held captive at the major-general’s house in Weymouth. It did not escape his notice that the servants were quite on edge. Both men shot out of their seats at his arrival.

  Wickham spoke first. “Darcy, thank God! Tell him! Tell the general I had no designs on Mrs. Hay. Sloane explained that you knew I planned to seduce Lydia all along.”

  Darcy looked at the other man and gave him a polite nod. He was silent until General Hay was announced.

  “Mr. Darcy, I understand this situation in which I find my household is partly of your making?”

  Darcy was not easily intimidated, but even he felt trepidation before the stern general. “General, it is true that Wickham undoubtedly had designs on my future sister-in-law. He has always desired an unjustified position in the Darcy family. As to whether he had any intentions towards your wife, I can only say that he is a depraved scoundrel. I have personally known him to seduce many a good lady with no other goal than carnal pleasure.”

  Sloane interjected, “As I can also bear witness.” Wickham swallowed nervously.

  The general turned his eyes upon the captain and asked, “I have heard that you paid my wife much attention as well. How can I trust your words?”

  “If I was often in her company, it was solely to be of service to Darcy and protect Miss Lydia.”

  Darcy turned to the general again. “I can vouch for Sloane, sir. I had him thoroughly investigated when involving him in Miss Lydia’s protection. He and others were to keep Miss Lydia constantly accompanied, hence he would also have been in your wife’s company. And may I ask how there became concern over Mrs. Hay being involved with the men last night?”