Introducing Lt Evans (CHAPTER 2)
Lt Evans paced back and forth in the shadows of number 5 Edward Street, the house he had seen Wickham enter with that chit of a girl Lydia Bennet. Lord, what possessed George to take up with that flirt he would never know. He pulled back deeper into the shadows when he heard the creak of the front door open. He watched a rather elegantly dressed woman descend the stairs and alight into the carriage that was apparently waiting for her. She briefly gave instructions to the driver and then the carriage headed north. His eyes squinted as he pondered on who had just departed and wondered how many such well dressed women might reside within this graceful home. He casually stepped out onto the side walk and strolled past the front gate, pausing slightly to read the name on it. Bettermans House. He then continued to stroll along the street with his hands casually clasped behind his back. Where had he heard that name before? Hadn't Wickham alluded to it at one of their many card games? Dam the man. Wickham owed him close to a month's salary - almost enough to clear his own debts of honour. He rounded the corner and picked up his pace as he made his way around the block. Despite being a fairly well to do neighborhood, he did not think his strolling along would catch anyone's attention. Populated with several boarding homes in what had once been an aristocratic neighborhood there were many people seen coming and going, including not a few gentleman callers.
Evans snapped his fingers as he recalled the occasion Wickham had mentioned Bettermans house and his failed elopement. Wickham had rather been in his cups that night. Evans grinned as he recalled how well he had done that evening and then grimaced at the thought that that had been his last night of winnings in quite some time. So this was infamous home of Mrs. Young. If he understood correctly; Wickham and she had been more than a casual acquaintance. How should he introduce himself to the doorman – as a potential boarder or simply a peer of Wickham's wishing to leave his card for the "gentleman"? He did not want Wickham to disappear before he could collect the debt owed him. Once he was able to pay off his debt – it was a simple matter of borrowing the cost to purchase his captain's commission. His general had heavily alluded that he was just the chap to fill that vacancy, especially if he could advance the monies before next month. He would not allow himself to think of the consequences if he could not pay off the debt of honour still owing.
More quickly than he intended he found himself before Bettermans house front gate and without any further thought opened the gates, strode up the front steps and rang the bell. He reached in his front pocket and pulled out a slightly wrinkled calling card and nervously attempted to press it smooth as he waited for the bell to be answered. He heard light foots steps alluding that a doorman would not be answering. Perhaps this establishment was not as prosperous as the outside embellishments indicated.
The door opened and he saw a pretty young face framed in light curls and a maids cap. The young girl curtsied to his bow and she allowed him in without a question for the reason of his calling at this time of evening – much to his pleasure and surprise. She smiled and indicated to him that he should wait for Mrs. Young in the front parlour. He passed through the doors and made his way to the warm coals burning brightly in the fireplace. For June the night had been rather cool and he was pleased for a chance to warm his hands before the fire. He took in the lavish furnishings and made mental note as to the fine silver candle sticks as well as the plush rug his aching feet stood upon. He puzzled more as to his excuse for calling on Mrs. Young. He heard footsteps treading lightly down the hallway and quickly decided to he was there to inquire as to whether this might be the place for his future brother in law to stay while in town a fortnight from now – that a good friend Mr. George Wickham had suggested her establishment to him. Yes, that should work very well he decided, especially as he just happened to have his future brother's calling card in hand to leave rather than his own which the young maid had forgotten to ask for.
He turned to face Mrs. Young as she strode into the parlour with a decided business like attitude and stretched out her bejeweled hand to shake with his. Startled, Evens halted his bow and extended his hand as well.
"How may I help you?" She smiled at him.
His warm smile returned hers as he produced Samuel's card. "My… uh brother will be spending a month in town a fortnight from now and as I was in the area I offered to inquire as to the possibility of Mr. Carothers rooming here."
Mrs. Young nodded to an armchair near the fire and she suggested they have a quiet drink while they discussed terms. In the distance he could hear a door open and close and, yes, that was clearly Lydia's childish giggle he heard on the stairs. Mrs. Young's eyes narrowed at the sound. He was grateful when she quickly closed the door. The last thing he needed was Lydia recognizing him and squealing the knowledge of his presence to all and sundry.
His eyes greedily took in the numerous treasures decorating the parlour as well as the ear rings adorning his hostesses' delicate ears. He wondered whatever might have become of Mr. Young, assuming that there had been a Mr. Young. He left Samuel's card with her and did not correct her when she called him by his future brother's last name.
"So Mr. Carothers, you say a Mr. Wickham recommended my establishment to you. What a coincidence as he and …. his…. fiancé are residing here as her family negotiates her dowry, I believe that soon Miss Bennet will remove herself to her uncle's. A Mr. Gardiner, I believe – are you acquainted with him as well?"
"No, no – I am afraid I have not had the pleasure of meeting either of these two people. Mr. Wickham and I went to school together in -shire and it was then he mentioned your lovely establishment. Evans drained the amber liquid in the dainty glass Mrs. Young had poured for him. "
Well, I fear I have taken enough of your time Mrs. Young, I must return to my own lodgings. I will advise my brother of your availability, as well as your terms, and no doubt you will be hearing from him so as to confirm the dates of his travels."
Mrs. Young made as if to rise and he raised his hand to stay her. "Please, no need to see me out the door. "
With this Evans bowed and quickly left the room, quietly closing the parlour door behind him. Glancing down the wide hallway and up the stairs, he quickly ascertained that there was a large window that could easily admit a man in the room directly across from the parlour he had just exited. It appeared from the lesser quality of the furniture, this room was used for the paying guests and the parlour he had just left was for the private use of Mrs. Young. Nodding to himself, he quietly exited the front door and bounded down the steps, whistling cheerfully to himself. Yes, since Wickham is not likely to share his upcoming dowry then those lovely candlesticks adorning the mantle in the Mrs. Young's parlour should do just as well.
