Chapter 21
There was a great silence as Lydia's announcement hung in the air.
Although Darcy was still seething, he realized the rashness of his actions and offered his hand towards Wickham. To his surprise, Wickham accepted his hand and, before Darcy could offer an apology, he quickly muttered,
"Think nothing of it. I am certain I was due a good throttle for one reason or another."
Darcy only nodded and then turned back to Captain Denny.
That young man drew himself up and stepped toward Mr. Bennet.
"Mr. Bennet, we met once while the militia was encamped at Meryton. I realize the irregular circumstances surrounding our arrival have caused you alarm but I would like to offer an explanation if you would allow it sir."
Mr. Bennet's stony countenance only allowed the briefest of nods before addressing the group.
"Let us all return to the house. I would rather that this conversation not take place upon a public lane."
Once they entered the house, Mr. Bennet requested that the gentleman join him in his study so the ladies went to the parlor to await the outcome.
No sooner did the study door close, than Mr. Bennet addressed the men gathered therein.
"I am very anxious to know how you came to arrive at my doorstep with my missing daughter, Captain Denny. Given the delicacy of the situation, I would not normally request that others join us for this interview. However, since news of a scandalous elopement has already reached my home, I find that I would rather the truth be known to all who are privy to the situation thus far. The truth could not be worse than a soldier whisking my young, impressionable daughter away from her friends and family."
Captain Denny felt the effects of this last statement immediately and was attempting to gain control of his speech in order to address these charges. He finally felt able to begin and cleared his throat.
"Sir, if I may, I would like to tell you all that has transpired to bring us where we are this evening. I will answer any questions you may have within my ability."
An angry Mr. Bennet tersely responded, "Perhaps you should begin with how you came to be engaged to my daughter without my prior knowledge or consent…sir."
"Of course. I would like you to know that it was never my intention to cause any harm to Miss Lydia's reputation in any way. We met while I was stationed in Meryton and then renewed our acquaintance when we met again in Brighton. Miss Lydia attended all of the balls and parties along with Mrs. Forster. I was at once captivated by her love of life. Over time, we became friends and I can say without a doubt that I am in love with your daughter and wish nothing more than to make her my wife."
"Well, that is a relief. I know Lydia to be a silly child and questioned the veracity of her statement in the lane. I would like to know why, if you are truly consumed by this love for my daughter, that you chose this disgraceful manner rather than requesting her hand?"
Captain Denny's face fell a little as he began to answer.
"As I stated before, Mr. Bennet, I would never choose to do anything that might bring shame upon the woman that I love. I knew that I wanted to petition for her hand in person, so I requested leave from the militia and it was granted. My plan was to travel home to speak with my father before continuing on to Longbourn. You see, in addition to my commission, I am also due to inherit a small estate from my father's brother. I wanted to obtain the documents from my father to show you that I am capable of providing for Miss Lydia upon marriage."
Mr. Bennet merely nodded so Captain Denny continued.
"I informed Miss Lydia of my intentions and told her that I would return to Brighton within a fortnight, hopeful that it would be with your blessing. The morning that I left, I came upon Miss Lydia quite a distance from the village. She was carrying a small valise and informed me of her intention of joining me."
Mr. Bennet slammed his fist upon his desk and with a red face shouted, "Are you telling me, sir, that my youngest daughter forced you to compromise her reputation?"
"Please, please Mr. Bennet, do not be angry with your daughter. As you said tonight, she is young and impressionable. It seems that she has romanticized the idea of elopement and thought that there would be no harm since my intention was to marry her all along. Of course, I disagreed with her knowing how society would view an elopement regardless of good intentions. Unfortunately, it was too late for me to return her to her friends without solidifying the ruination of her reputation. I thought up the best plan that I could and acted on it.
I decided to continue to my home with Miss Lydia since it was only a half-day's journey and then enlist the help of my sister. She could claim to have joined Lydia during the entire journey to quell any speculation that something untoward had taken place. Once we were settled in my parent's carriage, we immediately made our way to Longbourn. Given the circumstances, I did not know how to explain in an express and thought to provide my explanation in person once we arrived. I apologize again for any pain that this has caused to your family."
Mr. Bennet could only rub his hands over his face while muttering, "foolish, foolish child."
Col. Fitzwilliam took this lull in the story to pose a question.
"And how does Mr. Wickham fit into this tale?"
Captain Denny smiled while replying, "Mr. Wickham has been a good friend to me. He was joining me on the beginning of my journey home before he planned to continue on to London. Once Miss Lydia joined us, he said that he would stand by me and also attest that my sister had been present during the journey. I am blessed to have such a loyal friend who is willing to assist in such a way."
Col. Fitzwilliam could not help the snort from escaping as he stated, "Yes, I don't believe you could have found another so well-versed at deception."
Wickham did not respond while Captain Denny seemed affronted by such a statement. Before he could respond to such rudeness, Mr. Bennet spoke again.
"I feel that it is best to continue with your plan then Captain Denny. If your party is amenable to staying with us at Longbourn, then we can invite over a few of my wife's friends from Meryton to tell of Lydia's grand traveling adventure with your sister. I will also send an express this night to Col. Forster explaining that all is well and provide the same story that we shall circulate here. With God's favor, we shall keep Lydia's reputation in tact. Consider yourself engaged. Now, I would ask that all who are in this room would keep this knowledge in confidence."
Each of the men gave a solemn nod.
"Fine, fine, now, please leave me in peace and join the ladies. I find that I require a bit more meditation on the events that have been related to me this night."
The men stood to leave the gentleman to his thoughts. Darcy was on Wickham's heels in the hallway and before he could enter the parlor, he leaned forward and said, "I see you have failed yet another profession. Heading to London? Col. Forster might be interested to know of your current whereabouts."
"Do what you must, Darcy. I resigned my commission before leaving camp. Col. Forster was unavailable so I left the documents with his page."
Darcy was again surprised by Wickham's ability to sound sincere but could not help but add, "Even if that is true, I will not pretend that your presence here is acceptable. I will only say this once…Stay away from the Bennet daughters."
The forcefulness in his voice caught Wickham's attention.
"I see that it is as I suspected. Miss Elizabeth has touched your heart. Fear not, I have no reason to interfere. You of all people know that I need to marry money."
At this reminder of Georgiana, Darcy actually growled.
"Calm down, I am only here to support my friend as long as he has need of me. Once this business has passed, I will be on my way to Town and out of your life."
"Pray that it would be so." Darcy ground out between clenched teeth.
Wickham only paused a moment more at that entrance to the parlor before turning back. He did not make eye contact with Darcy but looked down while saying.
"I am sorry for the past, she did not deserve my treachery."
With that, he proceeded into the parlor where the party was already loud and animated thanks to Lydia's return. Darcy remained in the hallway attempting to quell the desire to repeat the pleasant experience that had taken place upon Wickham's arrival.