Chapter 25

.

.

.

.

Dear Mr. Bennet,

I have received your letter with great dismay. It pains me that one of my officers caused such harm to your wonderful community and most humbly ask your forgiveness for not controlling my officer better. As for repayment, I am still willing to help but must break some difficult news to you. Mr. Wickham is missing. I call him Mr. Wickham for I now believe that he has deserted. I had thought that he would return… let me explain.

Mr. Wickham was discovered missing early Sunday morning. It was jointly realized that a young woman staying with one of the military families was also missing. This young woman left a note for her friend informing them that they were eloping. While he would have faced punishment for leaving without permission, I thought at the time that he would return in a few days, married and settled. Thus, while I reported him missing I did not put a high priority on finding him. I realized my mistake when I received your letter Monday morning. In light of your information, I now believe that he was warned of the incoming justice and fled. I have dispatched a letter to my superior asking for help. They will send an investigator to Gretna Green but I must admit it may be some time before he is found.

My most sincere apologies and I will certainly help in any other way you deem reasonable. I will keep you updated on the investigation as it continues.

God's blessings to you and yours,

Coronel Foster.

Elizabeth read the letter and then again, shocked at its contents. Lt. Wickham gone? How would his debts ever be paid? The army would accept no responsibility, especially not in this time of war.

"When they catch him, do you think he will go to debtors prison? They won't hang him will they?" Elizabeth asked her father, horrified at the thought.

"Probably not. He wasn't involved in active duty. Also by having the young woman with him, he can always claim he was coming back. For true desertion he has to intend to never return."

"So you believe, as Col. Foster did, that he is eloping?"

"No, that is the best case scenario but unlikely. More probable is that he took her for an alibi and her pocket money. And, other than a claim of elopement, there is no reason to think that he is in Gretna Green. He could be anywhere." Mr. Bennet shook his head sadly and looked past her out his study window. "We will probably never see repayment of his debts. I will do what I can but…"

"Is it truly so bad?"

"The figures have only risen, as I feared they would. How I wish I had done as I always intended to and put away some of my income! I have been a disinterested manager and estate master and now our town will suffer for it."

"Please, papa, do not be so hard on yourself."

"No, let me feel it, Lizzy. I should at least do that."

Elizabeth tried to comfort her father but he only sent her away in response. She left his study very troubled. She had just come back from her morning walk when her father had called her into his study to show her the letter. The rational side of her knew that her father was right and he should have been saving, but the loyal daughter in her said that the fault belonged to Lt. Wickham alone and her father could not have known.

Elizabeth entered her room to tidy up before breakfast and saw that some letters had come and been left on her writing desk. Jane was still sleeping so Elizabeth sat down right away to read them.

One of them was from Harriot and the other from another old friend, both of which she had written to ask about a position for Flora. Unfortunately neither were willing to give an unmarried woman a position. Harriot even said she could not 'risk such a woman around' her husband. Elizabeth was frustrated but also felt sorry for her friend who lived her life with no trust in her marriage partner.

The next letter was just a social one and after reading it she turned eagerly to the one from her aunt next. Aunt Gardener wrote that she had found a position, but warned her that it would not be a particularly comfortable life. The position was that of seamstress at a tailor in London. Her aunt was connected to the owner so she could get her in, but the pay was small and with little hope of advancement.

Perhaps Charlotte will have found a better position, but I am glad I was able to find something. It is not ideal but she will not starve. I will go into Meryton this morning to inform Flora of the news, Elizabeth decided. But she worried that her mother would need her as it was the last day to prepare for the wedding.

She had hoped to find a way to talk to Mr. Darcy today but knew that Flora was desperately waiting for news of her future. And she was sure that she would not get a chance tomorrow to speak to Flora nor probably the next either. No, she needed to go speak with her today, no matter the temptation to run to Netherfield.

Indeed, Elizabeth was so desperate to speak with Mr. Darcy that she had waited for nearly forty-five minutes at the boundary between Netherfield and Longbourn while on her walk this morning. She had hoped that Mr. Darcy would also remember the time they had met there and come, but he had not.

Perhaps Charles will bring him when he calls this morning. With this happy thought Elizabeth finished her morning preparations and went down to breakfast. Jane slept through breakfast but Mrs. Bennet insisted that she not be disturbed so that she would be rested and beautiful for her wedding the next day. Breakfast passed quickly with conversation mostly centering around the wedding preparations. When Elizabeth brought up her intention to go into town Mrs. Bennet was actually grateful and asked her to pick up several last minute items.

Elizabeth finished her food and would have left right away but waited to see if Charles would bring Mr. Darcy. She responded to her letters while she waited and completed a few small tasks. Jane came down stairs and was having a breakfast of tea and scones when Charles was shown in, alone.

Elizabeth caught his eye but Charles only shrugged then came over and whispered that when he had awoken, Mr. Darcy was not in the residence and the staff had said he was out riding.

Did I miss him at the border? Elizabeth was half tempted to rush back to it but even if he had come he was surely not there anymore.

"Could you perhaps accept a dinner invitation on his behalf for tonight?" she asked.

"Your mother did already invite me back for dinner. I can accept but I don't know if he will join me."

Elizabeth thanked him and, gathering her things, left Longbourn. On her way into the village she stopped by the Longs' home and asked Charlotte to join her. Charlotte was only too happy to do so and as soon as they were on their way together they exchanged news. Charlotte was shocked to hear about Lt. Wickham's desertion and worried for what it would mean for those he had cheated.

When Elizabeth told her of the letters she had received in regards to finding a position for Flora, Charlotte was disappointed but not surprised. Apparently she had had similar luck, she had also only found one position and it was for a maid of all-work in a farmers home in Kent. The advantage there was that the room and board were included but it would be a life of hard labor.

When they entered Meryton they stopped at the florist with Mrs. Bennet's updated order, dropped off the note and received their assurances that the flowers would be delivered at dawn the following morning to the Longbourn residence.

Next Elizabeth repeated this interaction almost exactly with the baker, a fact that she and Charlotte laughed about. The only difference was that just before they left the baker asked eagerly if they had heard the news.

"I am not sure what news you are speaking of?" Elizabeth asked.

"Why that Lt. Wickham has deserted for sure! Everyone is talking about it for we cannot believe it! What a blackguard he is," the baker exclaimed cheerfully.

Elizabeth was surprised that the news was already out but supposed she shouldn't be. Her father was certainly not the only one who had written Coronel Foster and she was sure that such dramatic news would be spread very quickly.

Indeed, the butcher also gleefully shared the new with her. And even Mrs. Chapman, when she caught sight of Elizabeth down the street, quickly hobbled up to her and shared the news with horrified fascination.

Elizabeth's last errend was with the tailor but now she dreaded it for she knew that he was one of the most affected by Lt. Wickham's desertion.

Before entering the tailor's shop with Charlotte, Elizabeth gathered her courage and entered with what she thought was an appropriately somber expression. Mr. Cromwell was whistling. Elizabeth watched in confusion as she the tailor all but skipped around his shop straightening things and whistling.

"Mr. Cromwell?" Elizabeth asked hesitantly.

"Miss Elizabeth! Oh, Miss Elizabeth you are lucky indeed. Such a man has never been and will never be again!"

Elizabeth exchanged a glance with Charlotte but her friend looked as confused as she felt. "I am afraid I don't understand."

"Mr. Darcy! He truly is the greatest of men and I now truly understand why you changed your mind about him. Sure he is a bit… reserved but too many men these days are all congeniality until you need something from them and then! Well! And as they say, a friend in need is a friend indeed… Well, in any case, it was very good of Mr. Darcy to buy up Lt. Wickham's debts! Very good indeed."

Elizabeth shared a shocked stare with Charlotte and was too confused to respond. Thankfully, Charlotte was not quite so affected and inquired, "Mr. Darcy came to you and bought Lt. Wickham's debt from you? All of it?"

"Indeed, the tavenkeeper's as well! He told me that he would buy up all the debt that had documentation. Isn't that wonderful? But, forgive my chatter. How can I help you today?"

Elizabeth was lost in her thoughts and had to be nudged by Charlotte. "Oh! Yes, I have your payment for my mother's last order and have come to pick it up."

The exchange was done quickly and a few moments later they left the shop with a bundle. Elizabeth was still considering this second shocking news of the day. "What do you think it means, Charlotte, that he has bought Mr. Cromwells debt? Could he truly mean to buy all of it?"

"I cannot say with any conviction what it could mean but it seems likely that it is true."

"Does it mean… that he still loves me?"

"It's possible, but do not assume that. It may be that he feels honor-bound but still angry."

"Of course, but..." But now I have hope much greater than I have had in a long time!

In a daze, Elizabeth followed Charlotte to the tobacconist's side door. This was the entrance to the servant's quarters where Flora lived. Charlotte knocked briskly and after a couple of moments someone opened it. It was not Flora or anyone they recognized. She apparently knew them however, for she said, "You misses 'ere for Flora? She's gone to live with 'er parents. Told me to let you know when you came by."

Then she nodded as if her job was well done and shut the door. Charlotte gave a little laugh and said, "Thankfully I already know where her parents live."

She looked at Elizabeth's still dazed expression and shook her head. "Come, Lizzy, let's send a runner boy back to Longbourn with the tailor's parcel and walk out to the Morley home."

They did just that. It was a pleasant walk of about a quarter of an hour, with Charlotte sharing little stories of her life in Kent and Elizabeth doing her best to stay engaged and not think constantly of Mr. Darcy. When they arrived at the Morley home, Elizabeth found that it was a little farmhouse with a little garden and a chicken coop in view. They knocked on the door and were greeted by an older woman who introduced herself as Mrs. Morley. She invited them in and they accepted.

The room was small and not very neat but Elizabeth tried not to let her discomfort show. It was especially hard when three dirty children bounded in screaming and laughing, ran in a circle around her, and then were shooed out by their mother. Flora came in from a back door and Mrs. Morley invited them to sit and went to make tea.

"Good morning, Flora. How are you feeling?"

"Not very well to be 'onest, Miss. That is why I am 'ere. The shop sent me away because I kept losing me breakfast. Said it were uncomfortable for the customers. I 'ope you 'ave found somewhere for me. My parent's already got five other mouths to feed and can't afford take on me and my troubles."

Charlotte went over and hugged the young woman, reassuring her that she would be alright, that they would help her. Elizabeth smiled but was worried about how Flora would work if she was that sick.

Soon the tea was brought out and the four women sat down. Elizabeth and Charlotte explained the positions they had found.

Flora smiled but Elizabeth could see the tears just behind it. "I'm afraid, I'm not much good with a sewing needle. I could get better I suppose. I am used to farm work, but I don't know how much longer I could do a lot of lifting."

Elizabeth watched Flora clench her fingers and slowly release them then gently stroke her stomach. "Is it true… Did he… did he abandon his post to elope with someone… else?"

Elizabeth felt angry tears threaten and wished desperately that she could comfort the woman. But the truth was somehow even worse; rather than eloping with another woman he was probably taking advantage of another woman and would leave her destitute and pregnant as well. "I do not know what happened. All I know for sure is that he is missing."

Suddenly there was a knock on the door. All the women exchanged surprised glances before Mrs. Morley got up to answer her door. When she opened it Elizabeth heard a male voice and suddenly Mr. Darcy and another man entered the room.

Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy stared at each other in surprise for an awkward moment and then Charlotte's greeting snapped him out of his daze and Mr. Darcy bowed to the room.

"Good afternoon ladies. This is my clerk, Tom Acker." Introductions were made all around and then Mr. Darcy added, "I have come today to extend an offer of assistance."

Flora looked more alarmed than comforted. Indeed she was so intimidated that she could only blush and look down. Elizabeth stroked her shoulder to reassure her and asked Mr. Darcy to explain what he had in mind.

"I would have you come to Lambton, a town close to my estate, and work for my apothecary. He is in need of a young woman to help with births and other womanly maladies. A woman in your position is uniquely suited as both a maidenly girl or married woman would have difficulty in that position. The tobacconist said you had a good nose and understanding of herbs. Is that true?"

Elizabeth stared at him, astounded at the perfection of the situation. Flora blushed even deeper but murmured a vague agreement.

"Excellent," said Mr. Darcy. "You obviously cannot serve this position until your own condition- until the babe is born. But as I will be getting an excellent midwife for my community, I am willing to sponsor your stay with your parents until you are ready to come."

Flora burst into tears, thanking Mr. Darcy between each sob. Mr. Darcy looked alarmed at this reaction but Elizabeth was too touched to laugh at his bewilderment.

Charlotte went to Flora and held her as she cried. Elizabeth moved to join her but Charlotte caught her eye a motioned for her to take Mr. Darcy out of the house. Elizabeth thought this might be smart as both Morley women seemed overwhelmed simply by Mr. Darcy's presence. Elizabeth moved to stand before Mr. Darcy and said hesitantly, "Mr. Darcy, perhaps the details could be worked out another time?"

He didn't quite meet her eyes but nodded. "I can see it's a difficult time but I hoped to settle this today. Perhaps Mr. Acker could stay and settle the rest of the details?"

Mrs. Morley gratefully agreed and Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy exited the house. For a moment they both looked at each other, silent with awkwardness.

Finally, Elizabeth said, "I hope you do not mind my seeing you out. I had hoped- I would very much like to talk with you."

"No indeed, I- I too wished to speak with you. Perhaps I could walk you home?"

Elizabeth knew that Charlotte would be perfectly comfortable walking home by herself and had probably hoped to give Elizabeth a chance to talk to Mr. Darcy and thus assented happily.

For a moment or two they walked in silence. When the Morley house was mostly out of sight Elizabeth's courage rose up and she blurted out, "Your promise to Flora was incredible. You have changed her life! And not just hers; the whole town is talking about your generosity. How could we ever repay you?"

"Pray, do not be uneasy. I did only what I thought I must, for some of the blame for this must lie with me as you yourself told me."

"I had not the least thought of my comments being taken so seriously! But please, before anything else is said, allow me to apologize for my part in- in the argument." Elizabeth stepped quickly in front of Mr. Darcy, halting his steps, and boldly caught up one of his hands. "I am most sincerely sorry for everything I said that day, for foolishly meeting with him and for the prideful, terrible vanity with which I have treated you!"