Darcy had originally believed it best that Mr. Phillips and Elizabeth visit the Meryton merchants and tradesmen in order to warn them about Wickham. However, further thought persuaded him of the correctness of completing this task himself, albeit with Mr. Phillips at his side.
They made steady progress, enquiring at any site offering goods or services. Several proprietors had, indeed, extended credit to Wickham as well as a number of the other soldiers. Luckily, none of Wickham's accounts were excessive as he had only been in the neighborhood a short time. Darcy recommended they collect payment as soon as possible and not to offer any more credit. Time and again, Darcy presented the evidence to corroborate his claims. He met with surprisingly little resistance but the presence of Mr. Phillips and a few well-timed comments from that gentleman helped persuade the most reluctant.
Considering the amounts already accrued were reasonable, Darcy decided he would not offer to settle Wickham's accounts. He had done enough of that. At this point, they were no more than any other member of the militia. The shopkeepers still had the opportunity to resolve matters with Wickham. If they chose to grant him more credit that was their own business. However, he did recommend that they apply to Colonel Forster if Wickham's accounts were left unpaid.
He also discreetly warned them of Wickham's more unsavory proclivities. This seem to stir up their protective instincts, regardless of whether or not a man had daughters or sisters. In retrospect, they thought Wickham too smooth, too glib. Collectively, they would guard against this scoundrel in their midst.
At their final stop, the shoemaker, Mr. Joseph, was most effusive in his gratitude. Wickham had visited the shop only a few days before and placed an order for a fine pair of boots. Fortunately, very little time and no materials, had been yet been expended to fulfill the order. Had Wickham followed his usual practice, he would have left a large debt that would have been disastrous for the tradesman. Mr. Joseph also had two attractive daughters, aged four-and-ten and six-and-ten.
"I 'ppreciate your warnings. I was happy to get this Wickham's order. I was plannin' to start first thing tomorrow morning. And you can bet me and my sons will keep a good eye on my girls." He shook Mr. Darcy's hand heartily. Just before Mr. Darcy and Mr. Phillips left the shop, he made a parting declaration, with great sincerity. "By my mind, Miss Lizzy's got the wrong of it. There's nothin' disagreeable about you, sir."
Darcy simply nodded his acknowledgement of the words. Once outside, Darcy huffed in exasperation. Mr. Joseph was not first express such sentiments. While Darcy had no doubt he deserved Elizabeth's disapprobation, it upset him to realize people he never knew had thought so ill of him. More than one of them intimated Elizabeth opinion influenced their own. Was she going about actively disparaging him or was this simply the careless spread of talk that characterized small towns, he wondered.
"Though it may not seem so, that was an afternoon well-spent. Wickham should be prevented from doing much damage and you have raised in esteem among many of the community. Should you patronize the local inn, I have a feeling you will never pay for your own drink or meal." Mr. Phillips said cheerfully.
"I fear I am not quite as sanguine as you, but we have done what we can. Hopefully our efforts, coupled with the excellent work of you female relations, will be enough." Knowing Wickham, Mr. Darcy still held on to some worry about the man's presence in the town.
"If they do not trust a man with money, they are not going to trust him with their daughters. But as you said, we have done what we can. Should anything occur you may be assured it is not for lack of effort on your part." During their visits the air had turned cold and a stinging rain had just started to fall. Mr. Phillips shivered. "We deserve a warm drink. You will join Mrs. Phillips and I for tea." It wasn't a question or invitation but rather statement.
"I would not wish to impose upon Mrs. Phillips." Mr. Darcy demurred, though he longed for a hot cup of tea and something to eat, as they had missed luncheon.
"My good wife is always ready for guests. She would be pleased to welcome you." Mr. Phillips walked away, obviously expecting Mr. Darcy to follow.
"Very well, lead the way," said Mr. Darcy to himself, amused to be trailing behind the older gentleman.
They entered the sitting room of the Phillips home and found Mrs. Phillips sitting in front of the fire, bent over her knitting. "Timothy, you were longer than I expected. The day has turned quite frigid. I am glad you are in-" She quieted as she looked up and saw her husband was not alone. "Oh, excuse me, Mr. Darcy," standing quickly and making a low curtsy.
"Mrs. Phillips, I have brought you a young man to feed and fuss over. I thought it just the thing that he should join us for tea." Mr. Phillips knew his wife could be a bit silly and a bit of a gossip, but she was a dear woman who like to lavish her attention on young people
"Us?"
Mr. Darcy offered Mrs. Phillips a respectful bow. "Madam, I hope my presence is not inconvenient or unwelcome. As it is, your husband has been of great assistance to me today. I would wish to thank him. Instead I find myself further in his debt by accepting his invitation. And I must confess, given your reputation as a convivial hostess, I could not deny myself the pleasure of joining you."
Mrs. Phillips eyes darted to her husband's. Surprise at this courtesy evident on her face. Truth be told Mr. Phillips was no less surprised, though he suspected Mr. Darcy's words were an extension of the friendship and respect that was growing between them.
"Oh, how kind you are! I am delighted to have you in our home, Mr. Darcy." Mrs. Phillips fluttered. Then taking in the men before her, she became quite forceful. "You are both quite damp, and I am sure in need of warming up. Mr. Phillips will take you to a guest room so you may repair yourself and I will have some hot water sent to you. And, Mr. Phillips, lend Mr. Darcy a fresh neckcloth. It would not do for him to catch cold. No, it would not do at all. Then we will all have a nice cup of tea. And I shall see if we have any special treats today." She shooed them out of the room good naturedly as she went to talk to her housekeeper.
Mr. Phillips assured Mr. Darcy that his wife would not be opposed on matters such as these. "Feed and fuss over you, she will. It is best to accept and enjoy it." Mr. Darcy felt he could tolerate a little fussing quite well. Feeding would not go amiss either.
A quarter hour later, the group had reassembled in the sitting room. The fire had been stoked to a cheery roar. The tea tray was brought in and Mr. Darcy found himself partaking more than his wont, especially tempted by the small scone-like biscuits glazed with sugar. Mrs. Phillips noticed and accepted his tacit praise with pride.
Without sharing too much, they discussed the merchants and tradesmen in town. Mrs. Phillips contributed her thoughts the merits of the various shops and wares. Darcy was surprised to discover that Meryton had a burgeoning artisan community. It was a pleasant conversation.
At times, Mr. Darcy remained silent, letting the others carry the conversation. He was not reverting to his characteristic shyness. He enjoyed listening to the calm, quiet chatter between the married couple, the affection between them obvious.
Mr. Darcy felt himself relaxing more than he had since he came to Netherfield. No demands, no pressure, no talk of duty or society, no letters of business, no fears for younger sisters, no instructing inexperienced friends, no avoiding clutching fortune hunters, no quarrelling with enchanting yet irascible brunettes. In this state, he found he was quite able to catch the tone of conversation and appear interested in the Phillips's concerns.
The talk turned to Mr. Darcy's home. Mr. Phillips left to retrieve his book of illustrations on English counties. Mrs. Phillips desired to see the section on Derbyshire as Mr. Darcy had described it so elegantly. The two remaining in the room fell into a comfortable silence. At some point previously, Mrs. Phillips had resumed her knitting while they spoke. Mr. Darcy found himself staring at her hands as she rapidly made her stitches. He relaxed even more, finding her movements soothing.
He sighed contently, though more loudly than he had realized.
"Is something amiss?" Despite his pleasant demeanor today, Mrs. Phillips now became self-conscious.
"Not at all, please pardon my lapse. I was trying to remember the last time I felt so content. Your home is handsome and comfortable. I have enjoyed excellent refreshments. I am in good company. And I am so relaxed that I find myself mesmerized by the action of your knitting. What is it you are creating?
Mrs. Phillips cheeks pinked, pleased with his generous comments. "Oh, thank you. I knit blankets and scarves for my sister Bennet's tenants. My skills do not lean to more elaborate handiwork, but I am a quite good at making rectangular things. I am almost done with this scarf." She held the scarf out for Mr. Darcy to see. "Thick and warm, it will be good protection when working outdoors."
It is very nice, both serviceable and attractive." Mr. Darcy offered honestly. "I am sure the tenants are grateful for your labors." With a hint of mischief in his voice, he continued. "I am not surprised you eschew embroidery and the like. I was made to understand that Mr. Phillips is the expert with the needle in the family."
Mrs. Phillips gave a surprised laugh and shook her head. "I see my husband has trotted out that old joke again. It is a favorite of his. It is quite remarkable how often he manages to work it into conversation."
Thinking back on their encounter when Mr. Phillips made the joke. Mr. Darcy chuckled. "You know, I do think he set me up for it."
"Now, wife, are you telling my secrets?" Mr. Phillips returned with the book and they lost themselves in talk of Derbyshire and Pemberley and the travels undertaken by gentlemen. Mrs. Phillips listened avidly, relishing the descriptions. She had only traveled to London to visit the Gardiners and had not been in some years.
To Mr. Darcy's surprise, he almost invited the Phillips to Pemberley to visit Elizabeth. It was on the tip of his tongue to do so. His emotions had been in turmoil ever since he met Elizabeth Bennet. While he was drawn to her, neither his heart nor his mind had moved on beyond admiration, of this he had been convinced. Even if he were not, Elizabeth had made it clear she held no admiration for him. He would have to suppress any feelings he had for her before they grew any stronger.
He turned his attention back the conversation at hand. Shortly after he excused himself to return to Netherfield. The rain had stopped but the air still held a bite to it. As he stepped out the door, Mrs. Phillips ask him to wait for a moment. The two gentlemen watched as she bustled to the sitting room and back quickly. In her hands she held the scarf she had just finished.
"You must wear this. I know your ride is not long, but you will be quite cold through by the time you are home." In a motherly fashion, quite forgetting herself, she stood on her tiptoes as she draped the scarf around his neck, tying it into a knot. Mr. smiled softly at her as she tucked the ends under his great coat and affectionately patted his chest. "All cozy now." She blushed as she took in the expression on the face of her guest.
Mr. Darcy gently took her hands in his and leaned forward to lightly kiss her cheek. "Mrs. Phillips, I thank you for your warm care. The scarf and the hospitality you have offered me today have been a balm to this weary man." Taking his leave, he retrieved his horse and made his way back to Netherfield.