AN: For those who had questions about whether there would be any fortune left after the purchase of Netherfield, I added more details to the previous chapter. In essence my logic was this: if Bingley had an income from the four percents of 5000 per year, he would need about 125,000 to achieve it. So Jane would have around 12,500 plus the income from his remaining business interests.

I wanted to let you all know that I will under go an out patent surgery tomorrow, so I can't guaranty I will be able to post another chapter this week. Please be patient. I will post as soon as I can.


Chapter 10

Once he had written to his father about Miss Bennet's concerns regarding her inheritance, Colonel Fitzwilliam could not settle his mind to the task before him. Normally he could lose himself in answering the letters from Pemberley's steward. However this afternoon, all that he was able to think about was Miss Jane Bennet. Her beauty of character appealed to him even more than her physical charms. She was so selfless she would be more enthused about her inheritance when she realized she could help her family.

Standing, he left the desk and moved to the small liquor cabinet. He poured two fingers of whiskey and returned to the chair. As he sipped, he tried to parse out a way out of his dilemma. His pride and integrity would not allow him to declare himself.

Laughing a humourless laugh, the colonel pondered the fact that if he did not love Miss Bennet as he did, or if she were one of the many rich debutantes, he could be engaged. Tossing back the last of his drink, he set down the glass and decided he needed some exercise.

Since he did not wish to leave the house so close to the dinner bell, the colonel turned toward the back garden. He found the doors open and surmised that they had been left so to allow for an airing of the room. As he stepped onto the stone walkway, he heard voices.

Colonel Fitzwilliam started to return into the house when he heard Miss Elizabeth say, "I noticed you did not deny your regards for the colonel."

Unable to keep himself from eavesdropping, the colonel held his breath and strained to hear the rest of the conversation. When he heard Jane's softly spoken reply, his heart nearly burst with pleasure. She loves me enough to wish to propose. Perhaps there is not a barrier to our marriage as I had supposed.

Upon hearing the pair wished to return inside, the colonel slipped silently back through the doors, and into the first vacant room he came to and shut the door behind him. He walked to a sofa and sat with a wide, happy grin on his face.


It only took one full day in the presence of his whingeing, unrepentant daughter for Mr. Bennet to give his brother Gardiner written permission to act on his behalf. After breakfast the next day, Bennet had packed his things and gave his driver directions to Darcy House. He admitted to himself that he was eager to see both of his elder daughters as it had been so long since he saw them. From what he heard from both of the Gardiners and the letters from the girls, it would not be long before he would actually lose his Lizzy to this Darcy fellow.

When he arrived at the destination, Mr. Bennet could not help but stare at the impressive townhouse. He knew that the man was wealthy. However, seeing the place which could be his daughter's future home brought a new awareness to his mind.

His man opened the carriage door and put down the step. Mr. Bennet climbed the front stairs and rapped with his walking stick on the wood as the knocker was not hung. A stern faced butler opened the door slightly and asked, "Yes, sir, may I ask your business?"

"I am Mr. Thomas Bennet," he replied calmly. "I wish to see my daughters, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth."

"Of course, Mr. Bennet, do come in." Carson opened the door wide and turned to a footman. "Barry, have Mr. Bennet's carriage taken to the mews and make certain that his horses are cared for."

"Please follow me, sir. I believe the ladies are in the morning room." Carson led Bennet down a corridor to a small room that faced east.

The day promised to be another lovely, early spring day. The sunlight streamed in through sparklingly clean windows. The sisters sat chatting amiably with Darcy, the colonel, and Georgiana.

"Mr. Thomas Bennet," Carson intoned.

"Papa!" the girls cried in unison and rushed to him. They both embraced him with cheerful fervour. Soon his daughters came to themselves and blushed.

"Forgive us," Jane spoke for herself and Elizabeth. "Papa, you know Mr. Darcy. Permit me to introduce you to Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Georgiana Darcy."

"Welcome, Mr. Bennet," Mr. Darcy stood slowly and with a bow, gestured to a chair close to the ones upon which his daughters had been sitting. "Please sit down. It is an honour to see you again."

Taking the offered chair, Mr. Bennet commented, "I did not expect to see you below stairs. Mr. Darcy."

"I admit that I had help with the stairs, but I am much stronger than I was even yesterday," Darcy explained.

"What my cousin does not tell you, is that he tried to do it all himself, but Miss Elizabeth, his guardian angel, caught him in the act and called for reinforcements," the colonel added with a smile.

Darcy reddened slightly at the tease, but he joined the laughter. "Indeed, I am thankful she looks after me and keeps me from my own momentary foolishness."

After they shared some light-hearted tales of the happenings both at Longbourn and Darcy House, Elizabeth could not keep from inquiring, "Papa, what of Lydia?"

Mr. Bennet sighed. "She is still the silly girl she ever was and eager to marry her 'dear Wickham.' Lydia does not seem to understand her folly."

Turning to the colonel, Mr. Bennet said humbly, "I cannot thank you enough for helping to find her. Our family is in your debt."

"Nonsense," the colonel protested. "Our family had a responsibility to assist you."

"Yes, sir," Darcy stated firmly. "If I had only made different decisions in regards to him, Wickham would never have had the opportunity to fool young, impressionable girls."

Mr. Bennet was about to protest again when Carson appeared at the door. "Mr. Abel Raymond and Sergeant Harris are here to see you, Colonel Fitzwilliam."

"Show them in, Carson," the colonel answered and turned to those in the room. "It is likely to be something to do with Wickham, and it is better we all hear it unless Mr. Bennet or Darcy object to the ladies being present."

As Carson brought the two men to the door, both Darcy and Bennet made no objection to the ladies remaining and stood.

Introductions were made before the colonel asked for their purpose in coming.

Both men fidgeted before Raymond spoke. "Last night, Harris had guard duty in the back of the inn." He continued the story until he nodded to the sergeant to finish.

"As I was returning to my post after subduing an abusive drunk, I heard a cry and a thud. There was Wickham lying on the ground with a sheet partly covering him. He must have kept watch, and when he saw his chance, tied his sheets together. The problem is that he wasn't a sailor. The first knot held, but the second didn't."

The shocked audience looked at the men to continue even though they could surmise the outcome.

"He's dead. He broke his neck." The simple statements brought gasps from the women. "The constable who was called because of the drunkard was a witness to most of the doings. After reading the letter you gave me in case Wickham tried to leave, he told us that the man got what he deserved. His own son had been killed in the war, and he had no sympathy for a deserter. He arranged to take the body to an anatomy school. He said there was no use to waste burial space on such a rogue."

Silence reigned for several seconds before Mr. Bennet said in defeat, "That being the case, my family is most certainly ruined. Mr. Darcy, I hope you will allow my daughters the time to pack their trunks. We will leave as soon as that is accomplished."

"Sir," Raymond said quickly before anyone else could answer, "I believe I have a solution."

"What can you mean?" Mr. Bennet's question was bitter.

"I am willing to marry Miss Lydia." Raymond held up his hand to stop an interruption. "I have a small estate in the Cotswolds. It is a bit remote, but very good for raising sheep. It earns about a thousand a year. My mother keeps house for me and will be able to teach my wife all that is needed to run the household. I have plans to expand since there are several small bits of land for sale in the area."

"My daughter does not have much by way of dowry," Mr. Bennet responded. "I had promised to provide her one hundred pounds per annum, but that is not a great deal."

Colonel Fitzwilliam added, "I had promised Wickham a commission in the regulars and ten thousand pounds on the behalf of Darcy. I am certain that my cousin would be willing to give you the equivalent."

"Of course, I will." Darcy's relieved voice came next. "And I will send a message to Pemberley. We have some good breeding stock there. I will give you a prize ram and some ewes."

"No, sirs, I will not take so much money. Half would be too great." Raymond shook his head. "However, I will accept the live stock."

An argument ensued until Jane stood up and declared, "I shall be the one to provide a dowry for my unfortunate sister. I am not certain how soon I can do so, since I have not received the papers the solicitor is sending for me to sign, but I will promise in writing to give you three thousand pounds."

Jane's father was stunned. "How will you be able to do such a thing?"

"I have an inheritance from Mr. Bingley," she stated simply.

"I am truly astonished, Jane." Mr. Bennet looked shocked before he looked at Abel Raymond and spoke. "Lydia is a silly, spoiled girl. You shall have a hard time with her. I am not sure that you will be pleased with her."

Raymond spoke. "With respect, Mr. Bennet, I can say that I have observed her behaviour. I completely agree that she is spoiled and self-centred. She needs discipline. Mind you, I don't mean beatings or anything of that sort. My mother raised four girls, and there was tough going at times, but now they are well-behaved and well-married. Miss Lydia is still young. However, I have no doubts about my mother's ability to bring her in line. I have often said if my mama had been born a man, she could have been an officer in command of a garrison."

Mr. Bennet looked around the room. "If Lydia is willing, I agree to you marrying her, but it will be difficult. She seems fixated upon Wickham. I will not force this marriage. I am afraid she would try to run away."

"What is the alternative, Papa?" Elizabeth questioned. "If she is with child, she will have to be sent away for good."

"I had thought about that." Her father's voice was pensive. "She could go to live with my cousin Agatha who lives in Cornwall, though it would not be pleasant for either of them."

"Yes, she was quite a stern woman. I remember her lectures about the conduct of a gently born girl. I was made to sit still in her presence and was only allowed to speak when a question was directed to me. I was only four, and it was torture to do so." Elizabeth shuddered at the recollection.

"I am certain that I shall be able to convince Miss Lydia," Raymond said confidently. "But I am glad you have another possible way of convincing her if mine should fail."

"It would seem I must return to the Gardiner's home," Bennet said and stood. "Do you wish to ride with me, Mr. Raymond?

"Thank you, but no," Raymond answered with a slight smile. "I must dress the part. If you will give me the direction, I shall call there in two hours."

"Very well, sir," Mr. Bennet said and gave him the address in Gracechurch Street. Turning to his daughters, he smiled. "I am happy to see you both looking so well.

"And you, Mr. Darcy, I wish continued recovery. I wish for the return of my girls as soon as possible even if it is for a wedding." He winked which elicited laughter from the rest of the party.


Mr. Bennet's return surprised the Gardiner household. He suggested to his brother that they go to his study so that he could explain his arrival so soon after he had left.

Though it was early in the day, Bennet asked for a glass of port. Upon receiving the excellent drink, he took a few sips before he proceeded to tell Mr. Gardiner the news about Wickham and what Mr. Raymond had said.

"Lydia will not be reasonable. Likely she will want to go into mourning," Gardiner replied to the telling.

"For a week maybe, but no longer as she hates black," Mr. Bennet jested.

"I am serious, Thomas," Mr. Gardiner said with disapproval in his tone.

"I beg your pardon, brother," Mr. Bennet apologised. "This Raymond fellow seems to think he can convince her. I only hope he is right. Our family will be outcast for a great deal of time if she does not marry."

"Agreed, although if Lizzy marries Mr. Darcy, some of that will be negated," added his brother.

Mr. Bennet tossed the rest of his drink and said, "We shall see how this little farce plays out."

There was a light tapping at the door. Mrs. Gardiner opened it slightly. "I have made tea if you gentlemen are finished with your discussion."

"Tea sounds good." Gardiner stood and said, "Come, Thomas, let us have some while we await the guest's arrival."

Mrs. Gardiner was curious as to who would be coming to visit, but she could tell the men were not in the mood to speak of it.

After the tea was served, Mrs. Gardiner went to the nursery to check on the children and their lessons. The nursemaid was good with them, but it always helped to keep them on task if their mother came to look in on their progress from time to time.

The children cheerfully greeted her, eager to show their mother what they had accomplished so far that morning. Mrs. Gardiner assisted her eldest with his sums and praised the handwriting of her daughter. The littlest was really too young for school, but he spent his time drawing pictures of dragons from his favourite story.

After kissing each of them, Mrs. Gardiner left the nursery and began her way to the parlour. As she passed the bedroom in which Lydia was staying, her niece opened the door.

"Aunt Maddie, when is Wickham going to arrive? I am certain Papa told me he would be allowed to visit," Lydia whined.

"I have not heard that he was expected," Mrs. Gardiner answered as patiently as she could. "Your father is in the front parlour with your uncle. Perhaps, he could tell you."

"Why did Papa come back? I thought he was to return to Longbourn." Lydia did not wait for an answer, but hastened down the stairs.

Rushing into the parlour, Lydia exclaimed, "Papa, why are you here? What has happened?"

"I received some news while I was saying my farewells to your sisters."

"Oh, I suppose Lizzy said I should not marry Wickham. She is likely to be jealous that I will be the first of us to wed." The girl dropped unladylike on to the sofa.

"I am positive your sister is not jealous of you. In fact, I think that she is ashamed of this patched up business."

"I suppose that I took risks with my reputation, but since Wickham and I will be wed, it does not truly matter," she sighed as she placed her hand on her heart. "Mama will be so happy for me. She always fancied a man in uniform as I do."

Mr. Bennet turned to his brother and began to speak of an article he had read in the Times, ignoring his youngest. Lydia waited for five minutes before she interrupted her father with another question regarding his return to Gracechurch Street.

"You shall have to wait for a clear answer. I am expecting a visitor to arrive soon. He will explain." Her father answered tersely and returned to his previous conversation.

"Wickham! My Wickie is coming," she cried out excitedly. "I must go change into another dress."

"It is not Mr. Wickham, and you will not leave this room unless I give you permission. Read a book."

She sat for a while with a pout and crossed arms. After spending several minutes glaring at her father, Lydia picked up a fashion magazine that her aunt had given her and began to flip through the pages.

About thirty minutes later, a maid came to the parlour door and announced, "Mr. Abel Raymond to see you, Mr. Bennet."

"Send him in," Bennet said while he and Mr. Gardiner stood as the young man entered.

"As you already know Gardiner here, I will introduce you to my daughter, Lydia Bennet. Lydia, this is Mr. Abel Raymond."

Curtseying without thought, Lydia was stunned by the man standing before her. He was the tallest man she had ever seen with the widest shoulders. That he wore the uniform of the regulars added to his appeal. However, it was his eyes which completely captured her attention. They were like the colour of the sea during a storm, a greenish grey, especially striking in contrast to his jet black hair.

The thought he is more handsome than Wickham floated through her mind, but she suppressed it.

While she stood speechless, her father spoke. "Mr. Raymond wishes to speak to you. Your uncle and I shall be next door with both doors open. I insist that you listen carefully to what the gentleman has to say. It is very important to your future."

Though Lydia could not comprehend what her father meant, she agreed.

When the older men left the room, Raymond said, "Let us be seated."

Lydia sat on the sofa with her hands clenched in her lap because there was something about this man that made her both anxious and comfortable at the same time.

Clearing his throat, Mr. Raymond said, "First of all, I have news I am certain will upset you. I ask your pardon, but I will be blunt. Mr. Wickham is dead."

"You are lying," Lydia screeched. "He and I are to be married within the week. Papa said so."

"Please allow me to explain what happened," he commanded calmly. Although her posture told him that Lydia was upset, he was happy she quieted.

"Mr. Wickham thought to escape through a window while one of the guards was busy helping a serving girl who had been accosted. Wickham used his sheets as a rope, but he did not tie the second sheet tight enough to hold him and he fell. This oversight caused his death when he broke his neck upon landing."

In a voice choked by tears, Lydia cried, "He wanted to come to see me, and you would not allow it."

"I am sorry to disillusion you, but I know he was not coming to see you. He had certain items on his person that tell a different story."

"What items?" Lydia's question was hesitant.

Mr. Raymond received into his coat pocket and pulled out a small bundle and some folded paper. He opened the first and pulled out the contents, spreading them on the table in front of Lydia. There lay a pearl necklace with matching hair pins and a gold locket on a chain.

"Those are my mother's pearls!" exclaimed Lydia. "She allows me to borrow them. The locket is mine and contains a lock of my baby hair. I forgot to bring them with me when my uncle forced me to leave the inn. Wickham must have been bringing them to me."

"I do not think so, Miss Lydia," Raymond disagreed. "I found at least two receipts from a pawn shop near the inn. They were for a pink quartz necklace and a silver ring. Did you own something like them?"

"No, but Harriet Forster did. She told me that she lost them." Lydia answered softly.

Unfolding the paper in his hand, he took a small item out of it and set it down beside him. "I found this in his trunk under a false bottom. Mr. Wickham would never have married you as he already had a wife," Mr. Raymond said.

"No!" she cried again. "Now I know you are lying."

"Look at this." This time he spoke gently and with compassion as he handed her the paper.

Taking the yellowed paper in her hand, Lydia read:

On the twelfth of June 1809, George Wickham of Derbyshire was wed to Gladys Bridgestone of Manchester. The wedding was held at St. Peters with the wedding breakfast served at the bride's family estate, Bridgestone Wood.

Lydia sat stunned for several seconds before tears began to slide down her cheeks. "It must be a mistake. There must be another George Wickham who married this woman."

Mr. Raymond picked up the small item and gave it to Lydia. "This is a picture of him and his wife. The inscription says 'to my loving husband, George, from Gladys.'"

Looking at the tiny case, Lydia found the words Mr. Raymond told her. Upon opening it, she saw a very well done likeness of Wickham. Finally she was convinced. "He was married, and now he is dead."

She sobbed out, "What will become of me now? Everyone will have heard of my leaving. If I do not marry, I cannot return to my home."

The sight of the pathetic creature before him brought full compassion to Raymond's heart. He knew he had a long way to go before she would behave as a wife and lady should, but now he knew it was the right thing to do.

He moved to sit beside Lydia on the sofa. "You do have a choice which will allow you to visit your home without shame if you will take it."

Lifting her tear-ravaged face to look at him, she sniffed, "What choice?"

"Marry me," was his simple response.

"Marry you?" She sounded incredulous. "You would marry a fallen, ruined woman? What would your family say?"

"From the day we are wed, you will never hear me speak of it. I shall not tell my mother or my sisters or their families. They will only know that I met you and wished to marry you. If you need an honest report of the man I am, you may ask Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was my direct commanding officer on the continent.

"One other thing I should tell you, I have sold my commission as I have recently inherited a small estate from my uncle. I have heard that you enjoy seeing a man in uniform, so I shall keep this jacket and its accessories to wear for you on occasion."

Lydia had retrieved her handkerchief and wiped her tears. The proposal had come as a shock, but the thought of such a handsome man being her husband tempted her greatly. As she pondered, she wondered what her father thought of this arrangement.

"Has my father agreed?"

"Yes."

"Then, yes, I will marry you," Lydia declared.