Chapter 69

In response to Darcy's note, her ladyship had replied with a formal letter, of which the content was so abusive, he had determined to cut her when the opportunity next presented itself. While Darcy indulged his natural tendencies towards being in an ill temper, due to Lady Catherine's officious interference, Colonel Parker finally came to call.

He had his former schoolmate shown into his study, it was, after all, business he was about to engage in, irrespective of the topic being matrimony. With a determined look, Darcy entered the room with a heaviness about him. This would likely determine Lydia's fate, as well in some ways his and Elizabeth. If he could come to an agreement with the Colonel it would likely be the best opportunity available to the Bennet's and the best possible outcome for Lydia. There were few gentlemen, of such good character and stability, that would be willing to view the young woman as a potential bride.

"Darcy, Good to see you again. I came as soon as I arrived in town. I hope that your family is all well?" inquired Colonel Parker civilly.

Darcy nodded, as much as he had thought through the matter, he had hardly any idea on how to begin such a discussion.

At a loss for the purpose of this meeting and aware of Darcy's awkward social interactions, Parker tried again to forward the conversation, curious as to his old playmate's purpose. "I must say I was surprised by your summons, though I'm always happy to see an old friend."

Darcy let out a heavy breath, having no fear that the man before him would see his weaknesses. Parker had trusted him with his own family secrets and he consequently had the highest opinion of the man's character. "I've met the woman that I mean to marry if she'll have me."

"You're uncertain of her response?" Colonel Parker inquired, then whistled as he drew an incorrect, though reasonable conclusion. "I take it she is quite an heiress?"

"She is not, though she is of the highest integrity," stated Darcy simply. "She is unwilling to commit if the situation with her sister is resolved in such a manner that it would hurt my family's reputation as well."

"Indeed, she does hold herself to the highest standards of integrity. If you don't mind telling me, what is the situation at present?" inquired Colonel Parker, starting to see where he may fit in, his family name was rather respectable before his elder brother tarnished it. With his debts clear and a connection to the Darcy's all would be well. As matters stood at present, he could not in good conscience take a bride, nor could he expect to find one with a decent dowry, at least until his debts were cleared.

He listened to Darcy relay the entire story. Having first-hand knowledge of Wickham's previous schemes himself, it was quite certain Darcy had surmised correctly; Wickham's aim had been Darcy, not the youngest Bennet sister.

"How can I be of assistance? I'm happy to help track him down, but I cannot believe that you would want him as a brother?"

"Indeed not, especially if Miss Lydia is willing to have another," replied Darcy. "Forgive me, but I thought of your own temperament and situation and thought it perfectly suited for molding Miss Lydia into maturity. I must beg you to forgive me asking this as well, but how much progress have you made so far in clearing your estate?"

Parker snorted, "Not nearly so much as I had hoped, though I kept to my commitment and lived off my salary, committing the estate's income to its solvency."

"What is the trouble then? Was the estate ill seen after, needing further investment?"

"Indeed not, though it was not seen after properly it cost less than expected to set to rights. I became aware of more debts of honor, just as I was paying towards the ones that I had been made previously aware of. I am, after 18 months, very near where I started, though I believe that was the last of them. I can only hope my brother used his last breaths to repent, though I'm sorry to say that there was no sign of it."

"I believe, that if both you and she were willing, between her family and I all could be set to rights. Additionally, her father would see to her annual pin money and I would pay for a governess to pose as her companion. There would be a thousand pounds upon her mother's death…."

Parker interrupted him, stating, "That's all well and good Darcy, though I'll admit to some need for inducement, I'll not take advantage of a friend. Though it would be good to be free and clear, for her sake as well as mine, we must at least meet and be sure we would get on well enough. Her silliness, with the right guidance, could be grown out of, but resentment and unhappiness in marriage would last for a lifetime. I would like at least for us both to believe we have some hope of genuine affection. I suppose you can't know yet if she is with child?"

"Indeed not, but I'm sure the family will make known the truth to you, as soon as there is news to share."

"Very well, I would be happy to meet her then. You know my circumstance well, I have great hopes of a great deal of responsibility with no hope of any reward, at least not for the foreseeable future. I pray we can be the salvation of one each other, we could both use a better future."

"Truly, that simply? What if she is with child? Is not your estate entailed?" inquired Darcy, incredulous it was that easy.

"If she is with child, or not, my circumstances are not changed. Without her, my life will continue as it has. Nor will I haggle with you, as I'm grateful for a chance to live a life without the burden of the past. I don't mean to take advantage of the situation you find yourself in, I don't envy it. A lesser man might use it as leverage, but so would a lesser man have offered to pay less knowing that I would be desperate for any reprieve, or worse put her with a groom who cost less regardless of his character. You have done well by me and I must thank you. Truly the only thing left is for us to meet, which will ultimately determine the matter. As to a babe, though they would suffer the most, they are surely not to blame. You have my word, if I agree to marry her, I would not treat the child any different than my own."

Darcy was in awe, he knew he could not feel the same. He wished his beloved estate to go to his issue, he wished more than anything for it to remain in his family, handed down through the generations. Perhaps it was different for a second son, or merely different when one inherited more debt than income through no fault of his own. Either way, Darcy could fathom how to express the depth of his gratitude and prayed all would go well with the youngest Miss Bennet.

He gave his friend a feeble thank you, hoping his friend had seen the sincerity in his eyes, and after seeing him out jotted a note to Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet, knowing he may have missed the later, as he was to return home to see if the story had held.