Chapter 5: Mr Wickham
Mr Wickham was a human being with unsatisfied needs. He hated being a steward's son throughout his childhood. Even though the late Mr Darcy had considered George Wickham as his son, it was not enough for Wickham's standards. His wayward habits lead him to gambling and excessive drinking. He hid his real character from Mr Darcy till his death but was unable to fool his son. He declined his living in Kempton and happily received compensation offered by Darcy. Darcy became the master of Pemberley at the age of twenty-five. Wickham swindled the money away. He assumed that Darcy would grant him funds whenever needed. But Darcy was a man of principles, and he saw through Wickham's lies and cut him off without further assistance. Wickham was not used to poverty, nor was he used to hard work. His worthless character never helped him in steady employment, and eventually, he had to leave Derbyshire.
When he left the country, he vouched to himself that he would get revenge on Darcy.
He was able to get his distant relative Mrs Younge to become the companion of Georgiana, and he renewed his acquaintance with her at Ramsgate. Everything had gone according to his plan, and he was able to make the naive girl fall in love with him.
But just as they were about to elope, Darcy had arrived and ruined his plans.
He finally joined the militia. He resolved to find an opportunity to gain wealth and had tried to woe many wealthy women. But he had no success. He arrived at Meryton in dejected spirits as he knew the small village would not have a big bait for his greed.
The other officers filled him in on the residents of the village.
"There are so many pretty girls here, Wickham. But the most beautiful are the elder Bennet girls. Especially the elder one is a blonde, a beauty to behold."
Wickham was interested to hear about the prospects, and he wanted to meet them soon.
The next day Elizabeth and her sisters walked to Meryton. Elizabeth left the rest of them and headed to the shop where she sold her cakes.
"Ah! Miss Lizzy! It is good to see you again. I cannot tell you how delighted the customers are with your cakes. I wonder why you would not allow me to disclose your name."
"Mr Roland, I am happy to know that my cakes are being well received. Unfortunately, my mother disapproves of me doing this. I have not disclosed it to anybody at home except Jane and Mrs Hill. I would appreciate it if you can keep it a secret. "
"I sure will. Your father would have been proud of your determination and skill. The other day the new man from Netherfield visited the shop, what was his name now? Ah! yes, Mr Darcy, he was quite delighted with your chocolate cake. He wanted to give his compliments to the one who baked it. I told him it was a local baker. I did not reveal anything else. He stood quite some time admiring the patterns you make on the cakes. He seemed to be quite taken by their beauty."
Elizabeth smiled. How ironic Mr Darcy, my cakes have been tolerable enough to tempt you.
Elizabeth gathered the money from Mr Roland and thanked him again.
She found her sisters conversing with the officers. She recognised all of them except one. He had a handsome face with a pleasant smile.
Lydia introduced them to each other. Elizabeth immediately noticed how he conversed with ease. All her sisters were quite taken with Mr Wickham.
Wickham was very impressed with the ladies he had met. But he was intrigued by Elizabeth more than the others.
She looks beautiful and is intelligent too. Wonder if she up for a little fun with me. He had no intention to marry anyone without a fortune. He ruined many women in the past, promising marriage. He saw Elizabeth and was tempted to try the same.
Let me try. What is there to lose? She has a fine figure. He thought.
The next morning Elizabeth found Darcy riding down from Oakham mount. He dismounted his horse again when he saw her.
She had gone past the reluctance to talk to him after their conversations in Netherfield.
"Good morning, Mr Darcy"
"Good morning, Miss Elizabeth."
"I hope you found the view to your liking."
"Indeed, I did. The sunrise was breathtaking. I assume it is your favourite spot as well."
"Yes, it is. I have been walking to the mount ever since I was a child. I should be on my way. Good day to you, sir."
"Good day to you, Miss Elizabeth."
Darcy and Elizabeth did not realise that they were being watched.
Wickham had followed Elizabeth from her house hoping to spend some time with her privacy.
He was surprised to see Darcy in the neighbourhood.
He saw how his eyes conveyed admiration for the woman before him.
Darcy, you are enticed by her too, aren't you? Maybe I can get my revenge after all. He thought.
He convinced himself that his visit to Hertfordshire would not go in vain.