Chapter Three - The Leave Taking of Mr. Wickham
AN:a huge thank you to those who are reading for the first time, reading again, have fav'ed or followed. I have plans to publish this work, so please PM me if you find any mistakes. Also, many have asked if I'm going to complete my other works. All I can say is eventually. It took 10 years to finish one of my stories. I'm not planning for it to take that long this time ;-)
"Well, I don't envy Charlotte Lucas in the slightest," Lydia declared, screwing up her nose. The very idea of Mr. Collins' attentions proved enough to make the young woman roll her eyes in exasperation. At least his inclination towards his new fiancée kept him away from Longbourn most of the daylight hours, which pleased everyone in the Bennet family except the Mistress of the house. "Fancy wanting to marry a clergyman!" Lydia snorted, her eyes dancing as she watched for any sign of red on their path into Meryton.
"He'll be reading to her from Fordyce's sermons every night," Kitty added with a snicker, enjoying the freedom of walking without their very verbose cousin.
Miss Catherine Bennet felt secure in the ability to tease the man while not in his presence. Previously, Mr. Collins had usually saved his plentiful conversation, or rather peroration, for Lizzy. However, after her sister's rejection of his hand three days' past, the man sought solace at Lucas Lodge and the company of Charlotte Lucas in particular. In her heart, Kitty couldn't fault her sister for refusing their cousin, despite the ensuing uproar in the house.
"Before they go to bed," Lydia giggled as if it were the best joke.
The comment caused Elizabeth's conscience to become engage. Her youngest sister's thoughts bordered on impropriety, even if she considered Charlotte attaching herself to one of the stupidest men in all of England, who could have no true regard for her. After all, had not Mr. Collins offered his hand to her just three days earlier, demonstrating his indifference to the identity for his life partner. Worse still, Charlotte knew of that proposal and subsequent rejection. It demonstrated just how ridiculous Mr. Collins' ideas were on the state of matrimony, and Charlotte's obligations as his wife. Yet, she'd agree to such a fate willingly, which Lizzy's wit found hard to accept.
"Oh, look at that hideous cloth!" Lydia cried, suddenly changing the direction of her conversation and movements to look in the haberdasher's window. "It would do very well for Mary, don't you think?"
Behind them, Elizabeth frowned as she became drawn out of her introspection. The insinuation against their sister, not the first, found Lizzy angered on Mary's behalf. Such comments had never bothered Miss Elizabeth Bennet before. Now she considered it a very mean art on Lydia's part. It demonstrated a disregard for Mary that needed to be curtailed. Coming on top of Lydia's remarks about Charlotte, and as the eldest of the party, Lizzy could not let the injustice continue.
"That is enough, Lydia," Lizzy admonished, a frown turning down her lips.
"I know you think as ill of Mary as I do," Lydia commented without a care. "It would have been better if she married Mr. Collins. At least Mama would stop complaining about the hedgerows and giving way to Charlotte Lucas. Besides, I do not see that Mary could do better."
Not sure how to answer her sister, Elizabeth couldn't help agree with Lydia about their cousins' upcoming nuptials. Mary would have suited the role of pastor's wife very well, albeit Mr. Collins would not be an agreeable husband. However, Lizzy looked upon Lydia's callous and thoughtless remarks with concern. Her father long thought Kitty and Lydia two of the silliest girls in England and had no hesitation in telling them so. Yet, he did little to improve their situation, failing to discipline their improper behaviour or direct them and their mother to the improvement of their minds. Today she looked upon their conduct with less innocent eyes, finding the pair artless, bordering on vulgar. They really were thoughtless, selfish girls, inconsiderate of their behaviour and how it might affect their family's reputation. Never before had Lizzy realised how little Lydia thought of Mary, or Charlotte. It did not show her youngest sister's character in a prudential light.
Understanding Lydia's need to make a spectacle of herself at every opportunity, Elizabeth feared for her younger sisters' safety. Not from Mr. Wickham in particular, but the society of any unscrupulous gentleman in general. They were, she realised today, silly enough for anything. Elizabeth found herself contemplating and reassessing many of the facts of life through a new perspective forced upon her by Mr. Darcy and his illustration of Mr. Wickham's hereunto hidden character. She now knew herself to have been blinded by the very pride and arrogance she'd accused Mr. Darcy of displaying. Indeed, Lizzy spent the nights since the Netherfield Ball contemplating her understanding of the world around her and losing many hours sleep in the process.
Perhaps, Lizzy considered, as a frown marred her features,Kitty and Lydia are too young to be out in company. What do they know of the world?
Her expression of displeasure deepened as Elizabeth Bennet considered her own limited understanding of society. Mr. Darcy deemed dining with four and twenty families unvaried and confining. Miss Bingley accused Elizabeth of not moving in society enough. To her utter distress, Lizzy began to see their point. Here in the country, they rarely troubled themselves to move beyond what was comfortable or to challenge themselves.
Life in Hertfordshire contained nothing new, excepting the letting of Netherfield Park. That event caused quite a stir in the neighbourhood as it brought with it new and exciting acquaintances. Every spare moment since the occupation of that great estate had been spent by their mother in attracting an eligible match, because Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy had been the only gentlemen of a marriageable age to enter the neighbourhood for many years.
One of the great house's occupants had caused more of a stir within Elizabeth than any other. Mr. Darcy turned her world upside down, not once but trice within the same month. The first time, at the Meryton assembly, he proved so severe in his countenance, refusing to dance and injuring her pride, that Elizabeth's thoughts on the gentleman had been set. No one in the village could ignore his aloofness and obvious disdain for those so far beneath his social standing. People were disgusted with his manners, allowing Lizzy to feel justified in her opinions. Then, while she nursed Jane, who remained at Netherfield, they argued over the definition of an accomplished woman. Lizzy now understood Mr. Darcy described the refinements he sought in a wife. The list appeared daunting and she wondered if he would ever enter the marriage state. He'd accused her of wilfully misunderstanding him as they argued. Their last, and it seemed final encounter at Mr. Bingley's Ball brought home the message, causing Lizzy to question everything she'd ever considered true.
Lizzy believed herself to be well-read and intelligent. Yet, Jane's more-tolerant opinions on the sudden engagement of Miss Lucas to Mr. Collins forced an unexpected realisation. Miss Elizabeth Bennet had allowed her pride to cloud her understanding on more than one occasion in the recent months. Influences beyond a lady's circumstance sometimes intruded on reality. At seven and twenty, her good friend Charlotte Lucas could be considered an old maid, indeed, was regarded so by many of their acquaintance. Marriage to Mr. Collins, perhaps not the cleverest of men, gave her respectability, a comfortable home and a future where her ageing parents did not need to support her. As Mrs. Collins, Charlotte would be the mistress of her husband's house and could give her younger sisters the opportunity to form attachments.
Charlotte knows she is marrying one of the stupidest men in England, Lizzy contemplated, her frown deepening as she finally understood her friend's desperation, but it is an eligible match. Jane is too good and kind, considering Charlotte's opinions and needs for the future, while I could not get past the thought of Mr. Collins' ridiculousness. My sisters' understanding is often concealed by her quiet, reserved nature. Even I did not take care to think upon my friend's situation in life and prospects if she continued in Meryton. All I could see were the faults of my cousin and my inability to respect him as a life partner. Have I been so blinded by thoughts of love in matrimony, it has made me as silly as my younger sisters?
Uncovering this particular understanding just this morning when she visited her friend, Elizabeth joined Kitty and Lydia as they continued from Lucas Lodge into Meryton. It gave her time to think, following behind as the pair constantly giggled and whispered about the Militia and flirtations. Jane, after the heart-breaking letter from Caroline Bingley yesterday, chose to stay at home. Although they had not spoken openly of it, Lizzy comprehended the very great disadvantage the two girls walking before her presented to Jane's chances of securing Mr. Bingley. She could not think of their behaviour at the Netherfield Ball without abhorrence. Indeed, with her new view of the world, Lizzy grasped the sins of her entire family and felt them even more keenly on Jane's behalf.
"Look!" Lydia shouted, a wide grin spreading across her lips, "there's Denny and Carter!"
"With Wickham," Kitty stated, sneaking a sideways glance at Elizabeth for her reaction. When none came, she turned her gaze to the gentlemen. Catherine observed them signalling their intention to join the party and felt overjoyed at their obvious attentions.
"I suppose you'll keep Wickham all to yourself again, Lizzy," Lydia demanded in an irritated tone.
Does either of my sisters show any particular devotion to that young man?Elizabeth's eyes narrowed, watching both Kitty's and Lydia's reaction the young officers. The girls seemed more put out by Lizzy disinterested countenance than by her presence in the party.
"Well, of course she will," Kitty stated loudly as if it were a great joke, "she is violently in love with him."
"For heaven's sake," Elizabeth hissed, embarrassed by once considering Mr. Wickham a favourite when she now knew the truth behind his character, "lower your voice."
If either girl bothered to look, they would have seen a frown marring Elizabeth's countenance. Unimpressed with Kitty's and Lydia's behaviour, Lizzy had other reasons for the expression. She'd initially come on the outing in the hope of speaking with Mr. Wickham and exposing her sentiments towards the man. Miss Elizabeth Bennet still could not completely resolve her opinion of Mr. Wickham with Mr. Darcy's account. Yet Lizzy knew Mr. Darcy spoke the utter truth of his dealings with the young lieutenant.
Upon their first meeting, Lizzy had been impressed with Mr. Wickham's open and apparently artless manners. He'd showed a merriment and easy conversation she'd longed for in a gentleman. Now, she could see he flattered her vanity and played to her dislike of Mr. Darcy, discerned after careful questioning. A single evening in his company at her Aunt Phillips and Elizabeth's opinion of the man, based on her prejudice towards Mr. Darcy and Wickham's tale of woe at that gentleman's hands, allowed Lizzy to consider herself liking Mr. Wickham very much. Once again good, respectful, and appropriate Jane warned her that on closer acquaintance, Mr. Wickham might not be all he presented. Dearest Jane proved her intelligence and good judgement as always.
When will I learn to not only hear my sister, but listen to her as well, Elizabeth berated herself internally, especially when Jane speaks words I do not wish to know?
Waiting for the gentlemen to approach, Elizabeth felt it necessary to engage Mr. Wickham in conversation. If Lizzy were to accept Mr. Darcy's truths in her heart, meeting Mr. Wickham would cement this new view of his character in her mind. She had to force a confession of sorts out of him, or at least a hint of untruth spoken against Mr. Darcy. Only then would she be fixed in her opinions.
Watching the three young men approach, they behaved as required of gentleman, and exchanged the normal pleasantries which politeness demanded. Lydia immediately took Lieutenant Denny's arm. Kitty accepted Carter's, leaving Wickham to accompany Lizzy. Elizabeth felt her stomach turn while her usual merriment refused to reach her expression when they started towards Longbourn. In that instant, she noted the unsettling smile Mr. Wickham directed at her. Slightly amused, it seemed to mock her. His chocolate eyes, as they swept over her person, made Elizabeth shiver with unease. In that moment, she knew Mr. Darcy spoke the complete truth about Mr. Wickham's ability to ruin a young woman's reputation.
How am I to make him confess, or at least trip over his story in regard to the living at Kympton?Lizzy wondered.
"We were hoping we would see you at the Netherfield ball," she offered as an opening gambit. Not sure how to proceed, Elizabeth realised this to have been the truth before her dance with Mr. Darcy.
"And I was very sorry, indeed," Wickham announce in a soft voice, "to lose the pleasure of dancing with you there. But fate, it would seem," he paused, noting the intense stare from Miss Bennet. Something in that look forced him to tell the truth, at least as much as he would willingly part with. "No. With you I must be entirely open. I decided that it would be wrong for me to be there. I found as the time drew near, that I'd better not meet with Mr. Darcy; scenes might arise unpleasant to more than myself."
Could this be the confession she longed to hear? Mr. Wickham had, in effect, admitted to being in the wrong with his previous statement, or he should have had nothing to fear and held his head up, behaving in a gentlemanly fashion by attending the Ball. This acknowledgment of sorts only highlighted that he did not want to confront Mr. Darcy, to earn his ire and possibly be removed from the amusement. Should that have occurred, it would lead to questions and gossip, as was the want of a small community the likes of Meryton. It would expose Mr. Wickham's character and, if Mr. Darcy was to be believed, raise questions of the honesty of a man requesting credit from the shopkeepers. Elizabeth's heart lurched as her mind truly began to understand Mr. Darcy's countenance on first discovering Mr. Wickham to be in Hertfordshire.
"I do understand," Elizabeth managed, looking away to school her expression. She did not want to stop Mr. Wickham's words, every one of which proved Mr. Darcy's accusations against him. "I must say, I admire your forbearance. Not that it would have given me a moment's concern to see Mr. Darcy publicly set down." At this Elizabeth crossed her fingers behind her back as she deliberately used the past tense. Before their dance, Miss Bennet felt it would have been Mr. Darcy's just deserts. Now, she felt exactly the opposite and could only be ashamed of her thoughts toward the man. "But not in Mr. Bingley's house," she allowed the emotion she felt into her tone, "it would grieve me to see him embarrassed and discomforted."
"And, through him," Wickham stated with an unsettling smile, demonstrating his understanding of social etiquette and the general expectation of the people in Meryton, "your sister."
Looking up at Mr. Wickham, Elizabeth openly displayed her surprise. "Yes," she answered. This only proved to Lizzy, he'd most probably known of the districts' violent feelings towards Mr. Darcy before entering the Militia. In fact, her active mind went so far as to consider if he'd deliberately taken a commission because of Mr. Darcy's tenure at Netherfield. Such premeditation displayed a want of character and propriety that astonished Miss Bennet, but would agree with a certain gentleman's accusations.
"I hear your cousin, Mr. Collins, is engaged to be married," Wickham changed the subject, fearing he'd said too much if the expression on Miss Bennet's face were any indication.
"Yes, to my good friend, Charlotte Lucas," Lizzy announced. Suddenly she felt apprehensive. It appeared Mr. Wickham's sources of information missed nothing occuring in the district.
"I had thought that his intentions tended in another direction," Wickham watched for her reaction. On her turning her face up, he noticed her slight amusement at the statement.
"Perhaps it did, but took a little turn for the better," Lizzy couldn't help but smile. In this, at least, she could be open, especially with her new understanding of the reasons behind Charlotte's acceptance.
Their conversation stalled until Lydia invited the Officers to Longbourn for Tea. They agreed readily and lead the party in that direction. Mrs. Bennet received their visitors with all her usual effusions of joy and glad tidings. Mr. Bennet joined the party when Wickham began to speak of his childhood in Derbyshire. While he did not dislike the man, Mr. Bennet found his storytelling better than many novels, and probably equally fictitious.
"And how would you have liked making sermons," Lizzy tried for a light, teasing tone as he ended his story of woe. Holding back her resentment proved almost impossible. Yet she needed Mr. Wickham to tell his version before she could publicly set him down.
Strange, Elizabeth's subconscious stated with more than a little sarcasm, that he waits until Mr. Darcy and the party from Netherfield have left the area before telling all who will listen of his abominable treatment at the hands of a man who can no longer defend himself.
Mr. Wickham gave Miss Bennet a curious glance. Astounded he looked around his audience for their reaction to her challenging words. "Exceedingly well," he simpered with a knowing smile.
"Oh," Elizabeth returned the action but it didn't reach her eyes. Her antipathy grew. How dare you, she thought, until now you only shared this conversation with me and your fellow soldiers because you knew my opinion of the gentleman in question and could sway your colleagues. Mr. Darcy has now left for London and you publicly air these lies. Do you have a shred of common decency, denouncing a man's reputation?
"I had heard," she continued, unable to hold back her irony any longer, "you decided against taking orders, were compensated accordingly and intended to study the law."
"Ah," Wickham attempted to weasel his way out of the current conversation.
"Come now, Mr. Wickham," Elizabeth baited, "should not the interest alone, given in lieu of the living, have allowed you to read Law at Cambridge and have started on a pleasing career. I understand you once studied there under the patronage of old Mr. Darcy, your esteemed Godfather."
"Indeed," the young man paled as the room suddenly went quiet. He had boasted of Old Darcy's love of him, support of his gentleman's education and the son's jealousy over both.
"I believe you told me you are making your own way in this world," Lizzy smiled ever so politely as she moved in for the kill. "Perhaps, it would appear, you have made some bad decisions," pausing she let her meaning sink in, "in the business arena to be reduced to your current level of poverty."
Frowning, Mr. Bennet didn't want to understand his daughter's meaning. However, watching the young man's reaction, it was apparent Wickham wouldn't meet his, or any other gentleman's eye, and appeared to dissemble. It did not bode well for the veracity of his story. He waited until the red coats left before calling his daughter into his office.
"Pray tell me," Mr. Bennet demanded, "of what you were speaking with respect to Mr. Wickham. I do believe you once trusted his tale of neglect at Mr. Darcy's hands."
"I did, but no longer do I think so well of Mr. Wickham. Respect," Lizzy stated forcefully to her father while pacing his book room, "is something that young man should not be given by any reputable person for he has not a shred. Please, I would beg you make enquiries to the local shop keepers and merchants as to how much he owes them. I have come to believe it would not be the first-time Mr. Wickham has run-up considerable debts without the means to honour them. Ask also after any interest he has shown in their daughters, as I fear he would not respect their innocence."
"Lizzy," astonished, Mr. Bennet fell into his chair, "do you know what you are saying?"
"I have come to see the word in a very different light this past week, Papa," Elizabeth grimaced, suddenly ceasing her movement. Eyes focused on her father, Lizzy stated emphatically, "the more I see of it, the less pleased I am with it and the people whom inhabit it." Letting out an unsettled sigh, she slumped into the nearest chair in a most unbecoming manner and answered, "yes, I understand exactly what I accuse Mr. Wickham of. He is the most vile, repugnant sort of man, trading on his appearance and good manners without the good sense to have any."
Mr. Bennet did not ask from where this information originated. With Mr. Darcy recently removed from the neighbourhood, and the only one named in the tales, he knew him to be his daughter's source and determined to establish its veracity although, given Wickham's reaction in the parlour, he feared the truth. Three days later, Mr. Bennet with his brother-in-law Phillips' aid, discovered the extent of Wickham's treachery. Two young women had been compromised, one sent away to her aunt, and every business in town owed payment. However, Elizabeth's open attack of George Wickham's reputation while taking Tea at Longbourn had already sealed his fate. His colleagues, understanding they had been duped, and would never receive a penny from his gaming debts, took matter into their own hands. The man simply disappeared, never to be seen or heard from again.