Darcy and Mr. Gardiner Visit Bettermans House (CHAPTER 3)

Darcy nodded curtly to Wickham ignoring the taunting sneer on Wickham's face.

"Have we heard back from the lady's father," grinned Wickham satirically at the two gentleman seated across from him. Both Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Darcy stiffened at the implied insult to Lydia that was barely disguised in Wickham's voice.

"I imagine that you have heard something or you two fine gentleman would not be found calling at Bettermans house."

Darcy simply stared at the man until finally discomfited by the cold glare in Darcy's eyes Wickham shifted in his seat and casting his eyes downwards, he waited quietly for one of the other two men to speak.

Mr. Gardiner cleared his voice and with quiet dignity outlined the terms which Mr. Bennet had agreed to in the overnight post that had been received only that morning. Darcy could not help but notice the relief that spread over Wickham's brow as he realized all of his monetary demands were being met. For not the first time Darcy felt complete revulsion for this man and wondered what his father could ever have seen in the younger Wickham other than being the son of his most favored steward. It disgusted him that he had had any part in assisting this rake to buy his way out of his countless debts. Darcy felt awash again with guilt that his pride had left the door open for Wickham to have the opportunity of attempting to rob another innocent girl of her virtue. If not for his pride, he would have challenged Wickham to a duel for the dishonor he had brought to his sister Georgina with his attempt to elope with her. And now he had finally succeeded in ruining the reputation of a young woman, a reckless, heedless young lady but still more deserving than this, this poor excuse for a gentleman.
Wickham's chuckle of delight brought Darcy out of his reverie and back to the discussion about the upcoming nuptials.

"So the only thing that we now await, besides the funds to be actually placed in my hands – "

At this Darcy interrupted "No sir, you are indeed mistaken if you think the funds will be given to you directly. Mr. Bennet's steward has been instructed to seek out and pay your debtors in Meryton and Brighton according to the complete list you provided to us. Not a farthing more than what is listed on that paper shall be paid. When the debts are discharged then you will be given the sum remaining for what is left of your finance's fortune/inheritance."

Wickham glowered and protested. "But surely a small sum will be advanced to Lydia so that we can procure her wedding trousseau as well as a ring – "

Darcy spoke over him; "Good God man – do you think we are as stupid as all that. Disperse you funds for a trousseau? A ring? More like more gaming at the card tables!"

With that Darcy abruptly stood and reminded Wickham to be at his gentleman's club on the morrow. "You no doubt know the one on - St. I am staying there and will expect you at 9 sharp so that you can sign your marriage bond, given there not sufficient time for Banns.

Wickham smiled, "I would not say no to waiting for the banns to announced."

Darcy replied dryly: "I have no doubt Wickham, but I think we will proceed with the marriage bond so as to reduce the chance of you absconding once the debts are paid. I have suggested strongly to Mr. Gardiner that Mr. Bennet's steward not begin payment of your debtors until after your wedding but Mr. Gardiner did not wish to insult his future nephew by implying that you would not be gentleman enough to keep your word."

With this both Mr. Gardiner and Darcy nodded their heads and, hats in hand, left Bettermans house.

Dreading to return to his room above where Lydia was anxiously waiting to hear how much her father had advanced for her wedding dress and trousseau, Wickham signed deeply. The scene she would throw when he had to tell her that Darcy did not trust him enough to advance even a farthing! Mrs. Young was pressing him for another weeks rent and he knew that Evans had been here the night before. That pretty maid who had answered the door had been more than willing to share his description for a little kiss.

Wickham strode across the room agitatedly and found his mind wandering more and more to Mrs. Jansen. What a shame such a lovely lady should have found herself so recently widowed. Mr. Jansen had left her bereft, childless and rather well off. Wickham smiled to himself. Really – such a shame for her to be so alone. Perhaps he should offer to accompany her on her afternoon stroll. Yes, that would be a very advantageous plan. She has returned every one of his smiles thus far. He checked the clock on the mantle and grabbed his coat from where he had laid it when Darcy and that old goat Gardiner had arrived. Usually Mrs. Jansen set out to walk right after two. Wickham straightened his cravat and checked the mirror conveniently placed near the front door and carefully opened it. No doubt Lydia either had her ear pressed against the door to their rooms or possibly had it cracked open - waiting to pounce on him for news. Wickham shuddered and wished for not the first time he had felt free to let her go back with Gardiner as the older man had so strongly pressed for. But he had been worried that once out of his sight, perhaps the wedding would become less appealing to feckless Lydia. One uniform was as attractive to her as another.

He hurried down the front path and out the gate where he paused in the shade of the large oak at the corner of the street. He watched the front door carefully while attempting to appear as if he was just enjoying the slight breeze that was rustling the oak leaves. Yes – there! Right on cue the front door opened. He held his breath. Please do not let it be Lydia looking for him. No – it was Mrs. Jansen. She paused to shade her eyes as she looked both ways before descending the steps.

Wickham smoothly started forward and paused at the gate as if in surprise to see the lovely Mrs. Jansen. He bowed deeply and lifted his hat just so and smiled his deepest, most charming smile.

"Why Mrs. Jansen – what a delight to encounter you by chance just now. I am heading towards Borden Street. Would you care for some company? "

Mrs. Jansen acquiesced with a blush and quick smile. "Why that would be lovely, Mr. Wickham. But where is the", she hesitated "joyous young lady that is usually adorning your arm?"

Wickham sighed deeply and looked at his boots. "Sadly she is indisposed this afternoon and wished for some quiet so I have obliged her by taking a walk around the block. I fear it has been rather lonely and I would indeed take joy in having some company of the fairer persuasion."

Mrs. Jansen slipped her arm into the crook of Wickham's and they strolled away amiably.

A hand slowly parted the curtains in one of the upstairs windows and a woman's face peered through the crack for a moment and her eyes hungrily watched the couple as they strode down the sidewalk laughing and evidently enjoying each other's company. The hand pulled back and the curtains swung closed.