Revenge or Redemption?

The story unfolds as usual until the day after the arrival of Mr Collins at Longbourn when all the Bennet sisters except Mary walk into Meryton, accompanied by Mr Collins.

They had barely arrived in town when Lydia and Kitty spied a familiar figure across the road. Before Elizabeth or Jane could stop them, the younger girls had rushed to greet their friend. Unwilling to leave them unsupervised, the older sisters, trailed by Collins joined the group.

'Good morning, ladies,' Lieutenant Denny greeted them. 'Would you allow me to present my friend, Mr George Wickham, whom I have convinced to take a commission in the militia.' Denny proceeded to complete the introductions and greetings were exchanged. As he was part of their group, the sisters were forced to introduce Mr Collins as well.

Elizabeth could see why her younger sisters were excited by their new acquaintance. He was an exceptionally handsome man in his late twenties and was possessed of a charming smile and gallant manners.

'I happened to meet my old friend Denny in town, and when he told me about the beautiful and charming company available in Meryton, I had to see for myself if he was correct.' Wickham took on a mournful expression. 'I have to confess that Denny was less than truthful in his descriptions. He significantly understated the splendour of the ladies, if you are representative of the residents.'

Lydia and Kitty giggled at his compliments but were well pleased by the attention.

Even Elizabeth was not immune to the flattery, especially as the last time she met a visitor to Meryton, he had pronounced her tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt him to dance. She happily returned the smiles of this most engaging of gentlemen.

While they were engaged in this pleasant conversation two riders approached. Mr Bingley, upon spying the group rushed to join them and immediately dismounted. He was already greeting the ladies while his friend Darcy followed behind. 'We were on our way to call at Longbourn to enquire after your health, Miss Bennet,' he cried happily after the initial courtesies.

'As you can see, I am fully recovered,' answered Jane.

While they were talking, Fitzwilliam Darcy approached the group of ladies and the three men. His eyes immediately went to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. For weeks he had been fighting against the attraction the lady had for him, but every time they met, he could not help himself from drinking in the glorious sight of her. Many people claimed that her older sister was the most beautiful woman they knew. Yet, to Darcy Miss Bennet's classical beauty could not hold a candle to Elizabeth. There was a vibrancy about her which, combined with the sparkling intelligence in her fine eyes, which had quite captivated him.

It took several long moments before the presence of the others registered on his consciousness. At which point he received a shock as he recognised George Wickham, the bane of his existence.

Not wanting to make a scene, Darcy briefly glared at the man before turning his horse and riding off.

Elizabeth saw the looks the two men exchanged and wondered at the cause as well as at the reason why Mr Wickham would appear frightened by the encounter.

Wickham was indeed frightened. Less than three months earlier, he had convinced Darcy's sister Georgiana, who was only fifteen years old that he loved her and wanted her to elope with him. His reason for his despicable action was because he wanted her dowry and to punish Darcy for being unwilling to support Wickham's profligate lifestyle. Unfortunately, Darcy had arrived before Wickham could complete his plan. The only reason that Darcy had not taken measures against him was the threat to Georgiana's reputation. But now Wickham feared that Darcy would call on his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, who would not scruple at running him through.

Within moments, Wickham managed to get his expression under control and again he presented a smiling and charming appearance. It happened so quickly that Elizabeth was left wondering if she had seen it at all.

The next person to arrive on the scene was Mrs Phillips, the aunt of the Bennet sisters, who invited everyone to a card-party she was hosting the following evening.

~oOo~

The Bennet sisters, again accompanied by their cousin, arrived at the home of Mrs Phillips and were greeted cheerfully by their aunt as well as some friends which had already arrived. It was not long afterwards that the officers arrived, causing Lydia to exclaim, 'La, Lizzy, have you ever seen a handsomer gentleman than Mr Wickham. I just knew it; it only needed a set of regimentals to make him perfect.'

While Elizabeth scolded Lydia for her outburst, she privately agreed with her sister. Mr Wickham's fine manly figure was enhanced by his red coat.

The gentleman was much in demand but while most guests were engaged at the card tables, he sought out Elizabeth, who was taking a break and was enjoying a cup of tea.

They chatted pleasantly for a few minutes, and it was only natural that the topic of Mr Darcy came up in conversation. In answer to his question, Elizabeth informed Wickham that Darcy had been in residence at Netherfield for about a month.

Being much more perceptive than Darcy, Wickham noticed the barely suppressed ire the lovely Miss Elizabeth displayed at the mention of Darcy. Yet he had noticed Darcy's reaction to the lady and assumed, correctly, that his old friend turned enemy had developed an interest in the lady. But based on her response it seemed that Darcy had done something to earn the lady's disapproval.

Deciding to use this observation to his own advantage, he commented, 'I suppose you noticed that Mr Darcy and I have a history?'

'It was rather obvious,' Elizabeth replied with a moue of distaste. 'In my experience Mr Darcy is not known for his subtlety or for an amiable nature.'

'Do you mean to tell me that for once a lady is not impressed by his tall figure, handsome looks and excessive wealth?'

'Indeed. I cannot remember meeting another man as arrogant and disdainful,' Elizabeth replied. Based on the interactions she had witnessed between the charming Mr Wickham and the abominably rude Mr Darcy, she hoped to acquire some grist for the mill of her dislike. She was ready to hear the worst of the gentleman, to confirm that her dislike had a genuine foundation. After all, admitting to prejudice due to injured vanity, was unthinkable. Her inflated belief in her ability to judge character would find that unbearable.

Wickham sighed in mock sorrow. He was about to say, I am afraid he was ever thus, when he felt a brief stab of sharp pain in his abdomen, which quite took his breath away. It was a painful reminder of a conversation he had had not long ago with a physician, whom he had consulted about his increasingly frequent abdominal pain. The man had been blunt when he informed Wickham that he had a cancerous growth and should not expect to live beyond another year… potentially less and the last period would be extremely painful.

As a result of that prognosis, Wickham had acceded to Denny's suggestion that he should join the militia in Meryton. While the pay was not great, the benefits of regular meals and congenial company in the shape of susceptible ladies, as well as the fact that his duties would be light, made him consider the option. If he was dying, he might as well enjoy the time he had left… without dodging his creditors in London.

To that end he had planned to garner sympathy from the ladies, by telling his usual story of being used badly by Darcy. Yet somehow, he could not bring himself to utter those words. Instead, he hesitated until Elizabeth asked, 'Are you quite well? You appear to have suddenly been taken ill.'

Seeing the honest concern in the lady's eyes, George Wickham had an epiphany.

This was a kind and worthy lady, whom he should not trifle with. As a matter of fact, he could quite understand what Darcy saw in her.

Darcy, who had treated him like a brother in their youth until Wickham became jealous of him and started to lash out at the world in general and Darcy in particular for not being born to the advantages as the other boy. In that split second of seeing the concern in Elizabeth, his own fast approaching mortality caused Wickham to reevaluate his whole life.

He opened his mouth and closed it again. He cleared his throat and said, 'I am well enough. But I believe that I need to disabuse you of some misconceptions.'

'What misconception?'

'About the character of Mr Darcy.'

'Oh, I greatly doubt that I have misjudged the charact of the… gentleman.' Elizabeth said the last word with the greatest disdain.

'I have known Darcy since we were children and I happen to know that he is the best man I have ever encountered.'

'How can you say that? He is the rudest, most objectionable man I have ever met.'

'Miss Elizabeth, how would you feel if every time you walked into a room, you could hear people discussing your most private affairs. If you had to expect everyone you met was only interested in your wealth. If no potential marriage partner cared anything about you, but only what you could provide for them?' When Elizabeth just gaped at his vehement words, he asked, 'Would you not be tempted to tell them all to go to the devil?'

She closed her mouth and after a moment's cogitation, during which she remembered ten thousand a year, replied softly, 'I suppose I had never considered it from his point of view. But does he have to be so rude about it?'

'I am afraid that Darcy has always been awkward in social situations. He never knows what to say to strangers… particularly to ladies.'

'How can you defend Mr Darcy? The look of contempt he gave you when we met on the High Street…'

'Was very well deserved, I am afraid.' Wickham grimaced as he sighed. He again shaded the truth when he said, 'You see, a couple of months ago I tried to seduce his fifteen-year-old sister to gain her dowry. I should have known that I would fail. She only sees me as another brother and would never behave in any way that was improper. But of course, when Miss Darcy informed her brother of my attempt, he was rightfully angry at me.'

Elizabeth was flabbergasted. 'Why are you telling me this?'

'To make up for the injuries I have caused him.' He shrugged. 'I could tell that he is most attracted to you–'

'Attracted to me?' Elizabeth interrupted. 'Surely you jest. He said himself that I was tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt him.'

'As I have mentioned before, he is a master of saying the wrong thing when in a bad mood. And I suspect he was in an exceedingly bad mood when he came here after I tried to importune his sister. After all, it proved to him yet again that everyone was only interested in his wealth.'

Wickham waited as Elizabeth digested the information. When her gaze refocused on him, he said, 'I suggest that you observe him in his dealings with his friends and servants. You will find that he is a good man. Do not let one ill-judged comment cause you to dismiss a most worthy gentleman.'

Elizabeth was still not convinced but thought that there was no point arguing. Instead, she thought to take Mr Wickham's advice and observe the gentleman's behaviour. After all, they had known each other all their lives. Perhaps he did have greater insight into Mr Darcy's character.

~oOo~

Elizabeth spent a sleepless night considering the information which Mr Wickham had imparted.

Much as she hated to do so, she started to understand Mr Darcy's point of view. Mr Wickham's attempt to elope with Miss Darcy must have happened within a month prior to his arrival. Since even a childhood friend had tried to take advantage of his family, it must have been unbearable when her neighbours all but shouted that his income was ten thousand a year. He must have been mortified and suspicious of all the ladies in the assembly room.

Was it any wonder that he had lashed out when his friend pushed him to be sociable.

The unfortunate part was that the, probably unintended, victim of his words was a woman for whom his attitude was especially hurtful.

After much soul-searching, Elizabeth at last admitted to herself that when the Netherfield party arrived at the assembly, she had immediately felt a strong attraction to the exceptionally handsome man. But since Mrs Bennet always denigrated Elizabeth's looks, Mr Darcy's thoughtless comment had completely devastated her.

But now Mr Wickham claimed that he could tell that Mr Darcy was attracted to her. Admittedly, Jane and Charlotte Lucas had claimed the same thing, but it carried more weight from a handsome and charming man, who had known Mr Darcy all his life.

Therefore, Elizabeth spent a large portion of the night tossing and turning while her mind went around in circles. Does he? Does he not? Do I care? Do I not? At last she fell into a troubled slumber.

~oOo~

Darcy too had trouble sleeping.

As soon as he had returned to Netherfield, he had sent a letter to his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, informing him that their nemesis had taken up residence in Meryton.

Now he wondered if he had done the right thing. Fitzwilliam hated Wickham with a passion and as a soldier he was inclined to take direct action. Darcy doubted that if his cousin had been present when he discovered Wickham's plans that the man would have survived.

For years Darcy had protected Wickham, yet as soon as he saw the man speaking to Elizabeth, Darcy had taken steps to stop the man's depredations. He was now tossing and turning in his bed wondering why he had done so. After all, Miss Elizabeth could never be anything more to him than a pleasant acquaintance. His position as the last Darcy male required him to find a wife of suitable status and wealth. The daughter of an insignificant gentleman would never do. And yet, Darcy could not stop thinking about those sparkling eyes dominating a pretty face as well as her light and pleasing figure which caused him to have the most ungentlemanly dreams about her. All those delightful physical attributes, coupled with her intelligence and wit made him wish to throw caution to the wind.

Like Elizabeth his mind struggled with similar questions. Should I? Should I not? Could I? On that thought he fell asleep.

~oOo~

Over the next days, as chance would have it, Darcy and Elizabeth were often in company as they attended functions hosted by various neighbours. They each surreptitiously watched the other to come to some conclusion.

Since propriety would not allow such a thing, neither Darcy nor Elizabeth could bring themselves to speak of what was foremost in their minds. Unlike Wickham, who had thrown propriety out the window years ago, they followed the rules which made honest communication impossible.

At least Elizabeth made some progress in determining Darcy's character. While the gentleman was as taciturn as ever in company, Elizabeth noticed that he was unfailingly polite, particularly to the servants.

On an occasion when Mr Wickham had also been invited, she expressed her astonishment to her new friend. 'Why would he always be polite to servants when he is barely civil to my neighbours?'

'Because servants have to tolerate whatever their masters throw at them as they have no recourse to fight back. Whereas members of the ton and even the gentry have the option to retaliate.'

'He protects the weak.' Elizabeth was all astonishment.

Wickham smiled and bowed. 'You have just discovered the key to Darcy's true character.'

'Oh.'

From a distance Darcy observed the interaction and frowned.

~oOo~

While Elizabeth's stance towards Darcy softened and the gentleman could not make up his mind what he should do about the lady, Wickham's health was failing rapidly. The pain in his abdomen had become a constant, only the intensity varied.

He knew he was running out of time. It would not be much longer that he would be able to function, and he feared that the pain would overpower him. He had never been a religious man, but somehow, he could not bring himself to countenance suicide. There had to be a better way.

He pummelled his brain for a solution to bring about his preferred conclusion for everyone before it was too late.

Wickham watched both Darcy and Elizabeth until he could predict all their movements. Due to his vigilance, he observed the arrival of Colonel Fitzwilliam at Netherfield.

At last, he came up with a plan.

~oOo~

George Wickham encountered Miss Elizabeth on the path leading to Oakham mount.

As usual, Elizabeth had gone to her favourite place on her morning ramble and was returning to Longbourn along the stretch of road which bordered Netherfield. He could also see two riders in the distance.

'Good morning, Miss Elizabeth, I hope you are well?' Wickham bowed and attempted to smile, although it was more of a painful grimace.

'A good morning to you too. I am well, Mr Wickham, but please forgive me for saying so, I do not believe the same could be said for you,' Elizabeth answered with a concerned expression.

'Do not trouble yourself over my health, dear lady. I will be well soon enough,' Wickham reassured her and engaged her in a pleasant but inconsequential chat while he carefully and unobtrusively kept an eye on the riders. When he judged the time to be right, he made his move.

Without warning, he closed the distance between himself and Elizabeth and grabbed hold of her neck.

'What are you doing, Mr Wickham?' she cried as she felt his hands closing around her throat.

'Ensuring your future and mine,' he muttered with a grimace.

Elizabeth's eyes widened in terror at the wild look which suddenly appeared on Wickham's face as he applied more pressure. In her panic she let out a piercing scream.

The next moment they heard crashing noises in the undergrowth lining the road as two riders approached at speed.

As they saw the struggling couple, they separated. At the last moment Darcy and Fitzwilliam vaulted from their mounts. The Colonel had already drawn his sabre and his dismount had put him in the perfect position behind Wickham. Before Darcy could again stop him, he plunged his weapon into the scoundrel's back, causing Wickham to loosen his grip.

Darcy was on hand to catch Elizabeth as she was released. Crushing her to his chest he cried, 'Elizabeth, are you hurt? Did that villain injure you? I will never forgive myself if he hurt you. Speak to me, my love. Say something!'

He heard muffled muttering as Elizabeth struggled against his hold. He slightly eased his grip which allowed her to move her head back far enough to say clearly but with a curious mixture of asperity and petulance, 'I have gone from the frying pan into the fire. Wickham was strangling me and now you are finishing the job by smothering me.'

As Darcy released her further the meaning of his words penetrated her confused mind at last. Just as he said, 'Please forgive me, I did not mean to hurt you; I was overcome with worry,' she asked, 'What did you call me?'

A weak chuckle interrupted them. 'Well, Darcy, old boy, I am afraid you will have to marry your lady love,' Wickham croaked as he lay bleeding on the ground.

He transferred his gaze to the Colonel who stood over Wickham with his sabre still pointed at his throat. 'I knew I could rely on you to save me from a long and painful death, Richard. Thank you,' he said, his voice fading at the end.

As he took his last breath his face relaxed into a peaceful smile.

~oOo~

Epilogue

Because Wickham had staged the scene to make it look like he was attacking Miss Elizabeth, the magistrate ruled that Colonel Fitzwilliam had acted in good faith to protect the lady. It did not hurt that Wickham had a letter in his pocket explaining his actions and absolving the Colonel from all wrongdoing. The letter also mentioned that he had sought to end his own suffering.

To ensure that Elizabeth's reputation remained unblemished by the incident and his reaction to it, Darcy proposed to the lady. She accepted on the condition that they would court long enough for them to get to know each other.

During that period Darcy discovered that for once the only lie of which Wickham had been guilty was in protecting Georgiana's reputation.

Eventually, the couple could no longer deny their love for each other and soon after they married.

Going against family tradition, Elizabeth insisted to name their first son George.

In future years, Darcy could never decide whether Wickham's last actions were his redemption or a subtle revenge.

~oOo~

Copyright Sydney Salier