"George, my friend, let us sit here," Colonel Fitzwilliam said. He had chosen seats at a table that stood on a little dais in the corner, a bit higher than the other tables. They faced the room and had their backs against the wall. "We have such a great view of the harpist from here."
Miss Bingley had hired musicians to entertain the partygoers during the supper as well. The harp was set up on another dais nearby. Mr. Goulding and Colonel Forster sat on Mr. Wickham's other side. Mr. Phillips, Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy took seats on the other side of that table. Miss Elizabeth sat between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Gallagher who partnered Miss Lucas. Next to Colonel Fitzwilliam, sat Captain Carter. He had danced the supper dance with Miss Mary, and the vicar took a seat next to her.
"I care not for harp music," Mr. Wickham said. "I prefer something louder, less romantic, easier to dance to."
"I know, old man, but it is deuced hard to eat while dancing. If you spill the soup it makes the floor very slippery, you know." Colonel Fitzwilliam sipped his wine. "Maybe you don't. This is a pretty advanced level of research."
"I do have some experience with soup," Mr. Wickham said.
"Good for you and your unique skills. George, my friend, it has been far too long since I have had the pleasure of your company over a good meal. Not since your unfortunate estrangement with..." Colonel Fitzwilliam trailed off.
"There is no need to be coy, Colonel, as we have all heard of Mr. Wickham's quarrels with Mr. Darcy," Mr. Goulding said.
"Oh, have you? All of you? Dear me, George, you are famous in Hertfordshire. Who would have thought?"
"I understand that Mr. Wickham has seen fit to relate a tale of my wrongdoings in several households in Meryton," Mr. Darcy said.
"Well but perhaps we can put things right tonight," Mr. Bennet said. "Now that you both are here, in the same place, at the same time, there is a chance for you to make reparations."
"Indeed," Mr. Goulding said. "Mr. Darcy, you might not know but I am the magistrate of the district, and Mr. Wickham has reported to me that you have committed a crime against him when you illegally and dishonourably disregarded a bequest in your father's will."
"You are the magistrate?" Mr. Wickham cried.
"Yes, is it not lucky for you, Mr. Wickham? I am in a position to initiate legal action, if warranted."
"Legal action?"
"Yes, you have made quite serious accusations."
"Oh but it is all water under the bridge now," Mr. Wickham said. "I do not think that we should spoil the evening dwelling on such matters."
"It is very good of you to think of our enjoyment," Mr. Goulding said. "But as a man of my duties, I cannot agree that any act of dishonesty and callous disregard for the law is water under the bridge."
"Callous disregard for the law?" Mr. Wickham seemed a little dumbfounded.
"Oh, excuse me but I fear this might concern me," Mr. Gallagher said. "I hate to intrude, but as Mr. Darcy's legal counsel I feel obliged to take an interest in the matter."
"My goodness," Colonel Fitzwilliam said. "Did I commit a crime as well? I was one of the executors of the will. George, old boy, I am so sorry, it must have been an oversight. Pray, do not press charges."
"Charges?"
"For the dastardly act of stealing your rightful inheritance."
"Is it a great idea to lie to a magistrate?" Miss Elizabeth asked.
"I am not lying!" Mr. Wickham gave her a look that revealed some annoyance. "Why are you taking Darcy's side? I thought you did not like him. Are you angling for his riches now? He will never marry you, you know, he is engaged to his cousin."
"I did not say that you lied to Mr. Goulding, I asked a question," she said. "And I have not proposed to Mr. Darcy, we have merely danced.
"I dare say Miss Elizabeth's marital prospects or lack thereof are irrelevant to our main point of contention," Mr. Phillips said.
"It is not irrelevant to me," Mr. Darcy said. "I am not engaged to my cousin."
"According to your aunt, you are," Mr. Wickham said.
"According to me, I am not."
"Gentlemen, how do you suggest that we settle this disagreement?" Mr. Phillips asked.
"It would seem that Mr. Darcy is in the best position to know whether he got engaged or not," Mr. Bennet said. "Unless he has memory problems."
"Right," Mr. Phillips said. "In the absence of a marital contract that says otherwise, I would be inclined to accept Mr. Darcy's verdict on this."
"Our office has certainly never produced such a document for Mr. Darcy," Mr. Gallagher said. "So far."
"So the burden of proof falls on Mr. Darcy's aunt," Mr. Phillips said. "If that is indeed what she says."
"It is, but Aunt Cathy is quite deluded," Colonel Fitzwilliam said.
"Darcy and Cousin Anne would not suit," Lord Hartwell said.
"Darcy has told me before that his aunt has unfounded hopes," Mr. Bingley said. Mr. Bingley, Miss Bennet, Lord Hartwell and Mrs. Bennet had settled in a nearby table with the Lucases and the Hursts, and apparently could hear everything.
"Excellent, let us consider it settled," Mr. Phillips said.
"Yes, let the record reflect that several witnesses have stated that Mr. Darcy is not engaged to his cousin, despite Mr. Wickham's contrary claims," Mr. Gallagher said.
"Well, we have not been intimate friends of late," Mr. Wickham said. "It is possible that I was mistaken."
"Right," Mr. Phillips said. "It is not a crime to make a mistake."
"But it is a mistake to commit a crime," Mr. Darcy said.
"You are one to speak!" Mr. Wickham said menacingly. He had kept a neutral countenance up until now but apparently, now he had decided that attack was the best defense. "You cheated me out of my inheritance criminally! It was my godfather's last wish that I get the living and you stole it from me." He looked around him to see if people were attending. "This bloody prig will go straight to hell for the wrongs he has done to me."
"Language, Mr. Wickham!" the vicar said. "Would you have preached God's word from the pulpit using that same mouth?"
"Please sit down, there is no need for that, Mr. Wickham," Mr. Gallagher said mildly. "Although it would be a conflict of interest for anyone from my office to assist you, my colleague Mr. Phillips here has agreed to file a legal complaint on your behalf, should he find that you have a fair claim for compensation."
"I could not afford a lawyer," Mr. Wickham said. "Thanks to dear Darcy here, I am penniless."
"I would be happy to work pro bono," Mr. Phillips said.
"What?"
"It is Latin for free of charge. For a good cause."
"I am very grateful that you see fit to take up my defense."
"Should your claims have merit," Mr. Phillips said.
"I have told nothing but the truth."
"That is good. But let us first establish what your claims are, exactly."
"Do we need to do it here?" Mr. Wickham said. "Surely this could wait until a less public affair."
"No!" somebody said. "Let us all hear it." It might have been Sir William but there were other murmurs to the same effect. "We have all heard Mr. Wickham's story and we wish to know more."
"It seems like there is some general interest in this," Mr. Goulding said. "All the good people in Meryton side with the truth and the law, and wish to see justice done for you."
"But surely this is not the time or the place," Mr. Wickham said.
"Discussing law at a ball may seem unorthodox but I assure you that legal negotiations happen all the time, extra iudicium," Mr. Goulding said.
"What?"
"It means outside of a trial," Mr. Phillips said.
"We could do this at a court session but it would be more time consuming and costly for everyone concerned, even if Mr. Phillips is willing to work pro bono," Mr. Goulding said. "If we can establish some basic facts now that you two have already assembled in the same room out of your free will, we might be able to mediate the issue of compensation without the costly proceedings."
"Warrants, writs, summonses, all the paperwork," Mr. Phillips said. "Such a nuisance, Mr. Wickham."
"Ah, but we would not wish to hinder people's enjoyment of the ball by a legal discussion."
"Mr. Wickham is speaking of himself," Colonel Fitzwilliam said. "The royal we, you understand. But some of us might be perfectly willing to enjoy a legal discussion."
"You have so many friends here, Wickham," said Captain Carter. "Some of these people might be persuaded to aid in your case, so is it not good for you to drum up more support?"
"Let us submit the matter to the court of public opinion," Mr. Goulding said, and raised his voice. "Excuse me, ladies, gentlemen. How many of you have heard about the issues between Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy?"
There were only a few who had not.
"How many of you would like to hear more?"
Those who said no to the previous question were perhaps more likely to say yes to this one.
"How many of you would like to see them receive their just deserts?"
There was no one who responded in the negative here. It seemed that those who were likely to side with Mr. Wickham and those who were Mr. Darcy's friends were all united in their wish to see their just deserts, whatever that might entail.
"Would you be disturbed if we spoke of it now? Would you rather chat about the canapés?"
None declared their desire to discuss hors'd'oeuvres out loud, and Mr. Goulding declared that the inquiring into the matter at present time was adequate. Mr. Hurst thought it might be great fun.
"Why did you never think of this, Caroline? We could do away with musicales and make magisterial inquiries all the rage in London," Mr. Hurst said.
He told the harpist that this was a good time for a break. This disconcerted Miss Bingley who had planned an elegant accompaniment for the supper hour and did not think that the harpist had yet earned her pay, but when Mr. Darcy said he was willing to compensate for the musicians' services, Miss Bingley was quick to reassure him that it was completely unnecessary. It was agreed that the harp would be moved into the card room, and Mr. Bingley said that people could dine there if they were desirous of continuing their unrelated conversations. But very few people chose to move.
"So, there seems to be a lot of interest in your great misfortunes," said Mr. Goulding. "Perhaps we may proceed now."
There were murmurs of assent, and Mr. Goulding raised his voice again.
"You state that late Mr. Darcy's will gave you the living in Kympton and one Fitzwilliam Darcy, his heir, refused to give it to you when it became vacant. Is that correct?"
"Yes, exactly."
"Without fair compensation?"
"I did not receive a penny when the living became vacant," Mr. Wickham said.
"Is that correct, Mr. Darcy?" Mr. Phillips inquired.
"Yes, that is factual," Mr. Darcy said, seeming oddly amused. "It is quite true that I did not give him a penny when the living became vacant."
"And you contend that this was an injustice committed against you, Mr. Wickham," Mr. Phillips continued.
"Quite right," Mr. Wickham said. "My godfather wanted me to get the living and the income. I should have been paid."
"That does seem highly irregular," Mr. Phillips said.
"Darcy was always jealous of me, because of his father's affection for me. He wished that I was his son instead."
"Those kinds of feelings might certainly motivate someone to a petty revenge. But this is speculation, Mr. Wickham, and what we need is proof. Do you have a copy of the will in question?"
"No."
"Mr. Darcy must have a copy in his possession."
"Gentlemen, I think I may be able to help you," Mr. Gallagher said. "For here it is." He produced a briefcase and got out a thick, official looking document.
"Well, what an amazing stroke of luck for you, Mr. Wickham," Mr. Phillips said. "What are the odds that someone at a ball would carry legal documents upon their person?"
"Some people find it calming," Mr. Gallagher said. "I just love the feel of a strong parchment with weighty words on it."
"Myself, I prefer to carry a ball of string," Captain Carter said. "It gives the fingers something to occupy them with, and you never know when you need to tie something up."
"And you, Mr. Wickham? What is it that you prefer to relax with?" Mr. Bennet asked.
"He likes the clacking of the dice," said Colonel Fitzwilliam. "The serenity and nothingness of all that shake, rattle and roll makes a man so refreshed."
"Capital," said Sir William.
"There is nothing like a man who makes his own luck," Mr. Bennet said.
"One has to, when one's rights are denied to one," Mr. Wickham said.
"But what exactly do we know about your rights?" Mr. Goulding asked. "Perhaps we should have a look at the will."
"As Mr. Gallagher is the most familiar with the document, I think we should let him summarise it for us," Mr. Phillips said. "If anyone doubts his version we can verify the details by reading it ourselves later."
The general hubbub quieted further as more and more people grew interested in what was going on. Lady Lucas hushed someone who still talked about the dancing. Most eyes were riveted on the scene.
"This is the last will and testament of George Anthony Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire, born on the first of June, year 1759," Mr. Gallagher said. His voice carried well and he had an authoritative air, like he was presiding over a courtroom.
"It was written, signed, and witnessed in 1804, a couple of years before his death. He opened with a few general remarks about the importance of family and some good thoughts and wishes for the happiness of his children. His son Fitzwilliam Alexander Darcy had recently become of age so George Darcy wanted to update his will to make Fitzwilliam Darcy his sister's guardian, along with their cousin, Richard Matthew Fitzwilliam."
"Yours truly," said Colonel Fitzwilliam, and slapped Mr. Wickham on the back. Rather hard, it seemed. "Miss Darcy is a lovely young lady, is she not, George?"
Mr. Wickham flinched and said, "Yes, I hear she is very accomplished."
"Then there is a detailed listing of Mr. George Darcy's holdings and investments, including an estate in Derbyshire as well as other properties elsewhere," Mr. Gallagher continued. "Most of his property he bequeathed to his only son and heir, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, and his only daughter, Miss Georgiana Dorothy Darcy, was to receive a sizeable dowry, on certain conditions. Mr. George Darcy also made a number of minor bequests to relatives, friends, and trusted servants."
Mr. Gallagher gave the document to Mr. Phillips who skimmed the first few pages and allowed Mr. Gallagher's summary to be substantially correct.
"As you can see, it is a fairly lengthy document so I will spare you most of the details and skip to the part that is relevant to Mr. Wickham's claims."
Mr. Gallagher put some pages aside and started reading
"To my godson, George Wickham, the son of my esteemed steward Ronald Wickham, I leave a thousand pounds that I hope he is able to use prudently. For my friendship with his father, I have supported his education so that one day he might find himself gentlemanly employment. What his preferred path might be, I do not know. The living in Kympton is currently occupied by an excellent man but should it become vacant again, it will be in my son's purview to choose another worthy occupant. My wish is for George Wickham to be considered for the position, should he choose to take orders and live a financially stable and morally responsible lifestyle suitable for a shepherd of a parish."
"It seems to me that Mr. George Darcy had some doubts," Miss Mary said.
"As to that, I could not say," Mr. Gallagher said. "I have no record of what he thought, only what he wrote."
"But Mr. Wickham has been shown to be truthful in that the will establishes that the testator wished that he be considered for the Kympton living," Mr. Phillips said.
"With certain conditions attached," Mr. Gallagher said.
"Exactly," Mr. Phillips said. "Now, Mr. Wickham, would you say that you live a financially stable and morally responsible lifestyle suitable for a shepherd of a parish?"
"Well, of course," Mr. Wickham said. "I have had my share of financial difficulties, thanks to Darcy, but I am a Christian man."
"Capital, capital," Sir William approved.
"Unfortunately, whether someone's lifestyle is financially stable and morally responsible enough to suit a shepherd of a parish is not a concept with a strict legal definition," Mr. Phillips said apologetically. "We might consider it more of a matter of opinion."
"Or we might consult the Bible," Miss Mary Bennet said.
"An excellent idea, Miss Mary," Mr. Gallagher said. "To that effect, might I ask the vicar to find some recommendations for us? Maybe Mr. Bingley could find the Scriptures for us."
Mr. Bingley's library was not well stocked but he was not a complete heathen so a Bible could be located relatively easily, and the vicar was soon able to quote from the epistolary section of the New Testament. He adopted his booming church voice, scaring the last remaining whispering partygoers into quieting themselves, adding emphasis where appropriate. It was not often that he was called to read God's word at a party so he took full advantage of this opportunity to impress the revellers.
"This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless."
The vicar stopped. "That was from the first letter to Timothy, third chapter."
"Thank you," Mr. Phillips said. "So, in other words, and you may correct me if I am wrong, according to biblical sources, bishops and deacons, and by reasonable extension, those who hold church livings, should preferably be monogamous, with a good reputation. They would take care of their own children and avoid such vices as brawling and greed. Is that a fair summary?"
"Yes, it seems fairly accurate," nodded the vicar.
"And they should not be doubletongued," Mr. Gallagher noted.
"Would you show us your tongue, Mr. Wickham?" Mr. Hurst asked.
"I believe that is more figurative," the vicar said.
"What does it mean?"
"I take it to mean they should be honest, not deceitful, saying one thing to one person and another thing to another."
"Ah, very well, in the legal profession we also like to deal with such people," Mr. Phillips said.
"And we should also mention that bishops should be sober, not given to wine," Miss Mary said, and glared at Mr. Wickham who was currently in the process of refilling his glass.
"This is punch," he said.
"Would you say you fit this definition, Mr. Wickham?" Mr. Phillips asked.
"Well, I have consumed wine on occasion," Mr. Wickham said. "If any one of us has not they should cast the first stone. But in general, I am extremely vigilant."
"Excellent," said Mr. Phillips.
"At the regiment, we like vigilance as well," Colonel Forster said.
"Had I received the living I would have had the means to marry and to raise children," Mr. Wickham said. "And to be more given to hospitality. The officers' quarters are not well suited to that purpose."
"No, we understand," said Mr. Phillips. "No one shall hold that against you."
"What about greed?" Miss Mary asked.
"I do not consider it greed to want my rightful inheritance."
"No doubt there are many here who would agree," Mr. Phillips said. "So it is your contention that your character would be suitable for the office of a clergyman."
"My friends can vouch for me," Mr. Wickham said.
"That is marvellous," Mr. Phillips said. "Are any of them here tonight?"
"A lot of men from the regiment are here," Mr. Wickham said.
"Gentlemen, would you be willing to vouch for Mr. Wickham's blamelessness and good behaviour, as described in the passage that we just heard?" Mr. Phillips looked at the nearest officers.
There was a long silence.
"Well, he is a decent rider," Captain Carter finally offered. "Has a good seat."
"He is a dab hand at piquet," Mr. Denny volunteered.
"He does not like fish," Mr. Chamberlayne said. "Sorry, he has not been with us for that long,"
"So there is a lot that you do not know about him," Mr. Phillips said. "Of course, it does not mean that he is not a good person, it just means that you do not know."
"Right," Captain Carter said. "He joined us maybe a month ago."
"But there must be people who have known you for longer," Mr. Phillips said. "Maybe some of them could offer their testimony on behalf of your character."
Mr. Fenton stepped up. "I knew him from my school days."
"So did I," said Sir Arthur.
"I first met him when we were all children," said Lord Hartwell.
"Little George Wickham used to be everywhere at Pemberley," said Mrs. Reynolds.
"You were such a lovable scamp, George," Colonel Fitzwilliam said.
"Excellent," said Mr. Goulding. "What can you tell us about Mr. Wickham?"
"Wait a minute," said Mr. Wickham. "Friends, relatives and employees of Mr. Darcy can hardly be called impartial witnesses."
"I am crushed, George," said Colonel Fitzwilliam. "Devastated - after all these years, you do not consider us friends? How many times did we get caught stealing pies from the kitchen together, you and I? I thought those trials forged a lasting bond between us." He shrugged. "But I might be mistaken."
"On my part, Wickham and I were quite friendly for many years," said Mr. Fenton. "We met at Eton and were roommates at Cambridge for a while. He was the brains behind several great pranks," he said.
"Brains," Mr. Bennet said.
"Brains," said Mr. Hurst. "Brains are good. I think."
"What kind of pranks?" asked Mr. Goulding.
"Oh, all in good fun," said Mr. Fenton. "Well, mostly."
"Mostly?" said Mr. Goulding.
"There might have been some escapades that we should have thought better of."
"You got caught?" inquired Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"Well, yes," said Mr. Fenton.
"It does sound like you shared some close camaraderie with Mr. Wickham," said Mr. Phillips.
"Yes, we were great friends," Mr. Fenton said. "Although our association suffered a slight setback when he sold me a lame horse."
"A lame horse?" Mr. Phillips asked.
"Oh yes, a wonderful chestnut mare," Mr. Fenton said. "Very good gait, a great traveller. It could both do a fast sprint and endure a longer journey. I had been trying to get Wickham to sell it for me for ages, but he would not give it up. I was overjoyed when one day he suddenly wrote that he was willing to consider my offer if I gave him one of my grays in exchange, and we agreed to a trade. But he did not tell me that the mare had gone lame."
"I thought it was a temporary problem," said Mr. Wickham.
"Yes, well, it was not," said Mr. Fenton. "I got one promising foal out of it, but no one ever rode that mare again."
"So, given a chance, would you buy another horse from Mr. Wickham?" Colonel Fitzwilliam asked.
"Not by a letter, in any case," said Mr. Fenton. "I have learned my lesson."
"Caveat emptor," said Mr. Goulding.
"It means that the cave is empty," explained Mr. Hurst helpfully.
"I do not currently have a horse to sell," said Mr. Wickham. He got up from his chair and left the room, murmuring something about refreshing himself. Given the amount of liquid courage he had consumed, he may very well have had a real pressing need to go but if he had a thought about not returning to the room the four armed officers who escorted him must have put it out of his head.