While Colonel Fitzwilliam was away, the Netherfield party remained assembled in the drawing room. Like the previous times, Lydia and Kitty tried to secure Mr Wickham's interest but the man paid them no more attention than what was considered civil. When Mrs Bennet re-entered, she was displeased to see Elizabeth engrossed in a book yet again instead of conversing with Mr Collins.
"Lizzy, perhaps you can share your reading with us," she addressed her daughter, looking suggestively at the parson. Elizabeth showed some hesitation, unsure whether the others would appreciate Latin poetry.
"What is it that you are reading, Miss Elizabeth?" Collins asked.
"I am reading Horace's Odes," she replied warily.
"Ah. Would you mind entertaining us even for a little while?" he implored, grinning widely at her.
"I am afraid I am not a confident orator, nor am I proficient at enunciating some of these Latin verses," she attempted to dissuade him.
"Some of us may not know any better. Darcy may be an exception though," Bingley added.
"Perhaps you could choose your favourite or a section you are familiar with," Darcy offered her a small smile, curious to know how the Latin words would sound coming from her lips.
Releasing a deep breath, Elizabeth leafed through the pages to find a particular section. With uncertainly in her voice, she started reciting a short ode that consisted only of eight lines.
Tu ne quaesieris (scire nefas) quem mihi, quem tibi
finem di dederint, Leuconoe, nec Babylonios
temptaris numeros. Ut melius quicquid erit pati
Seu pluris hiemes seu tribuit Iuppiter ultimam,
quae nunc oppositis debilitat pumicibus mare
Tyrrhenum, sapias, vina liques et spatio brevi
spem longam reseces. Dum loquimur, fugerit invida
aetas: carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.
It was a text that Darcy was well-acquainted with. There had been numerous translations of Horace's work, and interpretations of its meaning and even the identity of Leuconoe varied. He was pleasantly surprised with the young lady's execution of the poem. Her intonation was soft and melodic but followed the rhythm correctly. To his ears, it was delightful and enchanting. The subtlety in her delivery stirred some emotions in him.
"That was lovely to listen to, Miss Elizabeth. Thank you for indulging us. I beg your pardon, but my recollection of Latin is rather limited," Wickham remarked politely.
"I have no idea what any of that means. Do you, Lizzy?" Lydia frowned, noticing that her sister had gained the men's attention.
"I have discussed some verses with Father, so I have a little knowledge."
"Hmpf! So what does the last part mean then?" Lydia challenged.
"'Carpe diem' could be translated as 'pluck the day' or 'harvest the day'. Well, it could also mean 'reap--"
"How could it have more than one translation?"
"Latin was last actively spoken in society over a thousand years ago. It is highly probable that words and phrases have altered meanings over different eras."
"La! You are confusing me more," Lydia complained.
Elizabeth sighed and explained, "Do not overly concern yourself about each word. Just understand the message."
"In your interpretation, what do you think the message is, Miss Elizabeth?" Darcy posed the question.
Lydia then placed one hand over her mouth to cover up a pretend yawn. "I am getting tired. I should like to retire for the night. Come, Kitty!"
The young girls bid the rest a good night, then Darcy gently prompted Elizabeth for a response.
"Pluck flowers while they are fresh. Harvest produce while they are in season. Enjoy the moment. Time flies, so take hold of the day."
"What of the past?" Darcy was suitably impressed with her comprehension and was curious to discover more about her thoughts.
"There is nothing we can do to change the past. I would be inclined to say, 'think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.'"
"Unfortunately for me, I cannot remember much," Wickham stated.
"In time, you might retrieve your memories, sir. For now, you can live in the present and make the best of it." Elizabeth hoped to give him some encouragement.
"When the time comes, you will hopefully learn from the past and commit to a better future." Darcy directed this speech to the other man. Elizabeth sensed an edge in the gentleman's voice and observed that his countenance became serious.
Before they could continue their discussion, Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived with two men in regimentals. He introduced them as Colonel Forster and Lieutenant Denny. The officers along with Darcy and Bingley excused themselves from company and went into the study.
"Wickham! It is indeed you! We have been wondering what has happened to you," Denny greeted his friend.
"I had an accident on the way here. I am sorry for the delay," Wickham studied the faces of the new arrivals.
"Do you not remember me?"
"No, but… your name sounds familiar."
"That is because we have been friends for a few years now. You must have had a bad fall to lose your memory," Denny commented.
"I am largely recovered from my injuries now, I believe. My memory might just need a bit more time to return."
"Well then, if that is the case, you can return to camp with us. You could meet the other officers, get oriented on how things are run and start with some light duties. Colonel Forster said. "Before I forget, here is a letter that has arrived for you."
Deciding not to wait, Wickham broke the seal of the letter and started reading it silently. There must be some important information contained within, and he hoped it would provide more clues about his past. He read it once, cast Denny a peculiar look, then read the letter again.
"Denny, do you have an understanding with my sister?" A hint of anger could be detected in Wickham's voice.
"No. Why do you ask? Is the letter from her?"
"She wrote, asking if we have already spoken and settled on an agreement."
"About what?"
"Are you intentionally trying to evade responsibility?" Wickham raised his voice.
"For what?"
"For what?! She could be with child!" In an instant, Wickham lunged at Denny, landing a blow to his face. The other men quickly stepped in to keep them apart.
"I… I did not know anything about this!"
"How could you not know? Did you not have relations with her?!"
"I did. But… she was the one who… is she certain it is mine?"
"Come here, you rake!" Wickham attempted to break free, but the men managed to restrain him. "My mother is seriously ill. And you took advantage of my younger sister who looks after her!"
"I did not force myself on her. She was quite willing--"
"You are a cad! Wait till I get my hands on you!"
"The two of you, stop this right now!" Colonel Forster issued a stern order.
When the pair eventually calmed down, the commanding officer cautioned both, urged Denny to do the honourable thing, and advised them to discuss the details the next morning in a more amicable manner. "I am in need of a fortified drink after that." Being the generous man that Bingley was, he, of, readily supplied the colonel some fine brandy.
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Chapter subject to editing
Sorry for the delay.
I hope you all have a lovely Christmas season.
Wishing you all the best for the coming new year.