Thank you for your reminders that in canon, there was no mention of Wickham having a sister. I am aware of that. I am sure I am not the only writer who has exercised some liberties in making changes in the 'casting' of characters. I do not recall the book stating that Wickham was an only child though or when his mother died (please correct me if I am wrong). The mother and sister in this story are not major characters and may not even make an 'appearance'/have a 'speaking' part. Sorry for any confusion.
Note: Chapter subject to editing
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It did not take long for Mr Wickham to prepare for travel. When he was discovered unconscious on the property, he hardly had any possession with him besides what was on his person. His wounds had almost completely healed, and any pain he felt was fleeting and insignificant. His memory was slowly returning, and he wished to recover the rest in order to make sense of his life and identity. He hoped that reuniting with his mother and sister and visiting their place of residence would aid in this endeavour.
Peering through the window from his chamber, he saw signs of milder weather compared to the previous days. He spied a lone female figure taking a leisurely walk along the garden path. It was Mary. For a few moments, he followed her movements with his eyes and observed her features. In his assessment, she was not the prettiest of the Bennet sisters, however, he did appreciate some of her personality traits. She was not as witty as Miss Elizabeth, but she displayed more sense than Miss Kitty and Lydia. She was not as vivacious as her sisters, but he recognised that she had devoted time to develop pleasing accomplishments.
Wickham decided to join her on her walk even for a short while. He might as well utilise the time before breakfast to stretch his legs and enjoy some views of the estate.
"Good morning, Mr Wickham!" called out Lydia and Kitty. "It is perfect timing that you could accompany us downstairs."
"Good morning, Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia," he bowed. "I was thinking I would go for a quick look around the estate before I leave," he added, preferring to avoid having to listen to the silly chatter of the two girls.
"You are leaving?! When?" Lydia exclaimed.
"Today, after breakfast."
"So soon? I was not aware you were leaving Netherfield," Lydia did not sound happy.
"Yes, I have some important family matters to attend to."
"I see. But you will come back to Meryton, won't you?"
"I will be joining the militia here, so I expect to be back within a week."
"Are you really? That is excellent news! Do make sure that you return before the ball. Mr Bingley has promised to hold one here, you know," Lydia intimated, envisioning herself dancing with redcoats up to the early hours of the morning after the ball.
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"I do not know of many young ladies who are not only well-read, but also demonstrate a logical understanding of the reading material," Darcy shared. And none so beautiful and spirited as you.
Elizabeth blushed prettily, though she was uncertain whether the handsome gentleman intended his statement to be a direct compliment to her.
Darcy gazed at her lovely features, his lips forming a small smile. He imagined spending many hours in his library at Pemberley with this enchanting woman. There were various scenic spots in his estate he wanted to show her. He could just imagine her eyes light up when she explored those special places. The idea of introducing his sister to her then entered his mind. He was positive that Georgiana would be delighted to make her acquaintance.
Not long after, Mrs Bennet happened upon Mr Darcy and Elizabeth discussing the wearisome topic of books and poetry again in the parlour. At least she did not need to converse with that man, she thought to herself.
Elizabeth enquired about the whereabouts of her younger sisters, to which her mother replied that Mary had expressed a desire to take a stroll in the gardens before breakfast.
"There is Mary," she remarked, noticing her through the wide bay windows. "Oh! And Mr Wickham! He is quite a charming young man."
"Miss Mary and Mr Wickham?" Darcy sounded alarmed. He quickly walked over to the windows to get a better view of the pair.
"Do not be so worried, sir. I think Mr Wickham is mostly recovered. He could do with a little exercise now that the sun is out," Mrs Bennet remarked then added, "There is Lydia and Kitty catching up with them."
Darcy did not say a word while studying the activity outside. Darcy's behaviour made Mrs Bennet wonder about why he reacted in such a way. A thought suddenly occurred to her, after remembering the colonel's words.
Of course! How could I have not known sooner? Mr Darcy is fond of books. He loves reading and poetry. And crucially, he is the one who has been seen writing letters at the desk.
Mrs Bennet arrived at the conclusion that Mr Darcy was the author of the secret messages hidden in books, and that he was partial to Mary!
They were both of a serious disposition and enjoyed reading. Mr Darcy had a younger sister who supposedly excelled at the pianoforte, and Mary had always tried very hard at improving her talents on the instrument. All the pieces of the puzzle finally fell into place. What needed to happen next was to divert Mr Darcy's attention away from Elizabeth.
Poor man! To be suffering in the company of someone he only found tolerable. Oh, to have a daughter married to the master of Pemberley!
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"Oh, I am sorry to startle you, sir."
"Who --"
"I am Miss Bingley, Charles' younger sister, and you are..."
"I am Col-- colonel--" he coughed out the words, and Caroline quickly offered him some wine to ease his throat.
"I am glad to finally meet you, Colonel. I heard from my sister that you are due to leave sometime after breakfast today. Could you not delay your departure? We have not had any time to get properly acquainted."
"No, I am afraid I must leave –"
"Is there nothing I can do to change your mind?" she asked suggestively.
"I have to go –"
"Do you always place duties above pleasure, colonel?" she cooed.
"Indeed, I must –"
"But… what about the note you wrote for me?"
"What note? I have no idea what you are talking about, madam," he replied in confusion.
"The note… about wishing for a kiss… there is no one here, colonel, and all the curtains are drawn, we will not be seen…"
Mmmppppffffhh…
Just then, the door opened to admit an utterly dumbfounded Charles.
"What on earth are you two doing?"
"Bingley, I can explain!" the colonel blurted out.
"Charles, I was looking for you. I did not expect to see the colonel here."
"But why… why were you two k-kissing?"
"She was the one who initiated it--"
"No, that is not correct --"
"What? It was you who --"
"As you saw, he kissed me. Quite passionately too."
"You took me by surprise so I could not immediately --"
"You have to tell my brother --"
"Will you two stop? Please. Just give me a moment," Bingley wanted some time to calm down and gather his thoughts before saying any more. After a pause, he spoke thus, "As no one else was here to witness anything, we could all just agree to forget about what happened."
"But, Charles, I feel compromised –"
"I do not think you would want to marry an officer --" the colonel ventured to say.
"Maybe I do. I have so much admiration for brave men who sacrifice a lot in the name of service."
"Do you really want to marry someone like me?"
"Yes. I think you will find that I am not that difficult to persuade –"
"Let us not be rash about this. We can talk about this later," Bingley shook his head in disbelief. "Breakfast is ready. We should not keep our guests waiting."
Caroline sported a pouting expression and did not budge. She did not have the patience to wait so long for such important decisions.
"Caroline," Charles warned, and his sister sighed loudly before exiting. Caroline thought to seek Louisa's help… or maybe she could let something slip during breakfast.