Wickham's Wife

by C. J. Hill

  "Well," added Harriet, "that can be the only thing that the uncle could be talking to an attorney about, surely. It does not look good for poor Mr. Wickham if it is so."

  "But you still have not told us of Mrs. Long's news, aunt," Lydia remembered. "What had she to say about the matter?"

  Mrs. Philips smiled. "Mrs. Long has heard from Mrs. King, when she asked after her daughter just this morning, surprised not to see them together, that her daughter has returned with her uncle to Liverpool! And Mrs. King does not know when, or if, she will be permitted to come back! Mrs. Long said that the poor woman is quite distraught at having her daughter taken from her and from her prospective husband, and the uncle's presumptuous manner of doing so."

  "Ooohh!!" gasped Lydia delightedly. "The uncle has removed Miss King from Wickham's clutches, and his interest in her ten thousand pounds! Serves him right. Pretending to care about someone only for her money. It is despicable indeed."

  "Lydia!" gasped her friends simultaneously, "You cannot blame him for trying to improve his circumstances, surely? Wickham must have some income, and now we know the real reason for his interest in Miss King."

  Lydia glared at her friends. She hated their practical outlook on things, particularly men and marriage. "Yes, yes, I know that is how it works. You do not need to lecture me about the facts of the matter. But I thought Wickham better than that until he met with Miss King. Still, he is safe from her now and her ugly freckles and miserable manner. He should be happy about being released from his entanglement, not sad.

  "Have you seen anything of Mr. Wickham, aunt?"

  "No, indeed; nobody has since the meeting. He is probably lying low and licking his wounds now the word is out."

  "So!" laughed Harriet, as they walked back through the village, "Wickham is a free man once again, Lydia. What shall you do with this news, I wonder?"

  Lydia smiled slyly, and winked mischievously at her friend.

  "Poor Wickham will be quite depressed after this terrible blow to his plans, I am sure. Therefore, I shall be his constant and most sympathetic friend, offering a caring ear, and a soft shoulder to cry upon. I shall increase my efforts, Harriet! They shall be increased ten-fold until he has no other choice but to pay me attention as he always should have. Just you watch."

  "But how is this to be managed, Lydia? You know that very soon we shall all be leaving you behind when we go to Brighton. You will have no opportunity to make any impression upon him once he has left, you know. And, remember, he is seeking a wife with security which is not something you can offer."

  "Hah! If Charlotte Lucas can inveigle her way into a man's heart in a matter of two days after he had sworn himself desperately in love with my sister, then I should be able to convince Wickham of his feelings for me within the next weeks. He will be so enamoured, he will cease to care about how little I can bring to the marriage. How exciting it will be if we are engaged before everyone leaves for Brighton, then father will have to agree to me going with you. Even he could not be so hard-hearted as to separate me from my betrothed."

  Harriet laughed, "Remind yourself of the facts of that case, Lydia, if you would be so kind! You are comparing Mr. Collins' desperation for a wife, any wife, to Mr. Wickham's desire for a wife, a rich wife. They are not at all similar. Be sensible, my dear, and re-consider forming an attachment which can only result in your being terribly hurt. Mr. Wickham wants a wealthy wife, we now know that without a doubt, and you are not wealthy. He did not continue his attentions towards your sister, and he was terribly taken with her over Christmas, was he not? And why?"

  "Because she has no money! Yes, yes, Harriet, I know very well. But the truth is that no other man but Wickham will do for me. I am enthralled, captivated, charmed by him, and the more he refuses me, the more he attracts me. Oh, Harriet, you must help me in my quest. If he only takes time to know me better, he will fall in love with me, I am certain."

  Harriet sighed, now really concerned at her friend's confession. She had guessed that Lydia preferred Wickham over every other officer, but she had no notion of the extent of that yearning. She hugged Lydia as she turned into her gate.

  "Take care, Lydia. Do not set yourself up for disappointment. Think on my words and re-consider. I would not have you pining away for an undeserving, mercenary fellow such as I now believe Wickham to be. He cannot love where there is no fortune."

  Lydia shrugged and smiled at her friend's concern. "Oh, I shall not be able to pine very much for the next few days; Kitty and I are to meet my sisters from Bromley where they are returned from London and Kent. It is an outing after all, and I must take the opportunity to see the world outside of Meryton when I can. Father has agreed to it, but I fear it shall be the furthest that I shall journey this year. And then, of course, Lizzy goes into the Lakes with our uncle and aunt Gardiner later in the Summer, and then you shall already be gone too. It is so unfair."

  Harriet hugged her friend again and wished her a safe journey, advising her to enjoy it as much as possible and take every advantage of the opportunity. Who knew whom she would meet on the way there or back? Lydia grudgingly agreed to make the most of it and set off for home, brightening on the way as she thought of the news she had to impart to her sisters and mother.

  Wickham had indeed decided to lie low immediately after the mortifying meeting with Miss King's uncle. He had requested permission to leave Meryton for London on urgent business, which had been reluctantly granted by Colonel Forster due to the preparations necessary before the Militia left for Brighton. But, he could not refuse a request based upon business concerns, and demanded Wickham to return as soon as possible. To this Wickham had agreed and, borrowing the necessary money from Carter, had left on the first coach out of town.

  He had no notion exactly what he expected to accomplish once he arrived in London; he had no idea what he would do, but his feelings of despair and disappointment were such that he was impelled to go where he had once been very happy, towards one who had always made him happy. His expectation was not great that Julia would see him but the possibility of seeing her again and hopefully telling her of his miserable experiences, and hearing her sympathetic response would begin to improve his opinion of himself and regain his spirits, of that he was certain.

  First, he called in upon his lodgings which he had re-let to another person for the duration of his stay in Meryton, and, after ascertaining that all was in order there, he continued to Edward Street. For a while he stood on the opposite side of the street admiring the smartness of the new paint and the way the sunlight glinted off the windows; everything looked fresh and prosperous and welcoming - why would not a weary business man wish to remain here indefinitely? After several people had brushed past him, looking at him enquiringly, he realised that he must make the effort to confront his fears and ring the bell. His reception would not be made any different by lingering and looking from afar.

  A maid, whom he did not know, answered the door and, after his request to see Mrs. Younge, showed him into the guest parlour at the front of the house. Wickham looked around appreciatively: evidence of Julia's thoughtful and womanly touches were everywhere with plants and objects scattered about to make it very comfortable and welcoming. He seated himself nervously, placing his hat upon the stool next to him.

  The quiet opening of the door alerted him to Julia's arrival and he stood, smiling nervously.

  "Julia! I am glad to see you."

  Julia moved forward uncertainly and accepted his kiss upon her cheek, while searching his face like a starving person.

  "George! It has been so long since your letter. What do you do here in London?"

  Wickham sank back down into the chair and assumed the defeated stance Julia recognised of old.

  "Let me ring for tea and something to eat. You do not look well, George. What has happened?"

  "No. Do not be kind to me, Julia. I do not deserve such attentions from you, especially after the manner of our parting and correspondence. I hardly k
now where to start or what to say."

  "You are to be married to Miss King?" Julia faltered in the asking of it. "You are here to prepare for the wedding, perhaps?"

  "No! No!" Wickham groaned.

  "You are not here to prepare for the wedding?"

  "There is not to be a wedding between Miss King and me. She produced an uncle, when all looked to be going perfectly - I almost had her within my grasp - an uncle from Liverpool who took a great deal of trouble to discover everything about me: my past; my present; and probably, my future! He knew everything, Julia! I had not one chance against the evidence he had built up against me. Miss King's feelings for me were not so great as to disregard it, and so he has removed her to Liverpool out of my reach. Not that there was any danger she would have gone against his advice - that is why she requested it – she agreed that what he discovered would determine the matter."

  Wickham looked despairingly at Julia and then rested his head in his hands again, seemingly exhausted.

  Julia watched him quietly, considering all he had revealed, her joy at it muted by other, more concerning thoughts.

  "I suppose I should be sorry that your plan did not work out: but I am not. She paused.

  “But what is your exact situation that the uncle discovered, George? Do not tell me that you have fallen into your old ways again while secreted away in a tiny country village over the Winter? Surely you have been quite safe there away from the temptations of London?"

  Wickham glanced at her and looked immediately away: that was all she needed.

  "How much debt have you against your name, George?"

  "I am ruined, Julia. I do not have the means to satisfy my creditors in Meryton, and if I do not, my commission will be dishonoured: Colonel Forster is quite insistent about his men being above reproach. But there is nowhere else I can earn a living; I had hopes of being able to move into a more permanent position - Colonel Forster likes me enough for that - which would at least provide a payment each month, but if I am dishonourably discharged, then I will never be able to regain a footing there: my name will be blacklisted forever."

  "George!"

  "I know; I know, my dearest Julia! How have I longed to have you at my side to support and advise me; but the nature of my endeavour was such that I knew it to be impossible. But you must know that never have I strayed from my affection for you, Julia. Please be assured of that, at least: if you can believe nothing else, believe that to be the absolute truth."

  Julia looked away from his pleading eyes and nervously touched an escaped tendril of hair; Wickham rose, gently tucking the offending tress behind her ear, and then turned her to face him.

  "Do you really despise me so much that you have nothing to say? I came because I could no longer stay away once I was released from my attempt with Miss King; you cannot imagine how hard it has been to ignore your existence and pretend affection where none is truly felt. Please, Julia, say something to relieve my suffering, if only to chastise me; even that would be music to my ears compared to your silence."

  Julia looked away again without speaking and he returned to his chair in defeat. "Would you prefer me to leave, Julia? Is my presence so distasteful to you that you cannot bring yourself to speak to me? Julia?"

  Julia regarded him as she considered her response. Now he was back in her presence, she knew her love for him was no less than it had ever been: indeed, it broke her heart to see him once again in such distress; all she longed to do was to comfort him and relieve him of his problems. He was still her dear George: that reckless, charming, handsome man she longed for every day. Unfortunately, his imprudent nature could not be cured, it seemed, ever: it was an enduring trait, but not an endearing one. Their situation was still the same as it had always been.

  "How much do you owe, George? If it is within my power, I will arrange for your debts to be paid. You must stay in the military as your only hope for a successful future. Tell me the exact sum, George."

  "No! That is not why I came to see you, Julia. Please do not think so lowly of me as that. I will not tell you the sum, and you shall not advance me any money, and there is an end to it. I will not continue this conversation if that is what you think my visit is about."

  "Well, George, what is this conversation and visit about? Do you wish me to commiserate with you that you have not married someone whom you did not respect or admire? Do you wish me to console with you about your debts and how strange it is that they keep increasing? What do you want from me, George? You cannot keep re-appearing in my life and then leaving it, and expect me to always be here waiting. How long am I to wait for you to turn over a new leaf, pray? How long should I wait before we might be free to attempt a normal relationship, George? Tell me?"

  Wickham blanched at her anger. Slowly he began to hear the import of her words.

  "I do not ask you to wait, Julia." he began.

  "No. But you expect it, do not you?" she retorted.

  "I do not expect anything from you, my dear; I know I cannot ask anything of you, such has been my behaviour over the term of our relationship. But I confess, most selfishly, I know, I do find comfort in knowing that you are always here when I need to see you, as I did today. I do not know what I should have done if you had refused to see me."

  Julia laughed bitterly; the first time he had ever witnessed such an unhappy display of emotion in her. He began to be frightened. She was not the same Julia upon whom he had always depended.

  "You knew I would not refuse! When have I ever refused to see you, George? I may have refused other, more important requests, but I will always see you. Hah! I even agreed to see you when I thought you had come to announce your betrothal to poor Miss King and I felt sick at the thought of it, I assure you, but I determined to be brave; to see you and behave in a polite manner as befitting the dependable person that I am."

  "Oh! You are too cruel, Julia! I do not mean it as a defect in your character in any way that you are always here. I truly rely upon it for my stability and sanity. You must believe me."

  Their emotions were escalating to a point that very soon there would be no possible point of return. As both paused to consider their next words, there was a timid knock on the door, which, once Julia had permitted entry, revealed the maid with a note who looked nervously around the room: anywhere other than at either of its agitated occupants.

  Julia read the note and nodded at the girl. "Tell him to wait in my parlour; I will be with him directly."

  To Wickham she advised, "I must leave you now; I have to speak with someone on an urgent matter. Where are you staying in London?"

  Wickham, rather taken aback at being so singularly dismissed, and in the midst of such an important discussion, stammered awkwardly, "I … I have no plans for that yet; I came straight here to see you."

  Julia looked astonished. "You did not think to stay here, did you? There is no room available here."

  "No! Indeed not. No! Of course not. I just wished my first call to be on you; that is all. Pray, do not concern yourself about me, Julia, I shall work out something. Perhaps I shall call upon Jardine and see how he fares. Go! Go, to your important meeting; I will detain you no longer.”

  He turned before passing through the door.

  "May I have your permission to call again before I return to Meryton?"

  Julia, distracted now and wishing to get to her appointment, agreed that he could call again tomorrow.

  "May not I call again this evening, perhaps, Julia? We have a great deal to say to each other and I would feel so much better if we could discuss everything plainly and regain our former understanding."

  Julia shook her head, as she waited to close the door.

  "Tomorrow, George. Not tonight - certainly not! I have made plans already for this evening."

  "Yes, yes, of course. How stupid of me! Well, tomorrow, then. Good day, my dear."

  Chapter 26

  Jardine was delighted at the sight of his old friend and assistant being ushered into hi
s study, immediately offering Wickham his former position back, and not in an entirely flippant manner; his current man was not so genial nor efficient, he assured him, as he gestured at a vast array of paperwork on his desk, and no one had been able to surpass Wickham in his manner with staff and suppliers.

  "What brings you to London, then, Wickham? Since you refuse my offer of employment, I can only surmise that you are already happily employed. I congratulate you, sir."

  Wickham smiled at his friend's enthusiasm; how he had missed it, and the luxury with which he now found himself surrounded.

  "I am currently an ensign in the Militia stationed at Meryton, soon to be removed to Brighton for the Summer. It has been a quiet life in the country all Winter and I thought to visit London friends before I am moved away again."

  "Ah!" laughed Jardine, "your particular friend, Mrs. Younge, brings you to town, I presume? Unless she has grown tired of you, and your absences, of course, and found another more deserving person to warm her heart."

  "Indeed!” smiled Wickham. “I admit her presence does increase the lure of town; but I sincerely hope there is no other in her affections as you suggest. I have already called upon Mrs. Younge and she is doing very well since she left her employment as Miss Darcy's companion. She owns a large boarding house, a very charming and hospitable residence, in Edward Street. Unfortunately, my reception there was, I found, rather cool, but I hope to be reinstated in her good opinion very soon."

  "That is a very earnest hope, Wickham. What caused her to lose that good opinion, may I ask?"

  "Life in general, sir. As I said, we have been parted for the whole Winter and have not seen each other for many months. As you observed, absence does not always make the heart grow fonder."

  "Come, man! That is not reason enough for her to lose her opinion of you. You must have done something else: confess, sir!"

  But when Jardine saw that Wickham was not to be persuaded upon the subject, he then enquired: