by Kara Louise
The following day, I felt an even greater sense of ill being and my master paid Mrs. Younge another visit alone. When he returned, he informed me that although she still was not inclined to talk, he had strongly hinted to her that he was close to finding Wickham. He hoped that she would begin to fear losing out on some sort of ample payment, prompting her to divulge what she knew.
His plan must have worked, for the very next day my master received a short, concise note from Mrs. Young informing him that it was possible she may know where Wickham had been staying, but she would not divulge it without first receiving payment for her hard work.
“Hard work, indeed! She has known all along where he was!” My master shook his head. “She may consider herself a loyal friend to Wickham, but those ties can be easily cut by the right price!”
My master smiled as he tapped his fingers against his desk. “Soon we shall know where he and Miss Lydia are located.”
Apparently, the enticement of an ample sum was all that my master required to procure an address where, Mrs. Younge claimed, she only heard Wickham had possibly stayed, but she could not guarantee it.
My master settled down next to me and stroked my head in that particular spot behind my ears he knew I preferred. His tone was quiet and compassionate. “Reggie, I know with each day that passes, your health declines. But I have one more task for you. I promise you that after this, you do not have to accompany me on any further schemes. Moreover, I shall provide you the finest comforts my townhouse has to offer and the finest meals prepared until we return to Pemberley.”
He was quite accurate in his estimation of my well being. I was feeling very poorly, even worse than the last time we were in town. I was more than willing, however, to do whatever it took to find Wickham and make things right for Miss Elizabeth and her family.
He expounded upon the details of his plan for the following day. He had an address that Mrs. Younge gave him. She told my master that Wickham may have let a room at this address, but if he did, she knew not which one in particular he was staying.
I came to understand, in overhearing my master’s conversation with his driver, that this establishment was in an even more sordid neighbourhood than Mrs. Younge’s.
“He likely has many acquaintances of questionable repute in that part of town who may not take a liking to my inquiring as to his whereabouts. They may assume I am attempting to collect my debts from him or worse. Once we are in the area, the prudent course is to not ask any questions.”
He cradled my head within his hands. “It will be up to you, Reggie, to discern his whereabouts. There may be several rooms let out at this address. We must find the right one on the first attempt!” My master reached up with his hand and gave my forehead a good rubbing. I lifted my paw and placed it across his arm. I would do all I could to find him!
We set out early in the morning, quite convinced that Wickham would likely not be out of bed, let alone anyone else in that neighbourhood at that hour. The carriage stopped and we stepped out. Along this street, we had to step over several motionless forms that appeared to have lost all ability and intellect to find their way home during the night.
As we walked toward the row of buildings, the stench that emanated from them invaded our senses. My master let out a disgusted grumble.
But I diligently performed my duties in sniffing out the different scents. Amidst all the offensive and putrid ones, I very directly picked up Wickham’s. Following the scent past several doors, I finally found the one to which it led.
“Good boy,” my master said, patting me firmly on the head. “Now, be ready for anything!”
I stood back and watched him take the knocker and give it a couple sharp raps. From inside, I heard something tumble followed by a wave of cursing. At length, the sound of shuffling of feet could be heard coming toward the door.
The door swung open and Wickham stood before us, eyes glazed over, hair and clothes dishevelled, and he made a futile attempt to focus his eyes and determine exactly who we were.
I responded to this vile man with a vicious growl. He lowered his gaze at me and I noticed recognition flash across his countenance as he glared back at my master.
“What are you doing here?” His voice slurred and he seemed unable to maintain his balance.
“There is something of vital importance we must discuss!”
“Away with you!” Wickham ordered. Every one of my senses was heightened by the hatred and fear which emanated from him. He was unquestionably displeased to see us.
He attempted to slam the door, but my master thwarted him by propping his large frame inside the door so it could not be closed. Wickham pushed against my master, but he would not be moved. The inebriated state in which Wickham found himself made his efforts most ineffectual and he let out a stream of curses as my master remained coolly firm.
I bared my teeth and I was prepared to lunge at him if such measures were necessary.
“You have no right to be here!” Wickham snarled. “We have nothing to say to one another!” Wickham scowled at me. “You still have this worthless cur?” Wickham sneered and the fur down my neck and back rose. Letting loose with my most threatening growls, I stepped toward him.
I really did not see nor expect it, but suddenly his foot hit me right in my belly, sending me off balance and knocking me over.
The wind was knocked completely out of me as I struggled to take a breath and pick myself up. My master grabbed Wickham’s shirt collar, bringing his face within inches of his own.
“I will not lower myself to respond in kind to you, however tempting it may be.” My master hitched Wickham’s collar a little tighter, the murderous rage in his eyes warred with the measured, calm tones of his voice. “But I warn you, Wickham, do not ever do that again!”
My master looked down at me to assure himself that I was not seriously wounded. I could see that his regulation was most seriously tested and that if he did not have the welfare of Miss Elizabeth first and foremost on his mind, he would have had no qualms in giving Wickham what he richly deserved. I struggled to my feet, pain searing through my belly. Although it was quite an effort, I was finally able to right myself.
“Is Miss Bennet here?” My master released Wickham, pushing him back into the house, allowing himself to fully cross the portal. Both hands were clenched in tight fists; clearly, he was anticipating having to use them.
“Who?”
“Miss Lydia Bennet.”
“I know not who…”
At that moment, I dashed between their legs inside the room, my nose to the floor.
Wickham’s lodgings were nothing more than a dirty, dank single room. In the dim light of a meagre candle, I could discern a battered table with plates of half-eaten food strewn about and a rather messy, small bed with tattered coverlets. I barked several times, confirming to my master that she had been -- and indeed, still was -- inside this room. I assumed, from the direction of her scent, that she was on the bed under the blankets, although I never saw her face.
“I know she is here, Wickham. But as I cannot vouch for the state in which I might find her, I will not step further into this residence. Accompany me outside, immediately!”
“And what makes you think I will do what you say?” Wickham demanded.
“Because with all the debts you have no doubt incurred, you are almost certainly down to your last shilling and I can have you hauled down to the debtor’s prison… or worse! Now, Wickham!”
My master turned to go and Wickham slammed the door behind him. As I took a few more strides, the pain shot through me again. I did everything in my power to walk as if nothing ailed me.
We walked away from the residences and my master stopped and turned to face Wickham.
“So what is this about?” Wickham eyed me as if he was actually fearful I might suddenly retaliate and attack him. I cannot lie and must confess that thought passed through my mind as an attractive possibility if I had not been in such dire pain.
Wickham laughed. “My intentions? She and I are merely having a little fun!”
My master’s face burned with anger. “You have no intention of marrying her?”
“You want me to marry her?” He laughed in disdain.
My master’s eyes bore piercingly into Wickham’s. “No, I do not want you to marry her. I would never wish that for her or any other lady. But I insist that you allow me to speak with her to help her to see reason, and hopefully find another means to end this insupportable situation. And if that means marriage, you will marry her!”
In a harsh whisper, Wickham adamantly informed my master, “I have no wish to marry Lydia and there is nothing you can do to force me!”
“You are correct, Wickham. I cannot force you to marry her. However, I do not doubt that those to whom you owe debts will only be too happy to know of your location. Make no mistake; I hold no compunction that prevents me from making your life quite miserable if you do not do what is necessary to protect Miss Bennet from any further scandal. If you comply with my demands, I will provide you with what you cannot provide for yourself.”
“Such as…?”
“Settling your debts and purchasing a commission in another regiment, to name a few.”
Sneering, he shook his head. “I will never marry that girl! She has nothing to recommend her.”
“You should have considered that before you impulsively removed her from the protection of her friends!”
By the expression on his countenance, I knew Wickham suddenly experienced clarity of mind as he looked intently at my master with a sly smile. “Why are you suddenly so concerned for the welfare of such a silly little nothing?”
“Why I choose to do this is of no concern to you!”
Opportunistic pleasure crossed Wickham’s face as he considered acceptance of his adversary’s help. “So you will purchase me a new commission and settle my debts?”
My master quietly nodded.
Wickham cocked his head to the side as he looked at my master with appraising eyes. “I do not believe that what you offered is sufficient for me to take on the responsibility of a wife. Perhaps, I might suggest some further negotiating to make it worth my while to marry her! I would need much more!”
“Do you think me a simpleton, Wickham? You have nowhere else to turn. Your creditors will find you as easily as I. Do not forget, even your good friend Mrs. Younge was only too willing to divulge your location to me for the right sum!”
Wickham turned away, grumbling and my master grabbed the collar of Wickham’s shirt to command his attention once more. “I shall return on the morrow at nine sharp to discuss with Miss Bennet what is to be done. I trust I will find her in an acceptable state or you will answer for far more than you ever wish.”
My master turned toward the carriage and then stopped and glanced back at Wickham. “And Wickham, I would advise you to not try to do anything so foolish as to run away. You know I have the resources to track you down… and I will!”
I was grateful when I heard Wickham’s footsteps briskly walk away. I was anxious to get in and lay down, but was not expecting the shooting pain when I stood up. A yelp escaped me and my master leaned down.
“I am so sorry, Reggie.” He reached down and took care to gently pick me up, his arms going carefully around me and supporting my feet with his large hands. “You most likely have a few bruised ribs. You’ll be in pain for a few days… I hope it is nothing worse.”
I could see the pain, anger, and concern intermingled in my master’s features. The last thing I wished to do was interfere with what he had taken upon himself to do, so I tried not to let any whine or moan escape, despite the pain that flooded my whole body.
With little effort, he lay me down on the seat of the carriage.
His hand stroked my fur from my head all the way down my back and soothed me as he spoke, “You performed admirably back there, my good friend. You did not deserve what Wickham inflicted upon you. You have no idea how much I regret that he hurt you. Be still, boy, and we will be at the townhouse directly.”
Weary and in pain, I found it increasingly difficult to focus. “Wickham does not deserve my assistance at all and if it were not for my error in judgment, the Bennets would not be facing this disgrace. If there was only some other way…”
As the carriage began moving, the jarring motion heightened my pain. I made a vain attempt to hold in a moan, but could not contain it any longer.
My eyes were now closed, but I felt my master’s reassuring hand stroke my back. “Do not move, Reggie. Just try to rest. We shall be home shortly.”
As the carriage made its way back to the townhouse, I closed my eyes tightly, hoping to lessen the pain. It was now an even greater struggle to take a breath. But my master was correct, because before I knew it, we had reached home.
Without really apprehending how or when it occurred, I realized we were now inside the townhouse. My master was leaning over me and calling my name repeatedly with great anguish!
Chapter 24
Vague impressions were all I could claim to possess for the next few days. I heard the murmur of reassuring voices and felt gentle hands probing my feet and ribs. At some point, a snug wrap was placed about my belly. Food was spooned into my mouth, the bed of rags upon which I slept was frequently changed, and with every attempt to arise, however futile, a firm reprimand to remain still sounded.
“You just lay there, Reggie,” a woman instructed me. “No need to be getting up.”
Another voice assured me, “You’ll be healed in no time, Reggie, as long as you rest.”
Then there was my master’s voice, “I hope you are not in too much pain, my faithful friend. I deeply regret what Wickham’s actions have cost you.” His hand stroked lightly on the top of my head. “You did not deserve this.”
My injuries made it very easy for me to sleep. There were only a few occasions when I awoke with an urgent sense that I needed to get up. At these times, I knew not whether it was day or night, let alone how many days had passed. I was aware that I was not in my master’s quarters; from the sounds and smells, I determined that I was being kept in or close to the kitchen. It was a struggle for me to even open my eyes and when I did, I found that I could not focus on any particular object before me.
The few times I lay there and was able to form any coherent thought, I tried to recall what had happened. Whilst I could not recollect every detail, I knew that my master and I had found Wickham and that he had assaulted me with a sharp kick in my ribs.
I awoke one morning to the sound of voices and I finally was able to open my eyes. I looked about me and could actually see sunlight pouring in through an open window and a slight breeze played with the curtains. I lifted my head slowly and did not see anyone, but discerned the voices were coming from another room.
Although it caused a great deal of discomfort to move my legs and pull myself upright, I did that very thing and took a step forward, wincing at the pain that spread from my belly out. I dared not let out a whine. I did not want to alert anyone to the fact that I was up and making an attempt to walk!
I concentrated on putting one paw in front of the other and slowly made progress across the room. At the bottom of the stairs I looked up. It seemed a daunting task, but I was determined to make it up the stairs to my master’s chambers. That was my place and where I wished to be.
I was able to lift a paw upon the first step, but I feared the rest of my paws would not be as proficient. The pain paralysed me. I closed my eyes and finally brought a second paw up. I was now straddling the stair, two paws on the first step and two paws on the ground.
This was an unexpected situation. I felt too weary to even return to my bed and so I simply lay down, not caring about the odd position in which I found myself.
Happily, it was not long before I heard footsteps from above and lifted my head to see my master descending the s
tairs at a brisk pace. When he noticed me, he stopped abruptly. “Now just where do you think you were going, Reggie?”
He came down and sat on the stair next to me. His voice shook as he spoke softly. “It is good to see you making an effort to get around, but you cannot expect to be ready to climb a flight of stairs.”
He put his hand to my nose and his scent infused me with a desire to regain my strength. Although I knew he did not care for me to lick him, I could not stop myself from gently licking his hand as it lingered near.
His eyes misted as he told me, “I feared that you were not going to come through, boy. You suffered some internal injuries, possibly a broken or fractured rib.”
He gently lifted me and carried me into his study, calling for a servant to bring in my bed. He had the servant place the bed next to his chair and after we were both settled in, he told me of his visits with Miss Lydia Bennet (“she is unfortunately younger than her fifteen years and far too naïve about Wickham”) and the Gardiners (“they are exceedingly fine people”). He also told me of the upcoming wedding that would take place (“it will be a mockery to have it in the church!”)
When he finished, he looked down at me and smiled. “I dare say the members of the ton would think I was behaving in a rather odd manner by telling you all this, Reggie, as if you understood. But I feel as though you deserve to know what has transpired after all you have been through.”
I moaned and he let out a small laugh. “Besides, there are times when I am convinced you do understand all I say.”
With the information my master gave me, I was able to rest soundly. It seemed he succeeded in what he set out to do. He was quite confident Wickham would marry Miss Lydia Bennet with the financial incentive my master promised. He informed me that we would return to Pemberley in a few days’ time, although he would need to return to town to attend the wedding within the fortnight.