The Challenge of Entail

by Jann Rowland

  Darcy nodded, saying: “I believe I understand Wickham’s activities in Meryton from Colonel Forster. But I am willing to share what I know of Wickham.”

  Marshaling his thoughts, Darcy fell silent for a moment, before he said: “George Wickham has long been known to me. In fact, he is the son of my late father’s steward, Mr. Wickham’s father having passed on five years ago, within a month of my own father’s passing. Living at an estate with few close neighbors, I found myself often in company with Wickham when I was young. We were once the closest of friends.

  “While I began to notice Wickham’s want of character at a young age and drifted away from him, my father remained his steadfast supporter until his death.” Darcy paused and grimaced. “When I look back, I realize I should have informed my father of Wickham’s character. I chose not to because my father was already lost in grief because of my mother’s untimely death a decade earlier, and Wickham’s sunny manners provided him some measure of happiness. Much might have been different if I had not remained silent.”

  “It is clear you feel it keenly, sir,” said Mr. Bennet. “While perhaps you might have judged better and the matter might have had a different ending, I do not know you acted improperly. I might have done the same in your place.”

  Darcy nodded and continued: “I shall not be explicit as to his vices. Knowing something of him, I suspect you have some knowledge of this already. The material point is that Wickham was educated under my father’s auspices and received a bequest after my father’s death of one thousand pounds. At the same time, my father recommended in his will that Wickham receive a valuable family living when it became available. I am sure you must apprehend that I had little desire to install a man such as Wickham as a spiritual leader of anyone, let alone those nearest my estate.”

  When both his companions nodded, Darcy shook his head. “It is fortunate that Wickham had his sights set much higher, for he had no interest in the living. I negotiated an amount in lieu of the preferment which was substantial—far too substantial, to be honest, though it was much less than he demanded.”

  “How much was it?” asked Mr. Bennet. “If you do not think the question impertinent.”

  “Three thousand pounds,” said Darcy.

  The lady by his side gasped. “Four thousand pounds? In the hands of the son of a steward, that must have been a veritable fortune.”

  “And yet I believe he depleted it in a matter of months,” replied Darcy. “You are correct—a single man of prudence could live off the interest if he so chose. A man of diligence, character, and ingenuity could have used it to fund his own future wealth. Wickham did none of these things. His life was one of idleness and dissipation, and I suspect certain illegal activities.

  “That is, I believe, where his true depravities began to appear. Though I kept track of him for some time, he has been secretive, and I have never had any proof of his dealings in his quest to acquire a fortune. I believe, however, that gambling four thousand pounds away in a matter of months is the least of his sins.”

  Darcy paused, painful memories intruding, and considered ending is recitation. But the earnest empathy with which they were both regarding him convinced him they needed to know all, and he was convinced, even on so short an acquaintance, of their trustworthy natures. Thus, he did not shirk and pressed forward.

  “Of Wickham’s depravities there is not much I can say. But an incident occurred last summer which, if he had succeeded in his designs, would have been injurious to myself and those closest to me. I have in my care a young sister, a dozen years my junior, who became the target of Mr. Wickham’s schemes.”

  Miss Elizabeth gasped again, her hand flying to her mouth as she looked at him in horror. “Why, that is Lydia’s age. Surely he would not be so lost to all decency as to take advantage of her!”

  “I assure you he was, Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy clenched his hand into a fist to control his anger. “To this day, I still do not know what he planned, though I can guess. My sister, you see, was holidaying in Ramsgate with her companion when Mr. Wickham came upon her, seemingly by chance. There was, however, little chance involved—of that I am certain, though I do not know how he discovered her location.

  “It is fortunate I had warned my sister of Wickham’s character, for she was not taken in by his smooth manners or silver tongue. That day when she returned to the house after meeting him, she dispatched an express to me. That night, however, Wickham was discovered inside the house by a footman. We do not know how he gained access or what he planned, but the footman is one with whom Wickham shares a mutual dislike.”

  Darcy paused and grinned, though he was certain it was little more than baring his teeth. “Thompson has reason to resent Wickham and gave him a good beating when he discovered him in the house. Even so, Wickham succeeded in escaping. Though I have no direct knowledge, I suspect Wickham’s object was my sister’s bedchamber, his intentions such that I could only shudder at the thought of her fortunate escape.”

  “Oh, Mr. Darcy,” said Miss Elizabeth, shaking her head, her distress unfeigned. “I hope your sister has not been affected by this betrayal?”

  Touched by her concern, Darcy directed a smile at her. “I will not say it was not a shock, for Georgiana possessed fond memories of her childhood when Wickham would play with her. It has been difficult, but she was not hurt, and her recovery has been swift. Georgiana has become warier of those she meets, as a consequence, but in the end, I think she will be well.”

  “I am happy to hear it,” murmured Miss Elizabeth.

  “And you have been looking for Wickham ever since,” said Mr. Bennet.

  “Yes,” replied Darcy. “Today was the first time I have set eyes on him since long before the day he accosted my sister at Ramsgate and the first direct knowledge I have had of him since the summer. Though the memory of my father’s regard for him induced me to leniency, I can no longer ignore such perfidy. It has been my thought when he is apprehended, I would see him transported to the penal colony at Botany Bay. My uncle, you see, is an earl, and knows of Wickham from both myself and my cousin. With his assistance, Wickham can be shipped away from England within days of his capture.”

  It had long been Darcy’s habit to watch those to whom he revealed his connections to determine their reactions—an uncle who was an earl was not an insignificant relation, after all. Mr. Bennet and Miss Elizabeth made no response to his disclosure. On the contrary, they turned the conversation to other matters.

  “Given your presence here and your failure to mention Mr. Wickham’s current disposition,” said Mr. Bennet, “might I assume he has eluded you?”

  “He did,” replied Darcy shortly. “It appears he was already planning his escape, for he did not return to the encampment after he ran. Moreover, a horse belonging to the regiment was reported missing.” Darcy’s eyes darted to Miss Elizabeth. “It seemed he planned to decamp soon after he had accosted your daughters.”

  By this time Darcy felt he had enough measure of this woman to understand the extent of her mettle. Though the tightness of her lips suggested she understood what he did not say, she made no other response.

  “The question is, will he return?”

  Mr. Bennet’s words seemed to hover in the air, his concern evident in his furrowed brow. Upon thinking on it for a moment, Darcy shook his head.

  “I do not believe so, Mr. Bennet. In fact, now that the chance of catching your daughter in his net has failed, my presence here will ensure that he will avoid the neighborhood. Though I would counsel prudence, I do not believe there is any danger to your family at present.”

  With a shaken head Mr. Bennet turned a mournful look on his daughter. “The strands of life are woven in such a manner that it is impossible to know how a change in one of them may affect the rest. If I had not ended the entail and made Jane the heir of this estate, Mr. Wickham would not have paid any heed to any of you.”

  “That may be true, Papa,” said Mi
ss Elizabeth, “but we are secure because Jane will inherit. Her birthright may bring unwelcome attention, it is true, yet I do not think we are the worse off because of it.”

  The fond look Mr. Bennet gave on his daughter displayed the man’s regard for her, warranted, in Darcy’s opinion. “Dearest Lizzy. You always see through to the heart of the matter.”

  “You ended an entail?” asked Darcy with some interest. “Entails are rarely used because of their vulnerability.”

  A laugh was followed with a jovial: “A backwater neighborhood, are we not? I dislike town and do not go there, a trait inherited from my father, and he, from his father. As my brother, who serves as my solicitor for most matters, has been a small-town attorney all his life, none of us knew this until he discovered it about seven years ago. As I have no sons, the support of my family was always a concern—now, I know I can ensure their care when I am gone, which gives me much relief.”

  “That is understandable,” replied Darcy. The information confirmed Darcy’s supposition that the Bennet sisters would not have much dowry, other than the eldest. The thought wormed through his head that this woman, at least, was worth much more than a dowry might have provided. As it was, Darcy knew it was premature in the extreme to be harboring such thoughts, so he shunted them to the side.

  “Then I confess to curiosity about one more matter, Mr. Darcy,” said Mr. Bennet. “Though you have been of great assistance to us today, I still have no knowledge of you or from whence you came. How did you happen to be here, sir?”

  Darcy startled and began to laugh. “That is a great jest, Mr. Bennet! I am amazed you have credited my tale, though you still do not even know who I am.”

  “It was easy to believe,” said Miss Elizabeth, though he noted her interested glance.

  “I thank you, Miss Elizabeth. At present, I am staying at Netherfield Park, which I believe borders your estate to the east. My close friend, Charles Bingley, has leased the property. We arrived in the area only yesterday.”

  “Indeed?” asked Mr. Bennet. “Then you have my congratulations, Mr. Darcy, for effecting your arrival without exciting the gossip of the neighborhood. As my wife is foremost among their number, I know she has not heard a whisper of it, for she has not mentioned it to me!”

  Darcy laughed. “In fact, we planned to avoid detection. Bingley, you see, was delayed by a matter of important business which arose, else we would have come before Michaelmas.”

  “That was the rumor at the time, yes,” replied Mr. Bennet.

  “Then did you set out without sending word and without the housekeeper preparing for your arrival?” Miss Elizabeth clucked her disapproval. “Mrs. Nichols must have been put out with you all.”

  “When you meet my friend, you will agree he is capable of just such impulsive behavior. But, in fact, he sent word the night before, and as the house was previously made ready, we deemed it likely it would be no imposition. Given the usual state of gossip in the country, I think it is making its way through the neighborhood even now.”

  As if on cue, the sound of a loud knocking on the door interrupted their discussion, and Mrs. Bennet bustled into the room when Mr. Bennet gave his permission. It seemed she did not notice the presence of the unknown gentleman, for she addressed her husband.

  “Mr. Bennet!” said she. “I have just had it from Mrs. Long that the new tenant of Netherfield has finally come. It is said they arrived, almost as thieves in the night, and that Mr. Bingley has brought a large party of friends.”

  “Only one friend, Madam,” said Darcy, rising to bow to the matron.

  The gentleman and his daughter chuckled at the expression of stupefaction with which she greeted him. At the same time, Mr. Bennet arose and greeted his wife with affection, turning and gesturing at Darcy.

  “Please allow me to introduce Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy to your acquaintance, Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Darcy is a friend to Mr. Bingley, who is the new tenant at Netherfield.”

  “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Bennet,” said Darcy, speaking kindly to put her at ease while bowing to her hasty curtsey. “In fact, at present, I am Bingley’s only guest, though his sister is also in residence. At some later time, I believe he expects his elder sister and her husband to join us.”

  “Oh!” said Mrs. Bennet, with somewhat less than full coherence. “But if you are all only just arrived, it must be difficult for Mr. Bingley’s sister. Shall you not come to dinner at Longbourn? Tomorrow evening would be perfect if you are not otherwise engaged.”

  Darcy was charmed. Her reaction to his unexpected presence suggested she was flighty, unlike the obviously intelligent Mr. Bennet. While procuring two single gentlemen for her daughters might interest her, he thought she was more genuinely interested in knowing them, and perhaps being of service. As such, Darcy had little difficulty in conditionally accepting her invitation.

  “I shall speak with Bingley when I return to Netherfield. However, as we know no one in the neighborhood, I cannot imagine we are engaged for tomorrow evening. After consulting with my friend, we shall be certain to send a reply.”

  “Then I shall look forward to it,” said Mrs. Bennet. “But now I should leave you again. I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Darcy.”

  The woman curtseyed and let herself from the room, though the look she shot at her daughter was questioning. Miss Elizabeth smiled and nodded at her mother, which seemed to satisfy the elder woman—she did not attempt to induce her daughter to depart with her.

  “In fact,” said Darcy, turning to Mr. Bennet, “if you are not engaged, perhaps you will ride to Netherfield with me? Bingley is a good man, and eager to make the acquaintance of all and sundry. I should be happy to perform the office.”

  “An excellent notion, Mr. Darcy,” said Mr. Bennet. “I would be delighted. If you will wait for a few moments, I will join you directly.”

  What Elizabeth thought of Mr. Darcy she could not quite determine. It was clear, given his reaction to Mr. Wickham, his assistance, and his subsequent return to Longbourn, that he was a good man and a conscientious one. Reserve appeared to be a facet of his character, though he had spoken without hesitation to all the Bennets to whom he had been introduced.

  It was also clear he was a prominent man, for if his clothing and bearing did not mark him as such, the revelation of his uncle being an earl would have removed all doubt. Though Elizabeth knew something of what happened between men and women, the feelings and sensations coursing through her provoked by this tall and handsome man were new and confusing.

  “I hope you and your sisters are quite recovered from this morning’s confrontation with Wickham,” said Mr. Darcy as they were waiting together for Mr. Bennet to return.

  “Yes, we are,” said Elizabeth. “My eldest sister found it fatiguing and retired to her room soon after our return. Mary, however, you can hear playing the pianoforte.”

  Darcy nodded, having noted the sound of the instrument. “It sounds like she is proficient.”

  “You may have not judged so had you come two years earlier,” said Elizabeth with a laugh. “Mary is technically proficient, but she used to have an unfortunate tendency to choose pieces which were beyond her level of skill. My father sent her to London to my uncle’s house, where she was provided with a master, who assisted not only her feeling for the music but also what it was appropriate for her to play. She has improved very much.”

  “And do you play, Miss Elizabeth?”

  “I do not play so well as Mary.” Again Elizabeth laughed. “There are far too many activities I enjoy to allow me the practice time I require. Consequently, while I play, I would not wish to excite your anticipation, when the reality will be much less than you expect.”

  “You must be much too modest,” said Mr. Darcy. “Perhaps I shall have the pleasure of hearing you tomorrow evening?”

  “We shall see,” said Elizabeth. “Does your sister play?”

  Mr. Darcy showed her a fond smile
. “Sometimes I think Georgiana does little else. There are few things she enjoys more than music, and though I will confess to bias, I must say she is quite skilled.”

  “Then I shall hope to make her acquaintance, Mr. Darcy. She sounds delightful. Mary, in particular, would appreciate making her acquaintance, for music is one of her passions too.”

  Mr. Bennet’s arrival prevented Mr. Darcy from responding, but his smile informed her he was not displeased with her suggestion. The horses were soon brought around, and the gentlemen departed for Netherfield, leaving the second daughter of the house full of thoughts of Mr. Darcy.

  Chapter XIV

  Bingley was his usual self when introduced to Mr. Bennet. A gregarious and friendly man, Bingley was eager to meet and approve of everyone he met and bask in their returned friendship. Though this trait had sometimes irked Darcy in the past, in this instance he approved without reserve, for he favored the Bennet family himself. The meeting was brief, as Mr. Bennet informed them he could not stay long, but they met long enough for each man’s friendship for the other to be assured.

  “We would be pleased to accept your invitation to dine at your home,” said Bingley as Mr. Bennet delivered the request in person. “It is good of you to invite us on so short an acquaintance.”

  “Not at all,” said Mr. Bennet with evident pleasure. “In fact, I believe it will cause great joy in my home. My wife and daughters will, I am sure you apprehend, take great pleasure in informing their friends of their early intelligence of your party.”

  Bingley laughed, as did Darcy, appreciating the wry sense of humor Mr. Bennet had displayed. “Then we could not possibly decline. You may tell your family we will be delighted to attend.”

  “Excellent!” said Mr. Bennet. He rose to his feet and extended his hand, which Bingley accepted. “Until tomorrow.”