Straightening up, he filled his lungs with the crisp morning air. He must now break the news to Lydia. Squaring his shoulders, Darcy trudged back to the carriage to begin the unpleasant task.
“Richard, I need to speak to Miss Bennet, would you mind if I had a moment alone?” and he raised his brows to signal for him to go.
Richard understood Darcy’s reason and alighted from the carriage. Taking a seat opposite the quiet young woman, Darcy realised she was just a frightened child who had been left to run wild. If her affections were truly engaged in regard to Wickham, then this would be a hard blow indeed. He leant forward and gently took her gloved hands into his.
“Miss Bennet, there are times in life when we have to be very brave, and I fear this is just such a time. I wish I could spare you what I am about to impart, but I cannot.”
He saw her eyes brim with tears and decided it would be kinder to let Wickham remain a hero in her eyes.
“It seems George was defending your honour and has been fatally wounded."
He watched as a single tear silently trickled down her pale cheek.
"I am afraid he did not survive his injuries,” Darcy concluded.
Knowing Lydia’s character, he thought there might be histrionics, or even screaming at this news, but this quiet sobbing was not on his agenda.
“He loved me deeply, do you think Mr Darcy?” she asked in an almost inaudible voice.
“Oh, yes, Miss Lydia," he said softly, "to be willing to risk one’s life for another, speaks of a love most profound," he replied, saying what he knew she needed to hear.
“Come; let me take you to your Aunt Gardiner’s house for tonight. Tomorrow, we will journey home to Longbourn together.”
Lydia dabbed at her eyes and nodded her agreement.
CHAPTER 19
Darcy and Richard took Lydia directly to the Gardiners’ house in Gracechurch Street. On their arrival, Darcy handed the letter from Mr Bennet to the maid and was then quickly ushered into the parlour.
Mrs Gardiner, having also read the letter, immediately took Lydia’s hand and guided her upstairs.
“Goodness me girl, you must come and bathe and change out of those clothes immediately. You have the smell of a tavern about you, and it is not pleasant!”
Lydia went to protest but thought better of it when she saw the scowl on her aunt’s face.
The two cousins followed Mr Gardiner into his study and then apprised him of recent events. He agreed that Lydia should return home with all alacrity, and he would provide a maid to travel with them.
Some minutes later, the maid entered with a message from Mrs Gardiner. It appeared that Miss Bennet was concerned about her belongings, having left her newest bonnet at the inn.
Darcy immediately volunteered Fitzwilliam and himself to collect them, broaching no argument from Mr Gardiner, and they left directly.
“Why could we not send a couple of my men to collect the chit’s baggage, Darcy? It is not a place one should visit twice in a lifetime, never mind twice in a day!” Richard moaned.
Darcy looked at his cousin through drawn eyes and replied,
“I must ease something that is troubling my mind, Richard, something the innkeeper said. When directing us to Miss Bennet, he said, ‘she is in her room,’ not their room, but her room. If there is a chance her virtue is intact, I have to make certain before I speak to the Gardiners again.”
Richard understood the importance of this, for the young woman’s future prospects, and that of her sisters hinged on this information and could impact on Darcy’s engagement to Elizabeth. So Richard held his tongue, all the while cursing Wickham under his breath.
They travelled the last few streets in silence until Darcy bade the driver pull up at the same spot as before. He knew it would cost him more coinage, but he must know the truth.
The innkeeper was only too willing to give Darcy the information he needed, and once rewarded, he was more than willing to oblige.
Wickham had indeed taken two sets of rooms and even requested that they were not adjoining. While in his cups, which was daily, he had made it clear to all who would listen that he could not stand the silly, giggling and often petulant chit. Often, he loudly broadcast that he was biding his time until a rich acquaintance paid him a handsome ransom for her. He had no doubt that with her charms, she could make a living in some way, and he laughed crudely. His implication was clear to all. It seemed elopement, blackmail, and desertion were Wickham’s preferred methods of supplementing his income.
As Darcy listened, his mood darkened until he was blind with rage at both Wickham and himself. To have his worst fears about the blaggard confirmed was nearly his undoing, but at least Wickham was true to his character. Darcy berated himself. He called himself a gentleman, yet his silence had put Lydia where she was, his pride had caused Elizabeth and her family untold pain and anguish, and his arrogance had made him think he was impervious to anything Wickham could concoct. How wrong he had been. Wickham found the one thing Darcy cherished above all else, even Georgiana. His aim was to taint and defile Elizabeth by association, and he had almost succeeded. It was best he was dead, Darcy thought angrily, for only Lydia will mourn his passing.
Having collected Lydia’s belongings and the few meagre possessions left in Wickham’s room, he re-joined Fitzwilliam in the carriage. Richard recognised and understood Darcy’s pain and anger, and shared his sentiment. The few times he had witnessed his cousin in such a rage had taught him it was best to leave him be. In time, he would talk through his anguish, and come out stronger for it.
They returned to Gracechurch Street where Darcy revealed his conversation with the innkeeper to the Gardiners and Richard. As the subject was of the most delicate nature, it was agreed Mrs Gardiner would try to ascertain the truth from Lydia.
The three men took it in turns to sit or pace the room until after almost an hour had elapsed, and Mrs Gardiner re-joined them. Her face was flushed from having to discuss such an indelicate subject, but she had coaxed the girl into revealing all. Thankfully, Darcy’s suspicions had been correct; Wickham had been either too drunk or disinclined to consummate their relationship. Lydia was still a maid. The relief in the room was palpable.
Embarrassed, they moved on swiftly, arranging to collect Lydia and the maid the next morning. Meanwhile, Mr Gardiner would send an express to his brother-in-law, informing him of their imminent arrival.
Satisfied they had done all they could, Darcy and Richard returned to Airwhile House.
After a hot bath and a change of clothes, they met in the salon for a pre-dinner drink. Darcy informed Richard of the brief conversation he had had with the constables at Green Park. They seemed to readily accept Darcy’s conclusion that it was suicide, though the location of the wound would belie this. In truth, they were not inclined to follow-up another case of toffs duelling over honour. Leaving Darcy to dispose of the body, they could then mark the case as solved and closed, with very little effort to themselves. Darcy had then arranged for his personal physician to contact the undertakers, who would then collect Wickham’s body. Mindful of their past connection and once friendship, he felt he could do no less than give Wickham a decent burial. He would commission his London steward to accompany the body back to Pemberley, and there have George lay to rest with his parents. He could have made the journey himself, but he intended to escort Elizabeth to a pre-wedding ball being given at Lucas Lodge. Richard offered to go in his stead, but Darcy declined, insisting he did not want Wickham to disrupt his life anymore, not even for this one last time.
After dinner, they returned to the library and over several brandies discussed the events of the day. Both agreed Lydia was a very fortunate girl, and Wickham’s early death had in many ways been inevitable. Jubilant in their success, they retired to bed.
The next morning, Darcy was surprised to see Richard ready to travel with him, rather than returning to his regiment.
“Good morning, Richard, do I take it you are
to accompany us to the shires?”
“I am if it is agreeable with you Darcy, wouldn’t want to leave you to the mercies of Miss Bennet, don’t you know,” he replied jovially.
Raising a quizzical brow, Darcy eyed his cousin but said nothing.
“Truthfully old man, who would pass up the opportunity to spend a few extra days in the company of the charming Miss Elizabeth. Besides, I admit to a certain amount of curiosity as to how Miss Lydia will fair once she’s back home'”
“As you wish,” Darcy replied stoically.
Directly after breakfast, the men went to collect Lydia. Darcy waited at the carriage door for Lydia, who came out and kissed her aunt and uncle goodbye and then walked towards him. She accepted his hand and gave him a brief glance from under her bonnet, then began giggling as she quickly averted her gaze.
Oh Lord, he thought, this is going to be a long journey. Darcy thanked the Gardiners for all their help and then bid them farewell.
Once on their way, Col. Fitzwilliam quickly fell asleep, leaving Darcy to exchange acceptable pleasantries with both ladies. Darcy concluded that an inescapable carriage ride was the perfect location to try to illicit some explanation from Lydia for her actions.
“Miss Lydia, may I ask you about George and yourself?” he asked discreetly.
She turned and glanced at the young maid sitting next to her, who then acknowledged her unspoken request and moved a little closer to the window, thus affording them a greater degree of privacy.
Leaning forward, Lydia said,
“The pain is still acute Mr Darcy, but talking of my dear Wickham may ease it. What is it you wish to know?”
“Miss Lydia, I take it Wickham did propose to you before you left Brighton?”
“Lord, Mr Darcy, of course he did! I may be only fifteen, but I do have some understanding of the proprieties. George promised me I would be the first of my sisters to be married. They do pick on me dreadfully you know? I think it is because I am the prettiest, and they are all jealous of me. Anyway, dear George mentioned what a hoot it would be while still in Meryton. It was not until we met again in Brighton that we had the opportunity to put our plan into action. He said you especially would find it amusing. I told him I thought you too stuffy to appreciate such a lark, but he said the irony would not be lost on you, whatever that means. Also, once you and Lizzie are married, you and I would be brother and sister in earnest. You of all people would find it most diverting that he had at last managed to get one of your sisters to the altar,” she giggled, but clearly Wickham’s meaning was lost on her. Darcy, however, understood his meaning only too clearly.
She could not imagine the impact her words had on him. Still, Darcy thought, even now from beyond the grave, Wickham taunts me.
Closing his eyes, he took a calming breath and said,
“I am at a loss as to why you stopped in London then madam, why did you not journey directly to Gretna Green? Surely you knew the impropriety of such an action?”
“Well, we would have journeyed straight to Scotland, and I confess I thought that was our direction, but George insisted we rest for a few days before going on to Gretna Green. He said he had to collect additional funds from an acquaintance in town, and then we might buy new clothes for the ceremony. But he did let me purchase this bonnet, do you not think it suits me. I confess it was quite ugly when I bought it, but I have added a few ribbons to match my gown, do you see? I thought I might as well have it as not.”
She pulled her cloak aside to expose her dark blue travelling dress. Darcy nodded while his mind toiled. He had been correct; he was the intended blackmail target. Was she truly that naive to think Wickham was the lover he portrayed? Clearly so.
“We will be stopping for refreshments, will we not, Mr Darcy? For, Lord, I am famished. Are you not famished too?” she asked, turning to the maid.
Yes, it was going to be a long journey, Darcy thought!
Not soon enough for Darcy, they arrived in Hertfordshire. They dropped Col. Fitzwilliam off at Netherfield and then Darcy’s carriage went on to Longbourn. Lydia’s incessant chattering had continued the whole distance, and Darcy was thankful when the groomsman jumped down and opened the carriage door.
Mrs Bennet ran out to greet Lydia as if she were merely returning from a day out.
“Lydia, dearest, you must be frozen, come inside and warm yourself by the fire. I am longing for you to tell me all about your adventure, and where is Mr Wickham? I must greet my new son-in-law,” she effused.
“Madam, it has been a trying journey and Miss Lydia is in need of the comfort of her bed without delay,” Darcy said sternly.
He caught Elizabeth’s eye and tossed his head, indicating for her to remove Lydia from her mother’s grasps. Understanding his direction, Elizabeth walked over to the women and spoke quietly to her sister.
“Come, Lydia, you must be fatigued, let us see to your comfort. We can go to your room, and I will brush your hair while we wait for Hill to arrange you a bath. Then Jane can bring you some hot chocolate and warm muffins.”
As Elizabeth steered her towards the stairs, Darcy caught part of Lydia’s reply.
“It has been a particularly hard week Lizzie. I had no chance to go to the fashionable shops in town, even though Wickham promised me we would. And then I had to ride home with boring old Mr Darcy, of all people.”
The temerity of the girl, after all, he had done for her!
Darcy took a deep breath in readiness to address Mrs Bennet's questions, but he was saved by the appearance of her husband.
“Cease your prattling woman and listen hard. I have matters to discuss with Mr Darcy, and you will await my summons on the hall chair. Should you choose to disobey my directive, you will suffer the full extent of my displeasure. Do you understand?” he said in a cold, angry tone.
Turning to Darcy, he continued,
“Follow me lad, and you two girls go to the kitchen and assist Hill with something,” he said, addressing Mary and Kitty, who quickly scuttled off.
Once safely ensconced in the privacy of the library, Mr Bennet turned to Darcy and said,
“Tell me all sir, leave nothing out.”
Darcy accepted the proffered chair and retold the events of his time in London, feeling acutely uncomfortable when imparting his final findings.
“It has been confirmed to Mrs Gardiner by Lydia herself, that relations between the runaways were not, accomplished shall we say.”
Bitingly embarrassed to be discussing the girl’s virtue with her father, Darcy hoped he had not been indelicate. He was then astounded by the directness of Mr Bennet.
“Knowing Wickham as I do now, I am surprised she is still a maid, deflowering virgins seems to be his wont. I must find her a match, and quickly. Young Johnson from the neighbouring estate has had a hankering for her these last six months, but I thought her too young. Well, she has proved me wrong there. He is a good lad, pleasing to look at in a foppish sort of way and with a thousand a year, that’s more than enough to keep Lydia in bonnets and ribbons."
Then addressing Darcy in an earnest tone he continued,
"I am indebted to you in many ways sir, and will probably never be able to repay you. Nevertheless, you have my earnest thanks and gratitude for your assistance and silence in this matter.”
Mr Bennet stood and held out his hand. Darcy, who gauged the interview was over, shook his hand and turned to leave when he heard Mr Bennet offer,
“You will do very well for my Lizzie, very well indeed.”
Darcy knew these words were Mr Bennet’s seal of approval on their engagement, and he was satisfied. He felt they now shared a bond and, hopefully, an ally in the Bennet household. As he closed the study, Darcy passed Mrs Bennet, still seated in the hall. She was muttering about the way her husband had treated her in front of company. He gave her a brief nod then continued to the parlour to await Elizabeth’s return.
“Madam, you will come in here, NOW,” Mr Bennet bellowed, finally re-esta
blishing his position as head of the household.
Darcy smiled, first Charles and now Mr Bennet!
“Wickham is dead!" Elizabeth said as she took a seat next to Darcy. "I can scarce believe it. I admit to entertaining harsh thoughts of him this past week, but dead! And you think it was a duel?”
“I can only surmise that, going on what the innkeeper told me and the evidence when I arrived at Green Park. It is the fashionable place for duelling at the moment, and his watch and fob were intact, which would rule out robbery. The pistol by his hand had not been fired and was still with the body.”
He paused to show her the initialled handkerchief. The implication to Mary King was self-explanatory, and Elizabeth drew in a sharp breath.
“Your sister has been more fortunate than others. You say Lydia seems largely unaffected by events? I also determined that; which is good. I believe your father has formed an agreeable plan to secure her future. Hopefully, all will be well.”
Elizabeth lowered her eyes and spoke hesitantly.
“When I discovered whom she had eloped with, I thought we were all ruined. I feared that you might want to reconsider our engagement.”
“You think my love for you could be so easily affected Elizabeth, what could the worst have been?" He raised her hand to his lips. "To be shunned by the Ton and forced to seek refuge at Pemberley until it had faded from memory?" He paused to place a few feather kisses along her wrist.
"Dearest Elizabeth, my heart would rejoice at having you all to myself,”
the delicate aroma of lavender that emanated from her skin invaded his senses,
and he murmured. "How I have missed you.”
“I missed you too,” she returned shyly, a gentle blush coming to her cheeks.
Mortified that he had been unguarded enough to let the words slip from his lips, he froze. Yet Elizabeth had professed to have missed him also? This was progress of the most positive and encouraging kind. He held her gaze and uncharacteristically sought reassurance.
Mr Darcy's Struggle Page 14