The Colonel snorted. “The debts of honour are more than his pay.” He shook his head in disgust. “I cannot say I disagree with you, but some of these men have families they must support.”
“Then they will have learned a valuable lesson.” Darcy looked down at the Colonel, clearly unwilling to waver.
The men held each other’s gaze until Colonel Forster finally nodded his assent. “I will see what can be done for them.”
Mr. Bennet leaned forward. “I am not dismissing the need to address Mr. Wickham’s debts, but I have a greater desire to know what is to be done about the threat he poses to my family.”
“It appears by his condition, there is little fear of physical harm to your daughters.” The Colonel chuckled. “I say, Mr. Bennet, I did not expect a man of your age to be able to take down one of my officers. I fear I must increase their training.”
Their host did not show the same amusement; his brows furrowed as he stared at the officer. “My driver and footman assisted me in taking down the blackguard, but it was the man’s own actions which led to his injuries. I believe his foot became entangled in the undergrowth when he attempted to flee and his leg twisted as he fell upon it.”
He rubbed his eyes once more. “My concerns do not lie with him physically assaulting my daughters; I am certain any one of them could best the man. I fear what tales he might tell. His lies regarding Mr. Darcy have already brought this calamity into my home.”
Bingley was surprised to see doubt upon the Colonel’s countenance. He wondered if the man actually believed, after all that had happened, that Darcy had cheated Mr. Wickham out of his inheritance. Apparently he was not the only one who noticed.
“Colonel,” Darcy took the seat next to the man. “I can assure you that Mr. Wickham has misled you regarding certain details of our history. He has spoken true regarding my father desiring a place in the church be presented to him. What he has neglected to reveal is that he refused to take orders and accepted three thousand pounds in lieu of receiving the position. That and the one thousand pounds left to him should have seen him well settled in another profession, but Mr. Wickham was in desperate need of funds in less than two years.”
The Colonel’s eyes widened causing Bingley to look away for fear of showing his amusement. It amazed him that the man would still be surprised by Wickham’s depravity, even after all that had been presented.
“I suspect you will also find,” Darcy cleared his throat, suddenly appearing quite uncomfortable. “I wonder, sir, if any gentlemen have approached you regarding their young daughters.”
Colonel Forster frowned. “There has been talk, but no fingers have been pointed.”
Darcy nodded. “Most likely the girl believes he will marry her.”
“I begin to regret my decision,” Mr. Bennet mumbled as he rested his elbows on the desk and massaged his forehead.
“Your decision?” Colonel Forster’s brow wrinkled in puzzlement.
“Yes,” Mr. Bennet lifted his head. “I had believed I was gaining an excellent son-in-law, but the more I learn of the results of his indolence, the more fearful I become.”
Bingley sat forward. “I do not see how you can blame Darcy for Wickham’s actions.”
“Do you not?” Bennet met the young man’s gaze directly before shaking his head. “Well, you have not yet had children. Nor have you had to watch your neighbours suffer because of wrongs done against them.” He shook his head again. “All of which could have been avoided with one word from an influential man.”
Darcy’s head was hung low, his shoulders drooped. “I thought … I should have said something, but I was afraid.”
“Afraid?” The Colonel’s voice held a hint of anger and disbelief. “What could you fear? Does Mr. Wickham hold evidence against you of some sort?”
Bingley jumped to his feet. “Darcy is the most honourable man I know. There is nothing Wickham could say against him that would not be lies.”
“Thank you, Bingley, but these gentlemen are correct. I have not acted with honour in this case. I was too interested in protecting my family name to see how my lack of action was affecting others.” Darcy turned toward the Colonel. “If I had, I might have told you and the townspeople of Mr. Wickham’s past transgressions. I have purchased his debts from more than one town and have helped relocate families affected by his baseness. I might have protected everyone from him, but instead I allowed him to continue in his dissolute ways in fear he might ruin someone dear to me should I oppose him.”
Darcy met Mr. Bennet’s gaze. “My inaction nearly destroyed the woman who holds my heart.” He shook his head as he ran a hand through his hair. “I could never forgive myself had Elizabeth or her sisters been ruined by that man.”
An air of resignation settled about Mr. Bennet’s shoulders and he nodded. “I must assume you will not allow a similar situation to occur in the future.” He turned toward Colonel Forster. “Wickham will be prosecuted?”
The Colonel studied the gentlemen, his eyes narrowed as though he were reviewing what he knew and what he had learned. “You hold Mr. Wickham’s past debts, Mr. Darcy?”
“I do,” Darcy replied with a stiff nod.
Rubbing his chin, the officer leaned back in his seat. “Based on what you said regarding a loved one and your family name, I can see how you would be reluctant to demand repayment or have him sent to debtor’s prison. Perhaps there is an alternative.”
Both Mr. Bennet and Darcy leaned toward the man expectantly and the Colonel continued. “Tensions with France have lessened, but our troops are always needed in other parts of the world. I might be able to see him transferred to the regulars in a distant land.”
His lips pursed as he considered his next words. “Mr. Bennet, I understand your desire for prosecution, but, in this situation, I fear that could create more damage than good. Mr. Wickham is a good officer, when he applies himself. He has a way with men; they follow him.”
“But into what?” Mr. Bennet asked with a grunt.
A crooked smile crept across Colonel Forster’s countenance. “Depending upon the location and the commanding officer, we may be able to limit the degree of his mischief-making.”
“You have something in mind,” Darcy stated knowingly.
Wrinkles appeared about the Colonel’s eyes as his smile grew. “I do. Just yesterday I received a letter from an old friend. Smithers is a demanding man; his parents held strict religious beliefs and he does not allow less in his officers. He mentioned a need for well-trained men who can help him whip his new recruits into shape.”
Darcy frowned. “Where?”
“India. I doubt even Wickham could find a way back to England without military assistance. It would also allow me to easily monitor his activities.”
The three men fell silent as they considered the suggestion until Bingley cleared his throat. “Of course, he would have to heal before being placed on a ship.”
“Mr. Bingley is correct.” Mr. Bennet met Darcy’s gaze. “We must find someplace for him to recuperate.”
Darcy’s frown deepened as he returned to his post at the window. No one spoke as they all contemplated the possibilities.
Bingley wondered where a soldier of the reserves would normally recover from injuries. Meryton was a small town, a temporary camp for the militia, with no hospital or infirmary. He supposed they would remain in their normal lodgings, but he was uncertain where that was. The more he considered the matter, the less he realized he knew.
He glanced about the room, certain Mr. Bennet knew where the soldiers were housed. Darcy, though he had no interest in the area, also was most likely aware of the location. But Bingley, who leased the largest estate in the area and was considering purchasing the property, had no idea. He had dined with the officers, but that was in Colonel Forster’s home and he had made no inquiry regarding their lodgings.
His musings and self-recrimination were interrupted when Darcy turned about, his brow more furrowed then Bingley had e
ver seen it.
“I suppose we must wait for the surgeon to examine Wickham to determine how soon he can be moved. Once he can, I believe it best he be transported to London. There, he could easily be sent to Liverpool where he can catch the first ship bound for India as soon as the surgeon says he is able.” He took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. “He could stay at my town home until that time.”
Mr. Bennet snorted. “You would have that man in your home?”
“I would bring my sister here first. Bingley, may we impose upon you further by having Georgiana and her companion at Netherfield?”
“It is no imposition. Miss Darcy is welcome at any time, but do you really want Mr. Wickham staying in your home?”
“Want? No. But I am able to supply the care and guards to insure his well-being without causing further harm to others.” Darcy shrugged. “I can think of no other solution.”
Colonel Forster stood. “I believe all of this is mere speculation until we hear the surgeon’s prognosis. Shall we go see how Lt. Wickham fares?”
The gentlemen were in agreement and moved toward the door. Mr. Bennet and Colonel Forster led the way. As Darcy approached the doorway, Bingley laid a hand upon his arm.
“You are certain? You will take Wickham to your home?”
“I will have him sent to my town home and my staff will be given specific instructions to his care as well as the limits of his access.” The corner of Darcy’s lips turned up in a mischievous manner. “I can think of several servants who may be pleased to look after Wickham. Particularly those who have a history with the man.”
“But are you not taking on too much?”
“No.” Darcy’s reply was direct. “As Mr. Bennet pointed out, had I acted years ago, Wickham would not have as many victims as he does. This is my responsibility and mine alone. I must be allowed to accept it.”
Bingley frowned, but followed as Darcy continued after the others. He kept pace a few steps behind as he considered what had been said.
The idea of one man being responsible for another man’s actions, especially an upstanding man such as Darcy, did not sit well with him. Though further contemplation allowed him to understand the reasoning, it simply countered his own beliefs that each man was responsible for himself. Had his father not taught him that he had to pull himself up to the level he desired? His grandfather and father had worked hard to make their business successful enough for Bingley to enter society as a gentleman. The fact that he was able to fraternize with members of the elite inner circles of the ton was due to his amiable personality … and Darcy, of course. Had they not met at university, Bingley might still be flitting about the edges as he had once done.
A stifled cry drew his attention as they neared the barn. Men’s voices could be heard along with another cry as they entered.
“Keep him still, Samuel. I must set the leg properly or he’ll be a cripple.”
“That’d be easier if we knocked him out.”
Bingley thought the footman sounded a bit eager to do the honours. He wondered why Wickham had not been dosed with laudanum to make him more compliant.
“If he didn’t have such a bad reaction to laudanum, we could.” Beads of sweat stood out on the surgeon’s brow. “The alcohol is making him pugnacious.”
Darcy stepped forward and laid a hand on the footman’s shoulder. He looked down at his oldest friend and greatest enemy. “The hard way or the easy way?”
Wickham’s eyes were glazed by pain or drink as he sneered up at Darcy. “When has anything been easy for me?”
“Ha!” Darcy leaned forward. “When did you ever appreciate what you were given?” His fist cracked against Wickham’s jaw and the man fell silent.
Darcy stood, straightening his coat before he rubbed his fist. “Sir,” he said as he nodded toward the surgeon.
Everyone was silent as they suppressed either amusement or shock at Darcy’s display. The leg was set within minutes and a splint applied. It was decided that Wickham should be transported to Colonel Forster’s home while he was still unconscious. Once the surgeon was able to confirm the leg was set correctly and no fever had set in, Wickham would be sent to London.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Bingley sat at the head of the table, his eyes glazed over as though his mind was several miles away. Not wanting to startle his friend, Darcy quietly cleared his throat to announce his presence before crossing to the sideboard to fix his plate. He suppressed a chuckle as he looked over the selection.
When Darcy first arrived at Netherfield, Miss Bingley made certain every item he had ever shown favouritism toward or even mentioned was present at breakfast. Perhaps this was due to his rising earlier than she; so that his thoughts might be turned toward her. Since it was now clear he would be marrying Elizabeth, the selection was noticeably less at this time of morning. He was certain choices would increase as the time neared for Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst to rise.
Making his selections, he motioned for the footman to bring him a cup of coffee and took his seat near Bingley. His friend’s expression had not changed and Darcy decided it was time to speak. Once his coffee was before him, he dismissed the footman.
“Bingley.” Darcy moved the food about his plate as he carefully considered his words. He had been tasked with making his friend ‘get on with it’, but was not certain how to do so. For his part, Bingley barely registered Darcy’s presence making the man even more uncomfortable.
It had all seemed so easy when Elizabeth mentioned it the previous night. They had been in the parlour at Longbourn discussing Georgiana’s approaching arrival. Bingley and Miss Bennet were acting as chaperones, but were some distance away. ‘Give him a nudge,’ Elizabeth had said. ‘Mention having a double wedding.’ She had neglected telling him how to begin the conversation.
“Am I worthy of Miss Bennet?” Bingley suddenly asked, breaking into Darcy’s thoughts.
“Worthy?”
“There is so much I do not know about running an estate. Things I have never considered. Until the other evening when Wickham was injured, I had not even wondered where the militia was housed. As a member of the community, I should know such things. I should be involved in the neighbourhood more than just hosting a ball or attending events. I do not even know the names of the merchants, or what goods they sell for that matter.”
Bingley took a sip of tea, grimaced, and returned the cup to the saucer. “I am a terrible neighbour. I have not given the people of Meryton half a thought, except to consider my own enjoyment.”
“You are being too hard on yourself.” Darcy considered his normally confident friend. “I have never seen you so riddled with self-doubt. I remember the first time we met. You walked into the peers’ society meeting hall as though you were born to be there. I was in awe. I was only tolerated as I was the grandson of an earl. You were the son of a tradesman, but you were more at ease there than I ever was.” He could not suppress a laugh at the memory.
“Yes, I was quickly put in my place as I remember it.” Bingley smiled sheepishly.
“But you did not allow it to affect you. You begged their pardon and left as though you had simply entered the wrong classroom and continued on your search for the correct one.” Darcy shook his head. “I was impressed and determined to know you better.”
“Then it was the wisest decision I ever made. Though I must confess, at the time I kicked myself for my audacity.” Bingley’s smile faded. “I know so much less than I thought I did of what it means to be part of a country society.”
Darcy reached out and clasped his friend’s shoulder. “You are a good man, Bingley. All you lack is a woman at your side to guide you. Miss Bennet is a gentleman’s daughter. She understands the responsibilities to tenants and neighbours. She will be the making of you. Indeed, I believe she already has been.”
Bingley’s brow furrowed. “She is all that is good and beneficent, but am I worthy of her?”
“That is not for me to say. Only the lady
can decide, if you would ask her.”
Darcy turned his attention to his plate while his friend slipped into silence once more. After several minutes had gone by with no response, he laid down his fork and wiped his lips with his serviette. Bingley continued to stare off into the room at nothing in particular.
“Elizabeth is expecting me early this morning. We are to walk before accompanying her mother on morning visits. Will you be joining me?”
Bingley did not at once reply and Darcy dropped his serviette on the table. “Come, man, when will you get to the point of it?” He pushed back from the table and rounded on his friend. “You love the woman, do you not?”
“Yes.” Bingley’s eyes were round with surprise.
“Then ask her to marry you. Elizabeth wants a double wedding and I am not willing to postpone it until you have convinced yourself you are man enough for her sister.”
“A double wedding? Does Miss Bennet also desire it?” Bingley blinked rapidly as though just waking.
“I do not believe Elizabeth would mention it if it had not been spoken of previously.”
A grin broke across Bingley’s countenance. “Then why are we still here?” He leapt from his seat, calling out for their horses to be saddled.
Darcy shook his head as he chuckled, and then followed his friend toward the stables.
***********
When the first drop of rain struck the sitting room window, the couples accepted the change in plans and found seats, away from the majority of the Bennets, where they could converse quietly. Bingley frowned as his gaze continuously found its way to the rain streaked window.
Miss Bennet cleared her throat. “Your mind is elsewhere today, Mr. Bingley. Have you pressing business to which you must attend?”
“No.” Bingley sat a little taller as he glanced about the room. “Darcy had mentioned Miss Elizabeth wishing to walk this morning, and I thought we might accompany them.”
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