by Head, Gail
Her words gave him pause, and seeing the truth of them reflected in his face, she pressed on.
“Lydia has been ill-used, indeed; but I fear it gets worse. There is a deeper purpose to her seduction, sir, and that is blackmail.” Elizabeth drew forth the second letter and somberly placed it on the desk next to the first.
She had practiced diligently to create the fictitious letter in a hand that would not betray her as its author. It was the only way to hide the true source of Lydia's own shameful letter and still win her father's approval – something she needed if she was to accept Wickham's proposal and carry out her plan.
“Lydia's letter was enclosed in this letter. You may read it, but I will tell you it does not contain anything that would lead us to discover who sent it. I do not think it would help to know the blackmailer's identity in any case as he threatens to expose her if he is found out. However, it does say that Lydia has written several more letters just as appalling and scandalous as this one.” Elizabeth paused to gauge the effect of her words, searching her father's face. “We both know that Lydia is incapable of keeping a secret – and she thinks herself in love. I fear any attempt to force her confidence would push her further into his power. Most certainly, the letters would become public knowledge and then our family's reputation would be ruined regardless of the outcome.”
Mr. Bennet took up the second letter, but didn't have the heart to do more than skim the page as Elizabeth went on, carefully broaching what she knew would be the greatest obstacle in her plan.
“There is one more thing. If we are to retrieve all the letters, he requires my cooperation in another matter. I am to accept a position in the north as companion to a young lady - a ward, I believe. It does not specify, but I cannot believe it would be for very long.”
“A companion? In the north? No! Absolutely not! I will not hear of it. I'll not give way to blackmail and sacrifice you, Lizzy; not to save Lydia from her foolishness! We will find another way.”
“Father, there is no other way. I must go, at least for the time being. Do you not see that it is more than Lydia's reputation at stake here? What of Jane? The slightest hint of scandal could ruin forever her chances of happiness with Mr. Bingley. I cannot let that happen again!”
“But why would someone want you to go into service? I cannot imagine such a thing!”
“I do not know why nor do I know who would ask it; but I intend to find out, and the only way to do that is to accept the terms.”
Mr. Bennet dropped into his chair. “You are telling me you would sacrifice your own reputation for the sake of your sisters'? Not you, Lizzy! It is too much to ask.”
The grief in her father's eyes was almost more than she could bear, but Elizabeth stood her ground. She could see the beginnings of capitulation, and was grateful now for this weakness in his character.
“Being a companion is a respectable position, Father; though I would not freely choose to do so on my own. And, no one need know exactly where I have gone. The position is certain to be too great a distance for anyone to discover me, and I shall be back as soon as the letters are recovered. You will, of course, need to prevent Lydia from writing any more. In the end, I think no one shall be any the wiser.”
“Lydia will not write another word, you may depend upon it. But, Lizzy, how do you propose to keep this colossal secret from the rest of the family – from your mother?” Mr. Bennet gave her a knowing look.
Elizabeth's departure would indeed cause unavoidable excitement. The insistence on knowing every detail of her situation and Mrs. Bennet's inability to keep those details private was a significant problem. But it was a difficulty Elizabeth had already considered and she gave a ready answer.
“We shall invent a distant relative who is in need of a traveling companion. Perhaps a rich relation of your cousin's widow? A sister-in-law. Given the disagreement between the families, Mama would feel an obligation for me to accept, but would not wish to know her better.”
Mr. Bennet sat in silence. Elizabeth's heart ached at the sight of him, weighed down with disappointment at Lydia, and even more so with his own inability to change the consequences of her actions. He was fighting a losing battle, but his heart would not let go so easily and he gave her a look that spoke of his desperate hope she could be persuaded against this madness. She returned his gaze with an unyielding expression that told him otherwise.
“And what of letters?” he offered, grasping at the only excuse he could think of. “For you to not write would instantly raise suspicion; and for anyone to write from Longbourn would require a knowledge of your travels. In short order your little charade would come to an end.”
Elizabeth frowned thoughtfully. She had not considered this impediment. Letters could be passed through her father once she was situated, but she could not send the directions directly to Longbourn and risk her mother finding the letter. After a few minutes of deliberation, she gave him an exultant smile.
“Mrs. Pennwyth!”
“Mrs. Pennwyth?” her father stared. “Old Pennwyth's widow that lives in Granley Cottage?”
“Yes! Do you not see? As Mr. Pennwyth was such a faithful employee and your steward for more than 20 years, she is just the one! She is a dear old woman who can certainly be trusted to keep our secret. I am confident she will aid us. And since she is pensioned by Longbourn, it would not be out of the ordinary for you to visit and see to her needs. It is perfect! As soon as I am settled, I shall write to you in care of Granley Cottage.”
“I do not like this, Lizzy; not one bit. You cannot ask me to send you out into the world unprotected, without the slightest idea of where you are going!”
“I am not unprotected, Father; I have you! I can always send an express and I know you would come at a moment's notice. For whatever reason, it seems vastly important to this person that I take this position, so I cannot think any harm would come to me. In the worst case, I shall have money enough to turn back at any time, if need be. So you see, it is not as desperate as you would imagine.”
She felt his thoughtful gaze as he studied her for some time. She was no longer the child he wished her to be, but a woman, fiercely independent in thought and deed.
With a deep, heart-wrenching sigh, he finally nodded his head. “As you have so aptly pointed out, the welfare and respectability of our entire family is threatened; and in truth, I can think of no other way to save it. As much as I do not want to let you go, I do not think I have a choice.”
Elizabeth welcomed his arm around her shoulder and his gentle kiss on her forehead. “It will all come right, Father. Do not worry.”
She gave an affectionate pat to his arm and turned to leave, the encouraging smile she had displayed fading as she went. I am sorry to deceive you, dear Papá, but I had no choice. Our family's reputation must be saved and the risk of a duel with Wickham is out of the question! thought Elizabeth sadly as she emerged from the library. The alarming effect produced by just one of Lydia's letters was proof that she could not involve him any further. It was enough that she had persuaded him to her scheme for a precipitous departure from Longbourn; but thankfully, once she was on her way, he would no longer be at risk. It would be up to her to save the family's reputation.
She was not looking forward to the uncertainty that lay ahead, but it seemed the best path to follow if she was to beat Wickham at his own game. There was a valuable ally to be had in the north and she intended to use it.
They must have great wealth, else I doubt Mr. Wickham would put himself to so much trouble. Perhaps he intends to try his hand at seduction again and mistreat this girl as he did Georgiana Darcy – hoping for an elopement or even blackmail against the family! In any case, I am certain he plans to separate them from their money by some foul trickery. He means to use me as he once used Mrs. Younge – but he is in for a great surprise!
As soon as she could, she would discover Wickham's plan and obtain proof sufficient to expose his misdeeds. When she saved the unsuspecting f
amily from scandal and disgrace, their gratitude would almost certainly be turned into an advantageous alliance against Wickham, one that would save her family. And, if they are as rich and powerful as I expect, they will easily be able to crush him as he deserves!
* * * *
Wickham's eyes flashed with victory as he watched Elizabeth approach his position in the private garden to the east of Longbourn's main grounds. The lift of her chin and set of her countenance told him she would accept his proposal, however unwilling she may be.
He had planned well, for she had no choice but to acquiesce or allow Lydia to bring her whole family down. Mr. Bingley's return to the neighborhood had been an unexpected but favorable turn of events. Most advantageous, in fact, for Elizabeth, as well as anyone who looked upon the doting couple, could see the hopes of the previous November would soon be realized. Disgrace to the family now would dash those hopes, and he knew enough of Elizabeth to expect she would do anything in her power to secure her favorite sister's happiness.
Wickham stepped forward eagerly as she reached him, restraining the satisfied grin playing at his mouth. “Miss Elizabeth, do I take it from your coming that you find the terms of the proposal agreeable?”
“Agreeable, sir?” she replied tightly. “Your proposal is anything but agreeable! However, as I am sure you are well aware, I have little choice in the matter but to accept.”
“Indeed!” he agreed condescendingly. “It is a simple thing, really; however, I must caution you on your lively expression of thought. It is imperative that you execute your duties with all civility and the utmost deference to your employer.”
Elizabeth bristled at his admonition. “You may be assured I shall be the very model of civility.”
“I am glad to hear it. The situation is nothing too difficult, I promise you. For my part, each month you fulfill your duties satisfactorily, I shall deliver one of Lydia's letters for you to dispose of as you see fit. However, should you choose to be difficult in any way or prove to be a less than admirable companion, I will be obliged to expose your sister's indiscretion.”
“You need not worry on my account, Lieutenant. Just you keep your end of the bargain and send the letters. Exactly how many letters are there, if I may ask?”
“Hmm…not including the one I have already given you – I believe your sister has graced me with fifteen very remarkable expressions of her affection,” he grinned complacently.
“Fifteen! Certainly you would not separate me from my family for so long! I beg you would give me two or even three letters each month!”
“Alas, my dear, I must refuse. I agree it is a rather difficult arrangement, but a necessary one.”
“Necessary? Dare I hope you would explain yourself?”
“Unfortunately, there are circumstances which I am not at liberty to disclose.”
“Naturally. And if my services are no longer required before I have recovered all the letters; what will happen then?”
“That depends upon you. There are certain circumstances beyond your control that could arise to change our little arrangement; which circumstances, again, I am unable to divulge. But, if any one of them should come about, then the letters are yours. However, if you should in any way present a disappointing performance in your situation and fail to retain your position, I shall publish them immediately.”
Elizabeth waited for Wickham to continue, but he merely observed her silently.
“And this is all the explanation I am to receive, sir?”
“Yes, I am afraid so.”
“Very well, Mr. Wickham, but I have a condition of my own.”
“Indeed? And what would that be?”
“You will keep your distance from Lydia. Her behavior is already called into question, and as you have made it perfectly clear that you have no intention of marrying her, you cannot allow her to continue her attentions to you.”
“Hmmm. Why should I deny myself the very great pleasure of your sister's company?”
“Because if you are the cause of her complete ruin, the letters will make no difference and I will be at liberty to reveal all you have done. If that happens, I promise you that you shall suffer equally in her misfortune.”
Wickham pursed his lips in irritation. Darcy would have to fall in love with an intelligent woman! He considered Elizabeth's defiant countenance for a moment. It did not really matter to him. Lydia Bennet was entertaining, but he could be equally satisfied with any number of girls in Meryton. “Very well, as difficult as it may be to convince your sister, I shall keep my distance as long as you keep your part of the bargain. Have you spoken to her?”
“No, only my father.” She smiled archly at his startled look. “But do not make yourself uneasy, sir. I judged it wiser your identity should be kept a secret for the time being. He only knows that I am to take a position in the north. Everyone else shall believe me to be traveling with a distant relation. I would not embarrass my family with the knowledge that I have gone into service.”
“Of course. You may be assured of my secrecy as well.”
“Indeed,” she replied with a measured look. “And shall you tell me when I am to begin?”
“Arrangements have been made for you to travel in two days' time.”
“Two days?!” Elizabeth reeled with astonishment. “That is not possible!” In the next moment, her simmering glare told him she had finally realized his absolute certainty of her acceptance, and he smiled at her perception. There had really been no choice.
“Oh, but it is! I have arranged for a coach to be sent for you the day after tomorrow at half past seven in the morning. Do not be late, for you will have to make a change to the post and cannot afford to miss it. Bring only a small case and one trunk for your travels. Everything else will be provided, including a travelling companion. We could not have you arrive unescorted, could we now? With good weather, your journey should not last longer than four or five days at the most.”
“Five days travel? I had not realized I would be going so far! Am I not to know my destination or the name of my employer?”
“The less you know of our little arrangement, the less others will know; and so much the better. Once you have arrived, I suppose you are at liberty to say what you will, but I would again caution you against saying too much if you wish to keep your secret. The gossips have a way of finding out the truth when there is promise of scandal, you know,” he grinned again as she drew herself up with a strained composure. “I wish you a pleasant journey, madam.”
Offering a formal bow, Wickham turned and walked away, leaving a furious Elizabeth to stare after him. He was too far away to hear anything when she finally gave voice to the loathing in her heart. “You may have won this battle, Mr. Wickham, but the war is not over yet. You shall pay dearly for the misery you have brought to my family.”
* * * *
Elizabeth moved about as silently as she could, placing the few remaining items into her traveling bag. She carefully checked the packet of coins hidden beneath her skirt one last time before taking the bag in hand and retrieving her spencer and bonnet from the bed. One cursory look was all she gave her room before making her way downstairs, being careful not to wake the rest of the family. She had made her farewells to the family the night before, knowing this morning she could not maintain the façade of a happy adventure in the face of any prolonged parting.
Announcing her departure had been difficult enough. In spite of the animosity her mother harbored against her father's side of the family, Elizabeth had been pressed for more details than she cared to give. It was only through a concerted effort that she and her father satisfied Mrs. Bennet without exposing the true nature of her departure. Mary had shown only a polite interest in Elizabeth's plans, while Kitty and Lydia were wild with envy at the romantic notion of traveling through the countryside with a rich relation. The hardest part had been lying to Jane. A swell of guilt rose anew, but Elizabeth pushed it back, reminding herself that it was Jane's happiness she
was protecting.
Coming down the stairs, Elizabeth's courage wavered at the sight of her father and Jane waiting for her. How could she leave the two people she loved most in the world?
“Well, Lizzy, the carriage has come.” Mr. Bennet's voice was heavy with emotion. He opened his mouth as if to say more, but thought the better of it and silently took her bag out to the waiting coach.
Elizabeth looked to Jane who was standing quietly in the doorway; a forced smile beaming in contrast to the sadness in her eyes. She could not hold her sister's penetrating look for long for fear that she would betray the anxiety she felt. She trusted Jane implicitly, but she knew her sister could not know what she was doing. No one could.
“I shall miss you, Jane.”
“Oh, Lizzy! I shall miss you, but I am happy for you to have this adventure. Perhaps this opportunity will acquaint our families well enough to mend the breach. You are the perfect choice for such a task, I am sure of it!”
“I shall do my best,” Elizabeth answered with a false cheerfulness. “I do not think I shall be able to write very often, but you will hear from me as soon as I have an opportunity.”
The sisters linked arms as they walked out and Elizabeth fought back her response to the tears she saw glistening in Jane's eyes. It was uncertain how long it would take for her efforts to bear fruit; but she was confident it would be long enough to hold the gossip at bay while Jane and Mr. Bingley came to an understanding. Long enough for their love to grow stout enough to withstand the rigors of scandal, should it come to that.
An older carriage, clean and in good repair in spite of its worn appearance, stood waiting in the drive. The coachman wore a uniform of no distinction and looked to be impatient for their departure.