“I would rather not speak so, but I can only speak the truth with you. She was, shall we say, not very promising when I last saw her. She was not always so, but after these years under her brother’s supervision, Darcy’s pride has left its mark on her as well. My dear Elizabeth, I find myself suddenly tired. Would you mind if I were to get some rest now?”
“Of course, Mr. Wickham. I shall leave you.”
“And dearest, Lizzy? Please call me George.” He turned on his side and smiled, congratulating himself for his quick thinking. He did not know why she asked if he were an only child but he must ascertain what her thoughts were before he gave an answer. He might need to make up an illegitimate sibling, but he needed to determine which sex it should be. In a bind, he could always say he had one of each. Or on the other hand, he might give the tragic story of a sibling dying when he was very young. He could have latched on to his dear friend Darcy as a substitute brother! Yes, he liked the thought of that. It could further his story of wretched rejection by that man.
Elizabeth’s thoughts were in such confusion. Remembering parts of the letter, some certainly could apply to Mr. Wickham. George Wickham. She wanting desperately to speak to someone, but with Jane gone to call on Mr. Bingley’s sisters at Netherfield and her aunt and uncle having left to return to London, she found herself deprived of her usual sources of advice. Deciding to put the letter writer’s advice to work, she paid a visit to the library to speak with her father.
“Papa, I hope I am not interrupting you. Do you have time to discuss something?”
“You are interrupting Gulliver as he is being held captive by the little people. But, I have an inkling that they will all still be right there after our discussion,” he said with a loving smile as he marked his place in his book. “What is on your mind this morning, my Lizzy?”
She began presenting to him all she has heard about both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham, becoming animated and pacing back and forth as she told him of her confusion. She finished by saying, “There appears to be much about Mr. Wickham I am finding out that I did not previously know. Of course, there appears to be much about Mr. Darcy that I was not previously aware of either. I know not what to believe, Papa.”
“What say you we try to work this out together? Take a seat Lizzy. First, it is only because of Mrs. Bennet’s hospitable heart that he is in my house. I confess I would not have agreed to your mother’s charitable offer to have him at Longbourn had she not shown up with him in the carriage.
“Now, I like that you used the word appears when mentioning what has been thought about each. Let us put aside appearances for now and just rely on the actual facts of the two men. As you have stated, the good we know of Mr. Wickham comes solely from his own mouth. Certainly he has friends from both the militia and the neighborhood, but not one of these has heard anything of him but from the same source as we. The bad we hear of him comes from two gentlemen of fine reputation. We must include information from Mr. Bingley’s sister, and I understand, your own sister Mary, has added to the accusations against him. While Mary is not perhaps the most sensible girl at times, her information can be relied on, to be sure. We also have in evidence that he jilted you once when a better prospect came along. Mark my words, if the opportunity were to present itself, he would do it again
“Now, on Mr. Darcy’s side what do we have? We have his good friend, and apparently confidant, at least on some matters, Mr. Bingley. I believe it is very telling that Bingley should speak ill of Mr. Wickham. I find that he, much like your sister Jane, does not enjoy gossiping, as many others do. He must have good evidence to back up the accusation. Did he not say he had another source of his information? We also have what we have seen of Mr. Darcy ourselves. Indeed, he may have trampled on your pride at your first meeting, but I believe he must have been trying to make up for his mistake in singling you out on other occasions. He does not have the easy manners of us country folks, but as with most reserved people, his true personality is usually better seen the more comfortable he becomes.
Which brings us to the Netherfield picnic. I have rarely enjoyed the company of any young man as much as I did Mr. Darcy’s that day. It is best you do not mention that to Jane. I have nothing against her suitor, but I find I have more in common with Mr. Darcy in our style of conversation. He does not talk of frivolous matters and can remain silent for long periods of time. I count that in his favor. However, when he does speak, he is a man of as much good sense as I have ever seen. He is able to converse on any topic I brought up and was most pleasant in his dealings with others. You may have noticed he has a soft spot for the children, and they were drawn to him. That, in itself, speaks volumes.
One final point, after spending the better part of the day with him, not once did he speak of any past grievances, he did not mention his wealth or possessions, and he certainly put himself forward whenever any were in need, even if he were in the middle of an important catch.”
Lizzy stood and walked around the desk to give her father an appreciative hug. “Thank you, Papa.”
He kissed her forehead and said, “There, there, you are a good girl, Lizzy. I thank you for coming to me and giving me a chance to help you. A father likes to be of use to his children and not just a regular fixture at the dinner table.”
Lizzy spent the remainder of the morning in her room in quiet contemplation. She saw clearly now how determined she had been to trust in her own judgment. She had been certain in her assessment of Mr. Wickham’s character, and Mr. Darcy’s. It was a humbling experience to finally admit the truth to herself. She reflected on how she would have felt if she had become bound to a man she could not respect. While she saw daily proof of such in her parent’s marriage, her mother was not of a malicious nature that Mr. Wickham appeared to be. She shuddered at the thought.
When she left her room, she was resolved to speak to Mr. Wickham immediately. Before she opened the door, she could hear the laughter from the gentleman along with her two youngest sisters.
“May, I have a word alone, Mr. Wickham?” she said as she entered.
“Yes, indeed, you may!” was his enthusiastic reply.
“Oh, Lizzy! He was just about to tell us about his days at university! Do try to be quick,” said a disgruntled Lydia as she and Kitty quit the room.
“You look well, sir.”
“Thank you, I feel rather well. How could one not with such happy associates to keep one company.”
“Yes, my younger sisters are always ready to laugh.”
“Is there something in particular you wish to speak with me privately about, dearest Lizzy? Would you not prefer to come and sit beside me?”
“No, I thank you. I will remain standing. Mr. Wickham, after careful consideration, I must inform you that I do not see reconciliation between us. I believe the past is better left as it is.”
Wickham’s cheerful smile turned to an expression of disbelief. “I do not understand. I thought we were growing closer again. Why? Have I done something to offend you? You said when we parted that you would wait for me. Is your heart that easily turned that you can forget all that we meant to each other in so short a time? If it is because you believe my prospects are lessened by my current infirmary, I was going to surprise you tonight with the news that my sight is returning after all!”
“Your sight was never an issue in my decision, but I am very glad to hear of your recovery. Mr. Wickham, might I remind you that it was you who did the leaving. In becoming engaged to Miss King, I would say you were the one whose heart showed itself to be easily turned.”
“Lizzy, you must believe me, I did not care a quarter as much about Miss King as I did for you! I never stopped loving you. My heart has always been yours.”
“If that is true, then it makes your conduct even harder to comprehend. How do you explain declaring yourself to one while loving another?”
“I explained to you my reasoning. It was for you that I took those measures! If we could not be together, then I wan
ted to make a clean break, so you might forget me quickly and move on with your life. Oh, how I regret my selfless act now! As you see, I could not go through with it! Does not that mean anything to you?”
“All I can say further on the matter is that if you desired me to move on, then in the end events have turned out as you wanted. And now that your sight is so much improved, I am sure you will want to return to your barracks as soon as possible. I wish you the best, sir.”
Chapter Thirteen
“I wish to extend your family an invitation to dine at Netherfield on Sunday next.”
“Oh, Mr. Bingley, we should be delighted to!” answered Mrs. Bennet. “Tell me, will your sisters be returning soon?”
“Well, they usually stay in town for the season, you know. I do not think country life was as appealing to them as it is to me. We will be having a guest arriving soon though. Mr. Darcy left yesterday to go to London for a few days. He will be bringing his sister back with him. He mentioned he would like to introduce Miss Darcy to your family. I know she will be very pleased to meet such lovely neighbors.” Mr. Bingley said proudly at he looked at Jane.
“Well, he has certainly been a most obliging gentleman of late!” Mrs. Bennet replied. With Mr. Wickham gone, and Lizzy stating she was happy to have her home to herself again, the notion of Mr. Darcy being a match for her daughter had become firmly placed in her in her motherly heart and mind.
“Mr. Bingley, tell me: Do you know Miss Georgiana Darcy well? Is she much like her brother?” asked Lizzy.
“If you only knew how humorous that comparison is, Miss Elizabeth! I believe if one did not know otherwise, one would never guess at their being so closely related. She is a very sweet girl. While they both have a reserved disposition, Georgiana was an extremely shy child. I know she is working hard to overcome it, but it is still evident in her quiet manners. Darcy on the other hand could hardly afford to be so; he had much responsibility thrown his way. Pemberley is a great estate to manage at so young an age. Adding to his responsibilities, his mother died shortly after Georgiana was born and then their father when she was only eleven. He is very protective of her. As you will see when you meet her, she quite adores him.”
“That is high praise indeed, is it not?” asked Mr. Bennet throwing a meaningful look at Lizzy.
“If you want praise, you would only need to apply to his housekeeper at Pemberley, old Mrs. Reynolds. If I ever began to tease my friend on his ability to be silent for hours as he reads or not partaking of other’s lively conversations, she would defend him as if she were his mother.
“I recall one such occasion of having particular fun at my friend’s expense, who, I assure you, takes it all in amusement and will give it in return. He can be very quick with his retorts, mind you. Well, after Darcy quit the room to go take care of something or other, Mrs. Reynolds came in with a maid to “clear up a bit.” As she worked, she told the maid,’ Mr. Bingley stood up straight and lifted a finger in imitation of the woman. ‘I, who have known Mr. Darcy since he was four years old, have never heard a cross word from him in my life. He is the best landlord and the best master that ever lived. Not like the wild young men nowadays who think of nothing but themselves.’ Of course, here is where she gave me her most severe look. ’There is not one of his servants or tenants but will give him a good name. Some people call him proud, but I am sure I never saw anything of it. To my fancy, it is only because he does not rattle away like other young men,’ she concluded with her eyes again looking directly at me,” he laughed.
Lizzy could not help but laugh at the impersonation, but her thoughts soon turned towards the housekeeper’s most extraordinary praise. That he was not a good tempered man had been her firmest conviction just a few weeks ago. But what she had personally witnessed of him at the picnic and hearing Mr. Bingley’s recital of the housekeeper’s words awakened her keenest interest. She felt her admiration for him growing.
To add the smile he had given her at the picnic onto his revised character was turning his portrait into one of the most becoming she had ever viewed.
Her thoughts next went to Bingley’s description of Miss Darcy. So Mr. Wickham has deceived me once again, thought Lizzy. Why had he led her to believe that Miss Darcy was proud and not very promising? She could easily comprehend his dislike of Mr. Darcy, if the story he told of their dealings was true. If they were true! But why did he feel the need to speak ill of the young Miss Darcy, who, by Mr. Bingley’s account, was sweet, quiet and shy?
“Lizzy, did you not hear a word I said?” Mrs. Bennet asked in disbelief. “I have been talking to you for two minutes together while you stared at the piano!”
“Oh, I am sorry, Mama! I find myself quite distracted. Would you mind repeating what you said?”
Mr. Wickham managed to slip back into the barracks before the shopkeeper saw him. The owner of the pub already refused to serve him due to his unpaid tab, and he just lost what he had left of his wages playing dice. And earlier Denny informed him that Miss Lydia thought Lizzy had moved on from Wickham because she has set her sights on Mr. Darcy!
Life is so unfair! That Darcy should have everything he wants while preventing me from having anything! It will not do!
Startled by a knock on the door, Mr. Wickham heard, “Hello! Denny? Are you in there?”
Wickham smiled and opened the door. “I am afraid you find me all alone Miss Lydia. All the more fortunate for me, I think, since I will not be forced to share you when you look so enchanting. Would you join me for a walk down the lane?”
As they walked, Wickham considered his situation. He was running out of time with his Meryton creditors. “So, what have you been up to today?” he asked his companion.
As she prattled on, he came to the conclusion that must leave before I find myself in debtors’ prison. How he wished he could take Lizzy with him and break Darcy’s heart! He began to think … what if I could manage both at the same time? A plan was forming in his mind that just might work. Darcy was a proud man who would never connect himself with a disreputable family.
“And then, what do you think? Mama told Kitty to let me have the bonnet anyway!”
He laughed at whatever Lydia found amusing. He then stopped. “Hold still, you have something in your hair, my dear,” he told her. Ever so gently he removed the phantom object and then brushed his fingers against the side of her face. “You are very pretty, Miss Lydia. It was when you were taking care of me at Longbourn that I came to realize you were the prettiest of all the Bennet sisters.”
“Kitty’s eyes were wide with shock and envy. “Mr. Wickham kissed you? Just like that?”
“Oh, no, Kitty it was not “just like” anything. It was the most romantic moment there ever was! And I did not say that he kissed me but once. He kissed me many times. He asked me if I felt what he was feeling and believe me I certainly did. He said that is the way love happens sometimes, when you least expect it! He could not have been any closer to the truth. I went to town in search of Denny, only to find my true love in Mr. Wickham. He told me I must call him George, for we will be as one soon. Oh, be as one! He wants to marry me! Can you imagine? I, the youngest of you all, to be the first one married? And to the most handsome soldier there ever was, too! I cannot wait to see my love again and become Mrs. Wickham!”
Chapter Fourteen
“Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, and Mr. Bingley are here to pay a call,” Hill announced to the room full of Bennet women.
The gentlemen allowed a young woman to enter before they entered themselves and formidable introductions took place. Miss Darcy was tall and on a larger scale than Elizabeth and though just sixteen, her appearance was womanly and graceful. She was less handsome than her brother, but there was sense and good humor in her face, and her manners were perfectly unassuming and gentle. The observation of a very few minutes convinced Elizabeth that she was exceedingly shy, confirming Mr. Bingley’s earlier description. Indeed it was difficult to obtain even a word from her beyond a monosyl
lable. Having heard Miss Bingley speak so highly of Miss Darcy’s accomplishments on the piano, Elizabeth started a conversation on that subject. Georgiana’s eyes lit up when asked about her favorite composers and songs. Mary eagerly joined in as well, and for a good portion of the visit, Miss Darcy was able to add comments or give short answers to participate in the conversation. Elizabeth could see from the corner of her eye that Miss Darcy’s brother was observing them closely. When Elizabeth would occasionally glance in his direction, he inevitably gave her a disconcertingly charming smile.
It was not often that she could turn and look at Mr. Darcy, but when she did and when he spoke, the improvement of his manners was shown to have outlived the Netherfield picnic. Elizabeth had never seen Mr. Darcy seem so ready to be pleased. Unlike previous visits to Longbourn, he was part of the conversation instead of off to the side by himself or staring out the window. She noticed that every time Mr. Bingley found something to smile at, so did Mr. Darcy.
Their visitors stayed above half an hour and before taking their leave, the Bennets were invited to tea the following day and the Sunday dinner engagement was confirmed.
Early the next morning, before the sun was up, Lizzy was awakened by a strange noise. She lay in bed and listened for other sounds but on hearing nothing else, she decides it was nothing important. Being fully awake now without any hope of falling back into slumber, the idea came to her that she might as well take her walk to place her latest letter in the tree. She had finally finished the book only last night and wrote a nice long letter about it, as well as on other matters.
Yours truly, Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Page 7