One Winter's Eve

by Leenie Brown

  “It would be welcome,” Richard said with a smile. “I always find it helpful to have a glass or two when dealing with troublesome officers.”

  Colonel Forester chuckled. “You have them, too, do you?”

  “Occasionally, yes,” Richard replied.

  “I could make a spectacle of him.” Forester placed Richard’s refilled glass in front of him. “But, I think that would draw too much attention to Mr. Darcy’s sister, and I assume we do not want there to be questions regarding her relationship to Mr. Wickham.”

  “I would appreciate it if nothing of what we have shared about her were to leave this office,” Darcy replied. “However, she had given permission to allow you to share that he did attempt to gain her money through false admiration if it is necessary to save another from a similar fate or worse.”

  “She did?” Richard shook his head.

  Darcy shrugged. “I attempted to dissuade her, but she is determined to not let another suffer as she did.”

  “I will protect what I know as if it were orders from Wellington,” Forester assured them. “Now, what are our options regarding Lieutenant Wickham?”

  ~*~*~

  A quarter hour later, Captains Denny and Saunders entered their colonel’s office. Each removed his hat and tucked it under his arm as he stood at attention between where Darcy and Richard sat and the door.

  “There should be three of you,” Forester said sternly, rising and moving to stand before them.

  “Yes, sir,” Captain Denny.

  “Where is Lieutenant Wickham?” Forester’s face was mere inches from Saunders’s.

  The captain swallowed. “I do not know, sir. We parted ways after our ride today.”

  Forester pulled back and folded his arms across his chest as his brows rose. “Explain.”

  Again, Richard saw Saunders’s Adam’s apple rise and fall as he swallowed. He also saw the man’s eyes shift toward his friend; however, his frame remained rigid, and his head did not turn. The rumors about Colonel Forester’s lack of leniency seemed to be true.

  “He injured a young lady, sir,” said Captain Denny.

  “That is correct,” Saunders agreed. “A bit of fun and flirting with the ladies we can abide but not injury.”

  “You did not return to assist this lady,” Forester replied.

  “No, sir.” This time, Saunders dared to turn his head and look at Colonel Fitzwilliam. “For that, we are most earnestly sorry.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam inclined his head in acceptance as Captain Denny muttered his agreement. Both men appeared to be remorseful and not just terrified of whatever punishment might be doled out to them.

  “So, you broke ties with Lieutenant Wickham?” Forester questioned.

  “Yes, sir,” Denny replied.

  “And you have not seen him since you returned from your ride, is that correct, Captain Denny?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Saunders, did Wickham threaten to ruin a young lady’s reputation?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “And he then startled her horse, causing her to fall?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Colonel Fitzwilliam has informed me that neither you nor Denny took part in any of the maligning or injury of Mr. Darcy’s sister. That is to be commended. However, there is the fact that you did not report the incident to me nor did you return to offer aid.” Forester returned to his desk. “You will be assigned some extra duties for your neglect, but I will not make an example of you.”

  “Thank you, sir,” both replied.

  “Do you have any idea where Wickham might be?”

  “No, sir, we do not.”

  “But you will find him.”

  “Of course, sir.”

  “Be about it then,” Forester said in dismissal. “But do not let me hear a word of any of what has happened today leave your lips — most especially the part concerning the lie Wickham was promising to share about Miss Darcy.”

  “Not a word, sir,” both assured him.

  Saunders opened the door to reveal the sought-after Wickham.

  “You are late,” Forester growled.

  “I have only just learned of your summons,” Wickham replied. He cast a wary look at Darcy and Richard.

  “Where were you that you could not be found when I sent someone to summons you?” Forester rose from his desk and approached Wickham, who had taken a place standing where Denny and Saunders had stood moments before.

  “Assisting a pretty little maid,” Wickham replied with a smile. “Her mistress’s cat had climbed a tree and would not come down.”

  Forester’s brows rose. “You expect me to believe you were only fetching her cat?”

  Wickham did a poor job of hiding a smirk as he shrugged.

  “I am of a mind to make an example of you.” Forester’s voice was low and menacing, sending a shiver through Richard, who was not unused to such threats. Of course, he was more likely than not to be the one making them, but there was something dangerous in how Forester growled that could be felt by one and all.

  Wickham stood a little straighter. “Have these men been sharing tales about me?”

  “Indeed, they have, and Denny and Saunders have confirmed them.”

  “Denny lost his father’s watch to me in a game. He would say whatever was necessary to condemn me — much like these gentlemen.”

  “Enough!” Forester roared. “You will behave as one who is under my command and show respect to both me and my guests.”

  Richard bit back a grin as Wickham presented himself properly.

  “As I have already said, I am of a mind to make an example of you. However, I have no desire to expose an innocent young lady to possible ruin at your hands.”

  Wickham’s lips twitched, but he held his tongue. The action did not go unnoticed by Forester. “Do not even begin to tell me how you have already ruined her.” He shook his head. “Darcy, he is yours. I pray you know what you are about.”

  “As do I,” Darcy replied. “This is the last time we will have any dealings,” Darcy began his address to Wickham. “I would like you to leave England. I will purchase you passage to the colonies or any other place you wish to travel, and I will give you money enough to survive in your new land for a year, possibly longer if you are frugal. You will send me notice of your arrival in your new location, and I will send you one more small allotment of money. If it were not for my respect both for my father and yours, as well as my concern for my sister’s reputation, I would care very little if you were beaten to within an inch or your life.” Darcy shook his head. “If you choose not to leave England, then I see no other profession to possibly accept you save for the regulars. I am willing to purchase you a commission commensurate with the pay you now receive. I will add to that, a sum of money to see you on your way.”

  “Purchasing my silence?”

  “Yes.”

  “It is a very generous offer,” Forester interjected. “Had you dealt with my sister as you have Miss Darcy, I would not be so kind. In fact, I do not believe you would have survived our meeting on the field.”

  “What if I prefer to ply a trade?”

  Richard snorted. “You, a tradesman?”

  “A tradesman in the colonies is acceptable,” Darcy replied.

  “There you have it.” Colonel Forester interrupted. “A flogging and who knows what other punishment I will levy upon you to ensure your misery, a new life in the colonies, or a position in the regulars. Those are your options.”

  Wickham glowered at Darcy.

  “I have room in my regiment for an officer,” Richard offered.

  Wickham’s eyes widened just slightly as Richard rose and came to stand near him.

  “I would flee the country if I were you,” Richard said in a soft but firm voice. “There is a greater chance of you retaining your life if you do. I promise you that you have harmed my family for the last time, and I would caution you to not bring any further dishonour to your father’s name. Take wha
t Darcy offers and make something of yourself.”

  “I would listen to Richard,” Darcy said. “I will not seek leniency or mercy for you again but will allow my cousin to do as he sees fit.”

  Wickham stood silently for a moment. Richard could see from the way his jaw was working and how his nostrils flared as he breathed that he was not pleased to choose any of the options laid before him.

  “Very well, I will sail.”

  “Excellent choice,” Forester declared. “You will pack your things and be ready to leave at first light on Monday morning. I have just this minute decided to travel to town to purchase a gift for my wife, and you will attend me.”

  “Where will you go?” Darcy asked.

  Wickham shrugged. “I do not like ships so the closest port you will allow.”

  “Ireland, Newfoundland, Halifax?” Richard tossed out some close options to his cousin.

  Darcy grimaced. “Ireland?”

  “Too close?” Richard asked.

  Darcy shrugged. “Not if he remains there, I suppose.”

  “Ireland,” Wickham said. “If I must be banished at least let it be to a place that is civilized.”

  Richard chuckled. “The colonies are not uncivilized, and they do present a greater opportunity to obtain land.”

  “No, please. Let me find my way in Ireland.”

  “You will remain there?”

  “Transportation usually comes with a term of exile,” Wickham retorted.

  “Ten years,” Richard responded. “You must not return for ten years, and then you will have nothing to do with my family when you do return.”

  Wickham nodded. “Ten years.”

  “It is settled then,” said Darcy rising. “I will instruct my man to make the necessary financial arrangements, and purchase your passage.”

  “Thank you, gentlemen,” Forester said to Darcy and Richard before turning to Wickham. “Wickham, you are free to go prepare to travel, but if I hear a word about Miss Darcy or see you dallying with any ladies between now and when the sun rises Monday morning. I will not hesitate to extract my displeasure on your back. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes, sir.” Wickham saluted and left.

  Forester blew out a breath. “Now, to tell my wife of my need to travel. She will not be best pleased but then, it should not be so bad as she will be delighted to have a new bauble.”

  Chapter 10

  Caroline stood at the window in Georgiana’s room, looking out into the deepening shadows of the late afternoon light. This time of year was so dark — she pulled her wrap more snugly around her shoulders — and cold.

  “You do not have to stay with me,” Georgiana said from where she sat in her bed.

  “Oh, I wished to stay.” Caroline turned from the window and moved back toward the chair she had occupied for the last half hour. The sick room was not precisely her favourite place to be, but then, Miss Darcy was not ill, only injured, and, knowing just how much Colonel Fitzwilliam cared for his cousin compelled Caroline for some unknown reason to see to the girl’s care.

  “But it is dull,” Georgiana protested. “I would much rather be out of bed and doing something — anything, truth be told. However, I fear my brother would be most severely displeased if I were to act on my wishes.”

  Caroline smiled at the irritation in Georgiana’s voice. “And your cousin? Would he be likewise as displeased?” A feeling of satisfaction and comfort spread through Caroline’s being as Georgiana’s lips turned up in a smile.

  “He would be displeased but not so greatly as my brother. Richard growls and stomps, but he does not get that look on his face that crushes my heart like my brother does.” She paused and tipped her head. “However, when Richard is disappointed…” She shook her head.

  “It tears at your heart as deeply as your brother’s look crushes it?” Caroline asked.

  “Yes. How do you know that?”

  “My father,” Caroline replied. “He was much like Charles — very unbothered by much, always ready with a quick smile and a pleasant word. He tolerated a great deal of foolishness from me and Louisa — and Charles — although I do believe Father was more lenient with Louisa and me.” She sighed. “But when I had crossed that border from what he could tolerate to what he could not…” She shook her head. “He never raised his voice but would quietly say ‘I expected better’ or some such small reprimand. Oh, how those word tore at my heart! I did not like to disappoint Mama either, and her look of displeasure made my heart ache — but not as Father’s quiet words did.”

  “Do you miss him?”

  Caroline nodded. “Daily.”

  “Me, too,” Georgiana whispered. “I hope I would make my father proud, but I am uncertain after my foolishness with Mr. Wickham.”

  Caroline rose from her chair and perched tentatively on the edge of Georgiana’s bed. She had never had such a heartfelt conversation with Miss Darcy. The idea that this girl might understand a portion of what she felt drew her to her in a way that Georgiana’s brother’s fortune and estate never could. “I am positive my father would be disappointed in me,” she admitted.

  “You are?”

  Caroline nodded. “You have trusted me with your story about Mr. Wickham, so I feel I can trust you with this.” She waited to get an assurance from Georgiana. “I have not told anyone — Louisa would not understand. She never felt Father’s displeasure as greatly as I did.” She drew a breath. “One thing my father said to me over and over when I would return home from school for a holiday was that no matter how many accomplishments I acquired, there was truly only one that mattered.” She looked down at the bed cover and smoothed the wrinkles with her hand. “Kindness.” She sighed heavily. “It has been pointed out to me that I have not been as kind as I should be. Oh, I knew I was not being kind, but it is so much easier to not feel like a pebble among jewels when one chooses to point out the failings of another instead of noticing her own. Eventually, a practice becomes a habit and a habit, a way of life, unless someone forces you to look at yourself in a different light — not as wanting but as accomplished.”

  Georgiana smiled. “Richard?”

  Caroline nodded. “He has not ignored my faults but sees my abilities despite those faults.”

  Georgiana grasped Caroline’s hand. “He is the best at doing just that. Do…do…you…like him?” Georgiana asked cautiously.

  “I should like to,” Caroline replied. “But I fear it. Soldiers do not always return, and he has no estate. But…” She shrugged. She truly did not know how she felt about Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was handsome and kind, and despite his ability to annoy her at times with his directness, she was beginning to value his opinion, as well as the time she spent with him, and counted him as a friend.

  “As far as I know,” Georgiana began, “he has a small inheritance, and my uncle would like to see him with some land. However, Richard refuses to speak much about the future. I think he knows that with the war being what it is, he might not have a future or need for land — not that he has ever said as much, but it is the impression I get from him. He will speak of his future lightly but never with any degree of conviction.”

  The room fell silent for several minutes.

  If he would resign his commission… Caroline sighed. She highly doubted that a man as duty-bound as Colonel Fitzwilliam appeared to be would ever resign his commission just to marry a woman of no significance, even if that lady had a fortune.

  “Do you think they will rid us of Wickham?” she asked Georgiana.

  Georgiana nodded. “Richard will see to it.”

  “Not your brother?”

  “My brother will wish to, but then, he will remember how Father cared for Wickham and how Mr. Wickham’s father was a good man, and in respect for those men, he will be too forgiving. Richard does not have that same connection. There is no guilt to rest heavily on him like there is my brother.”

  Caroline’s brows furrowed. She had always seen Darcy as more forceful than what
Georgiana described, but then, compared to Charles, Darcy was more commanding. However, she could likewise see how Colonel Fitzwilliam, who was used to giving orders and having them followed, would be even more autocratic.

  She rose from the bed.

  How often since they arrived at Netherfield had she compared Colonel Fitzwilliam to his cousin and found his cousin – Mr. Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire — actually wanting? It was startling. She had been certain there was no one who would ever compare to Mr. Darcy, let alone outshine him. Oh, how she wished Colonel Fitzwilliam were an estate owner instead of a colonel. It would be so easy to love him.

  She pulled a magazine from the work basket she had brought with her to Miss Darcy’s room.

  Love. She closed her eyes against the word and the realization that her jumbled feelings were likely love.

  Opening her eyes, she affixed a smile to her face and turned toward Georgiana. “I have a magazine that might make things less dull for you.”

  ~*~*~

  Richard knocked on Georgiana’s door and, upon hearing her bid him enter, opened it. A smile lit his face as he took in the prospect of Caroline sitting propped up on pillows next to Georgiana in Georgiana’s bed as they poured over a magazine. Fashion plates! He would never completely understand the desire of some ladies to study them as if they were a battle plan.

  “Were you successful?” Georgiana asked.

  “Indeed, we were,” he said as Darcy joined them. “Wickham will be on his way to Ireland very soon, and we have only to endure his presence in Meryton for one more day. He and Forester travel to London on Monday.” He leaned against the bedpost. “How are you feeling?”

  “Bored,” Georgiana said, “not due to my company but due to being confined to this bed. Miss Bingley has done a valiant job of keeping me entertained as much as one can be when convalescing.” She sent a teasing grin to her brother. “There are at least three new gowns I simply must have.”

  Darcy raised his brows and shook his head. “Must?”

  Georgiana nodded. “And by tomorrow, I shall likely have two more. These magazines are simply full of wonderful creations.”