A Death at Rosings: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (15 page)

“Mr. Darcy’s feelings toward Wickham have nothing to do with you being permitted to run off with a man while under my roof,” Forster barked. “I’ve had about enough of this. Pratt,” he called in an even louder voice. “See that this carriage gets us back to Brighton.”

From where he lingered behind the coach, Darcy could see Forster reach out and close the door. Richard closed the other. As they rode slowly back, Darcy amused himself by envisioning the scene inside the carriage. Wickham was across from his commanding officer, whose guest he’d run off with and next to Richard, of whom he’d always been a little afraid. It was a fitting first step in punishing the man.

Darcy hung back when they arrived in Brighton. Neither of the runaways appeared to notice him when they disembarked the carriage. Colonel Forster ordered some soldiers to help Pratt lock up Wickham. He then walked a tearful Miss Lydia into the house.

She looked back, likely searching for Wickham, and her eyes alighted on Darcy. He could tell by the surprise and anger that transformed her features that she recognized him. He wasn’t sure if she realized he was one of the men who’d stopped the carriage. Colonel Forster marched her upstairs to lock her in her room. Mrs. Forster looked on with grim satisfaction. When Colonel Forster returned, Mrs. Foster handed him a note.

After reading it, Colonel Forster turned to Darcy and Richard. “Your coachman has arranged lodgings for you both at the Lion Inn. I’ll order a meal for us. After we eat, Pratt can take you there and bring your mounts back. You are welcome to stay here, if you prefer.”

“The inn is fine,” Darcy said, glancing at Richard.

Richard nodded in agreement.

“You should know that on the ride back, with some prodding from Colonel Fitzwilliam, Wickham admitted that the story he told about you was a lie.”

“What story?” Darcy had never learned what Elizabeth had believed he’d done to Wickham.

“He put it out that you arbitrarily denied him a valuable living that your father wanted him to have. In the coach, Wickham admitted that you paid him three thousand pounds for it and that he came to you with the request.”

“Was that why Miss Bennet was crying?” Darcy had assumed it was because she’d been caught. “Wickham’s falsehood was revealed?”

“I don’t think the fool girl would care. No, she was crying because when I put it to him, Wickham refused to marry her. He said he’d never offered her marriage and had never planned to marry her. He’d only asked her to run away with him.”

That was a cruel thing to admit in front of the lady, even by Wickham’s standards. “I thought that once cornered he would wed her,” Darcy admitted. A cad like Wickham could do worse than the attractive and chipper, if addle brained, Miss Lydia. Not to mention, usually Wickham would do anything to save face. “Mr. Bennet isn’t rich, but he could probably cover Wickham’s debts.”

“Wickham still thinks he can marry an heiress,” Richard said dryly. “This did not please Miss Bennet.”

Darcy shook his head. Wickham was a fool. “Will you be writing her father?” he asked Forster.

“I’ll do it now. I would rather get it over with. Let me order our meal first.”

Although Darcy wanted a bed more than a meal, he politely waited for Colonel Forster to write the letter and then sat down to the meal provided. To Darcy’s surprise, Colonel Forster had Lieutenant Pratt join them. Mrs. Forster did not, saying she’d already dined.

“What will you do with Wickham?” Richard asked as they settled into their meal.

“For now, I’ll keep him locked up,” Forster said. He speared several vegetables with his fork. “To safeguard the lady’s reputation, I told people he’s been jailed because I learned he has many debts in Meryton and that he’s been accumulating more in Brighton.” He glanced at Darcy. “As I’d only your statements on that aspect of his character to go on, I thought at first I might have to eat my words, but one of my corporals told me that he was surprised I hadn’t known about Wickham’s Meryton debts.”

Darcy said nothing. There was no need to emphasize that he was honest and Wickham was not. He was tired of explaining that to people.

Richard grunted. “I assured you as much. He’s always been a reprobate. It would be a surprise if he changed.”

“I assume Miss Bennet’s father will be coming here,” Colonel Forster said, looking at Darcy.

“I would think so,” Darcy said. Mr. Bennet was an indolent father, but Darcy hoped the letter Elizabeth had sent would have Mr. Bennet already on his way.

“Let’s assume he does come. What do you think he’ll want done? I might be able to force Wickham to marry Miss Bennet, but I’m not sure that’s a good outcome for anyone. Wickham may end up in debtor’s prison someday. Miss Bennet is a silly fool, but she was under my care. I don’t want to face her father and tell him that his daughter has to marry such a man.”

Darcy frowned. In spite of Wickham’s words in the coach, marriage between the two was now the only course, wasn’t it? In this one thing, he would see Wickham behave with honor.

“May I suggest an alternative?” Lieutenant Pratt said.

“You may,” Colonel Forster said.

“I have no idea of what to do about Wickham, but I have a suggestion for Miss Bennet. Under certain conditions, I would marry her.”

“You would marry her?” Richard echoed.

Pratt nodded, his expression one of resolve.

“What conditions?” Forster asked, the surprise on his face mirroring Darcy’s own.

“From you, a promotion to captain, sir.”

“I’d lose the best aide I ever had,” Forster complained.

“Put that on the write up for his promotion,” Richard said, grinning.

“What else?” Forster asked.

Darcy couldn’t read the expression Forster had schooled his features into, but he hoped the man was considering it. He hadn’t known Lieutenant Pratt for long, but it was already obvious he’d make a much better husband than Wickham. Darcy would like to see this thing done for Elizabeth, so she wouldn’t have to worry about her sister. To his surprise, Pratt turned to him.

“Mr. Darcy, you said you feel some responsibility for Miss Bennet because you didn’t publicize Wickham’s character,” Pratt said. “Would you be willing to arrange for a special license?”

“Yes, but why not banns?” Darcy asked.

“Miss Bennet might agree to marry me in the next couple of days because she’s angry with Wickham, but I’ve observed her to be relatively fickle in her affections. In a few weeks, she might change her mind. I want that captaincy.”

Darcy nodded. He agreed with Pratt’s assessment of Lydia Bennet. Judging by the respect on their faces, the two colonels did as well.

“Do you have a notion of what I can expect in a dowry, sir?” Pratt asked, still looking at Darcy.

“Fifty pounds a year from her family while both parents live. After that, her share of the five thousand pounds settled on her mother.” Darcy hoped the rumors circulated in Meryton were accurate when it came to the monetary situation of the Bennet family. Of course, in view of their lack of accuracy with regards to him, it was a lot to hope.

“Why are you willing to marry her?” Richard asked, frowning. “There must be easier ways to get a captaincy.”

“Not for me. I’ve been saving, but it will take years to save enough and by then the war might be over. I’m a second son and have four sisters who were dowered. My parents have no more money for me.” He turned to look at the small fire that was burning low in the hearth. “Miss Bennet is a silly thing, but she’s always cheerful and undeniably pretty. I want a wife, but can’t afford one on lieutenant’s pay.”

“She doesn’t know how to save.” Darcy felt compelled to warn the man.

“She’s young enough to learn,” Pratt said.

Darcy nodded. He hoped so, for Pratt’s sake. “I’m willing to do my share of this,” he said, pointedly looking at Colonel Forster.

“I think the two of us can arrange a captaincy for Mr. Pratt,” Richard said.

Colonel Forster sighed. “You were bound to leave me eventually,” he said. He held out his hand to Pratt and they shook. “Assuming Mr. Bennet agrees, I now need to decide what to do about Wickham. I don’t want to initiate an action to send one of my officers to debtors’ prison.”

“If you want to have a weapon to make Mr. Wickham agree to something, I have an idea,” Darcy said. Even though Wickham hadn’t agreed to wed Miss Lydia to save face, Darcy still knew the man’s greatest weakness. Wickham was obsessed with the appearance of respectability.

“What do you suggest?” Forster asked.

“Public humiliation,” Darcy said.

Across from him, Richard grinned.

Chapter Fifteen

Darcy’s idea took a little work. The first step was to find an artist who could draw an accurate depiction of Wickham. The artist worked while Wickham was sleeping, because they’d all agreed the plan would work better if they could spring it on him. The final portrait wasn’t particularly flattering, but it was reasonably accurate.

It was harder to find someone to convert the portrait into a woodcut, but Darcy eventually found the appropriate craftsman. He decided the first run would only be fifty copies. Printed above Wickham’s picture were the words, “Mr. Wickham does not pay his debts.” Below the picture were the words, “Make him pay in cash. Warning: he may change his name or hairstyle. He has blue eyes, medium brown hair, and a faint two inch scar on the outside of his right wrist.”

The day after the first print run, Darcy received a note from Colonel Forster saying that Mr. Bennet had arrived in town. Darcy wasn’t surprised when, the following day, Mr. Bennet called upon him at the Lion Inn. Darcy had rented two rooms adjoined by a sitting room for himself and Richard. Since his parlor allowed more privacy than the taproom, he received Mr. Bennet there.

“I wanted to thank you for rescuing my daughter,” Mr. Bennet said once greetings were exchanged and refreshments declined.

“I felt I owed it to her. My reserve kept Mr. Wickham’s true character from being known,” Darcy said.

“I doubt whether your reserve, or anybody's reserve, can be answerable for the event,” Mr. Bennet replied. His clipped words revealed his anger. He ran a hand over his face, clearly trying to calm himself. “I’m sorry that my family has participated so willingly in the spread of the lies Wickham told about you.”

Darcy shrugged. He’d long since learned to ignore people gossiping about him. With his wealth, it was a fairly common occurrence and to be expected when he entered a small community such as the one in Hertfordshire.

“I don’t know if anyone else will tell you, so I feel I must, indebted to you as I am,” Mr. Bennet said. “Wickham’s been defaming you from his cell. He claims you are incapable of doing anything yourself and use your father’s money to cover your incompetence.”

“I heard a version of that,” Darcy said with another shrug, knowing Wickham felt he should have a large chunk of Darcy’s father’s money.

“Well, if Forster’s or Pratt’s description of events are true, you certainly weren’t incompetent.”

“Everyone contributed,” Darcy said. He was not being modest. His wealth had allowed frequent changes of horses, but others had contributed to the rescue as well.

Mr. Bennet looked uncomfortable. He coughed into his hand. “He’s also trying to malign your sister, claiming she agreed to elope with him.”

Darcy surged to his feet. “He’s what?” he demanded. It was one thing to spread rumors about him and to try to bring down his character. He could defend himself. It was quite another matter to harm Georgiana in any way. Maybe he would reconsider dueling the man.

“Don’t worry,” Mr. Bennet said. “No one believes it, especially since you were seen driving into Brighton and riding out of it. His obvious lies on one subject call into question the validity of his other claim. He doesn’t even say that he was ever out of the sight of a chaperone with your sister. He’s saying it was in whispered conversations while the chaperone was across the room and on walks when she walked behind them. No one here is taking him seriously.”

“That’s good to know. I would not like that story to get out,” Darcy said, retaking his seat. “Forgive my reaction.” With its truth, that story was more dangerous than Wickham’s lies.

“Think nothing of it,” Mr. Bennet said. “I don’t believe you have much to worry about, truly. After I received Elizabeth’s express, I sent a note to Mr. Phillips asking him to check with a few local merchants. He sent me a reply before I left the next morning. Wickham owes money. Phillips checked discretely, but the fact that questions were asked will probably make the merchants go public. I don’t think Wickham’s credibility will be high in Meryton, since his credit is so poor.”

“I still don’t like the idea of rumors floating around.” Darcy felt compelled to give this man more truth than he likely should. “Miss Darcy took a holiday in Ramsgate and Mr. Wickham spent some time with her. I came unexpectedly and Mr. Wickham left the area with a certain alacrity.”

Mr. Bennet regarded him in silence. Darcy hoped he wouldn’t ask for any more information.

“In that case it is obvious what happened,” Mr. Bennet finally said. “Mr. Wickham hinted at elopement and Miss Darcy or her chaperone decided you should intervene.” Mr. Bennet cocked his head to one side. “Miss Darcy?” He paused. “Her chaperone?” Apparently reading something in Darcy’s expression, he continued, “Miss Darcy wrote you and told you she knew Mr. Wickham was a close friend of the family but she wasn’t happy in his company. After receiving her letter, you came posthaste. Relieved that you were there to keep her from the unwanted attentions of an old family friend, she was absolutely delighted that you removed her promptly from his presence.” A twinkle lit his intelligent eyes. “I have this from an unimpeachable source that isn’t you. I assume I can say the chaperone was removed for not handling the situation herself.”

“I would prefer you not say anything to anyone,” Darcy said stiffly. He wouldn’t condone a lie, even to mislead people about what he wanted concealed.

“Oh, I only plan to tell one person,” Mr. Bennet said.

“Your wife?” Darcy guessed, narrowing his eyes.

A slow smile came to Mr. Bennet’s face. He shrugged.

“I don’t approve of that,” Darcy said.

“Fortunately, I don’t need your approval. You should know,” Mr. Bennet hurried on, not allowing Darcy to speak, “that Lydia is now Mrs. Pratt. They were wed this morning. I understand I have you to thank for the expediency.”

Darcy dipped his head in acknowledgement. “Pratt made the request of me. I saw no reason not to assist. Congratulations on your daughter’s marriage.”

“Thank you,” Mr. Bennet said. He regarded Darcy for a long moment. “You seem quite willing to assist my family. I imagine you have your reasons, of course.”

Darcy nodded again, hoping Mr. Bennet wouldn’t press for them. How could he tell the man he would do anything to spare Elizabeth pain, including make sure her foolish youngest sister didn’t bring disgrace to the family? Darcy had no intension of sharing his innermost thoughts, especially when Mr. Bennet would surely construe too much. Nothing was sure between him and Elizabeth, and perhaps nothing would ever come of his regard for her.

“I shouldn’t keep you any longer,” Mr. Bennet said, standing.

Darcy stood as well. They shook.

“Thank you again, sir,” Mr. Bennet said and quit the room.

Darcy retook his seat, mulling over their conversation. He couldn’t believe he’d agreed to Mr. Bennet’s lie. Or had he agreed? What he hadn’t done was insist that Mr. Bennet not spread the story. He could have been more forceful, though he had no hold over Mr. Bennet other than one of gratitude, and Mr. Bennet thought he was doing Darcy a favor.

Once Mrs. Bennet got the story, a version of it would be all over Meryton in days. Darcy found himself hoping that the version was the one Mr. Bennet had given him. There was a certain irony in the lie as it was like Wickham’s lies: surrounded by truths. Darcy didn’t approve of Mr. Bennet’s tactic, though, and knew rumors could take on a life of their own and become something even more harmful. As he hadn’t done enough to stop Mr. Bennet, he supposed there would be justice in that happening, but it was Georgiana who would truly suffer.

Georgiana did not deserve to suffer. The only thing his sister had done wrong was agree to an elopement. She had not eloped. She was never alone with Mr. Wickham, by her word and Mrs. Younge’s. Although both had reason to lie, he believed his sister. Suddenly, the truth didn’t seem so bad. The truth was that whatever his sister had briefly agreed to, she’d changed her mind. If the scandal got out, the harm would not be great. People would forgive her, especially if he secured a strong willed, intelligent, likable sister for Georgiana to help smooth the way to acceptance.

The odd thing was, Mr. Bennet’s falsehood was very nearly the truth. His sister could have agreed to the elopement to stall Mr. Wickham while waiting for her Darcy’s rescue. It wasn’t the wisest move, but no outsider could deny that was the case. Of course, he knew she’d never written him, but no one else did.

Darcy shook his head, casting aside the temptation of letting Mr. Bennet’s story stand unrefuted. He would not lie. He would not stoop to Wickham’s level. If the story came up the next time he was in Meryton, he would correct it. His conscience was such that he may even journey there expressly for the purpose.

In truth, Wickham didn’t know the harm he’d done his reputation by putting the story out. In the past, one of the main reasons Darcy hadn’t warned people about Wickham’s true nature was concern that Wickham would retaliate just as he was. Wickham knew that Darcy would go to lengths to protect Georgiana from having to endure the repercussions of what had happened in Ramsgate. Now that Wickham had spoken about it, it was no longer a weapon. Darcy was free to speak the truth.

He would have to warn Georgiana, of course. She would be embarrassed, but not truly harmed. He worried it would exacerbate her shyness, but there was little to be done in the regard. His mind returned to the notion of the help a new sister could be to Georgiana in enduring what was to come. In spite of his worry for her, he found himself smiling as he once again pictured the perfect woman to bring into their lives. His life.

Darcy looked up at the sound of the parlor door opening. Richard stuck his head in. “Darcy, there you are. I told Forster I’d fetch you. He’s about to interview Wickham and he asked if we would come.”

“Of course,” Darcy said, standing. He didn’t relish the thought of seeing Wickham, but he imagined there would be some satisfaction in telling the man how they’d arranged to stop what amounted to thievery from the merchants of England.

They returned to the colonel’s, neither his wife nor the new Mrs. Pratt in evidence. Darcy assumed the latter was now safely with her husband. They were shown into Forster’s office by a lieutenant Darcy didn’t recognize.

“Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, thank you for coming,” Forster said, standing to greet them. He gestured toward two chairs, which now stood on one side of his desk, facing an empty stool in the center of the room. “If you’ll kindly be seated, we can begin.”

“Let’s get to it,” Richard said, sitting.

Darcy joined him, nodding to Forster in greeting.

Two soldiers brought Wickham in and pushed him down onto the stool. He was unshaven, but still maintained his customary air of nonchalance. He saluted both colonels. He glanced at Darcy and nodded, a lazy smirk on his face.

“Wickham,” Forster said. “You’re here so that I can decide what to do with you.”

“Do with me, sir?” Wickham said. He leaned forward, his face eager. “I’ve done nothing wrong.”

“Actually, while you’ve done nothing illegal, I can’t say it wasn’t wrong,” Colonel Forster said. “No officer in my regiment can be permitted to run off with a girl, especially not one under my personal protection.”

“I realize I must put that right. I’ve reconsidered my earlier words, spoken in haste,” Wickham said. “I would be happy to marry Miss Bennet. She may be angry with me now, but if I’m given a chance to talk to her, I’m sure she’ll change her mind.”

“That option is no longer on the table,” Richard said. “The former Miss Bennet married Captain Pratt this morning.”

Wickham almost fell off his stool.

Darcy kept his face impassive, but he was grimly pleased to see Wickham’s shock.

“Captain…” Wickham trailed off, looking about in a slightly frantic manner.

“Pratt,” Colonel Forster supplied.

“Pratt is a captain now? How were they able to wed so quickly?” Wickham bit out, scowling. He shot Darcy an angry look.

Darcy was sure he could follow the other man’s thoughts. If Wickham had known he could get a captaincy out of it, he would have begged to marry Lydia Bennet from the moment they were caught. He could tell from the anger in Wickham’s gaze that he also suspected Darcy of obtaining a special license, and likely of paying for the captaincy, though Darcy hadn’t had to do that.

“There is a ship leaving for Spain in two days,” Colonel Forster said, recapturing Wickham’s attention. “You will be on it, with the rank of ensign.”

“I don’t think so,” Wickham said, his smile back. “I think I’ll resign my commission and leave Brighton.”

Darcy stood up and handed Wickham three of the prints with his picture on them. “I had fifty made for the first run. I intend that every shopkeeper has one in any town you visit.”

Wickham looked at the fliers and blanched. “I’ll never be able to buy anything again. You can’t do this to me.” He hesitated, and then said with a smile. “It’s libel.”

“It’s only libel if I’ve lied.” Darcy said. “I hold all of your bills from Lambton. I bought your tailor’s bill in Brighton, to make sure I have evidence. That should be enough to defend me against such a charge. It isn’t as if you can’t buy anything. You can go into any shop in England and pay cash. No one will stop you.”