“Lizzy,” Mr. Bennet sympathetically soothed his daughter, “speak with William. I know you had your share of disappointment and I do not know what caused your disagreement this time, but he has loved you for a long time and I know he loves you still. Please speak with him. You have always considered him your blood-brother and could you not settle your differences again?”
Lizzy kissed her father’s cheek. “I will try, papa. He is the very best of men and it is my fault that we have gone so long without communicating. I wish him all the felicity in the world.”
Mr. Bennet kissed the top of her head and sat at his desk to write to Edward Gardiner while Lizzy walked to her tree to think about her future.
~*~
William arrived in Meryton several days later with dejection in his heart. After her abrupt departure, he had spent the miserable month in London without Lizzy by his side, but he had hoped that she would send a sign of some sorts, anything that might wish him near her, and he would have returned quickly to Hertfordshire.
After his father encouraged him to search his heart to be certain of his decision, he had attended several balls and dinner parties to try to look for someone who could spark an interest. He escorted Miss Bingley to a few outings and came to the quick realisation that all Miss Bingley was capable was putting on a façade which had nearly tricked him again. Although she had improved in her manners, in essentials, she was still the same mercenary, grasping shrew who knew little of the current events in the world, and her true character was evident when he had tested her by purposely confusing her with his comments, and she had begun to agree with everything he had said.
William thought hard to contemplate his next steps. He knew Lizzy would not be interested in speaking with him but he could not stay away any longer. If she had no further desire to continue their friendship, he would leave England for the next several years and attempt to forget her, but he knew it would be an impossibility.
After dismounting his horse, he walked towards the bookstore to look for a copy of Lyrical Ballads by William Wordsworth to entice Lizzy to speak with him, when he saw two officers of the militia conversing in front of a store.
“Have you heard that Wickham is getting hitched?” A lieutenant spoke with amusement.
William’s ears perked with the mention of his friend’s name and stood behind them to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Another officer answered, “I had not heard it, Denny! Who is he marrying? He is very popular with his good looks and proper speech, and Colonel Forster has him picked out for another promotion soon. Wickham will be colonel himself someday if he continues this way.”
Denny laughed, “He is very gallant and has been an exemplary officer. Everyone owes him a favour or two because he is very generous and is adamant that he had been a prodigal man at a point in life and he owes everything to a kind gentleman who had forgiven him and purchased the commission. He has nothing but praise for Mr. Darcy and his son and has been very pleased to be stationed in Hertfordshire. Who would have guessed he would find a wife here as well?”
“So, who is she? Some pretty young lass with a big dowry?” The other officer asked.
“I think she has some funds but I think he does not care about that. She is a pleasant young woman who grew up here and her uncle is quite well-off, I believe. He adores her and he hopes to marry in two months. Their engagement has not been long but I believe it was love at first sight.” Denny explained as they began to walk away from William.
William smiled as he heard of the good report about George Wickham. His father had paid for Wickham’s commission into the militia after Wickham had acted honourably by refusing to marry Anne de Bourgh, and the young man had sent frequent letters to update of his successes and of his appreciation for the wise advices from Mr. Darcy.
He wondered who the young lady could be and entered the bookshop to make his purchase. William hoped that Lizzy would be at her tree as her custom so he could beg for her forgiveness. He knew their shared kiss was likely the reason for her rebuff in London but all he desired was to taste her lips again.
Chapter 14
“Do you come up here often, Miss Elizabeth?” The handsome officer asked as he dismounted his horse. “It is beautiful here.”
Lizzy smiled, still sitting under her tree, “It is my favourite place in the world, except for Pemberley. I recall meeting you for the first time atop a tree there, Captain Wickham. I believe I made many of my first acquaintances from above ground.” They laughed. “I find the solitude very peaceful and I do not come across many here. Had you been journeying from Meryton?” She pointed to the ground next to her so he could take a seat.
Wickham answered with a smile while he sat down, “No, I had left the King residence and I actually became lost. I hope you will not give me away! My men will find it shameful that I do not know how to travel from one of the homes back to Meryton!”
Lizzy laughed
