Lydia, and she was disinclined to spend more of his money than was needed. Georgiana did not know how to comprehend Elizabeth’s reluctance, and eventually decided to leave it to her brother to explain what would be necessary to her in her role as Mrs. Darcy.
When they finally arrived back at Brook Street in the late afternoon, the gentlemen were still not returned. This delay caused Elizabeth some anxiety, and she proposed a walk in Hyde Park to distract herself, but Georgiana was tired after their day on the town and preferred to remain quietly at home. Elizabeth tried to quell her restlessness, but was relieved when Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam finally appeared, both showing evidence of having had a fatiguing day indeed.
Darcy’s face brightened when he saw Elizabeth, and he took a moment to take her hand in his and to whisper a private greeting. Sensing her impatience, he suggested that they confer immediately, for which he received a grateful glance.
“I am happy to be able to report that we believe that we have located Wickham, and presumably Lydia with him.” Darcy seated himself beside Elizabeth. “I believe the intelligence we received today to be reliable, and had it not been so late in the day already, I would have tried to meet with them today.”
“He fails to mention, Mrs. Darcy, that it was the general consensus that it would not be for the best for him to meet with Wickham personally,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam, handing Darcy a glass of port. “I must compliment you for your influence on him. He took the decision relatively graciously.”
“Fitzwilliam, is this really necessary?” said Darcy tiredly.
“I know that you would much prefer to do it all yourself, so yes, I believe it is necessary. In any case, the plan in fact calls for
“I
“And you say there was consensus, Colonel?” asked Elizabeth lightly. “It sounds rather more like a battlefield!” Recognizing that they were on sensitive ground, she slipped her hand into her husband’s for a moment, but when she tried to draw away, he tightened his grip and would not release her.
“It had its moments,” Colonel Fitzwilliam conceded. “We took the liberty of bringing you into the plans, the suggestion being that you accompany me in hopes of convincing your sister to quit her current position. Since she is not acquainted with me, I could hardly ask her to leave with me, and it was your father’s opinion that she would be more likely to listen to you than to him or Mr. Gardiner.”
“That is a
Elizabeth said slowly, “Obviously, I am not aware of all of the ramifications of this business, but if there were to be a way in which I could be of assistance, I would be appreciative of the opportunity.” She turned to look at Darcy with anticipation.
“Elizabeth, your sentiment is much appreciated, but this is a very disreputable part of town that we are speaking of, and I am concerned for your safety,” said Darcy, plainly having to force himself not to completely forbid it.
“Given that I am expected to be able to face Napoleon himself, not to mention those mad Americans, I believe that I can manage to keep your wife safe in the middle of London, Darcy,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam mildly.
“You are only one man, Fitzwilliam. It is hardly the same thing.”
“What, then, if you send someone with us?”
Darcy shook his head. “I do not wish to have anyone more than necessary aware of this.”
“Why not send Wilkins, then? Certainly you can trust his discretion, and he no doubt already has a good idea of the matter. He always seems to know everything that happens. I should not be surprised to discover that he could tell us what the Prince Regent ate for breakfast this morning.”
Darcy looked stormy. “I will consider it. Enough of this for now.”
Darcy was eventually brought to agree to abide by the original plan, although it took a great deal of persuasion on the part of his cousin. En route to Wickham’s lodgings the following morning, Colonel Fitzwilliam took the opportunity to explain his strategy to Elizabeth. “You may hear me say some things that surprise you, but if you can bring yourself to make the appearance of agreement, it would be helpful. It is important that we convince Wickham that this matter is not as urgent to us as he would like to believe, and that may involve a little, ummm, bending of the truth on my part.”
Elizabeth paused to digest this concept. She was certain that Darcy would not approve of this sort of negotiation, and she questioned whether it was appropriate for her to participate under the circumstances. “What, precisely, do you mean by ‘bending the truth?’”
“Well, I might, for example, point out that we could buy your sister a husband who was honest and hardworking for less than Wickham is asking, despite her ruined reputation. It is true enough, after all, though perhaps not a consideration for us. It would be helpful, however, for Wickham to think we have alternatives.”
She took this opportunity to ask the question that had been disturbing her. “How much do you think he will be asking?”
Colonel Fitzwilliam grimaced. “He is a fool if he takes her for less than ten thousand pounds. If your conscience is troubled by my suggestion, keep in mind that he has a long history of trying to blackmail your husband, and is perfectly willing to destroy your sister’s life as a by-product.”
Elizabeth glanced at Wilkins, whose normally imperturbable mien suggested that he had no objection to lying to, cheating, and quite likely even poisoning Wickham in defense of Mr. Darcy. “I will do my best,” she said finally.
“Also, I do not know how well Wickham knows you, but if he were to believe that your motives in marrying Darcy were mercenary, he might be less likely to believe that you would agree to spending large amounts of your husband’s money on this matter.”
She raised an eyebrow dubiously. “That may be beyond my capability, sir.”
“Well, I will not encourage you to deception, but will only point out that the reason I refused to let Darcy meet with Wickham is that he is so honest that Wickham can cheat him in a minute, which only encourages him to come back with another scheme in another year or two. I am trying to convince him that it is not worth the trouble.” There was a steely look in the amiable Colonel’s eyes that Elizabeth had never seen before. He said nothing further on the matter, however, before they arrived at their destination.
Elizabeth was appalled to see the disreputable neighborhood in which Wickham and Lydia had their lodgings. Upon finding the house, the colonel rapped with his cane on the door, and announced to the woman who answered the door that they were seeking Mr. Wickham. She looked him up and down, noting the quality of his clothing, and laughed. “Well, you’re welcome to see him, and if you can pay his rent, so much the better!”
A disheveled Wickham appeared a few minutes later, clearly amused to see Colonel Fitzwilliam. On noticing Elizabeth, he assumed his old pleasing manner, and bowed to her, saying, “Miss Bennet, what a delightful surprise! I had not thought to see an old friend so soon.”
“It is Mrs. Darcy now, Mr. Wickham,” said Elizabeth pleasantly.
“Indeed! Well, that was fast work! You
“Mr. Darcy did not wish to wait, and it is not my business to argue with him,” she said with a deceptive appearance of calm.
“He can be overbearing, can he not?” Wickham said with an air of sympathy.
Elizabeth, trying to hide her revulsion, said with a shrug, “I think it better that he and I get along well than not, and I had no particular objection. Although it is pleasant to have the chance to share our news, Mr. Wickham, I must admit that I was hoping to see my sister.”
“She is just up the stairs and to the left, though I doubt she is dressed to receive visitors.” His good- humored ease was unchanged from his days in Hertfordshire, as if he expected his former favorite to overlook the small matter of his having seduced her sister.
