“Did I overhear you are looking for officers to join you in service of King and country?” Wickham drawled emphasising his accent.
“You did. I am Lieutenant Denny and this,” Denny inclined his head to the other man, “is Captain Carter.”
The three men shook hands and Wickham was invited to sit.
“By your accent, I can tell you are from our county,” the Captain stated. “We are members of a regiment of the Derbyshire Militia and we are looking for officers from that county. Do you have a gentleman’s education?”
“I do,” Wickham dissembled.
“In that case, if you are interested, you are entitled to a free Lieutenant’s commission with us. Colonel Forster is looking for good and honourable men,” Carter related.
The two officers proceeded to tell Wickham about their duties, wages—only two pounds a month, but meals were included—and the regiment.
“Our encampment is just outside of Oxford in Oxfordshire, but we are moving to winter quarters in Hertfordshire at the beginning of November,” Denny revealed. “At the end of March, we make for Brighton.”
“I have always wanted to serve, so I would like to accept a commission in your regiment,” Wickham stated as sincerely as he was able.
“Meet us here in two days at midday. We will be making for our encampment,” the Captain instructed.
To make a good impression, Wickham, using his dwindling cash reserves, paid for a few rounds of grog before he took his leave.
Chapter 22
Elizabeth looked at the letter Anne had handed to her. She had been at her best friend’s side since after Mary’s birthday, refusing any entreaties to be anywhere else.
Anne was appreciative Lizzy was willing to dedicate all of her time to her. At the same time, she knew it was not healthy for her best friend, which had led her to write the letter. Other than a word here or there, Anne no longer spoke as it cost her too much effort to do so. Writing was about the only activity she could accomplish without getting too tired.
“Read!” Anne managed before she had to gasp for air.
Not wanting to be the cause of any more pain for Anne, Elizabeth followed the command and opened the folded paper.
13 September 1810
My dearest, sister of my heart, Lizzy,
I love that you want to be at my side at all times, but you are causing me concern that you have stopped living your own life and are living for me now.
I need the girl who saw me and not my malady. Where is the girl who made sure I was able to climb Oakham Mount, the one who is never intimidated? I want the Lizzy back who treated me like any other, not an invalid.
Lizzy, I have passed the age of 20, an age I never thought I would attain, and if it was not for you, I would have gone to God 10 years ago. Although my life will be a short one, it has been made infinitely better because you are in it.
As much as I love you being here every day, I need you to live your own life. I am much concerned you will forget how to live without me, and I need to know you will be able to carry on and live your life fully after I am gone. Remember, I will always be with you. By you going on and making the most of your life, being that vivacious, impertinent, andle diable peut s'en soucier (devil may care)girl I love as well as anyone could love her sister, I will experience it along with you even though you will not see me.
If I am not being clear, I want you to return home, and live! Go ride Penny, walk, sit on Oakham Mount and watch the sunrise, find a man who you love and respect, and marry. My only demand (hope) is that you will name one of your daughters Anne.
Please understand, I am not saying I do not want you to visit. You are welcome, but no more than two days a week here with me. And you are to attend the assembly in October if I am still alive—I would not ask you to dance if I have just passed away. Do not forget you can write and I will reply to your letters as I always have in the past.
Now, I need to ask a favour of you, of you, and all of your family. When I am called home, please make sure Papa does not give up—if you are able. The truth is I think Papa is not well and he is fighting with all he is to make sure he does not pass away before me. If I have the right of it, he will not long survive me.
Lizzy, be careful of my mother once Papa and I are in heaven. As much as I wanted, hoped, and believed my mother had changed, I know now she has not. She thinks she has fooled all of us, especially me, but she has not.
‘Why would I have to be careful?’Elizabeth asked herself silently.‘It is not like I have anything she wants?’Elizabeth shook her head and returned her eyes to the letter.
Lizzy, I need you to promise me you will do what I ask. Please do not allowmy death to destroy yourjoie de vivre.
Yes, I will allow you to mourn me, but no more than a total of 6 weeks!
Now if you look up you will see I have been watching you while you read. I need your promise.
