That morning, three daughters of tenants who were similar in height and colouring to the three Bennet girls were dressed in clothing belonging to each of the respective daughter that she was to imitate.
Given Wickham would never be allowed to get close enough to have contact with the girls, the three Bennet daughters had been willing to lead him into the trap themselves, but everyone from their mother and father on down, and most especially their three gentlemen, resolutely refused to allow the Bennet daughters to be the ones to lead Wickham into the well-planned ambush.
The three girls who would imitate the Bennet’s—Selina Blackmore, Karen Black, and Alice Bromley—were daughters of tenants that had been at Longbourn for generations.
The tenants leasing farms from the Bennets were extremely loyal and protective of the family as all tenants were treated with the utmost respect by the Bennet family with more than fair rent, as well as timely upkeep and repairs.
If there was ever genuine need, Mr. Bennet did whatever was required to help his tenants. He had, in fact, often kept so close in contact that genuine need was never reached, small needs were met quickly so none worried in ways most tenants had to suffer.
The Bennets had established and paid all of the costs for them to attend a school so all tenant children would learn to read, write, and do sums, enabling them to get better jobs than they otherwise would have received, and therefore higher pay so their lives continued to improve depending on their own efforts. They had also created a fund, that was very well endowed, for any children of tenants that wanted additional education beyond the basics.
While the plan was being put into place, Bennet had told the Blackmores, Blacks, and Bromleys that he would richly compensate them for what their daughters were doing for his. All three had flatly refused, only too happy to help and Bennet thanked them for their loyalty, but let them know each girl would receive five pounds from him personally not only for their time, but for helping them rid their society of a person who never should be encountered or allowed to roam freely among decent people.
Thethree substitute Bennet daughterswere each provided a little money to purchase a new bonnet as a thank you by each real Bennet daughter.
When they started to refuse, it was Jane who intervened. “You are our long-time tenants and friends we have played with for many years. You are protecting us without expectation of reward, purely from the goodness of your hearts.
“With your assistance this day, you are protecting my family, my sisters, and my soon-to-be family from a vile tormenter. You will allow us to thank you for that from us to you. Goodness is allowed to be rewarded.” Jane warned no refusal was to be accepted. “And besides, we said we were making purchases, it would be awkward if none were made,” she reminded all three.
“Yes, Miss Bennet,” was chorused.
While the carriage was departing Longbourn, the Wickham welcoming party mounted their horses to meet the members of the militia at the designated spot. The fact that Wickham had always overestimated his abilities, made certain he would believe the ladies were playing right into his hands rather than he being led into a trap.
Little did he know that he had shadows, four of the officers that were part of the group of seven tasked to watch him were out of uniform and following him far more expertly than he followed his prey.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
As Fitzwilliam and Darcy gleefully told him how he had been duped, Wickham was furious, but knew there was naught he could do about it. He felt someone relieve him of his sword and the pistol he had shoved into his belt to use asencouragementif one of his intended prey tried to run or resist him. The length of rope he had slung over his shoulder with the intent to secure the girls he was not enjoying was removed as well.
Wickham had never been so petrified, or mortified, in his life. Not only was he being humiliated, but it was in front of Fitzwilliam Darcy no less. By the look in Darcy’s eyes and from Colonel Fitzwilliam’s tone, he suspected there was no chance of talking his way out of this one and he was about to pay the piper. Just as he thought things could not get worse, his stomach sank when he heard the very voice he least expected.
“Where is your silver tongue now, George? Have you lost your ability to offer insincere words of love, or do you need your paramour, Mrs. Younge, to help you?” Wickham rotated his head to the left as much as he could without the swords drawing blood and saw that his ears had not deceived him.
Georgiana Darcy, who he knew to be a timid little mouse, was now looking at him with pure disdain and anger in her eyes, her hands on her hips as she let lose all the pent-up emotion his actions had caused her and her brother.
“What is wrong, George,” she demanded, the cutting way she said his name verified he was in his worst nightmare, “has the cat got your tongue, or are you too much a coward to speak when faced by those who can defend themselves? You will find none of your defenceless preferred prey hereabouts!” As she spoke the last, she walked up to him, so she was standing at her brother’s side. It was to the astonishment of all that she slapped his cheek with all the force that she could muster, and the power of which had reeled him back so much he had been cut by Richard’s sword.
In the next second cheers filled the clearing, but she was most satisfied to see when his head reset to its proper alignment, the force of the movement opened a small cut on his neck from Darcy’s sword as well. At that moment he was well and truly aware she held his life in her hands, and when she raised her hand Wickham flinched, the satisfaction of which filled her so much she smiled, glancing at the blood running down his neck from two small wounds.
Darcy was never prouder of his little sister. He knew this was an important final step for her to complete the healing from the way Wickham and Mrs. Younge had manipulated her in Ramsgate.
It was certainly a dramatic way to take her power back from the blackguard, but oh the pleasure of watching Georgiana making him flinch filled him with absolute satisfaction, more so than had he done it himself. Wickham’s whole right cheek was now hot, the handprint forming and as bright as the blood dribbling down his neck. It would be clear for all to see for some days to come.
“What did you think you were going to do when you found the young ladies Wickham? Force your attentions on them like you have so many before? From the weapons you carried your intent is clear. A real man does not need to lie and manipulate young girls, and never forces himself on them.
“You are a nothing but a want-to-be rapist, Wickham, and I fully intend to announce to all gaming hells and taverns where you can be found, so that all who are looking for you to repay you for the kindnesses you showed their daughters and sisters will be able to find you! Not to mention the many you owe money to,” Darcy snarled at him.
Wickham had now turned white and could no longer support his own weight. His arms were firmly grasped by the two mountainous footmen he had seen in Meryton, and Darcy and the Colonel stepped back and sheathed their swords in their scabbards. With the aid of the two less than gentle helpers; at least he was able to still stand.
Before he could contrive any answer, Colonel Forster stood before him and ripped the epaulets denoting his rank from his shoulders. “You are a disgrace to not only the uniform, but all men, and decent and honourable people should never have had to suffer your existence as you lived it.
“At the time you purchased your commission you were given a document to sign wherein you attested that you were an upstanding and honourable man who had never committed a crime. Since you blatantly lied, your commission is forfeit and so are the funds you used to purchase it.”
As he turned his back and returned to stand with his officers Colonel Forster continued. “Earlier today I had your quarters searched. A number of items were found in your quarters that your fellow officers have reported stolen since your arrival.” Forster growled with a murderous look in his eye. “You are the type of dissolute profligate that blackens the name of the militia around the country making us unwelcome in some towns, and you are about to feel the consequences of your actions.”
“W-w-what is going to happen to me?” Wickham squeaked, then tried to muster some of his former bravado as he turned toward Darcy. “Remember Darcy, if you do not assist me, I will be very vocal about Ramsgate and ruin that mousey sister of yours. Knowing that, you should pay for my silence, and I will leave the country.” Wickham was sure he had played a winning hand forgetting he was always a bad gambler.
Darcy could see Wickham’s cowardice shining through his attempted bravado. He thought back to when he had started to notice a change in George Wickham, who he had thought of as a friend.
