She looked across at Colonel Fitzwilliam, who was playing cribbage against his cousin. She enjoyed their conversations but did not see more than that with him. He was nothing like Mr Bingley, and that was a big positive, but Jane did not feel they were truly compatible. To her, he seemed more like an older brother than someone she could be interested in romantically.
Yes, he was resolute and mature but still not for her. Jane could not put her finger on it, but she just knew. At least when they spoke, it was of varied subjects and not about her superficial looks.
Jane looked at her sister. She did not know to what extent yet, but she was sure that Lizzy had softened greatly with regard to Mr Darcy. If it would ever be more than a friendship was an open question, but at least, in Jane’s opinion, it seemed that Lizzy was open to something more.
That thought made Jane smile. Of course she would not interfere, but the more she watched Lizzy and Mr Darcy interact, the more she thought them very well matched.
When they arrived at the rest stop, the two men handed the three ladies from the coach. Elizabeth linked her arm with Jane’s as they followed the other three at a slower pace. “Jane, are you well?” Elizabeth asked. “When I looked at you in the carriage, you looked rather pensive. Is something bothering you?”
“No, Dearest, all is well. I was simply contemplating how Mama, Papa, and our sisters will react to me with all of thechanges I have made to the way I see the world and those in it,” Jane explained.
“I very much like the new Jane, so I hope you will not revert to who you were before because of our parents,” Elizabeth stated.
“Do not worry about that, Lizzy. I do not repine the adjustments I have made to my character. There is not anyone or anything that can cause me to revert to the way I used to be,” Jane assured her sister.
As they entered the inn, the sisters ceased their conversation. Mr Darcy had arranged for a private parlour, so the five travellers followed the landlord to the room.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
“Rather than us going home first, what say you about speaking to Sir William when we take Maria to Lucas Lodge?” Jane enquired while the youngest Lucas was in the necessary prior to the departure from the coaching inn.
“I have no objection,” Elizabeth agreed.
Maria completed her ablutions, and the five returned to the travelling coach; the maid was already in place. Once the men handed the three ladies in and followed them inside, Darcy struck the ceiling, and they were off again.
It was less than two hours until the conveyance arrived at Lucas Lodge. Thankfully, they had not gone through Meryton to arrive here.
Sir William and Lady Lucas were standing in front of the entrance to the house. Their surprise that their youngest would be returned home in such an equipage was evident on their faces.
“Miss Bennet, will you make the introductions?”Fitzwilliam requested.
Once they were introduced, Sir William felt the compliment of the son of an earl calling at his humble abode rather keenly. When the four guests requested to speak to him in his study, the knight agreed with alacrity.
There were not enough seats for all of the men, so Darcy and Fitzwilliam stood.
As the information about Mr Wickham was unfolded, all joviality disappeared from Sir William’s countenance. He took his role as magistrate very seriously and was incensed when he was told of the profligate’s penchant to run up debts with merchants and then disappear when it was time to pay. He had no trouble believing the truth about the living as Mr Darcy presented him with one of the signed receipts for three thousand pounds.
Also in Mr Darcy’s custody were over three thousand pounds of the lieutenant’s debts he had bought up around the country. When the seductions were reported, Sir William wanted to order his gelding saddled and find the libertine and run him through himself.
“Sir William, I beg your pardon for leaving before making the truth about that wastrel known to you and the community. I have no excuse other than I felt it below me to share my private dealings,” Darcy stated.
“You are back now, and thank goodness, it is before the regiment leaves.” Sir William turned to the Bennet sisters. “Your mother told Lady Lucas, but two days ago, that Miss Lydia is to join Mrs Forster as her guest when the regiment moves to their summer quarters.”
“Thank you for that information, Sir William,” Elizabeth responded. “Between all of us we will see that my father rescinds his permission.”
“Perhaps Sir William should canvass the shops to gaugeMr Wickham’s debts,” Jane suggested. “Did you not say that he runs as soon as he thinks he will have to answer for his crimes?”
“Aye, Miss Bennet, that is true,” Darcy agreed. “If he sees my cousin, he will most certainly bolt. He is petrified of Richard.”
“While Sir William tallies up his local debts, Lizzy and I will see if we can discover any of his local victims among the young ladies.” Jane turned to the knight. “Is Miss King safe from him?”
Sir William allowed a guffaw to escape. “She is. Mr King took her to Liverpool, but not before he broke Mr Wickham’s nose the final time that miscreant called at the Kings’ house. I forgot about that until you mentioned her name. I wonder how King became aware of the danger that man represents.”
“Lizzy and I asked Uncle Edward to write to Mr King and warn him. It seems the letter was effective,” Jane revealed.
“Good, it is about time Wicky began to pay the piper,” Fitzwilliam growled.
In keeping with the cousins not being seen in Meryton, Sir William extended an invitation for them to use his sons’ rooms as they were visiting friends for another fortnight. When Lady Lucas was informed she would have guests, she was very excited to have two such men being hosted in her house. However, she was not as happy when her husband commanded that neither she nor Maria may mention their presence to anyone.
