So far, Wickham had not found one who was willing to gossip about the Bennets. He needed the money to escapeEngland’s shores, so he had to find the information somehow, even if it meant paying some serving wench coin to talk.
As he walked back towards the inn, he saw the prettiest chits he had ever seen exit a door next to the law offices. Even though they looked older than his preferred age, he was drawn to them like a fish is drawn to the water. As he approached them, he straightened his coat and hat to present himself to the best advantage.
The sisters saw the officer leering at them and walking so he would intercept them. They looked around and saw all five guards watching with heightened attention. The man on the box had his pistol on the bench next to him in case he needed it. John and Brian were leaning against the wall near the law office, looking nonchalant but were anything but. If need be, they would spring into action. The two men who had been near their horses were closing the distance between them and the sisters very slowly.
Bold as brass, the officer made his approach, looking for all the world like he thought he was a gift to any woman on whom he bestowed his attention.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
The group of riders from Netherfield Park, which included all except for Miss Bingley, Anne, and Mrs Jenkinson, departed the estate so they would reach Meryton just after half after ten, the agreed-upon time to meet with the three eldest Bennet sisters.
They turned onto Main Street just in time to see an officer sauntering towards the three Misses Bennet.
Anna felt a cold shiver up and down her spine. How couldhebe here? It looked like the dastard from behind, but in uniform and with his hat on, she could not be sure. She spurred her mare forward and reached William, Richard, andMr Bingley, who were leading the riders.
“William, I am not sure, but I think I recognise that officer,” Anna said nervously.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
“A man would have to go far to see such beauty in one place,” Wickham said as he bowed with a flourish before the beauties. His purpose of finding out about the Bennets was momentarily forgotten with so many fine maidens before him.
“Excuse me, Sir, but in our society, even if it is an unvarying country society, gentlemen are introduced before they address unknown ladies,” Jane said sharply.
“I think we may forgo that convention, as I am here to protect you lovely ladies from evil. As such, I think we may introduce ourselves,” Wickham stated as he bowed again. He attempted to take the nearest blonde’s hand to kiss, but she pulled it away as if it had been scalded by hot water. Refusing not to know their names, Wickham decided to introduce himself. “Lieutenant George Wickham from Derbyshire at your service, ladies now…”
“We do not know you, but I spy some who do; perhaps they will make the introductions.” Elizabeth pointed behind the man.
Wickham turned, and there he spied a living nightmare. Only yards away on horses were the Darcys and all the Fitzwilliams. He turned white and felt his bladder weaken. ‘How the hell are they here?’ His mind screamed. At that moment, the lead left his feet, and he ran in the opposite direction from the men on the horses, knowing the ladies were between them and there were people in the street so they could not just gallop after him.
“STOP HIM!” Elizabeth yelled.
The one guard on the box was following the officer with his pistol, but as soon as they saw how forward the man was, Biggs and Johns had come closer. When Miss Lizzy yelled, Biggs was closest. The running officer was looking over his shoulder, so he never saw the extended arm Biggs held out in his way.
One second, Wickham was running; the next, it felt like he ran into a tree trunk! He felt himself flying through the air making a revolution and landing on his back, knocking all the wind out of his lungs. As soon as he was able to draw breath, he thought to reach for his sabre, but then he saw a rather large foot standing on it. The foot was connected to one of the largest men he had encountered. Another, no smaller than that man, grabbed his lapels and lifted him clear off the street like he was a child’s cloth doll.
“Wicky, Wicky, Wicky. Did you think you would escape justice forever?” Fitzwilliam turned to William, who had a feral look in his eyes. “That agreement he signed in front of Uncle Robert is with your solicitor in London, is it not?”
“Indeed, it is. I will send for it forthwith,” Darcy snarled.
“I will speak of…” Wickham began to say.
“John, stop him speaking,” Elizabeth commanded, having a very good idea what the disgusting man was about to say.
Biggs nodded to Johns, who turned the man to him. As quick as a cobra would strike, he pulled his fist back and planted a facer. His enormous fist covered most of the hapless man’s face.
“Now, you despicable worm, what was it you were about to say? I can have my sister ask John to teach you another lesson in decorum if you like,” Jane hissed.
“Nothing,” Wickham mumbled through the blood and loosened teeth.
“Richard, Sir William is the magistrate. Should we send someone to fetch him?” Mary asked.
Anna, who was standing next to William, wanted to slap the man who attempted to seduce her, but with the blood already falling from his mouth and nose, she chose not to do so. However, in that moment, she realised that the libertine had no more power over her.
Elizabeth noted a growing crowd. “Let us take him to my uncle’s stables. We would not like to get his filth on the floor of Uncle’s house,” she suggested.
The group walked behind the building to the stables. At the same time, Lady Matlock and the three youngest girls were directed to the Phillipses house. When there, one of the guards lashed Wickham’s arms to a thick beam of wood.
“You know that you are going to hang, do you not?” Hilldale spat at the wastrel.
