~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
St Claire was well pleased that Wickham was a faithful correspondent. He needed the dupe to get close to Colonel Forster. From the intelligence he had developed, this Forster had good connections, and some of those were other Colonels and one or two officers who were Generals, all of whom were in the regulars. He was certain there would be some titbits about British movements and plans. It was unconscionable that they dared to oppose the emperor.
He did not feel bad that he had turned his back on the country which had welcomed him and his late mother when they escaped France during the great terror. His father had met his end on the guillotine. At some point, he had been contacted by an agent of the emperor who had made him an offer he felt he could not refuse. In return for working for France, all of his ancestral lands in Brittany would be restored to him. There was nothing he would not do to regain his birthright.
His reverie was snapped when the butler brought him a new letter from Wickham. As he was also working for the glory of France, he did not need to be deaf like other men who worked in St Claire’s house.
As much as he wanted to speak in their mother tongue of French between them, St Claire dismissed the butler and was soon reading Wickham’s report.
2 October 1811
Bedford
Bedfordshire
St Claire:
I will soon be in a position to keep a close eye on Colonel Forster.
As you like details, let me tell you all. You will remember that I told you I befriended Lieutenant James Denny, a 2nd son from a small estate near the town of Lambton in Derbyshire. My aim in getting close to him was that he acts as an assistant to the colonel, more like a private secretary, opening and sorting the colonel’s post or anything else which crosses his desk.
Denny had been whinging that it was not the kind of work he wanted to be doing, but he could not complain, as he had been specifically chosen for the role by the colonel.
You told me that the best tales are the ones with truth at their heart. Remembering that, I told Denny how I had been a clerk in a law office and missed the kind of work he was decrying. At first, he was sceptical, but he soon began to believe me.
Like you told me to do, I have made myself agreeable to the colonel. Hence, when Denny mentioned I was far more qualified to assist the colonel than he was, Colonel Forster permitted Denny to teach me what I needed to know. As soon as I can show the colonel I am familiar with what he needs, then Denny will be released.
It will take me a sennight at the most before I am alone in assisting the colonel. Assoon as that occurs, I will be able to send you information which will assist you in proving that Colonel Forster is not following orders.
Other than that, there is nothing more to report at this time.
Wickham
This was the best news. Thanks to the promise of a financial reward, Wickham was proving to be a much better asset than St Claire, or the man in charge of French agents in England, had ever thought he would be.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Wickham was frustrated. What he was doing for St Claire was proceeding anon. In another day or two, he would be the only one looking at the colonel’s correspondence. On the other hand, his plans to take the four hundred pounds he had not needed to purchase his commission and multiply it with his good luck at the tables had come to nought.
He had lost it all and had very much wanted to carry on to win it back and sign for debts of honour if need be, but the possible loss of fifteen thousand pounds stayed his hand.
How was it that his luck was so bad? So much for his luck turning!
He hoped that as soon as St Claire had the proof he needed to have Forster court-martialled, Wickham would be released and on his way with his fortune. That day could not come soon enough.
Chapter 29
Once they arrived back at Netherfield Park, Hurst ordered his horse and one more saddled. While he accompanied Louisa to return the children to the nursery and inform them he would be away for a few days, he sent word for Holcomb to join him on the ride to London. At the same time, Leticia went to rest in her chamber.
While Hurst was preparing to leave, Nichols was reporting the confrontation with Miss Bingley to Mr Bingley. Darcy was with him at the time.
“Miss Bingley said ‘my Mr Darcy’?” Darcy verified.
“Aye, Sir, she did,” Nichols confirmed.
“It seems that Caroline is behaving exactly like Hurst predicted she would. I do not believe her apology to Mr Nichols, do you, Darce?” Bingley questioned.
“No, I do not,” Darcy agreed. He could not believe the woman had fallen so far as to try and physically assault the butler. Whatever Darcy was about to express was not said as Hurst and his valet, along with the younger Mrs Hurst, joined them in the entrance hall.
