“Good afternoon, gentlemen. How may I assist you?”
Mr. Bennet looked directly at the colonel. “I am here about Lieutenant Wickham. Twice now this man has importuned my daughter. After the first incident he was warned not to return to Longbourn, yet he appeared again on the afternoon of the fire. I saw him myself, bold as brass, arguing with her, and when she attempted to leave, he seized her wrist.”
Mr. Bennet struck the desk with his fist. “I will not have it.”
Sir William placed a steadying hand on his shoulder.
“As magistrate, I too am concerned about Mr. Wickham’s conduct toward Miss Elizabeth. I should also like to know whether he has an alibi for the night of the fire. Mr. Wickham made threats that afternoon.”
Colonel Foster nodded gravely. “This is very concerning. Lieutenant Wickham has already been confined to camp, permitted to leave only to take his meals at the inn.”
He turned to the officer standing by the door. “Have two men bring Lieutenant Wickham here at once.”
The officer saluted and quickly left the room.
Colonel Foster gestured toward the chairs. “My apologies, gentlemen. Please be seated. I want you to know that I take this business concerning Miss Elizabeth very seriously. My Charlotte is quite close to her and has been greatly upset by the matter.”
They had not long to wait before Lieutenant Wickham was escorted into the room. Mr. Bennet was on his feet the instant he saw him. The expression on his face was so full of anger that Wickham took a step back.
Colonel Foster addressed him sharply. “Have you forgotten that one salutes in the presence of a superior officer?”
Wickham paled and quickly raised his hand. “My apologies, Colonel Foster.”
The colonel fixed him with a hard stare. “Let us begin with your conduct toward Miss Elizabeth. Twice now you have laid hands upon her in a most improper manner.”
Wickham swallowed. “I was only trying to get her to understand.”
Colonel Foster shook his head. “Let me make this very clear. You are not to approach or speak to Miss Elizabeth again. Should you encounter her, you will immediately remove yourself. To ensure there is no misunderstanding, you will remain confined to camp for the remainder of our stay in Meryton.”
Wickham nodded faintly. “Yes, sir.”
Colonel Foster continued, “Now, I want to know where you were after you were retrieved from Longbourn Wednesday afternoon.”
Wickham glanced uneasily around the room. “I was… at the camp. I have not left since returning Wednesday afternoon.”
“And can anyone vouch for your whereabouts Wednesday evening?”
Wickham hesitated. “I was in my tent that evening.”
Colonel Foster continued to stare at him.
“I was… I was in my tent all night.”
Colonel Foster regarded him for a long moment before speaking.
“Escort Lieutenant Wickham to the guardhouse until we can sort this out.”
Wickham stared at him in horror. “I was in my tent!”
The men watched as Wickham was taken away.
Colonel Foster turned back to Mr. Bennet and Sir William.
“We shall determine whether anyone saw him leaving camp that night. Though, in truth, leaving camp would not prove that he set the fire.”
Mr. Bennet’s expression hardened at this remark, but Sir William nodded.
“He is correct. That alone would not be sufficient.”
