“In Wickham’s case,” rumbled Colonel Fitzwilliam, “I would say that is almost undoubtedly true.”
Lydia nodded, still appearing unhappy but saying nothing further.
“If you have something to say of this Mr. Wickham,” said Mrs. Bennet, “please say it and let us be done. I would not wish to belabor the point.”
“Hmm, I dare say you are correct,” agreed Mr. Bennet. “As Mr. Darcy informed us much of him already, I hardly think we need to canvass that portion of the story again. Mr. Wickhamisaway without leave from his regiment, and therefore the army has the first claim on him. He will almost certainly receive lashes for his trouble, then his most likely destination will be Spain.”
“It is unfortunate,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam. “Those who desert rarely have the fortitude to fight with honor, and they rarely survive long. Some attempt to desert their new commands, but few are successful, and the army does not allow them a second chance. If they do successfully evade their pursuers, Spain is an unfamiliar and inhospitable land. For the sake of Darcy’s father and his affection for Wickham, I hope he serves with honor, but I doubt Wickham has it in him.”
Quietude settled over them all, for despite Mr. Wickham’s general worthlessness, no one of any character wished to see a man sent to his death. Elizabeth took comfort knowing that Mr. Wickham would make of his situation what he would by his own auspices. The man deserved no greater consideration than this.
“There are a few more matters on which we should speak before we leave this subject behind forever,” said Mr. Bennet. “The first is that Mr. Wickham’s debts in Meryton alone are far more than a man in his position could ever hope to repay.”
Mr. Bennet turned a gimlet eye on Mr. Darcy. “I still do not agree with this notion of you assuming the entirety of Mr. Wickham’s debts.”
“You may as well speak to a stone wall, Mr. Bennet,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam. “When Darcy resolves on a course of action, he is as immovable as a mountain.”
“It is because of my mistaken pride that Wickham was still able to wreak havoc.” Elizabeth could see from the set of the man’s jaw that Colonel Fitzwilliam’s assertion was the truth. “The fault is mine, and so must the remedy be.”
A shaken head was Mr. Bennet’s response, but he did not argue the point. Instead, he turned his attention back to Lydia.
“The other matter is what we learned of Wickham’s plans. While I would not continue to berate you, Daughter, you must understandexactlywhat kind of man he is so you can learn.”
Lydia did not speak, contenting herself with waiting for her father to speak. Mr. Bennet nodded with approval.
“You were a means for Mr. Wickham to avenge himself on Mr. Darcy. The man meant to spirit you away to London, take his pleasure from you, and sell you to a brothel.”
It was far blunter than Elizabeth would have been, though she understood her father’s reasons. While several of the ladies gasped and tears appeared in Jane’s eyes, Lydia’s response was a miserable nod.
“Is it because he knew of Lizzy’s regard for Mr. Darcy?” asked she.
“Rather, I would say it is because he knew ofDarcy’sregard forLizzy,” said Mr. Bennet, grinning at each in turn. “If you recall, Elizabeth’s opinion of Darcy was not the highest, though I suspect her estimation has undergone a remarkable improvement. Darcy’s regard is, as I understand, of a longer duration.”
“I may date it almost from the first moments of our acquaintance,” said the gentleman quietly.
As confessions went, this one was certain to invite comment, for they had all seen how Mr. Darcy had behaved. Mrs. Bennet fixed him with a calculating look while Colonel Fitzwilliam leaned back and folded his arms, obviously enjoying the scene. Elizabeth accepted this as she now knew it was true, doing her best to avoid appearing embarrassed. To Elizabeth’s great relief, they pushed this subject to the side, avoiding the commentary Elizabeth knew would eventually be forthcoming for the moment.
“Now, I wish to make certain,” said Mr. Bennet, drawing them all back to the original topic and peering at his youngest daughter. “Do you know what your life would have been like if he had succeeded?”
Lydia nodded, her misery turning her cheeks pale. “I do not understand everything, Papa, but I comprehend something of it. It would have been a hard life.”
Mr. Bennet’s mien softened. “Yes, I suppose youdounderstand something of it, given your knowledge of what happens on a farm. Do not think we would not have rescued you from such a place, Lydia, had we found you. But even if we had, you could not have stayed here, and marriage at the level of society that you currently enjoy would have been impossible. Life in such a place as a brothel would have been more difficult, but even after your rescue, nothing would have been like it was before.”
Lydia released a shuddering breath and nodded. Looking at her with compassion, Mr. Bennet beckoned her to his side, and when she came, he drew her in, allowing her to nestle in close as she had done when she was a child.
“Very well,” said Mr. Bennet to her. “I think we have spoken of this enough that you understand the consequences. Let us have no more of this, Lydia. You would do well to watch your elder sisters so you may model your behavior on theirs.”
“I shall, Papa.”
Mr. Bennet nodded. “Also, I think it wise to pull back on your activities in society.”
Even this did not pierce Lydia’s melancholy, for while she stiffened for a moment, she did not protest.
“Not completely,” said Mr. Bennet. “But it is only the truth that you are full young to be in company. It would be best if you learned more of what you must know before you become a full participant again.”
He gave her a gentle smile and added: “I think ten years should do the trick. At the end of them, we will review your progress and plot our next steps.”
Understanding he was jesting, Lydia allowed a wan smile, but she did not move from his side. Comfort was what she needed, and her father provided it as he had not done in many years. Mr. Bennet was not a tactile or an overly affectionate man, Elizabeth knew, but he had risen to the occasion, providing support to his daughter. It was a traumatic experience from which to heal, but Elizabeth now had hope for her sister’s future.
