“Georgiana is right,” said Elizabeth. “If Papa had sons, they might serve in the militia.”
“But not in the same county,” said Mr. Darcy. “It is generally desirable for regiments to serve in counties where they have no ties to the populace.”
“Didyouserve in the militia, Mr. Darcy?” demanded Lydia.
William offered the girl a wry smile. “No, Miss Lydia, I did not—my situation largely prevented it. Not only am I an only son, but I am also the master of an estate and have been since I was two and twenty. The life of the militia is not dangerous, but the war office does not appoint a gentleman in possession of his legacy to the militia.”
“Of more importance to the conversation,” interjected Georgiana, “the officers are dependent on their parents for support; their militia wages do not cover their expenses. Militia officers cannot afford to take wives.”
“But Colonel Forster is married!” protested Lydia.
“And probably wealthier than most of the other men,” said William. “He is also a colonel, which means his pay is better than the other men.”
“What about the regulars?” asked Lydia.
“They often come from more prominent families, though not always,” said William. “Sometimes, a wealthier relation or patron will purchase a commission on behalf of a family of less fortunate circumstances. However, most are not wealthy men in their own right. Take my cousin, for example.”
Georgiana rolled her eyes. “Oh yes. Anthony goes on at length about how his habits make him too dependent. If he wishes to keep his lifestyle, Anthony must marry a woman of substantial fortune, or so he tells us to excess.”
“That is not entirely true,” said William, a hint of a smile pushing his lips up. “My uncle has provided for him, and there may be an estate left to him when an elderly relation passesaway. But for many, the reality is that they must marry women of fortune or remain dependent on their families forever. Some successful officers receive money for victorious campaigns or share in bounties, but you should not expect that an officer will wish to marry you if you do not bring a handsome dowry to the marriage.”
They dropped the subject at that moment, but Georgiana could easily see that her friends were downcast, now that they understood the reality of militia life. It was just as well—should Jane marry Mr. Bingley, they might come to the attention of men in his circle, which might make marriage to men of means possible for them. Georgiana knew they must improve their comportment, but she did not think it beyond them.
Chapter XI
Never had it been so clear to Darcy that his sister had recovered from George Wickham’s machinations. The way she had responded to Lydia Bennet’s silliness had instilled a fierce pride in Darcy; her cautions about focusing on military men proved that she understood the realities of her world. Kitty and Lydia Bennet were still the same thoughtless girls they had always been, but perhaps they now comprehended something about the world in which they lived. It would only do them good.
Darcy noticed that Miss Elizabeth followed along, and though she was not open about her purpose, it was obvious that she was watching the girls. What she expected, Darcy did not know, though he remained wary. Most of the men who inhabited the regiment were decent enough, but Wickham was still at large, and Darcy could not relax if Wickham were in the same county, let alone the same town.
After the discussion about the officers and the realities of military life, they continued to walk the town, Miss Mary being the addition to their company. There was little enough to see in Meryton; Darcy thought they had visited all the principal shops, but the youngest Bennet sisters were indefatigable, flitting from one place to another, always with laughter too loud, too eager for young gentlewomen to be considered proper.
Then rumors began to surface. They heard nothing from the officers, which was itself a surprise, given it concerned the regiment. As they walked, and the Bennet sisters stopped to talk to acquaintances, Darcy began to catch whispers about a certain militia officer he despised.
“Oh, did you not hear?” asked a young lady, addressing Miss Elizabeth. Darcy could not be certain, but he believed she hadbeen introduced at a local function as Miss Harrington. “It is all over town. Mr. Wickham is being investigated.”
“Mr. Wickham?” demanded Miss Lydia. “For what?”
“It seems there has been some trouble with the merchants,” replied Miss Harrington. “I do not know everything, and the regiment and the shopkeepers have been closemouthed about it. It seems Mr. Wickham has debts with most of the shops in Meryton.”
“Debts?” asked Miss Kitty, eyes wide.
“Apparently, with no intention of paying them.” Miss Harrington grinned, as if she had disseminated tales such as this with great frequency and even greater relish. “It is said that Colonel Forster has confined him to the stockade until he understands the truth of Mr. Wickham’s activities. There is even...”
Miss Harrington looked about and stepped closer, as if imparting a secret. It might have been had she not spoken in a voice that was clearly audible to the furthest reaches of the town.
“There is some talk of Mr. Wickham dallying with certain ladies of the town, though I know nothing more than that.”
“No, it must be some mistake,” said Lydia, horrified. “Mr. Wickham would never do such a thing!”
“On what do you base that opinion, Lydia?” asked Miss Mary.
Though the girl was often severe in Darcy’s experience, she appeared nothing more than curious. Miss Lydia appeared to take the question as a personal affront, opening her mouth to retort.
“Take care about what you say, Lydia,” interrupted Miss Elizabeth, not allowing her to speak. “Remember the conversation we just had about the officers. If they are naught but men and unremarkable, you should recall that a handsome face can hide secrets.”
Deflated, Miss Lydia muttered something that Darcy could not hear. No one paid her any attention.
“That is the rumor of what I have heard,” said Miss Harrington, not offended or put out in the slightest. “Perhaps once this all settles, we will learn the truth.”
