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“Yes, I have. He was an officer in the Militia regiment based outside the town of Meryton, only one mile from my father’s estate.”
Elizabeth summarised her dealings with Wickham, including Mr. Darcy’s reaction to seeing him and Wickham’s tale of woe.
“Is he still there? Did my brother not do something to stem these horrid lies?”
“No he is not still there and your brother did nothing, presumably so that Wickham did not spread gossip about yourself.”
Georgiana looked close to tears again.
“He is out there ruining my reputation?”
Elizabeth reached over and squeezed her hand.
“Mr. Wickham disappeared one evening. There are two popular rumours as to why. The first is that he had to abscond before he was called to answer several debts of honour. In the days following his disappearance he was found to owe debts to several of the other officers. Or so the rumour around Meryton suggested. The second reason for his disappearance is that he deserted. Rank within the Militia is based on your holdings of land, and the annual value it produces.”
“George Wickham has no land.”
“The requirement was waived for Lieutenants given the shortage of officers in this time of war. He was able to hold a commission as a Lieutenant but was unable to meet the requirements of a Captain. When someone else was promoted to Captain it is rumoured that he deserted. This is the most popular rumour and the Army is certainly looking for him.”
Elizabeth took both Georgiana’s hands and looked her in the eye.
“The rumour that I personally believe is the third one, that is known the least. Wickham trifled with the daughter of one of the tradesmen in town. As a result Wickham ended up unconscious in a house of ill-repute in London where, completely coincidentally, he was snatched by the Impressment Squad. He left on one of His Majesty’s ships that very morning. This is the rumour that I choose to believe.”
Elizabeth’s gaze spoke of the truth of this ‘rumour’. Georgiana’s eyes were unwavering, wanting to believe this story.
“Truly. Wickham will never bother you again.”
Mrs. Annesley looked at Miss Bennet in astonishment. She turned to Mrs. Smith and received a small nod confirming the tale. As she turned back to her charge she was rewarded by seeing the biggest smile she had ever witnessed from the young lady.
It had been quite the day.
Chapter 25
“Darcy, Fitzwilliam, you are late!”
Richard had to hide his surprise as Darcy ignored their aunt and walked over to greet their cousin.
“Darcy, how dare you ignore me. Where are your manners!”
Bowing over Anne’s hand Darcy smiled and winked at her before turning to face Lady Catherine.
“My manners? Since you thought it appropriate to berate your guests, I merely followed your excellent example.”
Lady Catherine was reduced to a spluttering toddler having a tantrum.
“In my last letter of less than a week ago, I informed you that the Colonel and myself would be at Rosings between 2.00 and 4.00 in the afternoon this very day.”
He pulled out his watch and checked the time.
“It is currently 3.20 and we have been here for several minutes already. In the rest of the Kingdom 3.15 is considered as being between 2.00 and 4.00. Good afternoon Lady Catherine, good afternoon Anne. May I say that you both look well.”
Darcy sat as the Colonel followed with his own greetings.
“How dare you upbraid me in my own home.”
Darcy sat in silence, any kind of apology absent from his lips.
The initial five minutes set the tone for the first week. When Lady Catherine was genteel and pleasant Darcy was equally well-mannered. Unfortunately Lady Catherine had long since lost any sense of control and several times a day would conduct herself in an offensive manner. Darcy no longer excused it. His most frequent response was to leave the room, commenting he would return when ‘we can have a civilised conversation without resorting to shouting’.
