Chapter 5
As soon as Elizabeth left his house, Darcy urged Watts —his most trusted servant —to deliver a long note for Mr. Clayton, requiring information about Wickham’s precise location; then he spent the next hours waiting, anxious and impatient.
He needed time to accept that the visit actually took place and even more to put aside his previous anxiety about Elizabeth’s eloping with Wickham.
He awaited Mr. Gardiner’s arrival with eagerness but also with concern.
He could only wonder what kind of man he was.
All he remembered from previous discussions in Hertfordshire was that Mr. Gardiner was in trade, lived near Cheapside, and was Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Philips’s brother.
None of these circumstances sounded encouraging, and the notion of collaborating with such a man about a delicate situation was rather distracting.
Just at noon, Darcy was informed of two visitors, and the news made his heart skip a beat. Was it possible that she returned with her uncle?
He was surprised but relieved to see Mr. Bennet entering together with a younger gentleman.
After an awkward greeting and several apologies from the visitors, the formidable introductions were finally made.
While he witnessed the gentlemen’s embarrassment, Darcy realised that, during his stay at Netherfield, he had never exchanged a single word directly with Elizabeth’s father, and he was as much a stranger to him as was Mr. Gardiner.
How faulty had his behaviour been in Hertfordshire?
He tried to sound as amiable as possible when he eventually spoke. “Please come in. Would you like something to drink? Some refreshments maybe?”
The visitors appeared to be uncomfortable and abashed while they hesitantly chose a place to sit.
“A drink would be fine, sir, but I beg you do not trouble yourself. We apologise for any interruption; I imagine how unpleasant all this must be for you, so we will keep it as brief as possible. Having to bear the visits of two Bennets and a relative in one day, only to discuss another Bennet, is surely not your favourite way to spend time. I must say, it is not my favourite way either,” Mr. Bennet said in bitter irony.
He took the offered glass of wine, then looked around and continued.
“But I must say this library is astonishing. If I had one half as wonderful as this at home, I would never leave it. In truth, I hardly leave my own library anyway, except when my own careless behaviour puts my family in such a desperate situation.”
Darcy was uncertain whether he should smile or not. The resemblance between Elizabeth and her father suddenly became visible to him.
“I thank you, sir. I do pride myself on my library —as well as the one at Pemberley, which is even larger and richer in volumes than this one. It is the work of generations, and I struggle to preserve it properly. Now, would you mind explaining to me, from the very beginning, what exactly has happened?”
“Yes, of course; forgive my ramblings.”
With reluctance and restraint, Mr. Bennet shared the shameful situation of his family.
As he spoke, Darcy realised once again the extent of his foolishness in presuming that Elizabeth was the one who eloped.
He should have known that she could not abandon her family out of some wanton inclination, and even more, he should have realised that Wickham preferred —as always —a younger woman whom he could influence and control, someone who would obey him unconditionally.
“This is why we suspect they are in town,” Mr. Gardiner added when his brother-in-law ended the narration. “We apologise for disturbing you with a matter that is so intimate to our family. If you could only suggest to us where we might search for Wickham, we will not detain you a moment longer.”
One of Darcy’s concerns was relieved. Mr. Gardiner was nothing like his sister, neither in appearance nor in manners.
“Mr. Bennet, Mr. Gardiner, it gives me no pleasure to confess that this matter is intimately familiar to my family and me. George Wickham was my father’s godson, and we spent most of my childhood together.
His reckless behaviour affects me too. My parents —as well as his, I suppose —would be disappointed and pained to know the kind of man he has become. ”
“Yes, Lizzy told me that. It is a shame that we did not know his true character from the beginning. All of Meryton —men and women alike —were smitten with this rascal. I am sure my own wife would have eloped with him if he asked her,” Mr. Bennet continued angrily.
Darcy felt Mr. Bennet’s hidden reproach and was ready to offer a reply when the gentleman himself spoke further.
“I do not mean you have any responsibility in this, Mr. Darcy. It was, after all, not your duty to open the eyes of the blind. Perhaps if I had taken the time to speak to him directly instead of only mocking my daughters about the man, I would have had a word to say. Or if I had taken more trouble to censure my family when it was needed…”
“Let us not argue about the biggest share of responsibility,” Darcy intervened.
“Since I spoke with Miss Bennet early this morning, I did make some inquiries. There is…someone…who is very aware of Wickham’s whereabouts.
I thought it would be better for him to continue the quest and inform me of the result.
Wickham might become scared and run away if he saw any of us. ”
“That is extraordinary…so you think we can hope to have an answer soon?” Mr. Gardiner could not restrain his astonishment.
“Quite. If you prefer, you may return home and rest. You must be exhausted from the efforts of your search. I will send you a note as soon as I have the details.”
“Oh no, we could not possibly rest until we find something,” said Mr. Bennet and then added, “However, we do not want to keep you from your business; we can easily wait in the carriage.”
“That will not be necessary,” Darcy replied without hesitation.
“I have no other fixed engagements today. I will order more drinks and some refreshments as it might take a while. You are most welcome to choose a book while we wait,” he answered with a politeness that puzzled both his visitors.
He noticed it and wondered how awful his behaviour must have been in Hertfordshire if they were surprised by a mere expression of civility.
“If you do not mind, I would be grateful to take a look at this marvellous collection of books. It would certainly help keep my sanity,” Mr. Bennet accepted, walking along the impressive shelves.
“Sir, we thank you again for your kindness. We were lucky to find you in Town,” Mr. Gardiner addressed the master of the house.
“It is truly fortunate because next week I plan to travel to Pemberley. A few days later and I would have been gone.” Then he explained amiably, “Pemberley is my estate in Derbyshire.”
“We know that,” Mr. Gardiner responded, slightly more animated. “My wife is quite familiar with the place. She grew up in Lambton, which I understand is only five miles from Pemberley. She has told me several times that she has never seen a more beautiful place.”
Darcy’s countenance softened. “Truly? What a lovely coincidence indeed. I hope to have the chance of thanking Mrs. Gardiner personally for such praise.”
Both Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner exchanged astounded glances at this unexpected friendliness.
“I…she would be much honoured, I am sure,” Mr. Gardiner managed to articulate.
Conversation continued as slowly as expected. It was neither a happy time nor an opportunity for carefree chatting. Darcy dared not ask anything that could betray his interest in Elizabeth, and the visitors avoided anything that might displease their host.
“Is Mr. Bingley in good health?” Mr. Bennet finally inquired. “We have wondered about him.”
“Yes, he is…as far as I know. I have rarely seen him lately as he is spending the summer with friends.” Darcy felt uneasy speaking with Mr. Bennet about Bingley, but the gentleman seemed content with the brief information.
The uncomfortable wait came to an end at the entrance of Mr. Clayton. He approached Darcy, briefly greeting the strangers. He was offered a drink, and Darcy encouraged him to talk.
“Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner share my interest in this story, so you may speak openly. Do you have Wickham’s address?”
“I have, sir. He is staying in a rented room in a place near Mrs. Younge’s.”
“Did you approach him?”
“Not at all, sir —just as you asked me. He has paid for the room until the end of the week.”
“Is my daughter with him?” Mr. Bennet inquired hastily.
Mr. Clayton answered, slightly uneasy. “There is a young lady with him. I did not make inquiries about her identity, but I can do so if necessary.”
“No indeed, we will go there ourselves right now. Please show us the location,” Darcy replied, then hastened the other two gentlemen to follow them.
“We can all take my carriage, and you can retrieve yours later,” Darcy suggested. “We must catch Wickham unguarded if we want this matter resolved today.”
The two gentlemen silently followed his commands —surprised, incredulous, and hopeful. It seemed unreal that their difficult search and worry could end so easily.
There was silence inside the carriage, four men struggling to prepare themselves for a most unpleasant confrontation. More than half an hour later, they reached the small inn in the eastern part of town. Once his duty was accomplished, Mr. Clayton retired.
Darcy was the first to enter and had a private conversation with the owner.
The others could only suspect what he was doing, but their trust was rewarded when, a few minutes later, he silently invited them to follow him up the stairs.
On the second floor, they waited a few moments to catch their breath and control their emotions before Darcy knocked sharply.