Chapter 3 #2
“No. Sadly, the new master of Pemberley did not inherit any of his father’s excellent traits.
He refused to grant me what was rightfully mine and disregarded his father’s wishes.
So I was left without any means of supporting myself, and I needed a friend’s recommendation to join the militia.
I am grateful for friends I can rely on in times need. ”
Mr Wilson looked shocked. “You mean young Darcy simply denied you the living? With no explanation, no compensation at all?”
Mr Wickham replied after a brief hesitation. “Well, he indicated that he never trusted I would take the path of the church. He said he could not see me making sermons.”
“And that was all? Did he provide no other arguments? No other option? How can that be?”
“Well, he is not the type of man to carry on long conversations with those beneath him. He likes to have his own way and his own will. We had some disagreements and—”
“I can testify to that.” Mrs Bennet came to the rescue. “He stood hours and hours next to several of our neighbours and barely spoke a few words with any of them.”
“Mr Darcy is truly a horrible man to treat poor Mr Wickham with such cruelty,” Lydia declared.
“I beg to differ,” Mr Collins replied with apparent distress.
“Lady Catherine has said many times that Mr Darcy is a gentleman gifted with all the qualities a young man should possess. If he made an error in judgement concerning Mr Wickham, it should be forgotten and forgiven in consideration of his other excellent traits.”
“Well, if Lady Catherine has spoken, who are we to contradict her?” Mr Bennet commented in jest.
Mr Collins heard only the words and not the mocking tone.
“That is so true, my dear Mr Bennet! Her ladyship’s opinions have proved to be right so many times that they cannot be doubted.
Besides, her ladyship eagerly anticipates the wedding between Mr Darcy and Miss Anne de Bourgh.
She is certain it will be a perfect match. ”
“Really?” Mr Wilson’s brow rose in wonder.
“Yes! I was told that they have been intended for each other since they were in their cradles. It was Lady Anne’s dear wish as much as it was Lady Catherine’s,” Mr Collins repeated.
“Was it?” Mr Wilson’s mistrust was unconcealed.
“Yes, I heard the same several times,” Mr Wickham interjected. “Although, Darcy seems unwilling to comply with his mother’s wish too. He has delayed accomplishing his duty despite his aunt’s insistence and the public’s knowledge.”
“There is nothing more stupid than marrying because of others’ insistence,” Mr Wilson replied with cold severity. “Not even parents should have the right to impose their will in such a matter.” His tone was sharp and commanding, admitting no opposition.
Mrs Bennet’s cheeks coloured slightly. “There are situations when a mother must insist on her children doing what is right for them. Nobody is more preoccupied with her children’s well-being than a mother. If children are unwise, we must insist on making the right decision.”
Mr Wilson breathed deeply, sipped a little wine, and attempted a smile.
“My dear Mrs Bennet, I respectfully disagree when it comes to marriage. Being bound to someone for a lifetime should not be forced on anyone. I agree that it is an elder’s duty to give advice and to protect those young and unwise—perhaps even to temper an incautious inclination at times.
But to force marriage upon anyone will bring nothing but sorrow and unhappiness. I wish more people were aware of that.”
A heavy silence fell over the room.
“But, sir, is it better for a young lady without means or connections to remain a spinster?” Lady Lucas inquired in confusion. “Or for a man with an unfortunate situation in life to remain alone instead of having a family with a convenient spouse?”
“It is not for me to say what is best for others, madam. I just stated my opinion that the choice should be made by the person—man or woman—without being forced by others; one has to live a lifetime with that decision.”
“I agree,” Charlotte Lucas replied. “If one makes the decision with full knowledge, one has nothing to repine. But if others force it, such a decision might become a lifelong burden.”
“You are a wise lady, Miss Lucas.” Mr Wilson bowed to her. “I wish you all the best, and I pray your life will be pleasant and peaceful.”
“That is my hope too, sir.”
“I assure you, my dear sir, that I shall do everything in my power to make Mrs Collins the happiest of women, just as I am sure I shall be the happiest of men,” Mr Collins intervened.
Mr Wilson concealed his smile, and Charlotte blushed slightly.
“I congratulate you, sir.” The elder gentleman ended the subject, and for several minutes, dinner was enjoyed in silence.
Then Lady Lucas addressed Mr Wickham. “And how are you, sir? Do you enjoy Meryton? You will be here several more months before you leave for summer camp.”
“You are very kind to ask, ma’am. Being here is the only good thing to come of Darcy’s rejection. Despite my limited means, I cannot complain; my situation is good enough at present,” he said, glancing at Elizabeth with a slight smile.
Elizabeth returned the look and the smile then glanced at Mr Wilson; strangely, his countenance became more severe.
“I am astonished to discover young Darcy’s disrespectful treatment of his late father’s will. George Darcy surely did not deserve such lack of consideration. I shall hold him accountable as soon as I meet young Darcy—which I hope will occur as soon as I return to London.”
“Oh, I would kindly ask you not to do that,” Mr Wickham replied hastily. “I prefer not to dwell on this painful story. What was done is done. I look to the future with hope.”
“That is a wise approach, Wickham. But if it is so, why do you always speak of the past? You said you do not wish me to speak to Darcy, yet, you speak of him constantly.”
The severity in Mr Wilson’s tone took everyone by surprise. Elizabeth glared at him with puzzlement while Mr Wickham seemed disconcerted and struggled to keep a cheerful countenance.
Elizabeth spoke daringly. “But sir, I believe one is entitled to speak of his problems if they occurred due to someone’s misconduct.”
“That may be, my dear Miss Elizabeth, but for me, there is nothing appealing in a man who complains of his misfortunes, especially in the presence of ladies. A man must remain strong and brave. Pity should not gratify a real man.”
“I assure you it is not my intention to have anyone pity me,” Mr Wickham replied. “My only concern is not to pollute my late godfather’s memory.”
“Then it seems we have something in common,” Mr Drake Wilson spoke in a friendlier manner. “I truly appreciate loyalty and integrity in a man.”
“Yes, so do I,” Mr Collins interjected again. “And so does Lady Catherine. Her ladyship always insists on the importance of a man’s character. She has a strong opinion about that.”
“Does she? Quite fascinating,” Mr Wilson concluded, sipping his wine. “Her ladyship seems to have a strong opinion about everything from what I hear. I hope I shall have the chance to meet her sometime.”
“My dear sir, I shall be happy to introduce you to her ladyship if you will do us the pleasure of visiting once my dear Charlotte becomes my wife.”
“Indeed—you may come with Lizzy,” Charlotte insisted. “She promised to visit me with my father and Maria.”
Mr Drake Wilson appeared surprised. “You are both too kind, but I shall not take advantage of your generosity. For now, I barely have time to discover Hertfordshire and become reacquainted with London. But I might visit Kent one day if the opportunity arises.”
Christmas passed, more thrilling and quicker than ever before. Days were such a mix of sorrow, regrets, excitement, gratitude, joy, and hope that it was difficult to decide whether Mr Bingley’s departure made a stronger impression than the unusual appearance of Mr Drake Wilson.
Jane accepted her aunt’s previous invitation and joined the Gardiners in London while Elizabeth remained to console her mother and younger sisters.
Mr Drake Wilson declared it was his loveliest Christmas in the last five and twenty years, and he promised to repay their kindness by inviting them all to London for the Season as soon as he acquired a house.
Mrs Bennet’s excitement was even greater than that of her daughters.
New prospects lay ahead. With a relative in Town who was ready to purchase a house among some of the most prosperous members of the ton—and spoke of his wealth carelessly, expressing unrestrained commitment to supporting them all—she could breathe easier.
With a wealthy protector close to their family, the beautiful Jane and even the stubborn, headstrong Lizzy would soon find proper husbands.
Neither Mr Collins nor even Mr Bingley was worth further thought.