Chapter 24
Wickham hated that his carefully laid plan to marry the rich young Georgiana Darcy had been thwarted, and by a child no less.
It had always been his intention to marry her one day.
Then there had been his violent confrontation with Darcy, compelling him to leave Pemberley.
How fortunate he had thought himself when they all found themselves in Hertfordshire at the same time: Wickham owing to his being in the militia, and the Darcys owing to Mr. Bennet’s illness.
Speaking of which, what a shock it had been for him to learn that the proud Fitzwilliam Darcy had married into a family so far beneath him in consequence as to be considered laughable.
How the mighty had fallen! was his first impression upon learning the news.
Of course, his own circumstances were nothing to be proud of either.
The life of a lowly foot soldier was not the life he was meant to have.
He was reared right beside the heir of Pemberley, one of the finest estates in all of Derbyshire, which was really saying something.
His godfather, the elder Mr. Darcy, was one of the richest, most powerful men George Wickham ever had the good fortune of knowing.
He made no secret of his favouritism for his godson, so much so that George supposed it would always be that way.
As sorry as he was for his benefactor’s passing, he was even more aggrieved that there had been no provisions at all for his financial well-being, other than the living, which Wickham did not want.
The paltry sum that Fitzwilliam Darcy had given him in lieu of the living bolstered Wickham’s hatred towards his childhood friend.
Still, he accepted the money, thinking at the time that it was better than nothing.
He desperately needed funds; besides, Darcy had more than enough money.
Wickham had been certain that he could always prevail upon his childhood friend later on, for Darcy had never been able to deny him anything.
Upon learning that Darcy did indeed possess the ability to refuse him, Wickham’s response had been violent.
Wickham had left Pemberley for what many thought would be the last time; however, he never believed it for a second.
He had not spent so much time effectively wooing Darcy’s young sister for naught.
Her unwavering devotion was his guarantee.
His return was to be triumphant—a proud member of the family and brother to the man who had thought of himself as superior.
Now, when I had the means of having it all, I am frustrated by a mere child, and not just any child, but the rotten apple of Darcy’s eye.
And at a time when my delinquent debts threaten to be the means of my meeting with bodily harm unless I satisfy them by this week’s end.
Well-chosen words suggesting an alliance with a wealthy young woman who was a recent addition to the neighbourhood would only carry him so far.
Thusly had Wickham’s charms always served him well when it came to persuading those to whom he owed money to show leniency. Not anymore.
Tapping his foot, he released a long, frustrated breath.
I might serve in the militia for the next decade and hand over every shilling I earn, and it will make no difference.
The thought of suffering another minute in such a life as this with no prospects for escape was untenable.
There is only one thing to do. I must quit the militia.
Wickham looked at his pocket watch. “Where on earth is that silly bit of muslin?” Before he could fashion his next thought, she came into view. He had no patience for her silliness that particular morning, and as soon as his business with her was done, he wanted to get away. Lydia had other ideas.
“Oh, my dearest Wickham. Our plans are moving along nicely, and what a glorious wedding breakfast I shall have. I can hardly wait! What a great laugh I shall have seeing you there. You must remember to request my hand for a set, for I shall be very sad to see you dance with all the other girls. It is my wedding celebration after all. Oh, and wait until I tell you my good news.”
His head was by now swimming. “Well—say what is on your mind.”
“I have prevailed upon Mr. Bingley to secure a special license. He insists he will do no such thing, but all his actions thus far have taught me that I need only keep asking and soon he is bound to say yes.”
How I wish she could prevail upon that fool Bingley to give her a few hundred pounds that I might use to ward off my creditors.
“How goes your plan to marry Georgiana Darcy? Pray the two of you will not be married until after I am mistress of Netherfield, for I should hate for everyone’s attention to be taken away from my own felicity just yet.”
“About that, Lydia—Georgiana and I will not be married after all.”
She threw her arms around his neck. “Oh, I just knew you could never marry another when you are so very much in love with me. But how shall we continue to see each other? The militia will not always be in Meryton.”
“The truth is that this is the last time we shall ever see each other. My plans have changed, and I no longer intend to be a part of the militia. I am leaving the regiment as soon as can be and setting off for places unknown.”
“Oh, I cannot bear the thought of not seeing you. I love you. I adore you. You said that we would always be together—that as soon as I bore Mr. Bingley his heir I would be yours forever.”
He removed her arms from his neck with both hands.
“The circumstances have changed; however, there is no reason in the world to suppose you shall not be just as happy with Charles Bingley as you might have been with the life we had planned. In fact, this is better for you.” Indeed, it is better for you, but it is absolutely fruitless for me.
She pressed her hands to his chest. “No—I shall never be happy without you. All the money in the world would be a poor substitute for the way you make me feel when we are together like this. Oh, my dearest Wickham, if you must leave, then you must take me with you.”
“Take you with me? Why, I can hardly—” Wickham halted his speech as the wheels of his mind shifted into motion.
This girl is Fitzwilliam Darcy’s sister!
What a scandal it would be should she and I run away together.
There is no telling the measures that pompous arse would undertake to cover up the scandal before the world learns of his family’s shame.
The very prospect was enough to revive Wickham’s flaccid ardour.
His voice tender and laced with desire, he said, “Why, I can hardly wait.” As the two lovers resumed their former attitude, a delighted giggle was next heard.