Chapter 3 Malevolence #2
"So you are suggesting that Mr. Wickham lied to me.
I can assure you, he did not. I observed his countenance, the pain he was attempting to conceal while divulging all of this to me.
Furthermore, it's not particularly challenging to imagine this of Mr. Darcy.
Since his arrival here, he has been nothing but haughty and disagreeable.
It's evident that he disregards anyone of lower station," Elizabeth asserted.
"No, I am not accusing Mr. Wickham of lying.
What benefit would he gain from lying to you, anyway?
I'm simply pointing out that you've only heard Mr. Wickham's perspective.
There might be some misunderstanding between the two of them, which led to Mr. Darcy withholding the living from Mr. Wickham," Jane persisted.
The discussion continued for a while. Elizabeth often marvelled at Jane's ability to see the best in everyone. It was a commendable quality, although occasionally vexing.
"Lizzy, I understand that there's no persuading you on this matter.
You've always been resolute in your beliefs.
However, promise me that you won't share Mr. Wickham's accusations with anyone else.
You've only heard one side of the story, and Mr. Wickham did not grant you permission to spread this information," Jane concluded before settling under her blanket.
"I will give you my word on that. I trust that I can confide in you," Elizabeth concurred.
How could Jane doubt Mr. Wickham's revelations? No, Jane, you haven't managed to sway me. I find no difficulty in believing Mr. Wickham in this instance. But, as you are aware, I am not a parrot.
Netherfield
Darcy
Three miles away, in the guest bed chamber at Netherfield, Darcy was going through his own internal conflicts. Unlike the one at Longbourn, his turmoil had begun the day before, precisely at the moment when he had spotted Wickham standing with Miss Elizabeth.
Upon his return to Netherfield, Darcy discreetly tasked Oliver, his faithful and astute valet, to gather information about Wickham.
Oliver possessed a knack for securing valuable information.
Darcy typically refrained from employing his staff for such tasks, opting to acquire information through proper channels.
Yet, on this occasion, he aimed to ensure Wickham remained ignorant of his apprehension.
There was a time when Darcy regarded Wickham as a brother.
Yet, that bond eroded during their time at Cambridge.
It was there that Wickham's deceitful inclinations and unethical behaviour first came to Darcy's attention.
Darcy attempted to guide his friend, to offer assistance whenever possible.
Yet, as time passed, he realized that Wickham would never change and could not be trusted anymore.
Darcy endeavoured to caution his father about Wickham's character flaws.
Regrettably, the elder Mr. Darcy chose to disregard these warnings, remaining loyal to Wickham until his demise.
In his will, he bestowed upon Wickham a valuable church living.
Darcy was convinced of Wickham's unsuitability for the clergy. He heaved a sigh of relief when Wickham himself declined the living, instead opting for a substantial sum. On that very day, Wickham waived his right to the living, departing with a total of Four Thousand pounds – Three Thousand for the living and an additional One Thousand bestowed upon him in the elder Mr. Darcy’s will.
Two years later, when the incumbent of the living passed away, Wickham had the audacity to request the living once again.
Darcy stood firm and sent him on his way.
He neither saw nor heard from Wickham for the next three years.
I thought I saw the last of him that day! What a fool I was.
He continued to gaze at Georgiana's letter, which had arrived just the day before.
In it, she shared her enjoyment of learning from Mrs. Annesley, her new governess.
Georgiana also mentioned the progress of her music studies, along with the new songs she was attempting to master.
To all outward appearances, the letter conveyed a sense that she was doing quite well.
However, all Darcy could discern were her sorrows hidden between the lines.
There was no spontaneity, no underlying wit or smiles, no genuine enjoyment in conversing with him.
The letter contained many lovely and carefully chosen words, meticulously crafted to create a false impression of well-being, all the while concealing the pain she felt within.
I know not how I can uplift her spirits. Oh, how I miss my mother. She would have known just the right words to say to Georgiana.
Darcy was merely thirteen when his mother passed away.
Georgiana had no recollection of her mother.
Their father, who was never the same after his wife's death, passed away nine years later.
Thus, at the age of two-and-twenty, fresh out of Cambridge, Darcy undertook the guardianship of his much younger sister.
He also assumed the mantle of master of Pemberley, one of the grandest estates in the country.
Georgiana's guardianship was shared with his cousin on mother’s side, Colonel ‘Richard’ Fitzwilliams, whom Darcy considered as a brother.
Georgiana was never a troublesome charge.
Despite her attractiveness and accomplishments, she remained exceedingly shy, often favouring her time with the pianoforte over partaking in society events.
Darcy, a deeply caring and protective brother, consistently worked to shield her from undesirable notice and manipulating acquaintances.
Shielding someone is not the same as protecting them. Darcy learned it the hard way.
The previous summer, he had sent Georgiana to Ramsgate for a holiday, accompanied by her companion, Mrs. Younge, whom he believed to be entirely trustworthy.
Unfortunately, he was deceived, for Mrs. Younge had a prior connection to Wickham and actively participated in Wickham's plot to seduce Georgiana and elope with her.
Their target was Georgiana's dowry of thirty thousand pounds.
Georgiana, barely fifteen years old, was an easy target.
Darcy berated himself for not exposing Wickham's true character to Georgiana earlier.
She only remembered Wickham's kindness from her childhood and, believing herself in love with him, had agreed to the elopement.
By divine providence, Darcy uncovered their intentions just before the planned elopement.
Georgiana, who regarded Darcy as more of a father than a brother, confided everything in him.
Mrs. Younge was dismissed immediately. Wickham, realising his plans were in ruins, fled after declaring to Georgiana that no one would marry her without her dowry.
The knowledge that Wickham had never truly cared for her, only for her money, shattered Georgiana's tender spirit to an extent from which she is yet to recover.
Now, Wickham's sudden appearance in Hertfordshire left Darcy entirely unaware of his intentions. This uncertainty only heightened his apprehension. As was his customary practice when confronted with such problems, he reached for a sheet of paper and began to note down his options.
An hour later he laid down his quill and reviewed his notes, only to find they comprised a mere list of questions. Foremost among these inquiries was the puzzle of Wickham's presence in Hertfordshire.
Of all the places in this great beast of a country, why in Meryton? Is he following me? Or is it just a pure coincidence?
Wickham was wearing a red coat when Darcy saw him.
This aligned with Oliver's account that Wickham joined Militia after being referred to by Denny, another officer in the regiment. Darcy found nothing wanting in Denny, whom he was introduced to during Colonel Forster’s dinner.
Oliver's findings aligned with this perception.
Denny was deemed dutiful, industrious, and held in high regard by his comrades.
More likely Wickham “charmed” his way into Denny’s good books. That is the simplest explanation.
But why militia? A life in Militia is hard. For someone like Wickham, who is used to an easy way of life, it could be very demanding. Wickham's primary aim in life was to ensnare a wealthy heiress and secure his future through her fortune. A career in the militia hardly aligned with that goal.
Unless he meant it as a way to keep an eye on me, stay close to me so that he can plan another one of his dastardly schemes, whatever it may be.
There are objections to that as well. Wickham’s initial reaction on seeing Darcy yesterday was shock.
Darcy also saw fear, but it was mainly shock.
It was as if Darcy’s presence here was a surprise to Wickham as well.
Then there's the matter of Wickham's inability to exert control over the militia's choice of settlement.
Colonel Forster, during their dinner, mentioned that the militia had two potential locations for their deployment.
Brighton, being close to the coast, was the preferred option.
However, due to insufficient lodging arrangements in Brighton at the time, a sudden change of plans directed the militia to settle temporarily in Hertfordshire.
Crucially, they intended to return to Brighton as soon as suitable accommodations were secured, whether it be next week or next month.
Colonel Forster conveyed his anticipation of receiving confirmation from Brighton any day.
Does it mean Wickham joined Militia with good intentions? Has he finally decided to grow up and earn his money for once? Or is his situation so dire that he had no alternative but to join the militia? Given what I know of Wickham, the latter scenario seems the more plausible one.
Anyway, I shall give him the benefit of the doubt. Let's wait and see how he behaves here before taking drastic actions. Let him earn his money for once.