Chapter 12 #4
"Colonel Forster apprised me of your prior warning regarding Wickham.
They heeded your counsel and maintained constant surveillance on Wickham, both in Hertfordshire and Brighton.
They awaited the filing of official complaints before apprehending him.
Unfortunately, Wickham eluded capture before such complaints could be lodged.
It appears, Darcy, that Wickham orchestrated this plan with careful preparation.
He had an accomplice in London, a man with a carriage and dubious connections in the unsavoury establishments of St. Giles, notably The Velvet Sin.
You know Wickham never possesses the funds.
Therefore, he proffered Miss Lydia as an incentive in exchange for a secure passage out of Brighton.
They eloped on the 9th of April at midnight.
Poor Miss Lydia believed Wickham was escorting her to Gretna Green. "
Darcy observed Richard's momentary pause, noting the emergence of anger upon his countenance.
"After their successful escape from Brighton, they stopped the carriage in a secluded spot and took Miss Lydia out. Then they... assaulted her."
Darcy sprang up from his seat for the second time in as many minutes. Such behaviour from Wickham was entirely unexpected. Never before had Darcy considered him capable of assaulting young girls. Wickham had always relied on his charm to achieve his goals.
“Who relayed this distressing information to you?” Darcy asked. Surely, Colonel Forster would not divulge such matters.
"Wickham himself confessed these. He seeks your help in escaping from Colonel Forster's grasp.
Wickham believes that if you learn of Miss Lydia's ruination, you would endeavour to restore her family's tarnished reputation.
In his view, his options are either facing execution or marrying Miss Lydia.
You are his last hope," Richard explained, his gaze fixed on Darcy.
No, Wickham. I shall not come to your aid this time.
“Hmm, do enlighten me. What happened next?” Darcy inquired, seeking further details of the unfortunate sequence of events.
"Afterward, they brought her to London to heartlessly trade her at The Velvet Sin and left with the money," Richard concluded.
He sold her in a brothel? Good heavens!
"Is she still there?" Darcy asked, now genuinely concerned for Miss Lydia.
"No, Darcy, she endured three wretched days within those walls before seizing an opportunity to escape.
After speaking with Wickham, I sent a trusted man to ensure her presence at the establishment.
He returned with a report shortly before I arrived here.
According to his account, the most recent young lady received at the establishment disappeared in the dead of night after three days.
The timing matches Wickham's description.
I left Colonel Forster tirelessly searching for Miss Lydia.
He doesn't know that I, too, have been diligently pursuing her," Richard explained.
Darcy resumed his pacing. He knew Richard was waiting for his decision. He had already made up his mind about Wickham's fate. There was no way he was going to assist Wickham this time.
"Richard, I am determined to locate Miss Lydia. I understand the difficulty of the task. She is undoubtedly ruined, and I fear there could be long lasting repercussions. Yet, I need to save her, for Miss Elizabeth’s sake.
However, I cannot simply wander the streets of St Giles in a blind search for her.
We must devise a plan of action. What do you propose? " Darcy inquired.
Richard reflected for a moment before responding, "I have men at my disposal who can conduct the necessary inquiries.
However, the challenge lies in the fact that no one has yet laid eyes on her.
Hence, it is vital that you are promptly notified of any young woman discovered who matched her description.
This will enable you to verify her identity.
But be forewarned, it may take some time. "
Without hesitation, Darcy swiftly approached the door and beckoned the footman, Stevens, to his side. "Stevens, kindly request Mrs. Jenkins to bring Miss Darcy's drawing materials."
"You intend to sketch her?" Richard asked in surprise.
"Yes, do not expect an exact likeness, but I shall endeavour to draw something that may aid your men in identifying her.
I do not wish for these sketches to be displayed openly.
They are meant solely for comparison when your men happen upon a young girl who matches the description of Miss Lydia," Darcy replied.
"So, you can provide a description of her as well?" Richard regarded Darcy with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.
Darcy nodded, his mind retrieving the memory of Miss Lydia from months prior. "Yes, Richard, I believe I can. Although it has been around four months since I last saw her, she is at an age of growth and change. Nevertheless, I trust that I can come up with something good enough for our purpose".
"I have three men in mind, thus requiring three copies," Richard informed him.
Darcy nodded in understanding. "I shall produce the required number of copies, though it may require some time and patience."
It didn't take much time. Just after an hour, Darcy carefully arranged the sketches side by side on the table and beckoned Richard to take a closer look.
Richard
"By Jove, you are good at this, cousin. Why was I never informed of your ability to draw?
" Richard exclaimed in astonishment, his eyes fixed upon the sketches before him.
There was a faint resemblance in the lady depicted in the drawings to Miss Elizabeth – a likeness that immediately captured Richard's attention.
Darcy remained silent, allowing Richard to continue.
"Cousin, once we locate Miss Lydia, what is your plan? You cannot keep her here. If word were to circulate, it would spell ruin for us all," Richard voiced his concerns.
"I have yet to contrive a plan, Richard. Our primary aim is to find her. After ensuring her safety, I shall contemplate the most prudent course of action," Darcy replied in a measured tone.
"I shall offer you my counsel, cousin. When we locate Miss Lydia, inform Colonel Forster of her whereabouts. She is not your responsibility, Darcy," Richard advised, pausing momentarily before adding, "Not yet, anyway."
Darcy turned sharply at him.
"What do you mean?" His voice was sharp.
It is time.
“Darcy, I know you will never love anyone else in this life. I don’t want you to accept defeat yet.
Miss Elizabeth remains unattached. I want you to return to Hertfordshire and court her as a gentleman should.
Fight for your love, cousin. She is worth every effort,” Richard looked straight into his cousin’s eyes.
"She doesn't love me, Richard. She made her feelings quite clear," Darcy's voice dropped to a sombre tone.
“Then make her fall in love. I know you, Darcy. You are uncomfortable among people. But in her presence you will do well. Try to spend time with her. Go to Hertfordshire, request for a courtship. She may surprise you.”
Richard could sense that he was getting through Darcy’s stubborn resistance, so he continued.
"I shall find Miss Lydia and help her emerge from this harrowing ordeal. I promise not to divulge your involvement. I know you don’t wish for Miss Elizabeth to accept you for gratitude.
In return, I request that once Miss Lydia's situation is resolved, you make the journey to Hertfordshire.
I want you to promise me this," Richard proposed, awaiting Darcy's response.
"Yes, Richard. Once Miss Lydia's situation is resolved, you have my word that I shall journey to Hertfordshire. I am unwilling to surrender without making one final effort with Miss Elizabeth," Darcy replied after a prolonged pause.
Richard smiled. That was easy. Now on to that scoundrel Wickham.
"Regarding Wickham, I must..." Richard began, only to be interrupted by Darcy raising his hand.
"I shall not direct your actions concerning Wickham, Richard.
I shall no longer shield him from the consequences of his actions.
However, I do make two requests of you. Firstly, ensure that Wickham can no longer inflict harm upon any woman in this life.
If his demise is the necessary outcome, then so be it.
Secondly, I implore you not to resort to dishonourable means in dealing with him.
I do not desire this matter to tarnish your reputation or your career.
You are a gentleman, and I anticipate you shall remain so, even when dealing with Wickham.
I possess around four thousand pounds of his debts.
You may obtain the requisite evidence from my solicitor if you believe it shall assist in your case against Wickham," Darcy concluded.
Four thousand pounds! Good heavens! Wickham could never hope to repay such a sum. It would surely consign him to a debtor's prison for the remainder of his miserable existence.
"Agreed, cousin. Allow me to seek out my men and deliver these sketches to them. I will also ask them to meet you here so you could give them a description of Miss Lydia. They will start looking for her as soon as possible”
Darcy merely nodded. Richard perceived the necessity of changing the subject.
“By the way, has Georgiana been apprised of your artistic talent?" Richard inquired.
"I have not drawn since my mother's passing. So, the answer is no. And I prefer to keep it that way, if you would oblige," Darcy replied.
Richard smiled mischievously, shaking his head in disagreement.
I cannot promise that, cousin. Most assuredly, I cannot.