Chapter 3 Avoidance
Pemberley, Derbyshire
Wickham
Wickham surveyed the estate from his vantage point atop a tree. He could see the entrance to the estate and even peer through the open windows on the second floor. He recollected those chambers as the guest bedrooms, at least they had served that purpose seven years ago.
He was able to reach Lambton before the weather took a turn for the worse.
The onset of winter had discouraged people from venturing outdoors, allowing him to ride his horse to an abandoned cottage on the outskirts of Pemberley without encountering anyone along the way.
To his relief, the old cottage remained deserted even after seven years.
For the past six days, he had lived on fruits and coconuts pilfered from the nearby tenants' fields.
Wickham was well-prepared for the weather, having been born and raised in the area.
Walking to Pemberley even in this snowfall was child’s play.
In fact, the snow worked to his advantage, as the absence of people outside meant he encountered no one on the path.
The only challenge he faced was the loss of their previous secret entry to the Pemberley estate—a tree that once leaned towards the eastern fence.
Consequently, he had to hoist himself over the wall using a rope he had carried with him.
Pemberley stood as magical as ever. It appeared that Darcy had undertaken some renovations, though nothing extravagant or ostentatious. It was evident to Wickham that Darcy had prospered over the past seven years, and Pemberley thrived.
God, what would I give to get a chance to see how he does after I finish with him.
He harboured no intention of remaining in England once he settled matters with Darcy and Georgiana.
He planned to return to France the following day, where he had resided for the past seven years.
The ship he had boarded by exchanging name cards had indeed transported him to the war.
He was initially transported to Italy and from there to Iberian Peninsula.
He found himself forced to take the forefront, facing the army of the "Little Corporal," the formidable Boney.
He endured a week on the battlefield, a gruelling week.
An enemy horse delivered a brutal kick just above his left eye, causing him to tumble from a sizable rock and resulting in another scar below his nose.
Many other injuries and scrapes befell him, and he had secretly hoped that an enemy soldier would shoot him dead, providing an escape from his plight.
Alas, the shots came, not just one but two—one striking his right leg and the other his left shoulder.
He did not succumb to his wounds as he hoped.
Instead, he managed to drag himself to a makeshift infirmary, where the bullets were extracted.
He remained there for a week before running away by stealing the horse of the soldier who treated him.
His proficiency with horses served him well, and the creature aided him in putting a considerable distance between himself and the battleground.
After a seven-day journey, he encountered a group of smugglers who continued to traverse the channel to smuggle their illicit goods to various locations in england.
It didn't take him long to charm his way into their confidence and join their ranks.
Furthermore, they were quite pleased when he offered his horse as an incentive to secure their trust.
After the war ended, Wickham continued to work with the smuggling group in France, adopting the alias George William—the same name he had appropriated from the unfortunate man by switching their name cards prior to deportation.
He patiently bided his time for an opportunity to return to England.
Gradually, the leader of the smuggling group grew fond of him.
Thus, after seven long years, he managed to secure a chance to participate in a smuggling operation bound for England.
He harboured no intention to kill Darcy.
Such an act would afford him no satisfaction.
Rather, he yearned for Darcy to live out the remainder of his life as a failure.
Wickham always targeted individuals who held importance to Darcy, and this time would be no different.
Georgiana was evidently one such target, and Wickham fully intended to journey to her husband's residence.
However, prior to doing so, he aimed to ensure that Darcy had no one—neither a wife nor children—remaining at Pemberley for him to target.
He dared not make inquiries about this matter in Derbyshire.
He had no desire to appear before anyone associated with Pemberley unless they were individuals he intended to eliminate.
His presence in England should remain concealed from all, except for Darcy, to whom he would send a letter afterward.
If Darcy chose to embark on a journey to the Caribbean island for vengeance, Wickham was content with that outcome.
Suddenly, a movement caught his eye near a second-floor window, and a woman came into view. He had no trouble identifying her.
So Darcy indeed went back for Miss Elizabeth. Why am I not surprised?
Louisa
Louisa was tending to Jane when her six-year-old son, George, ran in and sat on her lap. He was holding a small white toy pony in his hand. He appeared both proud and delighted with the toy.
“Mama, Mr. Darcy gave me this. There are many more toys. Sam is playing with the others," George exclaimed.
Louisa found it hard to fathom Mr. Darcy spending time with children and bestowing them with toys. Clearly, there was more to the reserved gentleman than met the eye. Gently taking George away from the sick bed to avoid causing Jane any distress, she spoke with her son.
“It is a beautiful pony, dear. Mama loves it, just like how mama loves you. Did you come to show me this?” she asked in a soft tone.
“No, mama, I had seen this pony before. I saw it in that big stable over there when we came here in the sleigh. I want to go and see him again. Can we go to that stable?” he innocently inquired.
Louisa hesitated in her response. Going outside in this weather was out of the question.
“No, dear, not now. Can't you see the snow falling? You might slip or fall ill, just like Aunt Jane did,” she gently warned.
“Oh, is that why Aunt Jane fell ill? Did she walk out in the snow to see the pony?” George asked with wide-eyed wonder.
Louisa pondered how to explain this to a young child. Conversing with a six-year-old was a challenge of its own.
“Yes, dear, Aunt Jane had to go outside when the snow was falling. And she fell ill because of that. So, I want you to stay inside this house and play with your pony,” she explained.
The boy stood in contemplation, seemingly lost in thought. Louisa wondered if he would ask further questions about how someone could fall ill from standing in the snow. Instead, he displayed a rare moment of stubbornness.
“No, mama. I want to go. If you don't take me, I will ask Mr. Darcy,” George protested.
“No, my dear. Mr. Darcy is a busy man. He has many things to do in this big house. Can't you wait for Aunt Jane to get better? After that, I will ask your papa to take you to the stable, and mama will come along too because I also want to see your handsome pony,” she attempted to cajole the boy.
Her words seemed to placate George. The key was not to outright refuse him, a tactic she learned from observing how her husband used to handle the boy.
Unfortunately, this time, Louisa underestimated her son's strong attraction to the pony.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth’s eyes fixated on the curious scene before her: an array of animal figures scattered across a board as young George perched on Mr. Darcy's lap, and Sam sprawled upon the mattress. Clearly, the children were enamoured by their new companion.
At least the children get to spend time with him, unlike me.
By now, it had become apparent to her that Mr. Darcy was purposefully avoiding her.
He was deliberately maintaining his distance.
Whenever she entered a parlour, he made a hasty exit.
During dinner, as they found themselves seated around the grand table, Mr. Darcy engaged in conversation with everyone else but rarely exchanged more than polite greetings with her.
Elizabeth comprehended the reason for his cold demeanour.
What gentleman desires to have the lady who declined his proposal wandering about his residence?
Well, what gentleman, except Mr. Collins?
Upon learning of Mr. Darcy's unmarried status from Hannah, Elizabeth's initial response was one of shock.
But there was also a small hope that it was because of his love for her that he abstained from marrying another.
Over time, she allowed herself to entertain the notion that perhaps, just perhaps, they could start anew.
She was sure of her heart. She was completely, utterly in love with him.
In fact, she had been in love with him even during the time her husband, Mr. Goulding was alive.