19. Chapter 19
Chapter nineteen
February 1812 Gracechurch Street Elizabeth
D earest Elizabeth,
I received your letter with both gratitude and a measure of regret. Your caution and wisdom, as always, have been most valuable, and I see clearly the predicament in which I would find myself should I pursue this matter in the manner I initially intended. You are entirely right that the circumstances of Meryton and Mr. Wickham’s hold over the town would likely thwart any attempt to restore my name there.
However, I must inform you I have taken a different course of action, one that, I hope, will achieve a more satisfactory resolution without subjecting either of us to the public scorn you so rightly fear. In lieu of traveling to Meryton myself, I have entrusted the matter to my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. He is a man of both discretion and force when necessary, and his presence in the village will, I believe, be met with far less resistance than mine would have. His long-standing connections within the military and his own status in the community will afford him the necessary respect to be taken seriously, where I, as you have so wisely warned, might have been met with ridicule.
Colonel Fitzwilliam has likely already arrived in Meryton and is, as I write, making arrangements to address Mr. Wickham’s debts. As you know, Mr. Wickham has long been a man of poor fiscal habits, and it seems his debts, once easily ignored by those around him, can no longer be overlooked. My cousin has in his possession the appropriate markers and notes that confirm Wickham’s financial obligations, and he will call in these debts in full. Should Mr. Wickham fail to settle them, Colonel Fitzwilliam will ensure that he faces the consequences befitting such neglect.
It is my belief that once the weight of these debts becomes clear to Mr. Wickham, he will be forced to confront the realities of his situation, and perhaps, if the good people of Meryton see his true character exposed in such a way, they may reconsider their favorable view of him. Whether this will be enough to dislodge him from the good opinion of the townsfolk, I cannot say—but it will certainly be a start.
As for you, my dear Elizabeth, I assure you that your part in this matter will remain a quiet one. You have spoken out of your concerns with great care and clarity, but I shall make every effort to protect you from any fallout that may arise from these actions. You need not worry yourself over how this may be received in the village or fear that your reputation might be tarnished by your association with me in this matter.
I will leave the rest to Colonel Fitzwilliam’s capable hands, trusting that he will deal with Mr. Wickham in a manner that reflects both his duty and his honor, without stirring unnecessary scandal. Should any further difficulties arise from this course of action, I will be sure to keep you informed. But, for the moment, I am confident that this will resolve the matter without the need for me to expose myself to the public contempt you so wisely cautioned me about.
In the meantime, I look forward to your response, and I remain, as always, most sincerely yours.
Fitzwilliam Darcy
PostScript : I almost forgot—we shirk propriety further with every missive we exchange. Is there no suspicion, either from your relations or the servants? I do not wish to place you in any untenable circumstances.
She noted his use of her Christian name, and it filled her with delight. Vaguely, she recalled using his given namein her last—he had returned the sentiment in this letter. It thrilled her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.
Elizabeth knew not how to answer. Of course, her aunt was suspicious. The arrival of yet another missive— after the post had arrived—had caused Aunt Gardiner to frown in her niece's direction. She could say nothing, however, for Mr. Bingley and Jane deserved the attention. He had proposed, and the eldest Miss Bennet had accepted with pleasure. She was of age, and so Mr. Bennet's consent was not needed; however, she wished for his blessing as soon as possible. Uncle Gardiner was prevailed upon to write a letter to his brother-in-law, and Mr. Bingley included a note within the missive, offering to pay for an express to take it to Longbourn immediately.
His offer was accepted. "You do realize that Mama will know about your engagement by the end of the day?" Elizabeth teased her sister. "She will write to you of lace and wedding clothes before tomorrow."
Jane was too happy to care. Aunt Gardiner offered to take her to purchase her wedding clothes, and a request for more funds was included in the letter to Mr. Bennet.
"Do not think you have escaped an interrogation, Lizzy," Mrs. Gardiner said in low tones. "I will have an explanation."
Elizabeth flushed red but did not make a reply. Mr. Darcy was an honorable man. There was no fear of a tarnished reputation—he would not allow it.
Mr. Bingley made ready to depart, citing a meeting with his solicitor that he had put off twice already. "I have more to discuss with him now, however," he continued jovially as he bid the ladies farewell. "Shall I accompany you to Bond Street tomorrow?"
It was agreed that he would arrive to take them thither after the midday meal the next day. Elizabeth managed to avoid the confrontation with her aunt until after supper. Whilst Jane and Uncle Gardiner read books quietly in the corner, Mrs. Gardiner came across the room and sat next to Elizabeth on the settee.
She leaned close and whispered in her niece's ear. "They are not from Mrs. Collins, are they?" she asked.
Elizabeth went red and shook her head. She offered no more and inwardly cringed at the speculative, disapproving look on her aunt's face.
"Keep your counsel, Elizabeth," she said, "for a little longer. Your reputation is nothing to play with. But I am a hopeless romantic, and so I shall give you until the day after February 14th to tell me everything."
St. Valentine's Day. Somehow, Elizabeth had not realized it was so close. Perfect, she thought. It is a most excellent day to arrange a meeting. And it was only five days away.