Chapter 10 #3
“Yet he specifically referenced your acquaintance, those ‘illuminating conversations.’ He was surprised by your cool reception, suggesting he expected you to welcome him based on your previous interactions.”
Understanding dawned. “He thought I still believed his stories about you. That I might have married you for advantage, as he implied, and would harbor sympathy for his supposed mistreatment.”
“Exactly. Wickham excels at identifying potential allies and exploiting divisions. He would naturally assume that a marriage contracted so hastily might contain such divisions.”
The insight disturbed Elizabeth, not merely for its strategic accuracy but for what it revealed about how others might view their relationship. “Then we must present a united front. Whatever his purpose in approaching us, he must find no opening into which he might insert his influence.”
Relief flickered across Darcy’s features. “I had hoped you would say that. Though I would not blame you for harboring lingering doubts, given the persuasiveness of his initial deception.”
“I have seen enough of his character tonight, and heard enough of yours, to form a more accurate assessment than I once did. But Fitzwilliam, we must consider what to do if he attempts to approach Georgiana directly. She cannot remain ignorant of his presence in the area if there is risk of such an encounter.”
Darcy nodded, acknowledging the practical concern. “You’re right. Her safety must take precedence. I will speak with her tomorrow.”
The following morning dawned clear and mild. Elizabeth rose early, drawn by the beauty of the light on Pemberley’s gardens. She was returning from a solitary walk when she encountered Colonel Fitzwilliam in the entrance hall.
“Mrs. Darcy! What a pleasant surprise. I arrived only moments ago and was just inquiring after my cousin.”
“Colonel Fitzwilliam.” Elizabeth returned his greeting with genuine pleasure. “This is unexpected. We had no word of your visit.”
“A hasty decision. I found myself with a few days’ leave and thought I might enjoy Pemberley’s excellent fishing before returning to my regiment. I hope my arrival does not inconvenience you.”
“Not in the slightest. Your company is always welcome, particularly...” She hesitated, uncertain how much the Colonel knew of recent events.
“Particularly?” he prompted, his expression growing more serious as he noted her hesitation.
“We encountered an unexpected acquaintance at the Lambton assembly last night. One whose presence disturbed my husband considerably.”
Understanding dawned immediately in the Colonel’s eyes. “Wickham. Here in Derbyshire. That is concerning.”
His quick grasp of the situation confirmed Elizabeth’s suspicion that he was aware of the history between the men. “You know about him, then?”
“More than most. I share guardianship of Georgiana with Darcy, and was consulted after the incident at Ramsgate.”
“My husband told me of it last night. After Wickham approached us quite deliberately at the assembly.”
The Colonel’s face darkened. “Approached you directly? That suggests a purpose beyond mere coincidence. Where is Darcy now?”
“Speaking with Georgiana, I believe. He felt it necessary to warn her of Wickham’s presence in the area, rather than risk an unexpected encounter.”
“A wise precaution. Though painful for her, no doubt. Perhaps my arrival may provide some distraction, at least. Georgiana has always enjoyed our chess matches, though she insists I let her win.”
His attempt to lighten the mood drew a smile from Elizabeth despite her concerns. “Your visit is perfectly timed, Colonel.”
The shrewdness of her observation earned an appreciative nod.
“I may have received a letter from Lord Harrington mentioning Lady Catherine’s recent visit to Pemberley.
And her subsequent efforts to influence certain business matters to Darcy’s disadvantage.
I thought my presence might be useful in counteracting such influence. ”
“Your cousin is fortunate in his family. At least in some branches.”
“As are you now, Mrs. Darcy. I count myself fortunate to claim connection with such an admirable new cousin.”
Before Elizabeth could respond, Darcy himself appeared at the top of the stairs, his face clearing from preoccupation to genuine pleasure at the sight of his cousin.
“Fitzwilliam! What brings you to Pemberley?” He descended quickly, clasping the Colonel’s hand with evident affection.
“Fishing, officially. Though I find myself arrived in more complicated waters than I anticipated, based on what Mrs. Darcy tells me.”
Darcy’s face sobered immediately. “Wickham. Yes. Your timing could not be better, in fact. I have just spoken with Georgiana about his presence in the area.”
“How did she receive the news?” Elizabeth asked.
“Better than I feared, worse than I hoped. She is understandably distressed but also angry, which is perhaps healthier than the shame that previously dominated her feelings about the matter.”
“Anger can be protective,” the Colonel observed. “It creates distance where guilt tends to maintain unhealthy connection.”
Elizabeth found this insight astute. “Is she in her rooms? Perhaps I should go to her.”
Darcy nodded, appreciation evident. “She would welcome your company, I think. She specifically mentioned—”
He was interrupted by Graves appearing at the entrance to the hall, his usual composure disturbed. “Excuse me, sir. There is a gentleman asking to see Mrs. Darcy. A Mr. Wickham.”
The name caused immediate tension in both cousins. Darcy’s face hardened to granite, while the Colonel straightened to his full military bearing.
“Wickham is here? At Pemberley?”
“Yes, sir. He waits in the blue parlor. I did not think it appropriate to turn him away without consulting you, given his previous connection to the family.”
“You did entirely right, Graves.” Darcy’s hands clenched at his sides. “Please inform Mr. Wickham that Mrs. Darcy will see him shortly.”
When Graves had departed, Elizabeth touched her husband’s arm. “I need not see him at all. We could simply send him away.”
“No. His appearance here, asking specifically for you, confirms my suspicion that he has some design involving our marriage. Better to discover his purpose directly than allow him to maneuver unseen.”
“I agree,” Colonel Fitzwilliam added. “Wickham seldom acts without calculation. His request to see Elizabeth alone suggests he believes he can influence her in some way.”
“He is mistaken in that assumption. But I admit I am curious about what brings him to Pemberley, beyond mere mischief-making.”
“As am I. However, I would prefer you not see him entirely alone. If you are willing to receive him, perhaps Fitzwilliam might accompany you as a silent witness? His military bearing tends to discourage excessive familiarity.”
The Colonel nodded, understanding the strategy immediately. “I would be happy to provide such service. While remaining unobtrusive enough to allow Wickham to reveal his purpose.”
Elizabeth considered this approach. “Very well. Though I suggest the Colonel be introduced as having arrived to consult with you on business matters, Fitzwilliam. If Wickham believes you are elsewhere, he may speak more freely.”
Both men looked impressed by this tactical suggestion. “An excellent thought. I will indeed absent myself, though I would prefer to observe your encounter somehow.”
“The blue parlor connects to the small study through that hidden door disguised as bookshelves,” Colonel Fitzwilliam reminded him. “You could position yourself there and hear everything without being seen.”
This plan quickly agreed upon, they separated to take their positions. Elizabeth paused only to check her appearance in a hall mirror, ensuring she presented a composed facade despite her inner tension, before proceeding to the blue parlor with Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Wickham rose as they entered, his face betraying momentary surprise at seeing the Colonel before he smoothed it into his habitual charming smile. “Mrs. Darcy. How kind of you to receive me. And Colonel Fitzwilliam, an unexpected pleasure. I had heard you were with your regiment.”
“Recently returned on leave.” The Colonel positioned himself near the window where he could observe without interfering. “Mrs. Darcy was kind enough to allow me to await my cousin here while he concludes some business correspondence.”
“How fortunate for me to find such distinguished company.” Wickham’s tone suggested he found the Colonel’s presence anything but fortunate. “I had hoped for a private word with Mrs. Darcy, but perhaps another time would be more suitable?”
“Whatever you wish to say to me can be said now, Mr. Wickham.” Elizabeth took a seat and gestured for him to do the same. “Though I confess I am curious about what brings you to Pemberley, given the reception you received from Mr. Darcy at the assembly last night.”
Wickham’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly before he regained his smooth manner.
“Direct as always, Mrs. Darcy. It was one of the qualities I most admired during our acquaintance in Hertfordshire.” He settled into a chair opposite her with studied casualness.
“As for what brings me here, I felt a certain obligation to ensure your welfare, given the hasty nature of your marriage.”
“My welfare?”
“Indeed.” Wickham leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. “News of your sudden marriage to Darcy reached Meryton some weeks after my departure. The circumstances described were unusual, to say the least. A storm, an isolated cottage, a discovery at dawn that necessitated immediate marriage.”
The deliberate emphasis made the implication clear. Elizabeth felt a flash of anger at the invasion of privacy, but maintained her composure. “Village gossip travels remarkably far. Though rarely with complete accuracy.”