Thursday 28 November #3
Once everyone was seated, Darcy inquired after Richard’s family.
“As you know, the earl is never unwell, and Mama is the picture of health.”
Unlike Darcy, Richard had a unique talent for putting everyone at ease, engaging in pleasant conversation, and keeping the party entertained with amusing anecdotes.
This continued as they made their way into the dining parlour, and they passed an enjoyable supper hour together.
While the ladies were in the room, no mention of Wickham’s name was made, or the disaster that had brought Darcy and Charles to London.
However, after the ladies had retired to the drawing room, the gentlemen were free to discuss the arrangements underway for their erstwhile friend. “Does the earl know of recent events?” Darcy inquired as he poured the wine for his guests.
Richard scowled irritably. “There’s no need for Wickham’s latest stunt to come to my father’s notice. I used my own connections to expedite the matter and kept his name out of it.”
“Thank you for that,” Darcy said. “What can you tell us so far?”
“Everything is well in hand,” Richard said, leaning back in his chair.
“Bring Wickham to my office tomorrow with a bank draft for 950 pounds, and I’ll escort you to the regimental agent to purchase the commission.
From there we’ll go to the induction office where he’ll be sworn in.
Once that’s done, a dispatch will be sent to General Stanhope to advise him of the new lieutenant’s pending arrival. ”
“What about his current position in the militia?” Charles inquired.
“I’ve drafted a letter announcing his resignation from his regiment and induction into the Regular Army. Once Wickham and I sign and date it, a courier will deliver the notice to Colonel Forster.”
“He’ll need suitable accommodations in New Castle,” Darcy said, prepared to expend any amount necessary.
Richard lit a cigar and blew a puff of smoke towards the ceiling. “The army provides plenty of housing for junior officers, which should suit him well enough. I daresay it’s far superior to his present lodging house room.”
Although Darcy hadn’t expected this, he still wanted to contribute to any additional costs. “I’ll cover his transportation and lodging expenses for the northward journey.”
The colonel shook his head. “Once he’s taken the oath, he’ll be in the army’s employ, and we cover those expenses.
He won’t travel in grand style, mind you, but he’ll have meals and a place to sleep.
I’ve assigned my former batman and trusted friend, Lieutenant Jenkins, to accompany him on the journey and ensure he reports to General Stanhope. ”
Darcy was well acquainted with Jenkins, who had faithfully served Richard for many years. “It seems you’ve thought of everything. When will he leave town?”
“Assuming everything goes as planned, he and Jenkins will travel tomorrow on the northbound stage from Smithfield. All you have to do is deliver him to Whitehall and pay for his commission.”
“Thank you for seeing to everything, Colonel,” Charles said.
Richard held up a hand in warning. “Don’t thank me until I receive confirmation from Jenkins that Wickham has been turned over to his commanding officer,” he said, then assumed a mischievous smile.
“Instead, tell me about these sisters who have inspired such grand gestures from you both. More importantly, is there one available for me?”
Darcy laughed at his cousin’s joke. “Well, yes but I would recommend neither. One is a joyless creature, and the other is as frivolous and silly as the one who ran away.”
“Miss Bennet is the most angelic creature in the world,” Charles said, then added, “and Miss Elizabeth is uncommonly pretty, isn’t she Darcy?”
“She’s nothing like the usual insipid and ambitious women I seem to attract in town,” Darcy said, knowing his cousin had met similar ladies.
Richard heaved a great sigh. “What a shame, but perhaps Mr Bingley has a sister.”
“I do, but—”
Darcy interrupted his friend. “No, Richard.”
“Why not?” he inquired, taken aback by Darcy’s insistent tone. “Is she already spoken for?”
Darcy thought Caroline was infinitely unsuited to such an exceptional man. “No, but you’ll not tie yourself to a spiteful harpy,” he said, then turned to his friend. “Sorry, Charles.”
Bingley sadly shook his head. “No apology is necessary.”
“We’ll find someone else for you.”
Revived by this suggestion, Charles raised his glass in salute. “I might be able to assist with that endeavour. Are you free to join me at the Wimpole assembly tomorrow night? It promises to be a grand affair,” he said in an encouraging tone.
Richard returned the salute “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he said with the greatest gusto. “Will you be joining us, Darcy?”
Darcy thought better of it. “I plan to set off for Hertfordshire on Saturday morning, and ought to spend the evening with Georgiana.”
“My business affairs will probably be complete by tomorrow, so I’ll join you,” Charles said.
With their plans now firmly set, the men finished their drinks and joined the ladies in the drawing room.