Chapter 40 Confrontation #2
"I am not trying to usurp your command, Colonel," Richard insisted with forced calm.
"I am notifying you of serious allegations against a man under your command, who also happens to be enrolled in your unit under a false name.
We are both aware that it can be difficult to maintain good relations when any unit is quartered in a civilian village, be that unit militia or regulars.
I have also heard that your unit has lost some of their welcome here because of officers in your command making inappropriate advances towards some of the young ladies in the neighborhood.
Why would you make things worse for yourself by refusing to take appropriate steps and investigate the matter? "
Colonel Forster glared at Richard and the rest of them in silence. All the same, Darcy could tell a turning point had been reached. Apparently, the others could as well, because they simply waited, not wanting to set the man off again when he seemed to be coming around.
Eventually, Colonel Forster spoke, "You should not have thrown the man into the thorn bush. And if the area is so far from the public road, what were you two doing there anyway?"
"Colonel Fitzwilliam is my godson," Bennet said more calmly.
"He has been a frequent visitor to my house since he was a small boy and is well-known to the Lucas family.
When he and his cousin arrived for a visit and heard that my daughter was out walking with Miss Lucas, they decided to go out, with my permission, to meet the young ladies and pay their respects.
The spot at which the attack occurred is an agreed-upon location for my daughter and Miss Lucas to meet with one another or part after their walks because it and the paths from each house to it are visible from the houses.
Mr. Darcy and the Colonel knew that they could meet the young ladies there and walk with them in Longbourn's formal gardens with full expectation that they could be under observation at any time. "
"Hmpf," snorted Colonel Forster, continuing to glare at them all.
Darcy said, "I will agree we probably should not have thrown Wickham into the thorns.
However, in our defense, both young women were hurt and required attention which would have prevented us from keeping Wickham from escaping or causing more trouble.
We did not have rope with which to tie him or any other means of keeping him captive.
In addition, we were both very angry at the attack we witnessed.
The rose bush seemed an ideal short-term prison and any injury he received from it seemed to us as far less than he deserved.
" After a brief second, Darcy added sharply, "Unless, of course, you would have preferred we had just shot him with his own pistol and put him out of all our misery? "
"Mr. Darcy!" protested Colonel Forster, although the other three men nodded agreement with the suggestion.
Richard spoke again. "I felt the safety and well-being of the women came first. George Wickham has proven himself to be a piece of filth unworthy of the uniform.
My cousin is correct. To care for the ladies Wickham had injured, we had to either corral or dispose of him.
Our other option was to throw him in the river, but I already know Wickham can swim. "
Colonel Forster looked even more disgruntled, but he asked, "Is there no chance you came across something…consensual that you mistook for an attack?"
His glare was returned to him fourfold. However, instead of protesting, Richard said, almost pleasantly, "Will, you are slightly shorter. Would you stand in for Miss Elizabeth? I will try not to damage you."
Understanding immediately, Darcy stepped into an open area of the floor behind Mr. Bennet.
Richard pulled out the pistol, which he still carried tucked into his belt, as he came around behind Darcy.
Richard wrapped his arm across his cousin's throat in the same way Wickham had done to Lizzy and then pulled back as if he was trying to drag Darcy away, all the while waving the pistol at Sir William threateningly.
Catching on to the idea, Sir William stepped forward and attempted to pull Richard's hand from Darcy's throat.
Richard acted out hitting Sir William in the side of the head with the pistol followed by Sir William acting as if he was injured and dropping to the side, holding his head.
Richard quickly let go of Darcy, who was having trouble breathing even though Richard had not been pressing that hard.
"Does that look like something consensual?" Richard asked icily as he placed the pistol back in his belt. "The original event was rather more violent."
Darcy worked to catch his breath even as he joined the others in glaring at Colonel Forster again.
"I…um…well, no. I guess simply reading Miss Elizabeth's account had less impact than actually seeing the events play out. I think you mentioned the young ladies would make a full recovery…"
"That is what the apothecary hopes," Mr. Bennet said quietly. "Of course, until the bruising goes down it will be hard to tell for certain."
"I see. Hmm, well, what is it you want me to do?" Colonel Forster's bluster was gone, and he had clearly accepted defeat in the confrontation.
"I believe a court-martial for conduct unbecoming would be a good start," Richard said softly.
"My cousin and I will make ourselves available for an impartial investigation as, I am sure, will Mr. Jones.
If needed, the ladies will testify so long as adequate measures are taken for their protection, and their fathers are allowed to be present during any questioning.
We can also provide multiple witnesses to Lt.
Brickham's true identity, including many who have no connection to our family.
The solicitor for whom he worked in London, for example.
My cousin will provide a list of names upon request."
"That is reasonable, I suppose. The lieutenant does require medical attention. If Mr. Jones will not tend to him, what are my options locally?"
"Mr. Jones is the only option in this general area," Sir William replied. "You might send to St. Albans for someone."
"Or send to your command in London along with your report and the request for court martial," Richard suggested.
"Hmm. Yes," Colonel Forster agreed. "Very well. I will place the lieutenant under guard and take steps for an investigation in preparation for a court martial. I am sure we can find someone to tend to him."
"Thank you, Colonel Forster," said Bennet.
"We will depend on you, then." Richard stepped forward to help his godfather rise.
The four men offered Colonel Forster shallow bows, which were returned in kind.
Without any further discussion, they left the office, passing by the aide with mere nods of acknowledgment on their way out to the carriage.