Chapter 24 #3
“How interesting! Then please do sit down and tell us more about this affair.” Elizabeth tried to remain calm but she was already growing impatient.
“Would you like a drink, perhaps?” Lady Kendal offered, seeing Wickham’s apparent agitation.
“No, thank you…what I wish to you tell you is…I am grateful for your support since I had the pleasure of marrying Lydia. Offering my wife a comfortable living is my main goal, and I have tried to diligently learn the skills of estate management. But I cannot deceive myself any longer. I must admit this is not an appropriate career for me.”
“Your statement does not surprise me, sir. A fair estimation of own capabilities deserves applause. But may I enquire if you have decided which career would suit you, Mr Wickham?” Elizabeth forced a candid smile and a composed expression while she carried on the conversation.
“Yes…I have spoken to Lydia and we agreed that…being an officer was what pleased me the most. And I believe I have the required assets to be successful.”
“Surely you have not forgotten that you started a career in the militia and ended it after only a brief period!”
“True, Lady Alveston, but unfortunate circumstances caused that failure.”
“The circumstances were the result of your actions, Mr Wickham. And I would not take the liberty of questioning your decisions if I did not suspect that you need our help. A career in the army or militia would require the purchase of a new commission, and I would venture to assume you do not possess the necessary amount.”
“Indeed I do not, Lady Alveston. That is why I debated the matter with Lydia at length. She too would be excited for me to join the army or militia again. She would be exceedingly pleased to be married to an officer. She is very bored on a secluded property in the countryside!”
He spoke in complete earnest, and Elizabeth rolled her eyes at such a ridiculous statement. Wickham glanced from her to Lady Kendal, waiting, hopeful.
“If you find it necessary, I would be ready to consider the purchase of the commission as a loan, and to repay you as soon as my means allow me.”
“You have not yet paid even a small portion of your past debts, sir!” Elizabeth cried. “You were given the chance to earn the money on one of our estates by doing almost nothing! And you complain about boredom? Find yourself something harder to employ your time, Mr Wickham!”
Her anger disconcerted Wickham and diminished his confidence. His anxiety increased and he kept glancing at Lady Kendal as his last remaining hope.
“I shall discuss the matter with Lydia too. We had an agreement before your wedding!” Elizabeth continued. “She decided to marry, and she should take life seriously! It is not our duty to keep her entertained!”
“Lady Alveston, I deeply apologise! I chose my words badly. Bored was not an accurate term. But I feel I could be of more help. I could do something more meaningful that would please my wife too,” Wickham said in a low, pleading voice but with a formal, grave tone.
Lady Kendal was ready to interject, but Elizabeth rolled her eyes again and responded, “Mr Wickham, let us not play silly games. I am ready to pay for your commission if it will provide more comfort to my sister Lydia. But I know you have changed careers several times in the past and each time you benefited from generous support and financial compensation.”
Wickham paled and lowered his gaze, mumbling, “I do not… I may… There is no…”
“I once trusted you completely, Mr Wickham. Now I doubt everything you say. How can I believe that you will not return next year, deep in gambling debt? That you will not soil our name and reputation with your scandalous actions and deceptions?”
“Lady Alveston, I assure you—”
“You assured others before me, did you not, Mr Wickham? But make no mistake, sir, I am neither patient, nor indulgent. I do not appreciate being deceived for a third time! My temper cannot be trusted, especially since I have the means to have my way. You should consider all this carefully before we reach any agreement.”
Her voice was so harsh that Lady Kendal watched her in puzzlement.
Elizabeth realised the lady did not understand her stubbornness.
Purchasing Wickham a new commission would not be a particularly significant expense for her, but she would not waste a single penny on him unless it was absolutely necessary.
“Mr Wickham, Lady Alveston must have some solid reasons to question you. We shall discuss this matter tonight.” Lady Kendal tried to calm the growing tension.
“We shall also seek advice from our friends who are familiar with military affairs, and we shall inform you of our decision tomorrow. You are part of the family now, but this always comes with benefits and responsibilities. This is our way of doing things.”
“Thank you, your ladyship,” Wickham replied, incredulous, fearful of a refusal, humble and restless.
“And, Mr Wickham, regarding our attendance at the theatre—unfortunately we were not aware of your arrival and our box is rather crowded. We might accommodate one more person but not two,” Elizabeth declared coldly.
Wickham paled even more—clear proof that Jane had not broached the delicate subject with them.
“I understand, Lady Alveston. Lydia might wish to join her sisters, but I shall be too busy to watch a performance, regardless.”
“This seems a fortunate arrangement, Mr Wickham,” Elizabeth concluded.
She knew he was hurt, but she did not feel any trace of remorse for offending him—just as he had not regretted his appalling behaviour for so many years.