Chapter 34
Wickham had always considered himself much more intelligent and charming than most people, especially young women.
When Bingley confided in him about Mrs. Forster’s fortune he did not see any reason to doubt that information.
Lydia Bennet had been hanging on to him from the moment she had arrived in Brighton and he had been enjoying the fact that she was hoodwinking her mother to meet with him.
He had been considering asking the girl to elope with him; she would have enough money to help him escape and would make a rather interesting companion till he tired of her.
He could easily abandon her in London; she had family there and would not be much worse for wear, but Mrs. Forster now presented a much more desirable opportunity, he just needed to be cautious.
The very next day Wickham had received a message from a maid at the Colonel’s house that Mrs. Forster and Lydia meant to go out on a promenade.
Wickham was quick to make himself available.
He would still pay attention to Miss Lydia to avoid suspicion while secretly charming Mrs. Forster.
Bingley was interested in the eldest Miss Bennet and Miss Lydia may still prove useful if anything came out of it.
Wickham greeted the ladies politely and was surprised to see Mrs. Bennet also accompanying them.
The lady had been an annoyance to his purpose, but schooling his features, he offered to escort the matron, who was quick to take his proffered arm.
Wickham could not believe his luck, instead of flirting with the boisterous Miss Lydia and charming the foolish Mrs. Forster, he was stuck listening to Mrs. Bennet complain about all the hardships of her charmed life.
He maintained a polite demeanour, but was busy catching Miss Lydia’s eye and sharing private smiles.
Mrs. Bennet had, for the first time, instead of shouting or wailing, just inserted herself into her daughter’s outing to keep an eye on Lydia, and she could not have been more satisfied.
The handsome Mr. Wickham was busy making love to her youngest daughter, and while she could not blame him, Lydia was a lively girl, she had no wish to encourage the attachment.
Lydia was young and beautiful and needed a man of good position in society, not a poor officer in the militia.
She was most obliged to Mr. Bingley for the tale he had regaled her with about his sister.
Miss Bingley had become adept at interfering in courtships whether it was her brother’s or some gentleman she was interested in.
Listening to all the tales, she had decided to pick up the approach of that lady, who, if nothing else, had been successful in separating Mr. Bingley from Jane, when so close to forming an attachment.
She despised the woman, but that did not mean she could not use her tricks.
Bingley had become adept at ‘accidentally’ meeting people most suited to his purpose.
He had run into Colonel Forster when walking around his favoured paths and had casually mentioned seeing the ladies of the house with Mr. Wickham on the promenade.
“I am sure Wickham is more useful entertaining the ladies than as an officer; he has the most charming and affable manners for his position.”
“Well, yes, he has had a gentleman’s education,” the Colonel responded with just enough hesitation to satisfy Bingley.
“I am sure it must be a relief to you, for Mrs. Forster is still young and would require many diversions to keep her engaged,” Bingley had continued almost absently.
“Yes, I have my militia duties but she does have Miss Lydia’s company for her entertainment.”
“I am sure it is Miss Lydia for whom Wickham has been visiting the ladies so often; I, more than anyone, am aware of the Bennet ladies’ charms,” Bingley replied and then walked away whistling, leaving a perplexed Colonel.
Wickham had been his most trusted man in Hertfordshire, but recently his debts and rumours about missing his training while flirting with bar maids had made the Colonel uneasy.
Mrs. Forster had been surprised when Wickham had slipped a note in her hands while taking his leave.
But, for the significant look the officer had given her, she would have thought it must be for Lydia.
As soon as she could manage some privacy, she tore open the paper and read it with utter amazement.
Mrs. Forster, I feel that I am being dishonest with you, in continuing to accompany Miss Lydia and flirting with her.
The truth of the matter is that it is you who incites my affections.
My preference for Miss Lydia is merely to keep up appearances.
I know it is most unconscionable of me to mention my attachment to you when you are a lady of such unimpeachable character and devotion, but I could not stay quiet any longer.
It is not from any expectation of you returning my affection that I write, but for you to understand the intense despair I feel every time I am in your company; with no hope of ever gaining the good opinion of the most lovely woman of my acquaintance.
I hope you will forgive my impertinence in writing this note.
The words had left the lady breathing heavily, for she had never considered such a situation; she was after all a married woman.
As she sat thinking about the handsome officer she considered his preference for her most natural.
Mr. Wickham deserved the very best of women and she knew no lady better than herself.
Her marriage to Colonel Forster had been encouraged by her uncle, who had seized the opportunity to rid himself of his niece and gain a decent nephew.
She was young and pretty, and had a dowry of three thousand pounds and the Colonel had appreciated all of that.
She was never asked for her opinion, but married off expeditiously.
She had initially been happy enough with her change of circumstances.
She was free from her tyrannical uncle and her husband doted on her; but there had been moments when she had regretted her situation when some young officer or the other had flirted with her.
Brighton had been especially difficult, for there were several militia encampments and she longed to have the attention of handsome men. Her husband now hardly seemed to have any time for her, always claiming to be busy with some business or other.
Mr. Wickham was also an officer, but unlike her husband, always found time to devote to her amusements, even though he had no hope of an attachment with her, ‘It would be cruel to keep him pining,’ she thought and decided that some flirtation with the gentleman could hardly be improper.
She would spend as much time in his company as possible to ensure he was never neglected.
He may well form an attachment with Lydia or any other lady of her acquaintance; but she would always be his one great love.
Wickham had been worried about the note to Mrs. Forster.
He had planned to charm her first, before handing her such a forward missive but there had been no time.
Mrs. Bennet had clung to him like a limpet and Miss Lydia had occupied her friend as she herself made doe eyes towards him.
He had finally decided to take a gamble and give her the note, thinking that the worst would only expedite his escape to London.
He was thus pleasantly surprised to receive a dinner invitation at the Forsters.
The lady had quite charmingly explained to her husband that she wished to thank him for escorting them around town whenever his duties permitted.
The Colonel had seemed a little piqued, but Wickham did not pay much heed and had continued with his charming manner.
He made sure to maintain a respectful tone with the Colonel and had finally managed to put the man at ease.
He had no wish to put the Colonel on his guard, and thus did not single out Mrs. Forster.
It was Mrs. Bennet and Lydia who had been showered by his captivating attention during the dinner.
Mrs. Forster had then walked him out and her farewell had immediately made him sing with joy. “Mr. Wickham, I was hoping to visit the bakery tomorrow, by myself, you see, and would not mind if I happened upon a friend.”
The invitation was clear and Wickham was sure he had won his biggest gamble before his departure for London.
He ambled back towards the camp with renewed hopes.
He no longer merely wished to charm some money from the lady.
If he could convince Mrs. Forster to run away with him, she would surely take with her all the funds at her disposal and her jewellery.
Wickham was confident, it would not be difficult for him to convince the lady to part with them.
He could then easily disappear without any fear of a disgruntled father forcing him down the aisle.