Chapter XIII #3
“There is no one better positioned to tell you about George Wickham,” said he at length, turning back from the window.
“While I am certain we all agree that Miss Lydia behaved foolishly, she does not deserve a connection to a man like Wickham for the rest of her life—Wickham will make a poor husband.”
“That much I have apprehended,” said Mr. Gardiner, wryly. “The question is whether there are any other options.”
Mr. Darcy was again silent, though this time he appeared to be struggling with something. “Though I hesitate to raise such a delicate subject, in what state do you expect to find her?”
“I have little hope in that quarter,” replied Elizabeth. “Lydia has always been a silly girl—she will agree to just about anything Mr. Wickham suggests.”
“Perhaps you are being a little blunt, Lizzy,” said Mrs. Gardiner, directing a pointed look at her, “but I cannot disagree. What young man who steals away with a woman will not take liberties with her? I suspect many of stronger moral fiber than Lydia would yield in such circumstances.”
“Considering she went willingly, I fear you may be right,” said Mr. Gardiner.
Mr. Darcy nodded, but made no further comment on the subject. “Then there are two options, either of which lead to marriage. Either she marries Wickham, or we seek out another man willing to overlook her indiscretion in favor of compensation.”
“Provided there are no further consequences from her time with Mr. Wickham,” said Mrs. Gardiner.
Though they all acknowledged her point, no one belabored it.
“That will be expensive.” Uncle Gardiner’s steady gaze at Mr. Darcy left no doubt about what he thought on the subject.
“Please leave that to me, Mr. Gardiner.”
“Why should I do that?”
“Because Wickham is my responsibility.”
“And Lydia is mine.” Mr. Gardiner paused and smiled, then shrugged. “Well, she is Bennet’s responsibility, but he does not have the means to pay a man to marry his youngest daughter.”
“And I am better positioned to take on that responsibility than either of you,” insisted Mr. Darcy.
“Please do not argue on this subject, for it is fruitless—the fault is mine, and so shall the remedy be. If I had done as I ought, Wickham would have been languishing in the Marshalsea or transported halfway around the world long before he could steal away in the dead of night with your niece.”
“If you will excuse me, Mr. Darcy,” said Mrs. Gardiner, “before her change of heart, Lizzy suggested you possessed an excess of pride, but now I have deduced that your true failing is obstinacy.”
“And I own it without disguise,” replied Mr. Darcy, throwing a wide grin at Elizabeth.
“Regardless,” continued he, “either path will require a significant outlay of funds. The difference is in your niece’s future happiness.”
“Lydia will never find happiness with Mr. Wickham,” said Aunt Gardiner.
“No, that is unlikely,” replied Mr. Darcy. “Wickham is not the sort of man who will make any woman happy.”
“If we find some other man,” said Uncle Gardiner, “she will not keep her status.”
“Though I beg your pardon,” replied Mr. Darcy, “her status was forfeited the moment she entered the carriage with him.”
Mr. Gardiner sighed, though he did not protest. “Though it pains me to say it, you are not incorrect.”
“The second option is the correct one,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “Lydia can be trying, but I would not have her married to a man such as Mr. Wickham. Better to find her a good man who will give her a future, even if the man is naught but a tenant farmer.”
“I should think we can find someone of more prominence than a farmer,” said Mr. Darcy. “A man of business, perhaps. One newly established, looking for a wife, and eager for an influx of capital to grow his business.”
“Yes, that is a possibility,” said Uncle Gardiner. “There may be some among my circle of acquaintances, or some of them might know others who would suit. I shall think about it while we travel.”
“Very well,” said Mr. Darcy. “Our preference, then, is that she marry, but not Wickham—provided circumstances permit it. That is where Fitzwilliam can play a part. He will not only help us discover her, but he can exert control over Wickham’s future.
Perhaps a transfer to the front lines in Spain would be best, or my uncle might involve himself and have Wickham transported. ”
“The latter, if I could make my sentiments known,” replied Mr. Gardiner. “At least in Van Diemen’s Land he can be of use. In Spain, he would be one among many, and may even represent a danger to his fellows.”
“My cousin would agree with that sentiment.”
With that decided, they settled into desultory conversation, looking out the windows at the passing fields and woods, or even settling into sleep to make the time pass more quickly.
Elizabeth did not sleep, as she had never found much success sleeping in a moving carriage, so she settled for the window.
That did not prevent her from glancing at Mr. Darcy, and noting his returning looks.
The thought struck her that perhaps her affections were more engaged than she thought as the long morning and afternoon continued, the two sharing frequent looks that spoke of thoughts she could not even articulate.