Chapter 12 Betrothed
Six weeks passed in the company of Mr. Wickham. Georgiana was charmed by his easy manner as he escorted the ladies to assemblies and concerts. He also proved an enthusiastic naturalist as they explored the coastal villages and the natural beauties of the surrounding countryside.
One evening in late August, Georgiana sat at the pianoforte in their leased residence when Mr. Wickham called.
They settled near the hearth, and Mrs. Younge rang for the tea tray.
They chatted as comfortable friends until Mrs. Younge said, “Mr. Wickham, if you have no other engagement this evening, would you join us for dinner?”
“I am free, ma'am. It would be my pleasure.”
She addressed Georgiana. “Pray excuse me for a few minutes. I shall speak with Cook. I must make a slight alteration to the menu so there will be sufficient for the three of us.”
After Mrs. Younge left the room, Mr. Wickham crossed to the fireplace and faced Georgiana.
“Miss Darcy, the past month in your company has been the happiest of my life. If I have understood you correctly, I believe you have found some happiness in my company as well.”
He paused.
Georgiana lowered her eyes. “I have, sir.”
He dropped to one knee.
“My dear Miss Darcy, would you do me the honor of accepting my hand in marriage?”
Georgiana felt gratified and flattered that such a fine, well-mannered gentleman should take an interest in her.
She was tall and very slender, with little figure to speak of.
Though her brother was exceedingly handsome, she considered herself quite plain.
Her face was too long and thin, her nose was freckled, and her mouth was too large for her features.
That he should admire her seemed almost beyond belief.
She had grown very fond of him and imagined love would follow once they married and spent their lives together.
Her brows creased. Fitzwilliam must be sent for. She had no wish to marry without her brother beside her to share in her happiness.
Mr. Wickham's expression tightened as her silence lengthened.
“Miss Darcy? You have not answered me. Have I spoken too soon? I believed you had also formed an attachment to me.”
His words drew her from her thoughts.
“Sir, I am only surprised. I had no notion you regarded me in that way. I am deeply flattered and gratified. You are a most amiable gentleman, and I have greatly enjoyed your company.”
“Does this mean you accept my hand, ma'am?”
Laughing, she said, “Yes, sir, I believe it does. I believe I could be very happy as your wife.”
He rose. “I am the happiest man in all England, my dear.”
He took her hand and bowed over it. “I shall make the arrangements for us to marry tomorrow so that we may begin our lives together.”
She withdrew her hand.
“Tomorrow? Sir, I wish to send for my brother. I want him to share this happy occasion with me, and I should like to introduce you to him.”
He laughed joyfully. “Yes, I should like to meet all your family, Miss Darcy. Let us marry, and then we can drive to your home together and surprise your brother and your family. Mrs. Younge will accompany us, so you need not feel the least concern.”
When she still hesitated, he continued.
“Miss Darcy, have you ever visited Dover Castle? It is often called the Key to England. From its walls, one may look across the Channel toward France. I shall show you the Norman keep. We can explore the ancient tunnels together, see the cannon overlooking the sea, and admire the magnificent views of the White Cliffs.”
Her expression brightened.
He continued, “And we ought not to leave Kent without seeing Canterbury. You will be enchanted by the beauty of the city.”
Wickham enumerated many of the beauties and wonders to be found in Canterbury, but as he searched her face, he saw that she was not yet completely convinced. He continued.
“And we must not neglect Leeds Castle. It rises from the lake like something from a fairy tale. Nor should we miss Rochester Castle. Its Norman keep remains a most impressive ruin. The three of us can travel through the beauties and wonders of Kent, and at the end of our journey, surprise your brother with our happy news. I am certain your family will arrange a wedding breakfast and spend the day celebrating with us.”
Georgiana surrendered to the picture he painted.
“Yes, let us marry. We shall see the beauties of Kent and then visit my brother.”
Mrs. Younge entered the drawing room just then, and Georgiana went to her and threw her arms around her.
“Mrs. Younge, you must congratulate me. Mr. Wickham and I are betrothed.”
* * *
After dinner, Mr. Wickham excused himself.
“Miss Darcy, I have many arrangements to make for our wedding. I must find a church and a rector. Let us spend tomorrow night here, and the following day begin our journey. I shall arrange for a chaise and four, and we must pack our belongings.”
Mrs. Younge said, “Is there any reason for such haste, sir? The three of us have been exceedingly comfortable here. Let us allow a few days to plan your wedding journey.”
She addressed Georgiana. “My dear, make a list of the places you wish to visit, and we shall give it to Mr. Wickham. He will need to write to the innkeepers to reserve rooms and arrange for fresh horses. Do you not think that is best?”
“Yes, Mrs. Younge. It would be much more comfortable if those arrangements were made. I am certain that is how my brother arranges matters whenever we travel.”
“Then it is settled.” Mrs. Younge addressed Mr. Wickham.
“Sir, make the arrangements for the wedding ceremony to be performed tomorrow at eleven o'clock. The three of us shall spend tomorrow night here. Once everything stands in readiness, we can set out on a leisurely journey to join Mr. Darcy in London.”
Seeing that her charge looked uneasy, she added, “My dear, you need not concern yourself. Mr. Darcy does not expect us. Whether we take three days or two weeks to reach London will make no difference to him. He will not worry over us.”
Georgiana's expression eased. “Of course. You are right. There is no hurry, for Fitzwilliam expects us to remain in Ramsgate for several weeks yet.”
“You may go up to your bedchamber and prepare for bed while I see Mr. Wickham out. I shall look in on you before I retire for the night.”
Georgiana embraced her companion with delight, and Mrs. Younge kissed the girl's cheek.
“Run along now, my dear. I shall be up presently.”
Mrs. Younge stepped outside with Mr. Wickham.
“For a moment, I believed she would insist upon her brother's presence,” Wickham said. “The entire scheme would have come to nothing.”
“I believe the two of us have quieted her conscience and overcome her better judgment. Are you certain Mr. Darcy will hand over her dowry?”
His laugh held a sinister note.
“He certainly will once I am through with her. That suggestion of yours was inspired. I had no notion how we might persuade her to remain in Ramsgate after the wedding. I must ensure she has been thoroughly compromised. Ruined. Better still if she carries my child. Darcy will not dare take her away from me then. She will need a husband. Who better than the father of her child?”
Mrs. Younge frowned. “Who agreed to perform the ceremony? She is underage. I cannot believe any respectable clergyman would consent.”
“Of course, no respectable clergyman would. I found a curate who was dismissed from his living and in desperate want of money. He agreed to perform the ceremony according to the rites in the Book of Common Prayer.” He laughed with satisfaction.
“He still has his robes, and he has hired a chapel in a village that is but three miles distant. It will appear a genuine ceremony to the girl. She knows no better. She will surrender herself willingly, believing she is my wife.”
“Did you purchase a ring?”
He grimaced. “I did. Even the plainest ring costs a fortune. I must carefully manage what money I have left.”
“It matters little. You need not hire a chaise and four immediately.
We shall remain here for at least one week, perhaps longer.
I shall need time to close the house, send Jenny away, and make arrangements for our journey.
Then we may travel to my parents' boarding house, where Mr. Darcy will never think to search for you, for he does not know there is any connection between us. From there, you may send him your terms. Once he transfers the money, we shall purchase passage to Canada.”
He laughed. “I wish I might see Darcy's face when he receives my letter. I shall have won a fortune and taken my revenge in the same stroke.”
Clarissa Younge regarded him with curiosity.
“Has he wronged you in some way? You have never spoken of it.”
Wickham's expression darkened.
“No, but he was born with every advantage, while I was not. This will settle the account between us. For once, I shall have the upper hand.”