Chapter 61 Wickham
Kendall placed his written report on Darcy’s desk and waited while he read the first page.
Darcy had reached the second before he looked up. “How certain are you that this is the same George Wickham?”
“Quite certain, sir. We traced his movements backward from the time he joined the militia in Meryton. He spent several weeks moving between London and Hertfordshire before accepting his commission, and shortly before that he was a guest at Sir Edmund Harcourt’s estate.”
Darcy looked back at the report. “How did Wickham come to be invited there?”
“Through a gentleman he met in London. Sir Edmund frequently entertains large parties, and Wickham appears to have obtained an invitation through one of his guests. He remained at the house for nearly three weeks. During that time he became involved with Sir Edmund’s wife.”
Darcy’s eyes lifted from the page.
“Lady Harcourt is considerably younger than her husband. Sir Edmund discovered enough to know that Wickham had been pursuing her, although he was determined that the matter should never become public. There was also his eighteen-year-old daughter. Wickham pursued her at the same time, and there is little doubt that he compromised her.”
Darcy set the report on the desk. “And then the jewelry disappeared.”
“Yes, sir. Several pieces belonging to Lady Harcourt and her daughter were discovered missing after Wickham’s departure. Sir Edmund employed men to find him, but Wickham had already left the district. They followed him as far as London and lost him there.”
Darcy picked up the report again.
“Sir Edmund did not make the theft public,” Kendall continued. “The men he employed were instructed to be discreet, and the jewelry has never been recovered. We have not established its value, but the missing pieces were considerable.”
“How does Harcourt know Wickham stole the jewelry?”
“He caught him in his daughter’s bedchamber, ransacking her jewelry box.
The girl was naked in her bed, crying and begging Wickham not to take the jewels.
Wickham escaped through an open window with a bag containing several pieces.
When Lady Harcourt examined her own jewelry box, she discovered that several valuable pieces were missing from it as well. ”
Darcy’s expression hardened. “I see. That is damning evidence.”
Darcy read the final page. “Sir Edmund does not know Wickham is in prison.”
“Not yet. I thought you would want to decide how we proceeded before I approached him.”
Darcy closed the report.
Kendall placed another paper on the desk.
“If Sir Edmund is willing to prosecute the theft, Wickham’s confinement for debt need not be the end of the matter.
Sir Edmund would have to provide the evidence against him, but if it is sufficient, the matter can be put before a magistrate and carried to the assizes.
A conviction for the theft could result in transportation. ”
Darcy looked at Kendall. “How soon can you see Sir Edmund?”
“I can leave tomorrow morning.”
Darcy handed the report back to him. “Then tell him you have found George Wickham.”
* * *
Kendall arrived at Sir Edmund Harcourt’s estate two days later and was shown into the library.
Sir Edmund entered carrying Kendall’s card. He was a tall, heavyset man with gray at his temples.
“You asked to speak with me concerning George Wickham.”
“Yes, sir. I represent a gentleman who has also had considerable difficulty with him. I believe you employed men to find Wickham earlier this year.”
Harcourt’s expression changed. “Have you found him?”
“We have. He is presently confined in a debtors’ prison in London.”
Harcourt stared at him. “You are certain?”
“Quite certain.”
He crossed to the window before facing Kendall again. “My men searched for that blackguard for weeks.”
“My employer has been searching for him as well.”
“Who is your employer?”
“Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley.”
Harcourt motioned toward a chair and took the one opposite it. “What does Darcy want from me?”
“He hopes you will prosecute Wickham for the jewelry he stole from your house.”
Harcourt’s face darkened. “I would have prosecuted him months ago if I could have found him. But I will not have my wife or daughter dragged through a public scandal. Whatever else Wickham did in this house stays within these walls.”
“Mr. Darcy has no desire to expose either lady. Wickham is presently confined for debt, but that will not hold him forever. If you prosecute the theft, the evidence against him may be sufficient for a criminal conviction and a sentence of transportation.”
Harcourt studied him. “I saw him with my own eyes. He had my daughter’s jewels in his hands, and I watched him go through the window carrying them. My wife discovered her jewelry missing immediately afterward.”
“If you are willing to give that testimony, we will also need an account of the property taken and whatever evidence you retained concerning the theft.”
“My solicitor prepared a complete inventory. He has the descriptions and values of every missing piece.”
“Then there should be enough to place the matter before a magistrate.”
Harcourt rose and went to the bellpull. “My solicitor can be here tomorrow. I will give you everything we have.”
Kendall stood.
Harcourt pulled the bell.
“I want George Wickham prosecuted.”
* * *
The matter moved quickly once Sir Edmund Harcourt placed it in the hands of his solicitor.
The inventory prepared after the theft listed each missing piece and its value, and Harcourt gave his account of finding Wickham in his daughter’s bedchamber with her jewelry in his possession. Lady Harcourt provided a statement identifying the pieces missing from her own collection.
Kendall kept Darcy informed as the case proceeded. Wickham was brought before a magistrate and committed for trial, and the evidence was presented at the next assizes.
Several weeks later, Kendall came again to Darcy House.
Darcy set aside the letter he had been reading when Kendall entered the study.
“It is finished, sir. Wickham has been convicted and sentenced to transportation for life.”
Darcy sat back in his chair. “When does he leave?”
“That is uncertain. He will be held until arrangements are made to place him aboard a transport. It may be some time.”
Darcy considered this before looking at Kendall. “I want to know when he is aboard the ship. Not when they move him from the gaol or when his name is placed upon a list. I want confirmation that the ship has sailed with George Wickham aboard it.”
“You shall have it, sir.”
“Until then, this is not finished.”
“I understand. I will send word as soon as I have confirmation.”
* * *
Nearly two months passed before the letter arrived.
Darcy recognized Kendall’s hand and opened it at his desk. The message was brief. George Wickham had been placed aboard a convict transport bound for Australia, and the ship had sailed from Portsmouth three days earlier.
Darcy folded the letter and went in search of Elizabeth.
He found her in the drawing room with a book open on her lap. She looked up when he entered, and he crossed the room and handed her the letter.
“From Kendall.”
Elizabeth read it. When she reached the end, she lowered the paper and held out her hand to him.
Darcy took it and sat beside her. Elizabeth leaned against him, and he put his arm around her.
“It is finished,” she said.
Darcy kissed her temple and drew her closer.