Chapter Eighteen

Darcy

3 rd March 1812

G eorgie walked from Meryton to Longbourn, lost in thought. It had been a week since his courtship and subsequent engagement to Elizabeth had been revealed. The reaction had been pleasant, he had to admit. Her sisters had been delighted, and the townspeople had been given something to gossip about which in turn appeared to please them.

Mrs Bennet had slowly but surely found herself at peace with the prospect of a new son-in-law, especially as she was beginning to see the benefits of having another man in the house who wanted to make himself useful.

The most unpleasant thing had been getting to know Mr Collins. Upon hearing the happy news, he had prolonged his stay at Lucas Lodge by several days in order to get to know Georgie. As if that wasn’t bad enough, he’d also decided to pay them another visit after his errands were completed. Thus, he had another dinner with Mr Collins—who had just returned from Town—to look forward to tonight. It was a pity, for any length of time spent in Mr Collins’ company was, by his estimation, too much.

Collins was insufferable, even more so than Georgie had expected. Unfortunately, he would have to see him again at least once more because he had been invited to the wedding, which was set to take place in three months’ time. They had spoken at length with Elizabeth’s Uncle Phillips regarding any legal ramifications, and also with the vicar of Meryton, who had obtained advice from one of his more senior colleagues. The consensus of opinion amongst the clergy was, that in addition to the usual reading of the banns in their local parish church, a notice of intent should be read out at all of Hertfordshire’s churches on four consecutive Sundays. This, combined with a sworn affidavit from Georgie stating that to the best of his knowledge he was not wed, nor of unconscionable character, should suffice.

As he wandered along the familiar path, his thoughts drifted from the tediousness of Mr Collins to the happiness he felt when he was with Elizabeth. He pondered their future together, the challenges they might face, and the joy he hoped they would share. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the hills in the distance, and the tranquillity of the evening only added to his introspective mood.

He was torn from his thoughts when he heard a voice calling after him. “Georgie! Georgie, wait!”

He turned to see Mary hurrying towards him, her bonnet slightly askew and her cheeks flushed from the brisk walk.

“Mary,” he greeted, “what brings you out here?”

“I was on my way back from visiting a friend in Meryton and saw you ahead,” she explained, slightly out of breath. “I thought I might walk with you.”

“Of course,” Georgie replied, offering her his arm. “I would be glad of the company.”

As they continued their walk together, Mary glanced at him with a curious expression. “You seemed deep in thought. Is something troubling you?”

Georgie chuckled softly. “Just contemplating the future, I suppose. There is much to consider.”

Mary looked thoughtful, but then said, “It is a time of change for all of us. But I believe that you and Elizabeth will be very happy together.”

Her words brought a smile to Georgie’s face. “Thank you, Mary. That means a great deal to me.”

“Where were you coming from, Georgie?”

“I was meeting with Mr Morris about the position of caretaker for Netherfield Park,” he replied with a satisfied smile. “And I got it. I will soon be the official caretaker of Netherfield and be responsible for the grounds and the house. I’ll have to get it ready should anyone wish to rent it and if someone buys it, I might be made steward.”

Mary’s eyes lit up with delight. “That’s wonderful news! Will you and Elizabeth live there?”

“We will live in a cottage near the main house,” Georgie said. “I saw it today, and it’s quite grand, and more than what we need.”

Mary jested, “It must be much larger than the little room you have now.”

Georgie chuckled. “It is. In any case, it will be lovely. It will be my first real home.”

Mary arched an eyebrow. “Well, not really. You had a home at some point, surely. Maybe even a grand one.”

Georgie nodded thoughtfully. “True, but since I can’t remember any other home, this will be my first real one. I shall henceforth always think of it as my first home, aside from Longbourn, of course. Although it was more a respite than a home.”

Mary’s expression softened as she asked, “Do you not wish you could remember everything now? Your home, your family?”

Georgie sighed. He’d been more at ease with his circumstances since he and Elizabeth had confessed their feelings for one another.

“I used to and I also used to get flashes of my past, but I haven’t in a long time. I know I must have a family out there but nobody has come looking for me so that either means there is nobody left, or that they do not care to find me. Either way, it will not do me any good to dwell on it. Now, I think of the Bennets as my family.”

As they approached Longbourn, the familiar sight of the house brought a smile to Georgie’s face. However, as they drew closer, he noticed something different. The windows were closed and he saw Mrs Bennet rushing into the house and shutting the door after looking left and right. Mr Collins’ carriage was parked around the side of the house as well. He usually stayed at the Lucas’ when visiting but came to call on the Bennets—though never this early.

“Mr Collins so early? I’m sure Hill hasn’t even started dinner yet. What do you suppose is happening?” Mary whispered, her earlier cheerfulness giving way to concern.

Georgie shook his head, his senses alert. “I’m not sure, but we should find out.”

They quickened their pace, the feeling of unease growing stronger with each step. Georgie couldn’t shake the sense that something significant awaited them inside, something that would change everything once again.

Georgie and Mary entered Longbourn with a growing sense of foreboding. The house, usually filled with light-hearted bustle, now seemed to echo with tension. They followed the sound of raised voices to the drawing-room, where they found Mr Collins, Elizabeth, Mr Bennet, and Mrs Bennet in a heated discussion.

Mr Collins was in the midst of a fervent declaration. “Elizabeth must not marry Mr Wickham!”

His stomach clenched. Mr Wickham was still a name he felt no connection to but it was his name now—but why would Mr Collins suddenly object to the marriage?

Georgie stepped forward, revealing himself. “What is going on here?”

Mr Collins turned to face him, his expression a mix of disdain and triumph. “Ah, the charlatan himself appears. Mr Wickham, you are exposed. I wrote to my patroness to share the happy—if peculiar—news about your circumstances and your intention to marry my cousin, and she quickly replied, by messenger no less! She spared no expense to ensure I could stop this travesty from happening.”

“Mr Collins, why would you say such things?” Elizabeth demanded.

Georgie frowned, his confusion evident. “Yes, what are you talking about? What did your patroness say? Does she know me?”

Instantly the worry that there might be a wife and children looking for him resurfaced and he glanced at Elizabeth, certain she too felt this concern rise to the surface. The possibility had been small, at least in their minds. After all, nobody had come looking in the weeks he’d been here. However, that might be about to change.

Mr Collins puffed up his chest, clearly relishing the drama of the moment.

“Lady Catherine knows exactly who George Wickham is and you, sir, have no reason to be proud, for you are a scoundrel of the worst sort.”

Georgie groaned internally, for this was his second greatest fear, aside from being married, he’d been concerned about having some sordid past. He didn’t feel particularly sordid, indeed, he’d found himself compelled to stop a theft at the local market once and had broken up a fight between two drunkards another time. He’d thought himself quite a good person, in fact—but perhaps he had been mistaken.

“Mr Collins, do not keep us in suspense,” Mr Bennet demanded. “Tell us what she believes Georgie has done, and how she knows who he is.”

“Well, naturally I described him in detail. Tall, dark-haired, shifty eyes… And the accent, of course. In any case, she is well familiar with Mr Wickham as he is the son of her late sister’s steward.”

“She knows my father?” Georgie asked, hopeful at once despite the unfortunate news, that he might be a ne’er-do-well after all.

“She knew him,” Mr Collins replied, clicking his tongue. “But he died some years ago. My patroness’ sister and husband were for reasons unknown to her rather fond of you. Do you truly pretend not to know?”

“Pretend? He has no memory,” Elizabeth spoke up now and he felt warm inside knowing she’d defend him, even now.

“So he says,” Mrs Bennet said and Georgie realised just how quickly the woman changed her allegiance.

“I assure you, I am a good man.”

“If you have no memory, how would you know?” Collins challenged. “Lady Catherine told me you have always been a burden on her poor nephew, asking for money any chance you had, and even turned down a living that was left to you. Foolish,” he said and shook his head with disgust marking his features.

“Her nephew?” Elizabeth spoke up. “The Colonel?” she asked, sounding hopeful but her cousin shook his head.

“No, the esteemed Mr Darcy, of course. He was always kind to you, Mr Wickham and you repaid him by attempting to scandalise his sister, Lady Catherine’s niece. Miss Georgiana Darcy! You attempted to elope with her purely for her fortune. If not for her brother, you would have ruined her happiness forever.”

“Faith,” Mrs Bennet proclaimed and fanned herself with a handkerchief even though it wasn’t warm in the room.

“On top of that, you have amassed debts all over the country, gambling away any money you could get your hands on. You have seduced innocent women, leaving them and their families in disgrace. You are a liar, a cheat, and a scoundrel of the highest order! Indeed, Lady Catherine tells me you likely faked your injury to escape and ingratiate yourself with a good family.”

“I told you, Mr Bennet. I told you!” Mrs Bennet screeched and fell into her seat, hands covering her face.

“This cannot be,” Elizabeth shouted. “Georgie is a good man. He has done nothing wrong.”

“I assure you, he has. Lady Catherine advised me to counsel you against any match between your fine daughter and this man, Cousin,” he said ignoring her and focusing on her father instead.

“Goodness, goodness. I told you Mr Bennet! I told you he would be up to no good! Oh, my nerves. Mary, fetch my smelling salts,” she called and dropped backward again.

Elizabeth, standing in the doorway, seemed torn between disbelief and dawning horror.

“I trust you have evidence of this?” Mr Bennet said, though Georgie noted how shaken he sounded.

“Of course I do, she has sent along a list of people who know Mr Wickham any of whom will confirm that he is a despicable scoundrel. In addition, Mr Wickham is a blackmailer. Mr Darcy, that is the late Mr Darcy, regarded you so highly he took you under his wing when your father died—even left you a living as I said, but you demanded money instead, always coming back for more when you needed it! And when Mr Darcy finally said no, you attempted to charm his sister!”

Georgie’s lips parted, he was utterly confused. A living? And… Darcy? That name again. He felt as if the ground had been ripped out from under him. “This- this cannot be true,” he stammered. “I have no memory of any of this.”

Mr Collins sneered. “Convenient, is it not? To claim amnesia and insert yourself into the lives of decent people, to worm your way into their good graces. You are a fraud, sir. My dear cousin,” he said turning to Elizabeth’s father now. “I am afraid your wife was correct. This man is trying to ingratiate himself with your family. He will take you for all you are worth if you let this marriage go ahead.”

A fraud? A monster? A rake? He was a rake? No, this could not be true. Georgie’s head thumped. This was so much worse than anything he had imagined when thinking about his past.

Elizabeth stepped forward. “I do not believe it. Georgie has been nothing but kind and honourable. He cannot be the man you describe.”

Mr Collins turned to her, his tone condescending. “Elizabeth, my dear cousin, you are blinded by your affections. The facts are clear. Lady Catherine herself confirmed his identity and his misdeeds. This man is not to be trusted.”

Georgie looked at Elizabeth, his eyes filled with anguish. “Elizabeth, I swear, I do not remember any of this. I cannot reconcile what he says with who I feel I am.”

Elizabeth’s eyes filled with tears. “I believe you, Georgie. But what are we to do? How can we prove your innocence if you cannot remember?”

Mr Bennet, who had been silent until now, spoke gravely, “We must seek the truth. If there is even a chance that Mr Collins’s accusations are true, we owe it to ourselves and to Elizabeth to investigate further. Georgie, you say you do not remember your past, but perhaps there are people or places that might trigger some memories.”

Mrs Bennet, still reeling from the revelation, added, “We cannot have a scandal ruin us. We must be certain of who this man is. In the meantime he cannot stay here in our home, with our daughters. You will need to leave, Georgie.”

“No, Mother!” Elizabeth replied sharply. “No, you cannot make him leave. Father!”

Before her father could say anything, Georgie nodded, feeling the weight of the family’s concern. “No, Elizabeth your mother is correct. I cannot risk scandalising this family. I understand. I will do whatever it takes to find out the truth. I do not want to bring any harm to your family. I must find out if this is true.”

“We ought to go to Rosings Park,” Elizabeth explained.

“I think not,” Mr Collins said resolutely. “Lady Catherine does not wish to see Mr Wickham anywhere near her estate. Especially not when her niece is there. The poor, gullible girl has been through enough as it is. Now, I have made my case, the rest is up to you. I shall return to Lucas Lodge for the time being. You may call on me if you need.”

He turned to leave, but not before casting a final disdainful glance at Georgie. “Remember, Mr Wickham, that the truth will always come to light. You cannot hide from your past. It has already found you out once, do not presume to try this trick again.”

The front door clicked shut and silence settled upon the house while Mrs Bennet made swift use of the smelling salts Mary had brought her. Mr Bennet stood, shaking his head while beside Georgie, Elizabeth looked as if her entire world had come crashing down. And in a way, it had. For the bright future they’d had ahead of them had darkened and was perhaps, entirely ruined.