Chapter XXXV

" I

s it certain?"

? Darcy shook his head, knowing there was no way to know. "You know this Mr. Philips better than I do. If I ask Wickham, he may confirm it for no other reason than to create more mischief. What does your knowledge of Philips tell you?"

? Bennet sighed and nodded. "In truth, I know little of Philips other than what my father said of the family. That they were involved in Collins's scheme to defraud my father of the estate is a matter of historical record, especially given the information I received from Collins's own hand. It would not surprise me in the slightest should Philips conspire with Wickham to do me and my family harm."

? "No doubt he would deny any accusations you made," said Fitzwilliam, rubbing his chin. "Even if this report of Wickham meeting with Philips indicates some planned mischief, I doubt Philips would have been so foolish as to suggest abducting Georgiana."

? "Georgiana can mean nothing to him," replied Darcy. "If anything, Philips might have conspired with Wickham to abduct one of your daughters, but I cannot imagine why he would involve himself in a plot against my sister."

? "Unless Wickham acted in a way contrary to Philips's designs." Bennet gazed into the distance, deep in thought. "We know they met at a function at Philips's house and at least one of Wickham's fellows reported seeing Wickham leave Philips's establishment a day later. Philips might have urged Wickham to take action against my family, but Wickham had his own agenda."

? "Such an audacious attempt was no doubt fueled by our imminent return." Fitzwilliam shook his head and muttered: "I am of a mind to go to the jail and forgo any thought of justice. The thought of erecting a scaffold and hanging Wickham in the center of Meryton's busiest street appeals to me."

? "And Philips along with him," said Bennet, sharing a bloodthirsty grin with Darcy's cousin.

? "Yet, we have little evidence with which to convict the latter, at least," said Bingley. "I share your disgust, my friends, but I think it unlikely you could tie anything to Philips. Wickham may say what he likes, but Philips will deny it, and no one can prove anything. No one will believe Wickham's word after his actions against Bennet's family—it might tarnish his name, but it has the potential to do equal damage to the Miss Bennets."

? Little though he appeared to like it, Bennet nodded. "You are correct, Bingley. Though I am loath to acknowledge it, there appears to be no other choice."

? Bennet turned to Darcy. "Have you decided what to do with Wickham?"

? A shrug was Darcy's response. "I know the penalty for trying to abduct a gentlewoman can be the harshest under the law, yet the appeal of burying him in prison to live out his life in squalor and misery is not insubstantial."

? "That is the spirit, Darcy!" Fitzwilliam grinned and leaned back his chair, his hands held behind his head. "Of course, if you had done that many years ago, he would not now be a problem."

? The argument was an old one, and Darcy did not mean to prosecute it again, for it was past time for such things. Wickham was now in custody, and whatever Darcy had considered for his punishment in the past, he was no longer inclined to charity. Mercy had always been his response for a variety of reasons—now justice would reign, and George Wickham would feel the full weight of it fall on his head.

? Before Darcy could answer, there was a knock on the door of Bingley's study, and when he called permission to enter, Netherfield's butler entered the room.

? "Mr. Bingley, a man has presented himself at the door wishing to see you. He introduced himself as the Earl of Winchester."

? The four men in the room exchanged looks as Bingley instructed his butler to show the earl into the room. When he departed, Bennet turned to Darcy.

? "Do you know this man?"

? "Winchester is a man with whom I do not associate," replied Darcy, "for he harbors certain... appetites that those in polite society find abhorrent. Of more immediate interest to the situation at hand, Winchester has long been one of Wickham's confederates."

? "Or the other way around, given the earl's standing," rumbled Fitzwilliam. "Comrades in their debaucheries, I must say, for they are akin to two peas in a pod."

? Darcy nodded, but could not respond, for the earl entered at that moment. He was not a man lacking in favorable attributes, for he was as tall as Darcy, possessed a head of wavy blond hair, and a face that ladies might find pleasing. For all that, however, Darcy fancied he could already see the way he lived his life etched upon his visage, both in the lines around his eyes and mouth, and the sunken shape of his cheeks despite only being a year Darcy's senior. Though Darcy had never associated with the man, being disgusted with his habits, they were acquainted, though not well. If Darcy traced a line of his ancestors back far enough, he knew there was a connection between them, and one likely far closer than he might wish.

? "Fitzwilliam, Darcy," said Winchester without preamble when he entered the room. "Would you do me the honor of introducing me to your friends?"

? Winchester had always presented the fa?ade of civilized behavior, thought Darcy as he acknowledged the request and offered the introductions. If Winchester harbored any distaste for making the acquaintance of two men whose situations in life were so far beneath his own he did not show it. Instead, he nodded and greeted them both, then turning his attention back to Darcy.

? "You have something I want, Darcy."

? The earl let nothing of his feelings slip, but Darcy had a sense of his purpose here. The question was, why he wanted Wickham with so much apparent zeal. "If I do, then I am surprised to hear it. What do I have that you wish to acquire?"

? "Wickham."

? The name hung in the room as if someone had fired a cannon, the echoes of which reverberated without cessation. Darcy studied the man before him, wondering about his purpose. Wickham and Winchester had been thick as thieves, and more than once they had banded together to torment the more reserved Darcy. The connection between Wickham and Winchester extended all the way back to their days at Eton, when they had been classmates who became acquainted the year before Darcy attended, Wickham also being a year older. Winchester had always been to Darcy's eyes a proud noble, a man who cared little for those he considered his inferiors. One could explain his friendship with Wickham as being one of convenience for two men of similar characters, for it had been said that misery loved company. In this case, perhaps libertines congregated together.

? Even discounting the astonishing fact of his knowledge of Wickham's current whereabouts, Darcy did not think the earl would intervene on his behalf, for Winchester could get companions in his debaucheries aplenty, and men far closer to him on society's scale than Wickham. Why, then, would he show himself at such a time and demand custody of Wickham? There was something strange about his request, but Darcy could not quite make out what it was.

? "It is curious that you even know of his presence, my lord," said Darcy, "to say nothing of your intent to extricate him from his present circumstances. I might not have thought you were interested in his fate."

? "You misunderstand me, Darcy," replied the earl, keeping his tone even. "I do not mean to extricate Wickham from anything. I have been searching for him for several months now—I only learned of his location two days ago."

? The plausible reason for Winchester's interest dawned on him, and Darcy wondered he had not thought of it before. Fitzwilliam also understood at once.

? "Wickham has run afoul of you, has he?" Fitzwilliam shook his head with disdain, allowing a dark chuckle. "What has he done to earn your ire, Winchester?"

? "What has he done to earn yours?"

? "His very existence offends me," retorted Fitzwilliam. "I beg your pardon, my lord, but we have something you want, not the other way around, and I have little patience for niceties when it concerns George Wickham. Suffice to say that Wickham has crossed the Darcy and Fitzwilliam families for the last time and will pay the price. Beyond that, I do not think you need to know the details."

? "Yet you wish me to share the details of my complaint with him?"

? "As Fitzwilliam said," interjected Darcy, "we have him, and you do not. Pardon me, but your reputation precedes you. If Wickham has run afoul of you, you no doubt mean to wreak vengeance on him, yet you may find that our vengeance suffices. We already made Lord Matlock aware of Wickham's sins, so you will gain nothing by appealing to your superior station. Having established those facts, I ask again: what interest do you have in Wickham?"

? Winchester nodded as if Darcy had confirmed something of importance to him. With a thoughtful attitude, he sat in an empty chair and nodded his understanding of the situation.

? "Given your general practice of tolerating Wickham's excesses, I must assume he has done something you cannot ignore."

? "You might say that," agreed Darcy.

? "Then I can guess what it might be, though I know nothing of the circumstances, of course."

? Darcy opened his mouth to protest, but Winchester put his hand out in a gesture of surrender.

? "Do not concern yourself, Darcy, for I shall, of course, say nothing. My acquaintance with Wickham is of such length and intimacy that I know something of his wishes. While I might have informed you or intervened if I knew anything specific, Wickham was never explicit and my respect for your ability to protect your own suggested that I need not concern myself.

? "You may be correct that I will be content with whatever you have designed for Wickham, so long as it is... severe enough. Just as you will not go into details, I hope you will allow me to keep my own counsel, except to say that Wickham has intruded upon my notice in a manner guaranteed to provoke a response, both regarding financial considerations and matters of family."

? It was nothing less than Darcy expected, shocked though he was at Wickham's audacity. A man of his station offended an earl at his great peril, especially if he had, as Winchester had insinuated, inappropriate dealings toward one of Winchester's family. Darcy was not especially acquainted with him, but he knew Winchester had at least two younger sisters in his care, much as Darcy cared for Georgiana. Had Wickham thought to steal away with one of them, as he had tried to do with Georgiana? If so, the earl's resentment and determination to ensure his punishment was no less than understandable.

? "Let us table this discussion of Wickham's exact sins," continued the earl. "What have you designed for his punishment?"

? Fitzwilliam turned to Darcy, and he shrugged to tell his cousin that he could take the lead with Darcy's blessing.

? "In all honesty, we have not decided what to do with our dear Wicky." Fitzwilliam bared his teeth in the rictus of a grin. "While hanging him from the tallest tree in Hertfordshire then chopping it down and burning his corpse with it would be rewarding, as Darcy said just before you entered, the notion of burying him in the deepest dankest cell where he will spend the rest of his miserable life in darkness and despair is not at all displeasing."

? The earl considered Fitzwilliam's words. "And what of you gentlemen?" asked he, looking to Bingley and Bennet. "Do you have as much claim on Wickham as your friends?"

? Bingley shook his head no, while Bennet regarded the earl with no little amusement. "My claim is not so substantial as that professed by Darcy and Fitzwilliam, but Wickham has offended me as well."

? "Yes, well, he is not bereft of the ability to offend wherever he goes."

? "If you will pardon my saying it," said Darcy, not giving an inch, "the last I heard, you considered Wickham one of your bosom friends. You will pardon me, I hope, if I express some doubt about your understanding of Wickham's ability to offend."

? "I am a man who enjoys the privileges of rank, Darcy," said Winchester, shrugging to signify he did not care about Darcy's charge. "Yet I do not go about the countryside seducing young ladies without a care for what befalls them. All my lovers are willing and even eager. I am not unaware of the way Wickham lives his life—we were companions of sorts in the past, but I do not choose to partake in his more... unsavory debaucheries."

? It was clear to Darcy that Bennet was holding his tongue by the force of will, and Darcy could not say that he disagreed. To hear a man say as much must be insulting to a man of the cloth. Where was the duty to one's fellow man? Was it not the role of a gentleman to protect those unable to protect themselves? Turning a blind eye to Wickham's activities was tantamount to approving of them. At least Darcy, though he had declined to act against Wickham, had not hesitated to interfere when he could, and inform others of the truth of Wickham when the opportunity presented itself. He now wished he had done more, had dealt with Wickham many years ago, but that was not the same as partaking in the same depravities when it suited his sense of morality.

? "Then what would you suggest?" asked Fitzwilliam, likely understanding Bennet's effort to maintain his composure. "Our response could go either way, so if you wish to share your opinion on the subject, let us hear it."

? A nod was Winchester's response, followed by silence as he appeared to consider what he wished to say. Darcy did not interrupt, and Bennet mastered himself, giving Darcy a tight nod when he noted Darcy watching him. At length, the earl spoke.

? "As you must know, I can make Wickham disappear forever if I wish it. Your father wields the same power as I do, Fitzwilliam, though I do not suppose he would exercise it."

? Fitzwilliam's tight nod acknowledged Winchester's comment.

? "Since your disgust with Wickham is the equal of mine, I will agree to anything, so long as you promise the punishment will be commensurate to the crime." The earl grinned, the effect much the same as Fitzwilliam's earlier grimace. "For my part, I must own that the notion of Wickham living out his life working to pay off his debts is satisfying. I shall leave the final decision to you, but that would be my suggestion."

? "Then that is how we shall proceed," said Fitzwilliam with a tight nod. "Do you wish your hand to be the one that condemns Wickham to his fate? My father can, as you noted, act in this matter, but should you wish to do so yourself, we have no objection."

? "Thank you, Fitzwilliam. I shall accept your generous offer." The earl brushed his fingernails against his jacket and added: "For the nonce, I believe I shall leave Wickham to ponder the question of what will happen to him. In the end, I suspect he will wish we had hanged him and ended his misery, for I mean to ensure the overseers in the prison colony know to keep him alive and working for a very long time. Even reaching his dotage will be of no relief."

? With this ominous declaration, the earl spent a few moments inquiring after Wickham's condition, then rose to depart, though by his testimony he would not take charge of the unfortunate officer at once. Even that morning, Darcy would not have thought of Wickham as unfortunate, but the earl was not a man to cross. Wickham would learn that lesson far too late.

? "Oh, by the way, Bingley," said the earl, pausing with his hand on the door handle, "I encountered your sister when I entered. Though I understand the elder is already engaged—" Winchester nodded to Bennet "—I find your younger sister enchanting. I would not be opposed to becoming better acquainted with her."

? "Unfortunately," said Bingley, speaking before giving it any thought, "Caroline is rather discriminating about the company she keeps. I cannot say if she would find you acceptable."

? Contrary to what Darcy might have expected, Winchester roared with laughter. "You have spirit, Bingley. I prefer a man who stands up for himself to a milksop. I shall hope to continue our acquaintance when the opportunity presents itself."

? Before Bingley could respond, the door closed, and the echoes of the earl's footsteps on the tiles faded away as he departed. Bingley, of course, was not sanguine about his last words.

? "Not if I have anything to say about it. Even if Caroline wished it, I would be hard-pressed to give my approval to any overtures he might make."

? "Fortunately, she is of age and may answer for herself," said Fitzwilliam.

? "Even more fortunately, he has never made the acquaintance of my daughters." Bennet fixed both Darcy and Bingley with a grin. "Then again, my two eldest will not be a problem before long, if you two gentlemen have had enough of the chase."

? "I cannot speak for Bingley," said Darcy, "but I certainly have."

? Bingley nodded but did not reply, his thoughts still fixed on the words of the man who had just departed.

? "A dangerous man, Lord Winchester," commented Bennet. "I have met a few nobles, but I do not think I ever met one who disquieted me so."

? "Winchester has a reputation and not a good one," agreed Fitzwilliam. "Yet he also has a certain moral code, one that no one other than he himself understands."

? "As I said," murmured Bennet, "a dangerous man."

"Then Mr. Wickham is gone, never to return." Elizabeth sighed and smiled at Mr. Darcy. "I have no care for your former friend, of course, but it strikes me as a waste of a life."

? "No more than it does me," agreed Mr. Darcy. "Could he see Wickham now, my father would be appalled at what he has become, to say nothing of Wickham's father, who had high hopes for his son."

? Elizabeth regarded him as they walked the country lane just to the north of Longbourn. The two gentlemen of Netherfield Park had come in their father's company that morning with tales of their meeting with a vengeful noble, and word of the end of their responsibility toward the man. Georgiana had taken the news well, any affection she harbored for Mr. Wickham destroyed by her experiences with him. There had been something underneath Mr. Darcy's account, something that told Elizabeth that more than Mr. Wickham's freedom might have been at stake in the discussion between them. There was no reason for Elizabeth to press to hear the truth of the matter, however, so she said nothing, contenting herself with the knowledge the officer would no longer bedevil them, his fate the harsh discipline of a penal colony.

? "It is a sad tale, to be certain," said Elizabeth, "but we must also remember that Mr. Wickham took every step on the path leading to his current predicament of his own free will. I hope you have not succumbed to guilt over his fate."

? "Not at all. Many was the time that I considered acting against him, and to own the truth, I cannot but suppose it would have been best had I acted before. The blame for his behavior has always belonged to him alone."

? "Good. It would not at all be beneficial for the reputation of the mighty master of Pemberley if a diminutive woman were to take him to task for misplaced blame."

? The smile with which Mr. Darcy responded shone like the sun. "You would do it."

? "Of course, I would. I cannot allow you to wallow in self-pity."

? "That much is clear. Since you insisted, I shall take your generously given advice and change the subject to one far more agreeable than the absent and unlamented George Wickham."

? "Very well, sir. What would you like to discuss?"

? "Us," was Mr. Darcy's succinct response. "I hope you have not forgotten the promise I made to you before I departed for Rosings."

? "Promise?" Elizabeth feigned misunderstanding, regarding him with uncertainty, her brows furrowed as if in thought. "Refresh my memory, Mr. Darcy. What promise did you make?"

? "Minx!" exclaimed he. "You know very well of what I speak! You raised the subject yourself on my return from Pemberley!"

? "Perhaps if you remind me, I might remember."

? "Then that is what I shall do."

? Mr. Darcy stopped in the center of the path and turned to her. "Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I find myself quite unable to tolerate any suggestion of living without you in my life. Will you do me the honor of accepting my hand in marriage?"

? The laughter came unbidden to Elizabeth's lips. "That was rather laconic, do you not think?"

? "Had you not feigned ignorance, I might have put more effort into it. As it is, I am at the end of my patience. Should you think of toying with me again, I will have no choice but to throw you over my horse and make for Gretna Green. I doubt your father would take the trouble to pursue us, for I am certain he wishes to dispense with his most troublesome daughter as soon as may be!"

? "What an abominable thing to say!"

? Elizabeth had a few other choice comments to make, but when she saw the look on his face, she had to look away to stifle further laughter. Given his tightly wound nerves, she wondered if he would make good on his threat should she tease him again. As such, she pushed the laughter away, summoned a polite but disinterested smile, and nodded.

? "Very well, Mr. Darcy. I suppose I can offer you the same sort of answer your question demanded. I should be happy to accept your generous proposal."

? Mr. Darcy growled and leaned toward her. "I will teach you to be impertinent with me!"

? As a first kiss, it was needy and passionate, with a hint of playfulness that Elizabeth needed in any relationship with a husband. Before they broke apart, Elizabeth's arms were around his neck, her feet nearly leaving the ground because of his height. Unable to breathe as she was from the hunger in the kiss, she needed a few moments to collect herself when he surrendered his control over her lips.

? "I think, Mr. Darcy," said she when she felt her heart regulate, "that we had best return to Longbourn at once and sue for my father's blessing. Remaining on this path any longer may require my father to call you out to protect my honor."

? "That is why I love you so dearly, Elizabeth," said Mr. Darcy into her hair, his breath heavy near her temple. "Not only do you make me laugh and keep me on my toes, but I suspect a lack of passion will never afflict our union."

? "Heaven forbid," giggled Elizabeth. "Just remember—you must ask for my father's blessing, unlike Mr. Bingley and Jane."

? "He would never dare refuse me," said Darcy.

? "Nor did I suggest he would. Yet he will consider it his duty to have a little sport with you, for he will not have that pleasure with Mr. Bingley."

? "So long as he consents, he may do whatever he wants."

? "Then let us go, for I have a great desire to make our understanding official."

"The only question I have," said Mr. Bennet a short time later, "is why it took so long. I had thought you reached this point many days ago, Darcy."

? "Oh, I do not care at all for that!" exclaimed Georgiana, once again throwing her arms around Elizabeth. "My only care is that my brother has gifted me with a sister. Finally!"

? The company laughed at her obsession, for she had stated as much at least three times since the lovers had arrived back at Longbourn with their news. Elizabeth's sisters, equally pleased with her success, assured Georgiana that she would gain three sisters rather than one, a circumstance to which Georgiana responded with her approval at length.

? "Now that is not fair, Darcy," reproved Mr. Bingley. "As Miss Bennet is the eldest, you ought to have waited until I proposed before you offered for her younger sister. We must observe precedence!"

? "I offer my regrets, Bingley," said Mr. Darcy, "though not my apologies. The only reason I waited this long was because of my recent travels. Had I not been required to go to Pemberley, our engagement would already be weeks old."

? "Well, I am pleased you came to the point now, Darcy," said Mr. Bennet. "My father and your grandfather often spoke of forging closer connections between our families. It would please them very much to know their dream has become a reality."

? "No more pleased than I am, Bennet."

? The company celebrated long into the evening, the Netherfield party once again invited to spend the evening at Longbourn. Amid this festive atmosphere, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy remained inseparable, as they knew they would be for the rest of their lives. No joy could be greater than that they felt on that momentous day, though they meant to make the attempt in the years to come.