Page 27 of Missing

After waking from his turbulent nap, William preferred to work at the small desk in his chamber. He even chose to dine there, wishing to avoid any encounter with Caroline and Louisa.

The following evening, on the night before the wedding, Mr. Hurst and Colonel Fitzwilliam accompanied Mr. Bingley to the billiard room, intending to share his last evening of bachelorhood in good spirits.

William, unwilling to remain shut away in his room, joined them and enjoyed the game, much diverted by Richard's unfailing witticisms.

Mr. Wickham excused himself, feigning the need for rest, though Richard suspected he merely wished to avoid him. In any case, his absence was of no consequence, for among them, only Mr. Bingley still regarded him with respect.

In truth, Mr. Wickham had other designs. At dinner, he had overheard that Louisa and Caroline were occupied, while Georgiana intended to practise the pianoforte before retiring. Knowing the gentlemen would be absorbed in play and brandy, he believed no one would notice if he joined her.

"Dalton, what has happened to you? Of all the times we have played, this is the first time I have beaten you. Not that I complain—you may continue losing if you wish," Richard said with a laugh.

"The last time we played, he defeated Hurst and me in less than half an hour, but we thought it was merely good fortune," added Mr. Bingley.

"The problem is this vest; it is far too stiff for billiards. Give me five minutes to change, and I shall beat you with ease," William replied. Despite their protests, he returned to his chamber to change.

Meanwhile, Georgiana was absorbed in a complex piece. Mrs. Annesley had placed a new score before her, admitting that she could not take her much further and would recommend to Mr. Darcy that a master be engaged, for Georgiana's skill had surpassed her own.

"My dear Georgiana, what beautiful music you play. Each day, you grow more accomplished. Allow me to hold the score, so I may enjoy both the music and your company," Mr. Wickham said as he seated himself beside her.

"Mr. Wickham, there is no need—I am merely practising, and then I shall retire," Georgiana replied, flustered.

"My dear, why did you call me Mr. Wickham? To you, I am George. For a long time now, I have thought only of you; I dream of you at night, and—"

"Sir, please do not speak to me so."

"Why not? Would you rather I lie and hide my feelings? We are not family. I am a man, and you are a woman—" Wickham murmured, pressing a kiss upon her hand.

At that moment, William returned. Passing the music room, he had been drawn by the sound of the pianoforte, intending to offer Georgiana his compliments. But when he entered and saw Wickham pressing his attentions upon her, he interrupted without hesitation.

"Miss Darcy, allow me to congratulate you. You play most beautifully; your cousin Fitzwilliam did not exaggerate your talent."

"Thank you, Mr. Dalton," Georgiana replied with evident relief, though Wickham still held her hand.

"Yes, Dalton, my dear Georgiana is gifted indeed, and she knows improvement comes only with constant practice. For my part, I am delighted to keep her company," Wickham said, his annoyance poorly concealed.

Observing Georgiana's pale face, William intervened at once. "Miss Darcy, tomorrow will be a busy day, and we must rise early. Perhaps you would be better served to leave your practice for another occasion and take some rest."

"You are right, Mr. Dalton," she said, rising quickly. "Good evening, Mr. Wickham." With great relief, she left the room, pausing only to smile at William and whisper, "Good night, Mr. Dalton, and thank you."

Their eyes met for a moment, and William returned her smile warmly. "Sweet dreams, Miss Darcy."

Assured that she was gone, William turned sharply. "You are despicable, Wickham. How dare you prey upon Miss Darcy's innocence? Do you not perceive she is scarcely more than a girl?"

"If Elizabeth Bennet had possessed thirty thousand pounds as Georgiana does, she would already be my wife. I would enjoy her charms at will, instead of her being forced to marry a fool like you. She will never be happy with you," Wickham sneered.

"Speak of my betrothed again, and I shall strike you," William said with dangerous calm.

Wickham, stung, pressed further. "When you lie with Lizzy, she will think of me. And when you travel on business, I shall take your place in her bed and teach her—"

He never finished. William seized him by the collar and struck him so fiercely that Wickham fell to the floor. At that instant, the other gentlemen arrived and pulled William away before he could continue.

Richard led him to the library, while Mr. Hurst compelled Mr. Wickham to his chamber and forbade him to stir again, lest he ruin Bingley's wedding. Meanwhile, Mr. Bingley ordered water and towels to be sent to Wickham.

"Why must I confine myself when it was that savage who struck me?" Wickham demanded indignantly.

"Do not feign innocence with me," Hurst retorted. "I know you too well. Keep to your room, for I shall not permit you to spoil Bingley's wedding."

In the library, Richard poured William a brandy to steady him. William explained only that Wickham had insulted Elizabeth.

"He provoked you, and I cannot blame you," Richard said. "More than once, I have been tempted to strike him myself. As a boy, I fought him often, for he was ever a bully. He played vile tricks on my cousin Fitzwilliam—my little cousin never told my uncle, for he was timid and smaller than Wickham."

"I did not know Miss Darcy had a brother," William said more calmly.

"My cousin… he died when he was five," Richard answered gravely.

"I am sorry. I did not know."

"Do not trouble yourself; it was long ago."

William then described what he had witnessed in the music room. "That man's intentions toward Miss Darcy cannot be honourable."

"I ought to kill him," Richard muttered, his temper roused.

"If you need my assistance, I am at your service. But before confronting him, you should speak first with your cousin, and then with your uncle. For now, keep him as far from Miss Darcy as possible."

"You are right. I shall not ruin Bingley's wedding with a scandal. Fortunately, we return to London tomorrow, and I shall no longer be forced to endure that reptile's presence."

When William had recovered his composure, both gentlemen retired.

Richard, however, went directly to Georgiana, who confirmed all his suspicions.

So concerned was he that he resolved to sleep in an armchair in her sitting-room that night, fearing Wickham would resort to any means to entrap her and seize both her dowry and Pemberley itself once his uncle passed.

◆◆◆

Violet had noticed that Mr. Bennet grew increasingly withdrawn and avoided, at all costs, any discussion of his daughter's engagement. Thus, on the eve of Jane's wedding, she resolved to ensure that all would be settled in William's favour.

After dinner, Mr. Bennet withdrew to a corner of the drawing room with a book, as was his habit, ignoring his wife and youngest daughters.

"What are you reading, Mr. Bennet?" Violet asked.

"A philosophy book, Mrs. Dalton. I doubt it would interest you," he replied without raising his eyes.

"My family has owned bookstores for many generations, sir. Believe me, I know much of books, even of philosophy."

Mr. Bennet looked up incredulously. "And what is your favourite work of philosophy?"

"I have always loved the classics—the Greek philosophers upon whom all modern thought is founded."

"In that you are right. It is difficult to understand any modern system if the classics are not well comprehended."

Mrs. Bennet, overhearing their exchange, grew impatient. "Mr. Bennet, how can you trouble our dear Violet with such tiresome subjects?"

"I do not believe Mrs. Dalton finds it tedious, my dear."

"How can she not? No one understands those books of yours."

Preferring not to quarrel with his wife, Mr. Bennet answered with his usual sarcasm. "Then tell me, my dear, what ought I speak of, so that Mrs. Dalton is not bored?"

Before Mrs. Bennet could reply, Violet interposed gently. "We might speak of our children's wedding. They are eager to be married soon."

"There is no reason to hurry. They should know each other better before marriage," Mr. Bennet declared firmly. He intended to allow nothing without at least six months of courtship.

At that, Violet seized her moment, though in her heart she begged Aaron's pardon for acting in a way he would have disapproved. "Dear Fanny, my son is impatient by nature, and if Mr. Bennet insists upon delay—"

Before Violet could finish, Mrs. Bennet cried indignantly, "Mr. Bennet! When Mr. Dalton speaks to you about the settlements, you must not dare tell him to wait months longer—"

She launched into a torrent of anxious protestations, lamenting how her nerves would suffer if Elizabeth lost such a good and wealthy husband. After ten minutes of such entreaties, Mr. Bennet, desiring peace, understood he must yield and allow Elizabeth to marry as soon as she wished.

Early the next morning, Violet sent her son a note to assure him that he and Elizabeth might marry whenever they pleased.

William was overjoyed, for it meant that, after Jane's wedding, he and Elizabeth could announce their date.

Practical and well-organised as always, Violet assured him the ceremony could be arranged within four weeks without difficulty.

William saw plainly that his mother had won Mrs. Bennet's confidence and secured Mr. Bennet's consent.

She had even managed, to some degree, to restrain the vulgar behaviour of the younger Bennet girls.

Yet both mother and son knew that once they departed Longbourn, all would likely return to its former state, and Violet therefore had plans of her own.

William had observed how Mr. Bennet relied excessively upon Elizabeth and how Mrs. Bennet undervalued her with demeaning remarks. He resolved that Elizabeth should not remain exposed to such treatment; he would protect her, even from her family if necessary.

He had already explained to Elizabeth his fear of rivers, describing only a childhood accident to conceal the nightmares that tormented him.

She had accepted him even knowing he was an adopted orphan; the last thing he wished was her pity, or for her to suspect his mind was troubled.

He promised himself never to lose control again, and he trusted that she believed his nerves alone had betrayed him.

The morning of the wedding, Caroline rose early to supervise her arrangements. William, too, was up, waiting to accompany Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana to the church. Dressed in a fine suit he had worn but once before, he looked elegant and composed.

When Caroline entered the drawing room, she expected to find her brother and was startled to see Mr. Dalton instead, gazing thoughtfully out of the window.

Unnoticed by him, she studied his countenance and admired his bearing.

She could not help wondering what might have been, had he been a wealthy gentleman rather than a tradesman.

William, absorbed in thought, suddenly felt her eyes upon him and turned. Startled, he was more surprised still when she asked abruptly, "Mr. Dalton, do you think this gown too refined for a wedding in a place like this?"

"Pardon me, madam, I know nothing of fashion. I think you had better consult your sister. Now, if you will excuse me, I believe I have forgotten something." He bowed and withdrew. Had he not been certain of her dislike, he might have thought she was attempting to flirt.

"Of course, sir," Caroline replied through clenched teeth, furious with herself for seeking the attention of such an insignificant man.

"Do not waste your time on him, Caro," Wickham said mockingly as he entered. "He is the tedious sort who loves only one woman."

"How dare you call me by my name, insolent man!" Caroline exclaimed.

"Very well, Miss Bingley. I merely wished to warn you: Dalton and Eliza Bennet will soon control your brother, and you will no longer have free access to his purse."

"Was it Dalton who gave you that black eye, Wickie?" Caroline asked with malicious amusement.

"I am not in the humour to argue today. Only remember—if ever you wish help to put Dalton in his place, you may call upon me," Wickham said with a sly smile.

Caroline dismissed him with disdain and went in search of Louisa and Mr. Hurst.

An hour later, the party gathered in the church. When Jane arrived, all admired her beauty, though her gown was less traditional than expected. At last, the parson pronounced Jane and Mr. Bingley man and wife, and the happy couple rejoiced.

Elizabeth, however, could not bear to remain estranged from her sister. After the wedding breakfast, before Jane and Charles set off for Ramsgate, she approached tenderly.

"My dearest Jane, it gives me such joy to see you united with the man you love. I am sure you will be very happy together."

Elizabeth embraced her sister and caressed her cheek with affection.

"Thank you, Lizzy. I hope that, when you marry, you will be as happy as I am," Jane replied with a smile that rang hollow. "Now, if you will excuse me, I must thank Caroline and Louisa for all they have done."

"Of course," Elizabeth answered, disappointed.

Jane then embraced her sisters-in-law with marked warmth, fully aware Elizabeth observed her.

William too perceived what passed and understood at once.

He had never trusted excessive smiles, and since first meeting Jane, he had suspected she was not as devoted as her reputation suggested.

Though he would never voice such suspicions to Elizabeth, he resolved to remain alert, for he would never permit Jane to play with her sister's heart.

"Are you well, my dear?" he asked Elizabeth.

"Yes, only I feel as if part of my life has ended today. I wonder if you can understand me," she said softly.

"Of course I do. But I believe this new chapter, with me by your side, will be full of happiness and adventure." William kissed her hand and dried her tears with his handkerchief.

Before the guests departed, Mr. Bennet rose and solemnly announced, "At the end of this month, we shall have another wedding at Longbourn. My dear Lizzy will marry Mr. William Dalton."

At once, William drew from his pocket a small box and slipped a beautiful ring upon Elizabeth's finger. Their friends and family gathered round with congratulations.

"Thank you, William. I love you," Elizabeth whispered with shining eyes.

"I love you too, my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth," he replied with fervour.