Page 31 of Obligation and Redemption

Somewhere in the recesses of her mind, Elizabeth had a small doubt as to the veracity of Mr. Wickham’s claims. Surely Mr. Darcy could not have the honour to offer for her when he despised the idea, thereby securing a union with a family so decidedly beneath his own, yet not help the friend from his youth, when helping him would not even necessitate constant interaction.

However, before this idea took root, she quickly dismissed this possibility.

And as Elizabeth recalled the impropriety of such a conversation regarding the man she was to promise fidelity, she attempted to change the subject.

Although the conversation left many unanswered questions, she saw the wisdom of inquiring about other areas of Mr. Wickham’s life, and determined that he was a most agreeable man, who would henceforth be known as only a fond memory.

When Elizabeth left her aunt and uncle Philips, she had much to think about.

She had hoped that the diversion of a night in town would relieve her of her apprehensions about her upcoming matrimony, but contrariwise, it left her in a state of more disquiet.

She was shocked to learn that the man she was to marry was malicious and could treat a former friend – who was much like a brother in practice – in such an infamous manner.

Tears threatened her eyes, as she attempted to think of other more agreeable subjects.

She had two weeks before she would leave her home and all she held dear, and she refused to dwell on such unhappy thoughts.

She determined not to share her reflections with Jane, for Elizabeth could not change her situation, and it would only cause her sister pain.

Jane was apt to think the best in everyone, and would probably endeavour to make everyone involved innocent.

But Elizabeth knew that the interested people could not all be left blameless as Jane would want, and she felt certain just what to think.

Wickham, a young man of amiable appearance and kind attentions, has been used abominably ill by his childhood friend, whose pride would not allow him the grace to accept that his father loved another, and so endeavoured to destroy his future prospects, without regard to decency, merit or conscience.

For who could deny the justice of Wickham’s indignation against Mr. Darcy?

The question that plagued Elizabeth was whether or even how to address her concerns to Mr. Darcy.

She knew that Mr. Darcy would soon be her husband and, therefore, her sole benefactor.

He would have the means of bringing a great degree of misery to her life, so she had to consider in what manner she should address his decisions.

Perhaps after they have been married for some time, she could encourage him to welcome Mr. Wickham back to Pemberley and restore his place as beneficiary of Mr. Darcy’s father’s wishes.

THE LADIES OF LONGBOURN WERE OFTEN in the company of Mr. Wickham and his fellow officers.

The officers were invited to Longbourn for tea after having met the ladies in Meryton, and were therefore able to meet Elizabeth’s mother and father, the former of which was highly gratified to see such a handsome man pay her daughters attention, and the latter content for the society of an obviously intelligent young man.

The subject of Mr. Darcy’s treatment of Wickham was not raised again by either Elizabeth or the gentleman; nonetheless, they did share a knowing look when Wickham’s future or his plans for the militia were mentioned.

Mr. Wickham paid Elizabeth all of the compliments due a lovely woman, and as he was skilled in this area, he did so with all the finesse that came so naturally.

Due to Elizabeth’s bruised ego, as a direct result of Mr. Darcy’s insult and continued contempt, her vanity was quite starved, and as the nourishment was in abundant supply through a skilled seducer, she na?vely enjoyed her fill.

Of course, Elizabeth would never behave in any manner that would be labelled improper.

His compliments were not balanced with her own, yet she did admire him in her heart and wished that his future could be filled with all of the blessings that a friendly and engaging man could deserve.

Elizabeth was somewhat surprised one day when Wickham expressed to her his initial surprise upon learning of Darcy’s engagement to her, not just because of her lack of connections, but also because of Darcy’s long-standing, supposed engagement to his cousin, Lady Catherine’s daughter, Anne De Bourgh.

Wickham admitted that when they first met, he thought it forward of him to mention so delicate a subject, but after becoming such good friends, felt that he could not in good conscience fail to mention this to her.

Mr. Collins had alluded to the attachment when speaking to her father, and so she herself was made aware of the planned engagement, but she had given no credence to the scheme, since Mr. Darcy himself had failed to mention it and had certainly, if grudgingly, offered for her.

A man could not legally be bound to more than one woman, so she had thought Mr. Collins’ assertions to be ill founded.

“Mr. Wickham,” said she, “was there much love in their attachment? He cannot be under seven and twenty. Surely if he were going to marry her, he would have done so by now.”

“I believe they are both eight and twenty, and no, the attachment was not strong, at least it was not when I last visited there with the Darcy family. She was always a sickly creature, rarely allowed to join in outdoor pursuits. Miss De Bourgh does not have your vivacity or beauty, to be sure.”

Elizabeth decided not to think on the matter. She could not change her present course and could not regret his having offered for her instead of his cousin when it saved her own family from ruin.

On the following Tuesday, the sisters again went into town.

Elizabeth would not admit to herself her growing regard for Mr. Wickham, for she was promised to another man, no matter her distaste for the situation, so she chose to dwell on her inclination to ease his transition into the militia through her friendship and that of her family.

The officers had finished their drills for the day and were making their way through Meryton towards the local pub.

Upon seeing the Bennets, the men walked up to the ladies who had just arrived.

As usual, Mr. Wickham walked to Elizabeth’s side and engaged her in conversation.

He had the ability to flatter and the means, by his own charms, to give weight to his approbation.

Elizabeth had never felt such mixed feelings of regard and disappointment concerning a man.

How could it be that in all of her days, she would now receive the attentions of such an amiable gentleman, just when she was no longer free to accept them?

MR. DARCY HAD ARRIVED AT NETHERFIELD at about a quarter of an hour before dark.

He had designed his return at a time when calling on the Bennets would be unacceptable, even for one betrothed.

He had enjoyed his time at Darcy House with frequent visits to his family, and spent the week preparing for Elizabeth’s entrance into his life.

He had chosen a ring at the jewellery store his father had frequented when purchasing gifts for his mother.

It was simple yet elegant and a ring appropriate for the wife of a Darcy.

He had always planned on giving his mother’s ring to his future bride; nevertheless, Darcy could not bring himself to share the intimacy of such a sentiment.

He would of course give her access to his mother’s collection, but her ring represented the bond of love between his dear parents and to give it to one whom he held little regard grieved him.

His solicitor had completed the settlement papers and delivered them Monday morning; he had no reason to remain in town and so had to do his duty.

Darcy had written to his close relations who did not reside in town and visited those who did.

During his calls, he had attempted to offset the inherent difficulties of such a match but found it difficult to give pretences that did not exist. Also, Darcy had known that he must inform his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and had dreaded the communication.

Since she was staying at her estate in Kent at the time, he decided to tell her in writing.

Lady Catherine had long held the belief that Darcy would one day wed her own daughter, Anne, thus joining the estates of Darcy and De Bourgh; however, Darcy had long known that her wishes would never come to fruition.

He had always dealt with his aunt’s presumption towards the match through ignoring and skilfully changing the subject, knowing that at some point he would have to disappoint her.

He had expected such a time to occur in the near future with a betrothal to Lady Annette.

He had already spoken with Anne about his wishes on the matter, to which she had happily acceded, for she had no desire to marry her cousin, and would be secure financially whether married to Darcy or not.

After writing to his aunt, he had expected a quick reply, but had to leave London before a response was received.

He had not sent the note by express and was now wishing he had, for he wanted any disagreeable encounters to occur before he brought Elizabeth to Darcy House.

But he knew his duty and left for Netherfield, hoping rather than believing his aunt had accepted his engagement.

He had no wish to attempt to defend his decision to her, knowing the difficulties he had bourn when defending his resolution to himself.