Page 16 of An Interrupted Proposal
“It is true, I refused to award Mr. Wickham the living when it became available.”
The girl’s look of descension was quickly wiped away as he continued.
“Since he never took orders and had refused the living, releasing all future claims to it, and received three thousand pounds recompense, I felt justified to do so when it fell open three years later and he requested it.”
“I would agree, Mr. Darcy,” Sir William said with a side look at the young lady. “Especially since he had spent the funds, and then some, in the same number of years.” He shook his head. “Not the right sort to lead a flock, I would say. Only imagine how he might lead others astray.” He clucked his tongue.
“Did you really pay him so much?” Miss Catherine asked. “And he spent it? All?”
“I did, and I fear he did. Wickham has never been able to manage his money as to support himself. I would pity any lady who agreed to marry him. He is too quick to indulge his every whim, be it gambling, spending, or ladies. I dislike speaking against him, but I would hate to learn he had trifled with any of the young women or left debts behind when he left the area.”
“The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.”
“Psalms 37:21,” Sir William said with a nod. “Well spoken, Miss Mary.”
The young lady blushed, but her countenance brightened with obvious pleasure at being praised.
“Indeed,” Darcy said as he smiled, causing her colour to deepen.
Upon arriving at the town, the ladies disappeared into the shops and Sir William winked at Darcy.
“I am certain we will not have so many merchants to visit today as we believed,” he said with a chuckle.
In truth, by the time they had finished their discussion with Mr. King, who was already preparing to spirit his niece away to Liverpool, the word had spread throughout the town. Philip had greeted him on Main Street with a broad grin.
“Our news has preceded us,” he said as he joined them. “Every shopkeeper I have approached was already aware of our friend’s history.”
Sir William winked again at Darcy, who could not help but chuckle. “And how was your visit with the Colonel, Cousin?”
“I believe, once the merchants approach him, he will find the wisdom in the information I provided.” The false smile and tightened features told Darcy there was more Philip would share once they were alone.
His cousin’s features became more rigid after the trio encountered the Bennet sisters on their way to their aunt’s home. Though Darcy was reluctant, Philip surprisingly agreed when Sir William accepted Mrs. Phillips’s invitation to tea. The manner in which Sir William led the Bennet sisters to reveal the latest news in Meryton regarding a certain officer was masterful. He was quick to insert bits of wisdom regarding officers in general, with apologies to Colonel Fitzwilliam as certainly notallsoldiers were untrustworthy, but it was better to err on the side of caution.
In all, the trip to Meryton had been both enjoyable and productive. Though Sir William invited the gentlemen to take dinner and spend the night at Lucas Lodge, they agreed there was sufficient light left in the day to return to London but thanked him profusely before mounting their horses and returning to the road.
“You were unable to find anything to appreciate here?” Philip asked as they turned their steeds towards London. “Besides your lady, that is.”
Darcy shook his head once more at his foolishness. Sir William and Mrs. Phillips were not the most sophisticated individuals he had ever encountered, but their warm welcomes and sincere concern for their fellow man put Darcy to shame.
“I was determined not to do so. It now amazes me that I was able to see Elizabeth’s worth.”
“But not to the point that you allowed her to know of it.”
“Pray, do not remind me of my foolishness.”
Philip cleared his throat. “After meeting her youngest sisters, I better understand your concerns. Though I am certain they are little different than other ladies of a similar age, it only proves they are out far too young.”
“And have not been provided with sufficient opportunities or encouragement to expand their minds or interests as their elder sisters have.”
Philip smiled. “I am certain that could be easily corrected should their older sisters marry gentlemen of means who would assist the younger sisters to see the benefits of such improvements.”
Though he attempted to glare at his cousin, Darcy’s thoughts had taken a similar path. He shook his head instead. “Tell me of your discussion with Colonel Forster. You did not appear pleased.”
The smile quickly left his cousin’s countenance. “The man is an old fool. Have you met his wife? She is near the age of the youngest Bennet sister and of a similar disposition. Indeed, she may be Wickham’s most enthusiastic supporter. I would not be surprised if the Colonel finds Wickham tupping her in his own bed.” He spit in disgust. “I am certain he will not believe anything against the man possible until he does.”
“We both know what a deceiver George is. You did what you could.”
“But the man is a colonel! He should be able to see through a rakehell such as Wickham.”
