Page 15 of An Interrupted Proposal
A servant followed his order and sat a tray upon the closest table, poured a cup of tea for each of them, and left.
“Miss Elizabeth and I were discussing a mutual acquaintance and I realised I may have information that would benefit the populace of Meryton.”
The gentleman eyed Darcy. Lifting his cup, he paused before taking a sip and asked, “Would this acquaintance be Lieutenant Wickham?”
Darcy nodded but did not have the opportunity to respond.
“Everyone noted the man’s interest in Miss Eliza was rapidly switched to Miss Mary King upon her receiving her inheritance. Fishy business, there.”
Darcy nodded one more time. “Have you the ear of the lady’s guardian?”
“Like that, is it?”
“I fear so. My experience with Mr. Wickham is of more than two decades, and I have frequently been called upon to settle his debts once he departed an area.”
The knight’s eyes widened. “That is information the merchants in the area would appreciate knowing. I am surprised you left without sharing this knowledge, sir.”
Darcy studied the teacup as his cheeks warmed. “It was poorly done on my side. My relationship with Mr. Wickham has been trying and I prefer to not become involved, but Miss Elizabeth hoped I could ensure her family and the neighbourhood would not suffer for his presence.”
“How may I be of assistance?” Sir William asked as he set his cup and saucer upon his desk. “May I suggest we visit Miss King’s uncle? He arrived from Liverpool a few days ago. I can provide an introduction.”
Having planned on simply passing on his information to Sir William and returning to London, Darcy was surprised the man would expect him to accompany him while he carriedout the task of spreading the word regarding Mr. Wickham’s shortcomings. Seeming to sense Darcy’s wariness, his host continued.
“I am certain Mr. King will have questions I shall be unable to answer, while you are more familiar with Mr. Wickham’s history before his arrival in our small village.”
Darcy nodded. “Certainly. Do the Kings live in Meryton or on a property outside of the town? Perhaps we could speak to the merchants as well.” He took a sip of tea. “I should tell you; my cousin is currently visiting Colonel Forster. It seems the militia is to spend the summer at Brighton and, as a member of the regulars, Colonel Fitzwilliam wished to suggest that Colonel Forster ensure his troops leave the area without debts to the local merchants. It would reflect poorly on His Majesty’s army.”
“Quite right, quite right. Shall we?”
Darcy nodded and set his cup and saucer aside.
“I would call for my carriage, but it is a beautiful day and a short walk. It will enable us to speak to my neighbours as well.”
Darcy agreed and answered the knights questions regarding Mr. Wickham as they made their way towards town, providing an abridged history of his childhood friend’s proclivities as well as how the Darcy family had supported the man.
***********
As Darcy and Sir William approached a curve in the road, the sound of giggling, followed by an unintelligible reprimand, reached their ears.
“Ah, Miss Mary Bennet is chaperoning her younger sisters. Quite convenient, is it not?” Sir William said with a grin.
Once they were beyond the trees at the bend, they found the girls, and Sir William greeted them and offered to escort them to their destination.
“How fortunate we are to encounter you ladies,” the knight cried. “Mr. Darcy and I are on our way to Meryton to ensure that members of the militia do not leave our community the poorer than what they found it.”
“Whatever do you mean?” Miss Lydia asked, casting a suspicious gaze in Darcy’s direction.
Taking on a fatherly air, Sir William shook his head. “Those we meet are not always what they seem. We fear that there are some among the officers who may have extended themselves beyond their means. If they are unable to pay their debts, it could be detrimental to our shopkeepers.” His eyes widened as he met the youngest Bennet’s suspicious look. “If they have not been paid their debts, the shopkeepers may not be able to carry the newest styles and ribbons for the rest of us.”
Miss Catherine gasped. “That is terrible! They must pay what they owe before they leave.”
“Indeed they must. Mr. Darcy and I were just on our way to remind the shopkeepers and the regiment of the need to have all accounts settled in a timely manner as the militia is due in Brighton within the next month.”
Miss Lydia’s gaze met Darcy’s once more. “Perhaps if gentlemen did as they were supposed to, the officers would have the funds to meet their needs.”
“I suppose you are referring to the living my father recommended be conferred on Mr. Wickham,” Darcy said in a calm and steady voice.
“I do,” she replied as her older sister hissed at her regarding the impropriety of her comment.
