Page 78 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“You say Mr. Darcy denied you a valuable living given in behest, Mr. Wickham?” Miss Bingley’s words made her brother look in her direction. “I cannot believe him so terrible as that. Brother, Mr. Wickham suggests Mr. Darcy denied him a living that he was owed. Has Mr. Darcy ever spoken of it?”
Mrs. Bennet patted Miss Bingley’s hand in motherly approval, for Mr. Wickham now looked much like an animal who had nowhere to run.
“I did not intend to make it well known, Miss Bingley,” Mr. Wickham prevaricated.
“Telling lies again, Wickham?” Bingley asked with a harder edge to his tone, one none of the ladies in their combined grouping expected but did not repine. “Please, Miss Elizabeth, be on your guard. This man never spoke a complete truth during all the years Darcy suffered his company while attending school. Even then, Darcy was forced to pay his debts of excessive drinkand more. Did you follow Darcy here to beg for more money, Wickham?”
“Moremoney?” Elizabeth looked upon the man with disfavor.
Mrs. Bennet could not have set this scene better than the girls had done themselves as they defended Mr. Darcy. It did not escape her that Mr. Wickham had a particular something. But who was he to a man such as Darcy of Pemberley?
“Darcy has long covered this man’s debts becauseheis an honorable man. Mr. Wickham was a drunkard, a womanizer, and a gamester the entire time at Cambridge and before.” Bingley’s voice had risen so that all in attendance heard. “If you slithered out of the gaming hells to find Darcy, Wickham, your debts must again be extreme.”
“Are you running from debtors, Mr. Wickham?” Colonel Forster called out.
“I would not wish to continue this conversation in company, sir,” Mr. Wickham attempted to delay.
“Quite right. Carter, bring your friend. I’d like to have a chat with Mr. Wickham. Besmirching a man all here know to be honorable is not the sort of thing a gentleman does.” Colonel Forster’s displeasure was obvious.
“He often manipulates the fairer sex with lies and has done so since before Cambridge,” Bingley said to Colonel Forster. “Warn the innkeeper and shopkeepers to keep their daughters away.”
Bingley Becomes Concerned
Only moments before, Georgiana glowed with animation for being amongst friends. Now, Bingley thought her appearancewilted and pale. He regretted that Louisa and Hurst had chosen to spend the evening at Netherfield, for she would be an immense comfort to Georgiana, he was certain. Bingley was relieved when Miss Mary asked if she needed air, less so when Georgiana looked rooted to the spot by fear.
Bingley glanced at Miss Bennet, then Miss Mary and Georgiana. Understanding him perfectly, Miss Bennet moved to Miss Darcy’s side. Bingley joined Colonel Forster.
“I intend to do as you suggest and verify he has no debts, Mr. Bingley.”
“Colonel, allow me also to inquire whether the runners do not seek him while we await Darcy’s return from Kent,” Bingley said, noting how the colonel and Caroline looked at each other. “Colonel, might I introduce my sister Caroline. Caroline, this is Colonel Forster. Once Darcy returns, Caroline, let us send the colonel an invitation to dine.”
“Of course. It will give you gentlemen an opportunity to discuss these matters,” Caroline said to Colonel Forster.
“I thank you, Miss Bingley. I’d be honored to sit at your table.”
Bingley glanced at Miss Elizabeth. She, too, seemed to see the mutual interest between Caroline and the colonel.
“I cannot place your scent, madam,” Colonel Forster murmured, stepping just close enough to breach propriety, breathing her in and making no attempt to hide his doing so.
“Thank you, Colonel. My friend, Miss Mary, is skilled in creating scented waters. This is one she gifted me,” Caroline whispered.
Stepping back, the colonel said, “Bingley, Miss Bingley, may I call on you tomorrow?”
Bingley was delighted to see his sister blush, and to hear her say, “I welcome the call.”
“Until tomorrow, Miss Bingley.” Colonel Forster bowed and turned to follow Carter and Wickham out of the house.
“It pains me to say so, but I think we must depart, Caroline. We should take Ana home,” Mr. Bingley whispered. “Miss Mary and she are by the door and await us with Miss Bennet.”
“I will give Mrs. Philips our apologies,” Caroline said.
“I think our stay in Hertfordshire has been a blessing in many ways,” Bingley said, leading his sister to the small entryway where Miss Bennet waited with Georgiana and Miss Mary. Miss Mary was relieved to learn they were returning to Netherfield.
Miss Bennet walked out to wish the Netherfield party a good night.
“Thank you. I did not mean to be any trouble,” Miss Darcy said so softly that Bingley struggled to hear her.
This was the same as Bingley had witnessed that spring. A renewed anger at Mr. Wickham surged in his breast. He hated that Miss Darcy was present at such a spectacle with Darcy’s old foe. The reasons Darcy detested the man were numerous.
