He cleared his throat, unfolded the letter in a single, deliberate motion, and began reading:
‘Mr. Bennet
It came to my attention that your daughter, Miss Elizabeth, inadvertently overheard a disparaging remark I made to Mr. Bingley during the Meryton assembly last October. My sole intent was to deter my friend from insisting I dance, but my words were unkind and wholly untrue. Miss Elizabeth is a handsome, lively young woman, and had I known she was within earshot, I would have apologised immediately. In truth, I did not look to see whom Mr. Bingley suggested as a suitable partner; I merely reacted. As I feel it is inappropriate to address an unmarried lady directly, I entreat you, sir, to convey my sincere apology to your daughter and my regret for any distress my remark may have caused her.’
Papa lowered the letter, smoothing the cream-coloured parchment over the oak desk. Elizabeth’s eyes lingered on theneat lines of handwriting before she looked up.
“Well, Lizzy, what do you think?”
She drew a slow breath, clasping her hands in her lap.
“It is unquestionably a gracious and earnest apology,” she replied, her voice quiet but steady. “What puzzles me more is how he discovered that I overheard him. He has been away from Meryton for over a month.”
“That remains a mystery. Now, let us discuss the second half of this letter, regarding Mr. Wickham.”
“He has the audacity to mention Mr. Wickham after refusing his father’s request?”
“Ah…” Her father leaned back in his worn leather chair, which creaked beneath his weight. “You still believe everything that scallywag whispered in your ear as gospel truth? Eve similarly trusted the serpent’s promise of godhood.”
Elizabeth’s lips parted in astonishment at her father’s inference about the handsome officer.
“You liken Mr. Wickham to Lucifer himself?”
“According to Mr. Darcy’s account,” Papa continued, giving his daughter a warning frown. “Wickham was indeed his father’s godson and greatly favoured. Upon the elder Mr. Darcy’s death, Wickham received one thousand pounds and the promise of the living at Kympton.”
“Which Mr. Darcy withheld!” Elizabeth nearly spat out as her fingers curled tightly into fists.
“No more interruptions, young lady,” Papa chastised firmly, his bushy eyebrows drawing together as he returned to the letter. “Now then… the Kympton living would become hisif,and I emphasize if, Wickham completed seminary, took holy orders, and served elsewhere until the position opened. Mr. Wickham informed young Mr. Darcy that clerical life did not suit him, andrequested three thousand pounds as compensation.” Her father paused as Elizabeth’s mouth formed a silent “O”, her fingers relaxing their curl. “Three years later, when the Kympton rector passed away, Mr. Wickham demanded the living, which was justifiably refused.”
Her father set the letter down with a soft tap before folding his hands across his still trim belly, allowing her to contemplate this revelation in the stillness of his book-lined study.
“Mr. Wickham did not speak the complete truth,” she finally conceded after a moment of silence. “Though he did not precisely lie, his deception lay in omitting crucial details to portray himself as a victim of a greater injustice.”
“Indeed.” Papa nodded sagely in agreement. “One wonders why he would share such fabrications with a lady he had only just met?”
Elizabeth’s shoulders slumped as she sighed.
“He discerned my antipathy towards Mr. Darcy within the first five minutes of conversation, ensuring a receptive ear for his Banbury tale.”
“Many a charming scoundrel has whispered sweet falsehoods to impressionable young ladies, all to elevate himself in their esteem,” Papa said. “I take comfort, however, in knowing that you have seen beneath the cracked lacquer of his pleasant façade. His days of deceiving you are finished.”
“I hope I have learned my lesson and will not make the same mistake twice.” She glanced at the letter still held in her father’s hand. “Was that all Mr. Darcy wrote?”
“There was one more piece of business he related, and it has to do with Mr. Wickham’s character. How he employs his considerable charm to secure credit with merchants and to compromise young ladies of all stations. His debauchery, itseems, does not discriminate between the daughters of tradesmen or gentlemen.”
Elizabeth’s thoughts flew to her two youngest sisters, with their fondness for the officers’ red coats and shiny brass buttons. What providence that Uncle Gardiner had removed them to London before their planned term at the seminaries in Kent. Had they remained at Longbourn until January, they might have fallen prey to Mr. Wickham’s serpentine charm and flattering words.
“Mr. Darcy has requested I collect papers for Mr. Wickham’s local debts, which he intends to settle himself. Should his accusations prove true, I must alert the gentlemen of Meryton to guard their daughters accordingly.”
“Sir William would be your most effective messenger if you wish all of Meryton to learn of this predator in regimentals. The news would spread throughout the county within a se’nnight.”
“I shall call at Lucas Lodge after settling with the merchants. Sir William, in his capacity as a magistrate, ought to be apprised how much debt this so-called gentleman has racked up. I suspect the amount will be considerable.”
Elizabeth sighed. “How blind I was regarding Mr. Wickham! I lapped up his story like a greedy kitten enjoying a fresh bowl of cream.”
“Your prejudice against Mr. Darcy made you ripe for the picking,” her father replied with a knowing look.
“More like I was low-hanging fruit. I am thoroughly ashamed of myself. Should we inform Mamma of this development?”