Page 67 of Master of Himself

“You would do quite well in the army, and the pay is far superior to that of the militia,” Mr Gardiner added.

Wickham scowled irritably. “I suppose it’s my only option. I can’t go back to my regiment after this.”

“My friend could purchase a commission for you,” Darcy said, gesturing to Charles. “His cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam has connections in the highest ranks.”

“Yes, indeed,” Charles said, taking his cue from Darcy. “It would be a simple matter to arrange.” Although he had no idea if this were true, he supposed Darcy’s family had unlimited access to every possible avenue.

“Would that suit you, Mr Wickham?” Mr Gardiner inquired in a friendly tone.

Charles held his breath as Wickham stared at the coals burning in the grate.

“I suppose so,” he said, without much conviction.

Although vastly relieved, Charles maintained a serious Darcy-like mien. “I shall see to it immediately.”

“I’ll need some money to pay for my room,” Wickham said hesitantly. Then added, “While I wait for the commission and other arrangements.”

Charles reached into his pocket, but Darcy held up his hand to warn him off. “We’ll pay the proprietor on your behalf. Once we have more details, we’ll be in touch,” he said, and the three men left Wickham alone.

Downstairs, they spoke to the proprietor and paid for a week’s meals and lodgings for Wickham.

Once outside, they waited on the flagway for Lockhart to return with the carriage. Now that they had come to an agreement, the end of the matter was finally in sight. Hopefully, no damage had been done to Lydia’s reputation, or more importantly, her sisters.

“I thought it inadvisable for Wickham to get his hands on any amount of money,” Darcy said. “He would have spent it all before the night was out. We want him here, with no place else to go.”

“Quite right,” Mr Gardiner said, nodding his agreement. “Now to determine what’s to be done with Lydia.”

“I suppose Mr Bennet must bring her home,” Charles said.

Frowning, Mr Gardiner shook his head. “I don’t recommend that she go home. She hasn’t enough sense to keep quiet about this adventure. Perhaps she ought to stay here with me for a while.”

“Are you certain your wife would wish to take charge of such an undisciplined child?” Darcy inquired.

“No, I daresay she would disrupt the household and cause all manner of havoc, but what else can be done with her?”

Charles was suddenly struck with inspiration. “I might have a more palatable solution.”

***

Darcy doubted his friend could conceive of any scheme to remedy this imbroglio.

“Miss Huntington’s Seminary for Young Ladies,” Charles said as Lockhart finally turned the corner and drew near.

“Yes, by Jove,” Darcy said, echoing Charles’s optimism. “My sisters received an excellent education at that school.” At least, Caroline Bingley had credited her numerous accomplishments to her seminary studies.

The three men boarded Charles’s carriage and headed back to Gracechurch Street. “You may have hit on the very thing Lydia needs, Mr Darcy. She has no more than a modicum of sense and no restraint whatsoever. A ladies’ seminary would give her a town bronze and prepare her for a marriage to a suitable gentleman. It just might work, if my brother will agree to it.”

“I would be happy to contribute to her tuition,” Darcy said, and Charles eagerly echoed that offer.

Mr Gardiner dismissed this offer. “I’m well able to cover that expense, but the more I think of it, the more I’m convinced that Lydia ought to remain in town. She can stay with us during the school term.”

“Well done, Darcy,” Darcy said, grinning at his friend.

Knowing that this school was the perfect solution to the Lydia Problem, Charles brushed imaginary lint from his lapel. “I haven’t lost my touch.”

“When we get to the house, you can send a note to Matlock House and ask your cousin to join us,” Darcy said. “Colonel Fitzwilliam will know precisely how to arrange the commission.”

Charles nodded his understanding. “An excellent suggestion.”