Page 94 of Master of Himself

Upon being admitted to Sir William Lucas’s study later that morning, Darcy remained light-hearted, despite his host’s unusual gravitas. After exchanging common civilities, Sir William remained grim. “’Tis a terrible shame about the Bennets’ fall from grace,” the older man said.

Which you propagated, Darcy thought, though he kept that to himself. “That’s precisely my reason for calling. The situation is regrettable, but not entirely hopeless. I have every intention of leading Miss Elizabeth to the altar, and if you haven’t heard, Mr Bingley and Miss Bennet are now betrothed.”

“Are they? I can’t say I am surprised, but Miss Lydia…” He sadly shook his head.

Darcy persevered. “Lydia is currently enrolled in a seminary for young ladies and shall have the benefit of the finest education in town. First Lieutenant Wickham is now enroute to New Castle where he will join General Stanhope’s regiment. I saw to his commission.”

“That is quite generous of you, Mr Darcy.”

“I did it to honour my late father, who would have wanted his godson to succeed and prosper. Mr Wickham was my boyhood friend and a great favourite of my father, who never learned of his debauched lifestyle. When I found him in town last week, he was at point non-plus. Rather than cutting the connection and leaving him to his own fate, I offered him a new start, as my father would have wanted.”

Sir William’s gaze wandered off, as though in deep contemplation.

Undeterred, Darcy continued, “What’s more, a fifteen-year-old girl who dreams of fancy gowns and romance, ought not to be left to suffer when a handsome soldier lures her away from home with false promises. Nor should her sisters lose their reputations due to her impetuous flight.”

Sir William nodded grimly. “There is much in what you say, Mr Darcy, but you must consider my position. I’m a knight of the realm and an elder in the community. Everyone looks to me for guidance and wisdom.”

“As do I, Sir William. George Wickham will come away unscathed from this episode, and Lydia has been sent back to the schoolroom,” he said, attempting to keep his temper under control. “Should we not do everything in our power to protect Mr Bennet’s other daughters?”

“I must protect my own daughters, Mr Darcy. My dear Charlotte is finally betrothed, and her sisters may now look forward to matches of their own. Their reputations could be damaged if they associate with the sisters of a fallen woman.”

Darcy’s anger rose at this nonsensical description of Wickham’s latest victim. “Your daughter is betrothed to the man who stands to inherit Longbourn. A man who, I might as well add, maliciously spread the story of Lydia’s flight with the sole intention of disgracing his own family. Will you stand by and allow that man to malign Mr Bennet’s other daughters, who are entirely blameless in this affair? I assure you, I never shall.”

Sir William winced, still hesitant.

Darcy decided to take another approach. “In cases like this, gentlemen are often in a position to quietly assist our friends, without the least need for recognition. It brings to mind a similar situation I’ve recently heard of; a barrister’s daughter needed rescue some ten years ago when her sister ran off with a soldier.”

Sir William’s eyes flew open wide.

“That lady has sworn me to secrecy, but if you would come to her aid, then I’m certain you will comprehend my efforts to assist other ladies in a similar dilemma, who ought not to suffer for their sister’s folly.”

Sir William absently nodded his head. “Quite so,” he said in a bland voice as though not fully convinced.

“Miss Mary and Miss Kitty are in desperate need of protection. A kind word from you will go a long way to restoring their positions in the community. I’m certain Mr Bennet would appreciate it.”

Sir William’s shoulders slumped as though overcome by a heavy burden. “I’ve known Thomas Bennet all my life. He’s an honourable, respectable gentleman.”

Knowing of that longstanding connection, Darcy pressed on, “Sir William, let me urge you to reconsider your perspective. If we are willing to make allowances for the Prince Regent’s debauched behaviour, a grown man who was born into the highest echelons of society and will someday be our monarch, then can’t we also excuse the whims of an impetuous fifteen-year-old girl?”

“You’ve given me much to consider, Mr Darcy.”

“That’s all I ask of you, Sir William.”

***

Ready to announce his news to the neighbours, Charles Bingley accompanied Jane and her sisters to the village. Inside the millinery, the proprietors extended their warmest greetings. “Ah, Mr Bingley, you’ve returned at long last,” Mrs Ward said.

“Indeed, I have, and although I haven’t patronised your shop in the past, I intend to do so in the near future,” he said, with Jane standing beside him. “Miss Bennet has agreed to make me the happiest of men.”

Mrs Ward gasped with delight. “What wonderful news, Mr Bingley. We wish you and Miss Bennet every happiness.”

“You’re very kind, Mrs Ward, and I shall rely on you to keep my future wife in the latest style,” he said, gazing fondly at Jane.

Mrs Ward’s eyes grew wide with delight. “Oh, Miss Bennet, I believe Mr Bingley will be a most attentive husband.”

Charles couldn’t have been more pleased by the lady’s reception, nor by Jane’s rosy blush.

Once outside, she accepted his arm. “You are altogether charming, sir. Mrs Ward barely acknowledged me yesterday, but today she was warm and welcoming.”