Page 197 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

He was examining the leather when the proprietor's wife, who was assisting another customer, lowered her voice.

“That is the gentleman whose account was sold.”

The man glanced toward Wickham. “Sold? Who purchases another man's debt? I have difficulty paying my own accounts, without purchasing someone else's.”

“I cannot tell you. A fine gentleman came down from London and made inquiries about the account. He was acting for someone else, but he would not say whom.”

“Then whoever employs him must have money to waste.”

“I do not know the ways of the gentry.”

Wickham kept his attention on the gloves, although he was no longer considering their purchase. When he finally looked toward the pair, both were watching him.

He placed the gloves on the counter. “I believe I shall leave them.”

Wickham left the shop and continued down the street while Peter and Robert Miller watched him from nearby establishments.

He went directly to the only inn at Meryton. Peter Miller followed and entered by a back door.

Wickham approached the innkeeper. “I require transportation to St Albans tomorrow afternoon, in time to catch a coach to London.”

“We have a conveyance leaving at four, sir. It will set you down near the coaching inns. If you wish to reserve a place, I shall require payment now.”

Wickham counted out the money. “Then reserve it for me.”

“Be here a quarter of an hour before four. We will not wait for a late passenger.”

Wickham left the inn, and Peter emerged a few minutes later to find Robert waiting farther down the street.

“He has paid for a place on the four o'clock conveyance to St Albans tomorrow,” Peter told him. “From there he means to take a coach to London. Ride to Netherfield and tell Mr. Darcy yourself. I shall stay with Wickham.”

Robert left for the stable while Peter resumed his pursuit.

Wickham entered a tavern and ordered his luncheon. He had scarcely settled himself when another militia officer approached his table.

“Wickham, where have you been? You told me a fortnight ago that you would settle your gaming debt when we received our pay. We were paid yesterday, and I expect my money today.”

Wickham reached into his pocket and placed a guinea on the table. “I cannot give you the whole of it today. I have an obligation to my mother which must be met first, but give me another week, and you shall have the rest.”

The officer looked at the coin. “You promised payment yesterday.”

“I owe some loyalty to my mother. You will be paid.”

The officer took the guinea. “You have one more week, Wickham. I shall not ask again.”

After he had gone, Wickham waited for his luncheon, frowning.

* * *

Robert Miller was shown into the library at Netherfield shortly after one o’clock.

Caroline was still there, although she had exchanged her embroidery for a book. When Robert entered, Darcy rose immediately.

“Mr. Miller has come to see me on business, Miss Bingley.”

Caroline closed her book. “Of course. I shall leave you to it.”

She gathered her embroidery and book and left the library.