Page 198 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Once the door had closed, Robert said, “Lieutenant Wickham is preparing to leave Meryton, sir. He paid for a place on a conveyance leaving for St Albans tomorrow afternoon at four.”

“Where is Peter?”

“He remained in Meryton to keep watch on Wickham. Neither of us has seen any indication that “Wickham knows he is being followed, but people are beginning to talk about the purchased debts. He went into a hatter’s shop. We could not hear what was said inside, but the proprietress pointed him out to another customer. Wickham came out frowning without having purchased anything and went directly to the inn afterward.”

“That is unfortunate.”

Darcy drew a sheet of paper toward him, wrote a quick note, and handed it to Robert. “Take this to Colonel Forster.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Send word immediately if it appears he means to fly.”

“Yes, Mr. Darcy.”

As soon as Robert had gone, Darcy rang for a servant.

“I require a man and a fresh horse immediately. He is to carry an express to my solicitor in London.”

The servant left to make the arrangements, and Darcy returned to the desk to begin another letter.

* * *

At eleven the following morning, Lieutenant Wickham presented himself at Colonel Forster's office.

He had received the colonel's order the previous afternoon and had spent the evening attempting to discover why he had been summoned. Forster had given him no reason, and Wickham could think of nothing that required his presence before he left the regiment.

He entered the office expecting to find the colonel alone.

Two men he did not recognize stood near the window.

“Colonel. You sent for me?”

“I did. Come in, Wickham.”

Wickham entered, his attention returned to the strangers.

Forster indicated them. “These gentlemen have business with you.”

One of the men stepped forward. “Lieutenant George Wickham?”

“Yes.”

The man produced the papers he carried. “I have process against you at the suit of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Esquire, for debt.”

For several seconds Wickham did not move.

“Darcy?”

“Fitzwilliam Darcy, Esquire.”

The color left Wickham's face. He reached for the back of a straight-backed chair and held it while the officer continued.

“The debts named in these proceedings are now held by Mr. Darcy. You are required to come with us.”

“There must be some mistake.”

“There is no mistake, sir.”