Another to receive an epistle was Sir William Lucas.
He was greatly surprised that Eliza would write to him, but being a curious man, he was very interested in what was written.
30 March 1812
The Parsonage
Hunsford
Kent
Sir William,
I know this missive is not something you would expect from me, but I have discovered information which could not wait until I return, as the damage to our neighbourhood is ongoing.
If I believed my father would react to the information I am scribing here and bestir himself from his study rather than think this is a big joke, I would have posted this letter to him. I know that speaking this way about a parent is disrespectful, but you have known my father almost the whole of your life, so you will understand better than most that what I said is accurate.
I will not sport with your intelligence but address the reason directly. It has come to my notice that the man who is thought to be the best of men by those in Meryton is actually the worst kind of man. Mr Wickham is a gamester, seducer, libertine, and profligate. Those are his good traits! I have it on good authority, from one who holds thousands in markers for debts he left behind unpaid, that Mr Wickham never pays his debts to either the merchants or those he owes debts ofhonour.
Yes, I know I counted him as a friend; I even championed his cause. I was a gullible fool and now know that he was never my friend. He told me a story severely defaming Mr Darcy, one he said he would never repeat. However, once said gentleman left the area, he began to tell his tale of woe far and wide. I feel that I have been a silly girl, as I now know that none of it is true.
Due to dishonourable behaviour while at Oxford, the late Mr Darcy withdrew as his godfather. Then, after being warned to behave, Mr Wickham was sent down from Oxford. It was at that time Mr Darcy withdrew his patronage as well. Contrary to his tale of woe, he was not bequeathed a single penny by the late Mr Darcy. If you require proof, apply to the Earl of Matlock, who is an executor of the late Mr Darcy’s estate.
I suggest you have the merchants in Meryton speak to their daughters. I believe that Mr Wickham promises marriage and then urges the girls, and I emphasise girls (usually 15 or younger) to anticipate their vows, vows he never intends to say to them.
I write to you because as the former mayor and the current magistrate, I know how much you care for Meryton and its environs.
My suggestion is not to make it about Mr Wickham only, but about all of the officers. He tends to seek retribution when he thinks himself wronged. If all men in the militia have demands to pay their debts he will not be able to assume someone has knowledge about his way of doing things.
On a happier note, Charlotte and Maria are very well, and I am enjoying my time with them.
With respect,
Elizabeth (Eliza) Bennet
Being a former tradesman himself, Sir William knew only too well the ruin unpaid accounts could cause to Meryton’s merchants. He would do what he could to protect the tradesmen in the town. He was soon on his gelding, riding into Meryton.
He did as Eliza suggested and asked at every shop for a tally of outstanding money owed by members of the militia by soldier or officer. He also hinted that some officers were known to promise marriage as a way to take young maidens’ virtues. The total owed was rather staggering, but the vast majority of it was owed by one officer: Lieutenant Wickham.
Sir William made his way to the Derbyshire Militia’s offices and asked to see Colonel Forster. He was shown into the office where the jovial colonel stood and extended his hand.
“How may I be of service?” Forster asked as he indicated a seat for his visitor, and then he too sat.
“Colonel, you know that many towns refuse to welcome the militia or allow them to encamp near said towns, do you not?” Sir William began. “You have been welcomed here by all of us, is that not so?”
“To the first, I know it only too well, and as to the second, yes, we have been accepted here without reservation. Why do you ask?” Forster asked suspiciously.
“I have here a list of unpaid debts to merchants in Meryton, which total in the hundreds of pounds. I was a shopkeeper in this town, which prompted me to check this before your regiment departs. I am sorry to say that a great majority of the money is owed by one officer,” Sir William reported sadly. “Ifyour regiment departs, leaving any debts with the merchants, that will cause irreparable hardships for them, and no militia regiment will ever be allowed in Meryton again. Further, we will have no choice but to report the goings-on to your headquarters.” Sir William held up the list.
“May I?” Forster leaned over and took the paper. His face took on a purple hue of anger when he saw the same name over and over again. “Carter!” he yelled for his adjutant. The captain entered and saluted. “Bring Wickham to me now!”
It took about fifteen minutes before said lieutenant was shown into his commanding officer’s office. Wickham gave what passed for a salute. “You called for me, Colonel?”
“Wickham, explain how you will pay your debts to the shopkeepers in Meryton before we depart?” Forster demanded.
Wickham ignored the buffoonish Sir William. He would tell the unintelligent colonel what he wanted to hear. “As soon as I am paid in a week, I will pay all of my debts,” he claimed.
“Pray tell, how will you do that with the five pounds you are to receive?” Forster knew the man was lying and wanted to see how far he would go.
