Two days later, Fitzwilliam rode north with a select few men and a satchel containing the IOUs Darcy had accrued over the years in a misguided effort to preserve the world from the depredations of one Lieutenant George Wickham.
They arrived at the militia headquarters in the village of Meryton near ten o’clock and were taken directly to the commanding officer, Colonel Forster.
He reviewed the evidence and indicated they should break their fast and return in a few hours to secure their prisoner. He was seriously displeased that thecharmingnew officer had proved a fraud.
They led their horses towards the inn Colonel Forster had recommended for a hearty meal. As they rounded a corner, Fitzwilliam observed five lovely young women exit a shop, their laughter bright in the winter sunshine. They were immediately stopped on the street by two officers. Fitzwilliam felt his blood rise as the scene unfolded—he would recognise Wickham anywhere.
One of the young women pointed at his group, causing all the ladies to look. The observation of a pretty brunette held Fitzwilliam’s attention, and he saw the moment Wickham moved behind her as though to hide. He frowned when Wickham’s hands settled at her waist as he ducked lower.
The lady startled. Eyes blazing, she quickly stomped the heel of her walking boot on the instep of Wickham’s foot, before whirling to slap his face. Hopping on one foot, Wickham lost his balance, falling in an ignominious heap at her feet.
“You detestable cur!” she spat. “Never come near my sisters or me. You are unwelcome at Longbourn, and I shall see that you are prohibited from any of my neighbours’ homes as well!”
She grabbed the hands of her nearest sisters and propelled them towards the closest shop, cutting off their protest at her forceful handling. The shopkeeper held the door open, inquiring whether the lady was well as he herded them inside. They all crowded round the doorway to witness what transpired.
Fitzwilliam was captivated. Her remarkable eyes and colour in her cheeks had rendered the young woman magnificent even before she castigated Wickham. He forced his attention from her visage to the business at hand.
He heard men’s laughter near the inn as Wickham stumbled to his feet, brushing the dust from his breeches. Fitzwilliam joined in, motioning his men forwards.
“Wickham! It seems you have met your match. The ladies in this fine community have grown wise to your charms.”
Wickham blustered, face pale, as two large soldiers took position at his side.
“What is this, Fitzwilliam? I am under the authority of the militia. You can have no business with me.”
“On the contrary, Lieutenant. Your commander was more than pleased to turn you over when presented with evidence of your profligate ways.” Fitzwilliam addressed the curious citizenry. “We are arresting this man for theft, fraud, and unpaid debts, but he is also known to be quite free with his attentions, if you get my meaning. It would be a good thing to settle his debts with Colonel Forster, as Wickham does not honour his promises.”
Fitzwilliam’s men grumbled good-naturedly at the need to delay their meal while they collected their prisoner and escorted him to the militia headquarters for processing. Wickham whimpered at his rough handling, complaining loudly and limping pitifully between them.
Fitzwilliam told his captain he would await them at the inn. He was determined to learn the identity of the young lady, if only to ensure her well-being after the incident. His instincts told him the lady might be worth a second glance.
He entered the common room to hear the locals speaking of a “Miss Elizabeth” and the set-to with the insolent lieutenant. The young woman was obviously well respected and appreciated. The innkeeper was a gregarious man, and whilst Fitzwilliam sampled a bowl of the hearty stew with fresh bread and ale, he made short work of gaining the direction to Longbourn estate, the home of the Miss Bennets.Could this be the family Darcy spoke of?
His men returned, advising him that Colonel Forster would have the prisoner ready within one to two hours. They had time to enjoy their meal.
Upon recommending the stew to his men, Fitzwilliam excused himself, informing them that after his errand in the village, he would meet them at the headquarters for their return to London. He retrieved his horse and followed the directions to the Bennet estate.
As Fitzwilliam rode through the gates of Longbourn, he could see the young women entering the house. One looked back, and he could hear raised voices as the door closed behind them.
“Colonel the Honourable Richard Fitzwilliam of London,” the elderly manservant said as he passed the card to the master.Fitzwilliam bowed as the man closed the door of MrBennet’s study behind him.
The gentleman stood, laying a well-worn book upon his desk as he came around to meet Fitzwilliam’s extended hand. Bennet waved the colonel to a seat and, after the usual niceties were exchanged, indulged his curiosity.
Fitzwilliam considered the older gentleman during their opening sallies in view of his cousin’s opinions. What he observed was a gentleman dressed for comfort in good quality garments suitable for a country squire, though not in the newest fashion. His desk was clear, a stack of ledgers on an adjacent table, and a tray with a half-full crystal decanter and glasses was visible on a lower shelf. A wider perusal showed an extensive library that would make his erudite cousin drool.
Bennet waited for Fitzwilliam to complete his appraisal, eyebrows raised and eyes twinkling with good humour.
“Colonel, I am most interested to learn what business has drawn you to Longbourn this fine winter day. I will acknowledge that I am not unfamiliar with the Fitzwilliam name. Would I be correct in presuming you are connected to the Matlock earldom?” His scrutiny was penetrating. “A relation of yours spent a brief sojourn here this autumn.”
“Lord Matlock is my father, yes. I presume you speak of my cousin Darcy. His concern for the citizenry was the impetus for my visit. I believe you are acquainted with a Lieutenant George Wickham?” Bennet nodded coolly.
Fitzwilliam explained the nature of his business with Wickham and Miss Elizabeth’s role in the man’s apprehension. He noted that Wickham’s charm easily persuaded most young ladies and that he admired her decisive set-down of Wickham’s impertinence.
Bennet seemed amused by the story, chuckling aloud at the image of the man snivelling of mistreatment at his daughter’s hand.
“I am appalled that the incident transpired as it did, with no one close enough to act on her behalf. As it is, she struck Wickham with considerable force. I would be remiss if I did not apologise and enquire as to her well-being. To be honest, I was most favourably impressed, MrBennet, at the quickness and protective nature Miss Elizabeth displayed. And that she is a very handsome woman, with damn fine eyes, is not insignificant either. Will you consent to an introduction?”
Bennet removed his spectacles and placed them on his desk, brow raised. “While I appreciate your concern for my daughter, Colonel, you are simply passing through. We have had adequate experience with your friends and theirparticular attention. You should continue with your official business.”
