“Charlotte, you might want to use the powders, as it is clear my dream still perturbs you.” Elizabeth quipped.
Charlotte just rolled her eyes. “Do be serious, Eliza. I can tell you’ve reached some kind of resolution. What have you decided?”
“I have decided to dedicate myself entirely to championing wild-goose chases. It shall become my greatest accomplishment.”
Charlotte huffed in exasperation.
Elizabeth sat beside Charlotte and took her hand. “I am convinced that there must be some truth to the dream, particularly about MrWickham’s character.”
Charlotte stiffened beside her.
“Charlotte, ‘There are more things in Heaven and Earth...than are dreamt of in your philosophy.’”
“Oh, Eliza, do remember that Hamlet is a tragedy. Be careful. You may enjoy reading such a play, but you would not want to live it. You cannot know for certain the provenance of your dream.”
“True enough, but I can determine what it is I do with the knowledge I have gained. And I have reviewed my interactions with MrWickham without the prejudices I previously held in his favour. I am now struck with the impropriety of such communications to a stranger, the indelicacy of putting himself forward as he had done, and the inconsistency of his professions with his conduct.”
Charlotte raised an eyebrow, and Elizabeth chuckled in acknowledgment that yet again, her friend had been the wiser one.
“Charlotte dear, it is no reflection on you or your lovely home, but I must return to Longbourn. I shall not be easy until I know for certain whether MrWickham is incurring debts. I realise I must take care not to appear as though I act from a fit of pique, for he has the approbation of our neighbours. Lydia would rather accuse me of jealousy than think poorly of such a handsome man. But I shall gather proof of his character. For the benefit of Mary King and my youngest sisters, I must not delay. Might Sir William be prevailed upon to take me with him?”
Charlotte leant against Elizabeth’s side. “I had so looked forward to your visit. It has been wonderful to have you these last few days. And what shall we tell my father and my husband?”
“If your husband chooses to believe that I have been overwhelmed by regret, do not feel that you need to correct him. I shall not be offended—particularly if it helps you to preserve the peace.”
Charlotte gave her a quelling look.
“If you share your concerns with my father, he could manage the whole affair. It would spare all parties any bitterness should you be mistaken. You know how my father loves to be of use. If MrWickham does indeed have debts, my father is sure to spread the word.”
“Except that will not protect my sisters or convince my father to do something about their behaviour.”
Charlotte sighed again. “Then an appeal to your father will be required.” She embraced Elizabeth. “I shall miss you. You must promise to come again.”
After Sir William expounded on the many benefits of Charlotte’s new situation, Elizabeth took advantage of their time travelling in the carriage to discuss the militia’s departure.
Elizabeth continued, “Sir William, you seem to be the ideal person to protect our town from any members of the regiment with less than honourable intentions. The merchants respect you greatly and will let you know if any militia members have unpaid accounts.”
“Indeed, indeed.” Sir William’s brow wrinkled, and he became uncharacteristically silent as he looked out of the window.
“You are always prompt in your dealings. My family is not expecting me, so let us inquire upon arrival. I will ask my uncle Philips for his assistance should you find any militiamen with heavy debts. I will not rest easy until we have determined all is well.”
“My dear Miss Eliza, I entreat you not to concern yourself. I am certain the officers who have been such a pleasant addition to our society are upstanding men. I shall make a few inquiries while you visit Mrand MrsPhilips, and then we shall know howthings stand.” Sir William remained jovial, but Elizabeth was encouraged to see the determined set to his jaw.
Sir William entered the Philips’s parlour with all the dignity of a former mayor. His countenance was more severe than Elizabeth had ever seen it.
MrsPhilips said, “Why, Sir William, you are most welcome, but what has made you so dour?”
“Such goings on, I can scarce credit it. Please do call for your husband to join us, for it is likely we will need his assistance.”
Elizabeth’s thoughts were too tumultuous to break the silence as they waited. As soon as MrPhilips entered, Sir William continued. “I bring news of a viper among the militiamen.”
“Say it is not so!” said MrsPhilips with eager anticipation.
“Indeed, he is in debt to every merchant I have spoken with and was walking out with at least two different shop girls at the same time before becoming engaged to another.”
“Who can it be?” queried MrsPhilips.
“MrWickham,” Sir William replied.
