“Bridget. She was a lovely woman. I do not wonder she caught Wickham’s eye. I admired her myself, as did Phillip.”
“I remember my father warning us never to compromise the servants, or there would be consequences.”
“I remember that day,” Richard said.
“I was shocked when my father told me she was with child by Wickham. He called George in and informed him that he had set aside the Lambton living for him, but would not grant it unless Wickham married the servant he had ruined. And he refused.”
“Darcy, he was already far gone before then. He frequented brothels throughout university, and you know he never took orders. He never fulfilled the requirements for the clergy.”
“He was never fit for holy orders. His character is deplorable. My father was deeply wounded by George’s perfidy. Wickham had always been his favorite. I remember him saying he was grateful his old friend had not lived to witness how far his son had fallen. What my father would say had he lived to see Wickham’s attempt upon little Georgiana, I cannot imagine.”
The two men remained at Wickham’s bedside for more than an hour before departing. Though they did not know it then, neither would ever see him again.
Wickham remained in hospital for six full weeks before he was sufficiently recovered to return to gaol.
On March 2, 1812, Kendall was present, along with the hired guards, when Wickham was taken back into custody. Kendall later presented himself to Darcy to inform him that the transfer to gaol had been completed; all three Darcys felt relief that Wickham was no longer free to make another attempt.
Chapter 50: Parting Ways
Elizabeth’s family had been invited to Darcy House for dinner. It was now mid-April, and this would be their last gathering for several months. Now the meal was over, and Elizabeth and the women left the men to their port. In the drawing room, Georgiana played on the pianoforte while Madeline offered Elizabeth a letter. “Lizzy, you have not yet seen this. I shall forward it on to your father, but I wish for you to read it first.”
“Is it from Lydia?”
“It is from Mr. Adams. Lydia would not take the trouble to write, though she did scratch out a line or two. That child has not matured in the least. Everything is one grand party or ball to her. She lives for such things.”
Jane asked quietly, “Is Mr. Adams displeased with our sister?”
“No indeed. He believes Lydia is everything charming and beautiful, and since she is a great favorite among his circle, he considers himself quite fortunate that the belle of the ball is his wife.”
Elizabeth raised a brow. “Then I am happy for him, Aunt Maddie. Shall I take the time to read it now?”
“Yes. We shall listen to your sister-in-law at the pianoforte while you read, my dear, for I have held the letter more than a week already, and I dare not delay sending it any longer.”
Elizabeth opened the letter and began to read. Mr. Adams possessed a fine hand and a succinct style of writing. He wrote that they were happily settled in a bungalow in Chowringhee, within the European quarter of Calcutta. He described his duties as a junior clerk and declared that his prospects for advancement within the Company were fair, provided hecontinued to work diligently. He also wrote that during the months they had resided in India, the couple had attended numerous social events.
Elizabeth paused and remarked, “They appear to enjoy a surprisingly active social life, Aunt Maddie.”
“They do, Elizabeth. The Company does all it can to keep its employees contented, so that it does not lose too many back to the homeland.”
Elizabeth continued reading:
“We have heard that cholera has swept through several European households. One couple with whom we frequently socialize has taken ill, though we have not yet learned how they fare. I have warned Lydia not to eat raw fruit. She enjoys it far more than I should like. Those who have resided here for years insist that the consumption of uncooked fruit is dangerous to health, but my wife does not heed me. Perhaps, Mrs. Gardiner, you will write to her and add your remonstrances to mine.”
Elizabeth then reached the few lines written in Lydia’s hand:
“Aunt Maddie, I am considered the belle of most of the balls I attend. Is that not a great joke? I have surpassed Jane in both beauty and height. I detest the mosquitoes and must sleep beneath a mosquito net. The oppressive heat is beastly, but for the most part, I am very pleased to reside in India with my handsome husband.”
When Elizabeth finished the letter, she handed it back to her aunt. “I only hope she takes heed and listens to her husband. He seems a responsible young man, though he is scarcely older than Lydia herself.”
“Yes. If only Lydia would do as she is told, I do not fear for her comfort or well-being.”
Mrs. Gardiner then asked her eldest niece, “And what of Kitty? Will your papa send her to school?”
“I recommended it, but Kitty does not wish to go, and you know Mamma. She regards a woman's education as a matter of little consequence.”
“Yes, that is unfortunate. Will you take her with you when you return to Kent?”
“Kitty has no wish to leave Longbourn. According to Mamma’s most recent letter, Kitty and Maria Lucas have become fast friends, and the two spend a great deal of time in Meryton visiting the officers.”
