Page 39 of Regrets

“Have you found it to be so, Denny?”

“I certainly have! I met two young ladies, Miss Kitty Bennet and Miss Lydia Bennet, and they all but threw themselves into my arms! I can tell you that I have never before been met with such enthusiasm from the fairer sex.” Mr. Denny’s round face glowed with satisfaction.

“And there is to be a card party in just a few days, to which all the officers are invited,” added Carter, who had just put his head inside the tent.

“A card party? Just for the militia?” Mr. Wickham enquired.

“No, indeed; it is for the gentlefolk of the town, as well as for us officers,” Mr. Carter replied. “It is to be held at the home of Sir William and Lady Lucas.”

“See, Wickham? Was not joining the militia the best of ideas?” Mr. Denny demanded.

“It certainly was,” Mr. Wickham replied with real feeling.

Chapter Thirty-Three

The card parties at Lucas Lodge were greatly looked forward to by everyone at Longbourn, and the one to be held that night was doubly anticipated as the result of the inclusion of their new friends at Netherfield Park, as well as certain officers of the militia!

Charlotte had met Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley at the assembly, but there had been no opportunity for her to be introduced to Georgiana; thus, when the Netherfield party arrived at Lucas Lodge, Charlotte went at once to Elizabeth. “Will you not introduce me to Miss Darcy, Eliza?” she asked.

“I will, and gladly.”

Hand in hand, Elizabeth and Charlotte made their way through the crowded room to Georgiana, and Elizabeth introduced Charlotte as her great good friend. Georgiana smiled at Charlotte warmly, and thanked her for including the Netherfield occupants in tonight’s entertainment.

There was a sudden commotion at the door; the officers had arrived. They were warmly welcomed by their host, hostess, and a number of young ladies, including – of course – Kitty and Lydia.

Elizabeth stood on tiptoes, trying to make certain that her sisters were behaving themselves, but she was surrounded by taller people and soon gave up the effort. Georgiana was also standing on tiptoe; Elizabeth surmised that she was trying to determine if Mr. Wickham had arrived.

“It seems everyone likes a military man,” Charlotte observed to Elizabeth, nudging her and looking meaningfully at Georgiana. “Though I cannot think why.”

“I suppose men are in such short supply that even those who are not suitable marriage partners nonetheless warrant a second look,” Elizabeth said. She tugged on Georgiana’s skirt. “Come, Georgiana, let me introduce you to some of our neighbours who you have not yet met.’

But Georgiana had seen Mr. Wickham, and nothing would do but for her to greet him at once. “Excuse me, please,” Georgiana murmured, again and again, as she made her way through the crowd to the front door.

And there he was, looking every bit as splendid as Georgiana remembered! He smiled at her, deliberately deepening his dimples, then bowed deeply and addressed Georgiana. “I understand there is to be dancing, Miss Darcy,” he said. “If so, would you be so kind as to favour me with the first?”

Mr. Darcy had been held up by Sir William, but once he had managed to get past that gentleman, he began immediately to look about for his sister. His gaze landed on a very familiar face, one he had long tried to forget. For a moment, he literally could not believe his eyes. Was he dreaming? He must be, for how could it be possible that George Wickham was here, in Meryton? Surely it could not be – Mr. Darcy found himself actually pushing people aside in order to make his way to Mr. Wickham, who he now saw was standing beside – and far too close, at that – Georgiana.

“Oh, Brother! You would not believe who is here!” Georgiana said, turning toward him as he approached. Her voice was high and excited.

Mr. Wickham knew that he must try to gain control of the meeting as soon as possible. “Darcy,” he said, putting out his hand. “It has been far too long.”

“Has it indeed,” Mr. Darcy murmured, carefully schooling his features and ignoring the outstretched hand.

“Brother,” Georgiana whispered, nudging her brother’s hand toward Mr. Wickham’s, but Mr. Darcy refused to move.

Mr. Wickham dropped his hand. “Darcy, I confess it freely. I have made many errors in the past, and I am now entirely ashamed of my behaviour.” Mr. Wickham hung his head dramatically. Then he looked up again. “But the Good Book promises us that repentance is possible, does it not? To atone for my past sins, I joined the militia!”

“Lied your way into it, more like,” Mr. Darcy said, coolly.

Georgiana gasped. “Why, how can you say that, Brother? He is risking his life to defend our country!”

Mr. Darcy set his jaw. “I say that simply because to become a lieutenant, you are required to hold land worth at least fifty pounds a year. Tell me, Wickham, where did you get that land?”

Mr. Wickham had the grace to colour at this. “The Colonel was grateful to have a gentleman of my caliber volunteer, and so he offered me this rank.”

“A gentleman of your caliber,” Mr. Darcy repeated, his voice as dry as dust.

“Brother,” Georgiana was now near tears. “You must remember George; we grew up with him, did we not? He says he has made mistakes, but he has changed. Are we not, as Christians, obliged to forgive?”