Page 36 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Elizabeth continued carefully. “It occurred to me that the merchants might protect themselves if Colonel Forster received a monthly total of outstanding accounts for each officer. Not details, perhaps. Only enough that he may know if one of his men is living far beyond his means.”

Mrs. Phillips sat back. “Your uncle would know who owes what,” she said slowly.

Mr. Phillips was an attorney and conducted business for several shopkeepers. “I thought he might.”

“And Mr. King at the haberdasher’s. And Mr. Pratt. Oh! Mrs. Nichol at the milliner’s has complained of an officer’s bill since Michaelmas.”

Elizabeth sipped her tea.

Mrs. Phillips’s mind was moving visibly. “Colonel Forster would not like scandal.”

“No.”

“Nor would the merchants like unpaid bills.”

“No.”

“And if everyone reported at once, no single shopkeeper need fear losing military custom.”

Elizabeth smiled.

Mrs. Phillips slapped the arm of her chair. “Lizzy, that is an excellent notion.”

“Is it?”

“You know it is.”

“I had hoped you might.”

Mrs. Phillips narrowed her eyes. “Which officer?”

Elizabeth made her face innocent. “I mentioned no officer.”

“You did not need to.”

“Aunt.”

“Wickham.”

Elizabeth said nothing.

Mrs. Phillips’s expression sharpened. Gossip was one thing; family loyalty another. “Has he done something?”

“I have reason to think he is not entirely what he appears.”

That was enough.

By the end of the week Colonel Forster possessed a list. The result surprised everyone except Darcy. Wickham owed money to the tailor, the bootmaker, the apothecary, two taverns, a jeweller, a livery stable, and three private gentlemen. His total debt exceeded six months of his pay. Two other officers, Lieutenant Harris and Ensign Cole, were nearly as bad.

Colonel Forster was furious. The three men were confined to quarters except when on duty. A substantial portion of their pay would be withheld each month and distributed among creditors. Further debts were forbidden.

Meryton talked of nothing else.

Lydia burst into Longbourn after hearing the news from Mrs. Forster. “La! It is monstrous. Poor Mr. Wickham! How is a gentleman to live if every shopkeeper demands to be paid at once?”

Darcy, seated by the drawing-room fire, looked up from his book.

Elizabeth caught his eye. Do not, her expression said.