Page 7 of Painted with Love

Chapter 3

Before Mr Gardiner left for his office, Elizabeth felt she owed her relatives at least partial honesty, since they had been so supportive. Therefore, she related to Jane, as well as her uncle and aunt, more details about the objects in the pawnbroker’s shop.

“I had reason to believe that watch belonged to the Darcy family and that Mr Wickham was not its true owner. That is why I wrote Mr Darcy a note and Uncle Edward delivered it. Mr Darcy confirmed my assumption was correct.”

“But Lizzy, surely Mr Wickham did not steal the watch!” Jane replied, clearly appalled.

“I am not sure. But I am quite certain that Mr Wickham is not the sort of man we believed him to be. In fact, I was wrong in judging his character. You, my dear Jane, counselled me to be more prudent in trusting him. Well, you were right, and I was wrong.”

“I must admit that your aunt and I were a little worried when we visited Longbourn at Christmas. You seemed quite infatuated with Mr Wickham. We only hoped you would be wise enough not to attach yourself to a man with so little means of providing you with a comfortable life,” Mr Gardiner said.

“I do not believe I was infatuated, Uncle. I was certainly not in love with him, since the news about him courting Mary King hardly affected me at all. But I found him charming, and I enjoyed his company. I was flattered to be the lady he seemed to prefer. Since he appeared to admire me, and Mr Darcy always criticised me and others, I readily assumed the flatterer was a better man than the critic. It was my vanity and prejudice that turned me into a laughable simpleton.”

“But Lizzy, may I ask, what did Mr Wickham do that was so wrong?” Mrs Gardiner asked.

“He has probably done many things, but I only know of a few, which involve him lying about Mr Darcy and betraying his godfather’s affection.”

Choosing her words carefully, Elizabeth revealed the financial transactions between Mr Darcy and Mr Wickham, while the others listened in amazement.

“Poor Mr Darcy!” Jane exclaimed. “To be so betrayed by his father’s godson. What a disappointment. And poor Mr Wickham! He has such an appearance of goodness but not enough strength of character to act in an honourable way. Such behaviour cannot lead to anything good.”

“I cannot pity Mr Wickham, Jane,” Elizabeth replied. “He was offered all the support and means to live as a gentleman, but he willingly chose deception, depravity, and betrayal instead. He must live with the consequences of his choices. And I must live with the guilt of knowing what a simpleton I have been and how easily fooled by a scoundrel.”

“Do not be so hard on yourself, Lizzy. How could you have known? I am glad that, in the end, you realised the truth,” Mr Gardiner said. “But to me, it was not a surprise. I spoke to your father about it at Christmas, and we both agreed that a man like Mr Darcy would not refuse to grant his father’s dying wish without good reason. Besides, a man complaining about his misfortunes to a woman is nothing but pitiful to other men.”

“That is precisely what I meant. You all guessed the truth — only I was a fool,” Elizabeth concluded. “At least I have now done something good to remedy my wrong by informing Mr Darcy about the items at the pawnbroker’s.”

“If that watch was stolen, Mr Darcy could easily throw Wickham in prison, and he may even face the noose,” Mr Gardiner said. “But if he did steal it, could he have been such an arrogant fool as to pawn it?”

“Perhaps he lacks wit as well as honour,” Mrs Gardiner added.

“Or is in desperate need of funds,” Mr Gardiner suggested. “Either way, Mr Darcy looked shocked and then enraged. I do not envy Mr Wickham at their next meeting. Now I must leave you, ladies. I shall see you again later.”

After Mr Gardiner left, Mrs Gardiner attended to her children, and the sisters continued the conversation.

“Lizzy, I was wondering… When you saw Mr Darcy in Kent…did he happen to mention Mr Bingley? I only wish to know whether he is in good health.”

“I was about to speak of this. Mr Bingley has been out of town visiting a friend for more than a month. Mr Darcy said he expects him to return at the end of this week.”

“Oh… I see…”

“Jane, I know nothing of Mr Bingley’s intentions, but I have reason to believe he was not aware of your presence in town. Mr Darcy said he would inform him as soon as he sees him.”

“What do you mean, Lizzy?” Jane asked, pale and distracted. “I was in his house. I visited his sisters. They told me he knew of my visit but was busy with other engagements.”

“Yes, yes, I remember. They suggested he was busy with Miss Darcy, which I can tell you without a doubt was a cruel falsehood. If I tell Mr Darcy what sort of lies Miss Bingley is spreading about his sister, he might be just as angry with her as he is with Mr Wickham. That lady surely deserves such a confrontation!”

“Please do not say anything, Lizzy. Let them be. But are you sure? That Mr Bingley did not know, I mean?”

“That is what Mr Darcy told me. Mr Darcy might have many faults, but he is not a liar, I am certain. He had no reason to deceive me.”

“Dear Lizzy, I cannot believe it. All this time, I thought he knew I was in London but had no wish to see me again. Could it be true?”

“Dearest, it pains me to see your grief, and I do not want you to raise your hopes and witness your disappointment. We shall have our answer soon. Mr Darcy will tell his friend about your presence. What will happen next depends on Mr Bingley. Then you will know, beyond any doubt.”

“You are right, of course, Lizzy. I do not expect anything from him. But we were good friends, and I struggled to understand what I did that was so wrong as to prevent him from calling.”

“At least you know that he is not guilty of that. For the rest, we shall see. Now, come, let us find our aunt.”