Page 146 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“They would have no idea who I was.”

Richard handed his cousin the handkerchief. “You have nineteen days at most to wait.”

“Thank you, Richard.”

Fitzwilliam took the delicate piece of muslin, folded it carefully, and slipped it into the inside pocket of his coat. “I intend to use every day to set matters right. I dismissed Mrs. Younge this afternoon, and I have sent for Kendall.”

He met his cousin’s eyes. “Never again, Richard.”

“What comes next, Darcy?”

“I shall have Kendall engage two investigators to find Wickham. I want to know where he is living, what debts he owes, where he has lived since leaving Cambridge, and whether he has left trouble behind him anywhere along the way.”

“I am certain they will discover something, Darcy. Wickham had a talent for finding trouble when he was not creating it himself.”

“Elizabeth said Wickham was attached to the Derbyshire militia when her family met him in May. I need your help with that. Do you know what obligations he assumes when he joins the regiment, or what would happen if he deserted afterward? I particularly want to know whether he would face a court-martial and what penalties could be imposed.”

“I can make discreet inquiries at the War Office tomorrow.”

“Thank you.”

Richard lifted his glass. “To nineteen days.”

“Nineteen days.” Their glasses touched.

* * *

The following morning, Mr. Kendall arrived at Darcy House shortly after nine.

Fitzwilliam received him in the study.

“I require two investigators, Kendall. Men who are discreet and accustomed to making inquiries without announcing their purpose.”

The solicitor set his satchel beside his chair. “May I ask what they are to investigate, sir?”

“George Wickham.”

Kendall knew the name. He had handled the settlement by which Wickham surrendered his claim to the Kympton living in exchange for three thousand pounds.

“I want him found. I want to know where he has been living, the names of his creditors, the extent of his debts, and where he has resided since leaving Cambridge.”

Kendall regarded him with interest. “You expect them to uncover something beyond unpaid accounts.”

“I expect them to follow wherever their inquiries lead.”

“Very well, sir.”

“If his debts are legitimate and can be purchased, I want that possibility brought to me before any action is taken.”

Kendall raised his brows. “You intend to buy more of Wickham’s debts?”

“I intend to know what options are available to me.”

The solicitor took a notebook from his satchel and began to write.

“There is another matter. Wickham may soon attach himself to the Derbyshire militia. Colonel Fitzwilliam is making inquiries at the War Office concerning the military consequences should Wickham desert after joining them. I want you to determine what civil remedies might remain available to his creditors while he is serving.”

“Yes, sir.”