Page 188 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“My father gave Wickham advantages he might never otherwise have enjoyed,” Darcy said. “His education allows him to move easily among gentlemen, and his manners encourage a confidence his character does not deserve. I cannot hold myself answerable for what Wickham has chosen to become, but I have known his character for many years. If that knowledge can prevent him from injuring more families, I would consider it wrong to withhold it.”

Mr. Bennet faced him again. “You believe he meant to seduce Lydia.”

“I cannot know precisely what he intended that morning. I do know that a man of nine and twenty arranged a secret meeting in an isolated place with a girl of fifteen and instructed her to conceal it from her family. Whatever his intentions, they were not honorable.”

“No. They were not.”

“He has left other young girls ruined and some with child, sir.”

Mr. Bennet was quiet for a moment before saying, “When do you propose that we speak with Colonel Forster?”

“Whenever you are ready, sir. This is your daughter and your decision. I offer only my knowledge of Wickham and whatever assistance you believe useful.”

“Then I accept it. I shall send a note to Colonel Forster this afternoon and ask when he can receive us.”

“I stand ready, sir.”

Chapter 50: Cause for Complaint

Colonel Forster was waiting when Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy were shown into his office.

He greeted both gentlemen and indicated the chairs before his desk. Once they were seated, he looked from one to the other.

“How may I be of service, gentlemen? Has one of my officers given you cause for complaint?”

Thomas Bennet said, “Before I lay all before you, Colonel, I must ask for your complete discretion. My daughter is but fifteen, and I will not have her name made the subject of gossip.”

“You have my word, Mr. Bennet.”

“Thank you. Several days ago, my daughter left Longbourn without permission to meet Lieutenant Wickham on Oakham Mount. He had arranged the meeting with her beforehand and instructed her to tell no one where she was going.”

Forster's expression changed.

“My elder daughters discovered that Lydia had left the house without permission. They followed her, and reached the mount just after my youngest arrived. They found Wickham waiting there.”

“Did Lieutenant Wickham explain why he had arranged a secret meeting with your daughter?”

“He claimed that he wished only to speak with her and that there was no harm in it. My daughter Elizabeth disagreed and ordered him from my property.”

Forster sat back in his chair. “And Miss Lydia? Was she harmed, sir?”

“She was brought home before she was able to speak with him. She admitted that Wickham had asked her to meet him and that she had concealed the arrangement from her family.”

“I see.”

Mr. Bennet's voice remained quiet. “I do not know what Wickham intended, Colonel, and I will not accuse a man of something I cannot prove. I do know that a gentleman of nine and twenty arranged to meet my fifteen-year-old daughter alone in an isolated place and persuaded her to deceive her family in order to do it. I consider that sufficient cause for concern.”

“So do I, Mr. Bennet.”

Forster looked toward Darcy. “And your interest in the matter, Mr. Darcy?”

“Miss Elizabeth mentioned the incident during a walk yesterday. Since I have known Wickham and his history for many years, I offered my assistance to Mr. Bennet. Wickham and I were raised together, Colonel. His father served mine for many years, and Wickham was my father's godson. We were also at Cambridge at the same time. I have therefore known him nearly all my life.”

“Then you know him considerably better than I do.”

“I believe I do.”

“Do you think Mr. Bennet has reason to fear his intentions toward his daughter?”