Page 242 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“Through a gentleman he met in London. Sir Edmund frequently entertains large parties, and Wickham appears to have obtained an invitation through one of his guests. He remained at the house for nearly three weeks. During that time he became involved with Sir Edmund’s wife.”

Darcy’s eyes lifted from the page.

“Lady Harcourt is considerably younger than her husband. Sir Edmund discovered enough to know that Wickham had been pursuing her, although he was determined that the matter should never become public. There was also his eighteen-year-old daughter. Wickham pursued her at the same time, and there is little doubt that he compromised her.”

Darcy set the report on the desk. “And then the jewelry disappeared.”

“Yes, sir. Several pieces belonging to Lady Harcourt and her daughter were discovered missing after Wickham’s departure. Sir Edmund employed men to find him, but Wickham had already left the district. They followed him as far as London and lost him there.”

Darcy picked up the report again.

“Sir Edmund did not make the theft public,” Kendall continued. “The men he employed were instructed to be discreet, and the jewelry has never been recovered. We have not established its value, but the missing pieces were considerable.”

“How does Harcourt know Wickham stole the jewelry?”

“He caught him in his daughter’s bedchamber, ransacking her jewelry box. The girl was naked in her bed, crying and begging Wickham not to take the jewels. Wickham escaped through an open window with a bag containing several pieces. When Lady Harcourt examined her own jewelry box, she discovered that several valuable pieces were missing from it as well.”

Darcy’s expression hardened. “I see. That is damning evidence.”

Darcy read the final page. “Sir Edmund does not know Wickham is in prison.”

“Not yet. I thought you would want to decide how we proceeded before I approached him.”

Darcy closed the report.

Kendall placed another paper on the desk. “If Sir Edmund is willing to prosecute the theft, Wickham’s confinement for debt need not be the end of the matter. Sir Edmund would have to provide the evidence against him, but if it is sufficient, the matter can be put before a magistrate and carried to the assizes. A conviction for the theft could result in transportation.”

Darcy looked at Kendall. “How soon can you see Sir Edmund?”

“I can leave tomorrow morning.”

Darcy handed the report back to him. “Then tell him you have found George Wickham.”

* * *

Kendall arrived at Sir Edmund Harcourt’s estate two days later and was shown into the library.

Sir Edmund entered carrying Kendall’s card. He was a tall, heavyset man with gray at his temples.

“You asked to speak with me concerning George Wickham.”

“Yes, sir. I represent a gentleman who has also had considerable difficulty with him. I believe you employed men to find Wickham earlier this year.”

Harcourt’s expression changed. “Have you found him?”

“We have. He is presently confined in a debtors’ prison in London.”

Harcourt stared at him. “You are certain?”

“Quite certain.”

He crossed to the window before facing Kendall again. “My men searched for that blackguard for weeks.”

“My employer has been searching for him as well.”

“Who is your employer?”

“Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley.”