Page 73 of Roses from Pemberley
“Perhaps it will teach her something,” said Richard.
But Mr. Gardiner only rolled his eyes and said, “It probably will not.”
Gardiner showed them into his study, closed the door and began to pour out some drinks.
“So tell me everything, Cousin,” said Darcy, after Gardiner had given each of them a glass of whiskey.
“You were right, Darcy,” said Richard. “He never meant to marry Lydia. But, with the proper inducement, he agreed to the marriage. She, in turn, refused to leave him, not even daunted by the fact that he was unwilling to marry her without monetary inducement. Honestly, I find it hard to believe that she is Elizabeth’s sister.” He looked at Gardiner and added, “My apologies, sir.”
“No, not at all,” said Gardiner. “But I believe we can account for the disparity in their characters by the fact that Jane and Elizabeth spent a good deal of time in London when they were growing up; and they were able to derive the benefit of my own wife’s sensible nature.”
“That explains it, then,” said Richard.
“But what did you agree to give him?” asked Darcy.
“A commission in the regulars and the settling of his debts.”
“That is all?”
Gardiner chuckled. “You see, Mr. Darcy, I impressed upon him that, despite Lydia's ruin, we might still find a better husband for her. And that he would probably not get a better offer than this. Furthermore, I threatened to have his past debts called in - with your permission of course - if he did not co-operate. He would then spend the rest of his life in debtor’s prison.”
“And, self-serving scoundrel that he is,” finished Richard, “he could not but agree.”
“It is finished, then,” said Darcy.
“More or less,” said Richard. “You only have to obtain an accounting of all of his recent debts and settle them, while I, in turn, obtain his commission.”
“It will probably be best,” said Darcy, “that they live as far away as possible.”
“But you cannot take everything upon yourself, Mr. Darcy,” said Gardiner. “Allow me to pay for his debts, at least. For although you are engaged to Elizabeth, you are not yet married to her. And Lydia is, after all, my niece.”
Darcy shook his head. “I apologise, Mr. Gardiner, but I cannot allow you to do that. Wickham has ever been my problem and the remedy must come from me. However, perhaps you might undertake the task of obtaining the license and having a small wedding breakfast in your home? And Miss Lydia’s trousseau, if you are able.”
“Of course,” said Gardiner, still looking chagrined. “Consider it done.”
“Shall you send an express to Miss Elizabeth,” asked Richard, “and inform her of our success?”
“Yes, I shall,” replied Darcy. “I know that she will be worried, and…I do not wish for her to suffer any longer than is necessary. The express will go tonight and I shall travel to Hertfordshire tomorrow.” Darcy stood up and added, “But we had better leave now as I wish to arrange for it as soon as possible.”
“Well then, Godspeed, Mr. Darcy,” said Mr. Gardiner, holding out his hand. “I shall see you at the wedding.”
CHAPTER 31 A Vigil
Elizabeth sat in the back parlour alone, keeping vigil over her father. Jane had been there for a while but Elizabeth begged her to go to bed, telling her that she would become ill if she did not.
“You can come and relieve me in the morning, Jane,” she said with a sad smile. “Truly…you do not have to stay. In fact, I would like to be alone with Papa for a time, if I may.”
“Very well, Lizzy. But call if you should need anything.”
The house was quiet now and Elizabeth had already cried for hours. She cried for Darcy because she missed him. She cried for her father, because of all his weaknesses as a parent, and how it must have galled him to confess them in his dying hour. She cried for her family because they were now in disgrace, for poor Mary and Kitty who were here alone when the tragic event took place, and would now have to suffer for a sister’s weakness for the rest of their lives.
“Lizzy?” called a soft voice behind her.
She turned around and saw her mother standing in the doorway, clad in her dressing gown and slippers.
Elizabeth stood up. “Mamma? I thought you had gone to sleep.”
“No, Lizzy, I could not sleep,” said Mrs. Bennet, coming forward and taking a seat beside her.
