A Wife for Mr. Darcy

chatted about topics that Mr. Darcy would have found to be tedious: the weather, Meryton, the next assembly, the vicar and the important role the church played in the lives of its parishioners, and other such drawing-room topics. After those subjects were exhausted, Mr. Wickham mentioned Mr. Darcy.
    “I believe we have an acquaintance in common, Miss Bennet: Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley.”
    “Other than that he has an estate in Derbyshire and a house in town, I do not know very much about him. He is of a taciturn nature and says but little.”
    “I know Mr. Darcy very well, as I was brought up on the Darcy estate. My father was the steward at Pemberley, a truly wonderful man, as was the elder Mr. Darcy,” and as he said this, his tone softened to great effect. “I wish I could say the same for the son.”
    With Mr. Darcy’s warning echoing in her mind, she sat quietly, giving him no encouragement, but Mr. Wickham was determined to have his say.
    “You might ask why I do not hold the son in the same regard as the father.” Fearing that Lizzy might not ask, he continued, “It was my greatest desire to study for the church, and the elder Mr. Darcy, recognizing my calling, left me a bequest sufficient to purchase a living. However, his son gave the living to another.”
    “That is a truly shocking statement, Mr. Wickham,” Lizzy said in genuine amazement. “For Mr. Darcy to go against his father’s wishes, I assume you and the son had quarreled.”
    “I wish that were the case. Then I could understand his actions.” Mr. Wickham went quiet and a look of sadness came over him, and Lizzy had the impression she was watching a performance. “We were friends all through our childhood. Although it was true we did not see each other much while at Cambridge, when we were in each other’s company, I sensed no rancor.”
    “If you remained friends while you were at university together, how do you account for his subsequent actions?”
    “Many a night I have lain awake trying to come up with a reason, but with little success. Possibly because of his superior rank and being free of his father’s guidance and supervision, he became conceited and arrogant. There might also have been some jealousy involved as his father made no attempt to hide his affection for me. When Mr. Darcy died, his son sought to diminish my importance by denying me the living I so ardently desired.”
    “As I said, Mr. Wickham, I know little of the gentleman.”
    “From what I have heard in the time I have been in Meryton, Mr. Darcy made a very poor first impression.”
    “That is true,” Lizzy said, and her remark made Mr. Wickham smile. Wickham, who was used to women hanging on his every word, was unhappy with Lizzy’s reaction to his comments. Why was she not asking for more details about the injustices he had suffered? “However,” she added, “realizing he had slighted many, he made a real effort to begin anew.”
    “That is typical of Mr. Darcy. He offends and gives the appearance of amendment. But I can assure you it does not last, and his true nature eventually emerges.”
    “As to his true nature, at the moment he has succeeded in hiding it. He has been our guest at Longbourn on several occasions because his friend, Mr. Charles Bingley, is engaged to my sister Jane.”
    This information startled Wickham, and he quickly looked about the room to see if Mr. Bingley was present.
    “Mr. Bingley is not here, Mr. Wickham. He is at Longbourn visiting with my sister, and Mr. Darcy is in London with his sister. The two men are very close friends, and considering your description, I am surprised to find Mr. Darcy developed a friendship with someone not of his sphere. Do you know Mr. Bingley?”
    “I do not. But do not be surprised by his friendship with someone who is his social inferior, as he is most comfortable when surrounded by subordinates and sycophants.”
    “In light of all that you have told me, you will be happy to know that Mr. Darcy will be returning to London following a ball being hosted by Mr. Bingley at Netherfield. All of the officers have been invited. Will you be attending?”
    “No, Miss Bennet, I will not. My temperament is such that I do not seek confrontation. If Mr. Darcy was to see me in his friend’s home, it might put him in a foul mood, and that would ruin the evening for others.” And that was his final word, as he stood up, bowed, and moved on in search of a friendlier audience.
    When Lizzy