Wickham's Wife Read online

  The second rule she hardly ever broke; she was renowned for her stringent policy regarding credit. She did not give it and, if one did not wish to be embarrassed, one did not ask for it. Prompt payment for goods received was her maxim and for the most part everyone respected her for it - except for those very few amusing clients, and George Wickham.

  He did not adhere to the rule: indeed, he seemed entirely unaware of it, and she had not yet forced it upon his attention. Almost from his first visit he had ordered many drinks every night but never actually paid for any of them. At first she had been taken in by his manner; a young gentleman such as he purported himself to be should not be importuned about something as insignificant as payment for drinks: the payment would be forthcoming, without a doubt.

  But, she had noticed recently, his winning ways appeared to be running out; his brilliance was becoming dimmed, and a look of an almost furtive nature had begun to occupy his once-open features. His credit behind the bar had expanded far beyond that of any of the other few favoured clients, and as she observed him more closely, she began to notice more regularly his practised ease of evasiveness with the other gamblers and his intense discussions or heated arguments with known creditors. She became more and more concerned regarding his apparent difficulties as the nights progressed, and wished to know more of the gentleman and understand his true situation; she was certainly of the opinion that perhaps her laxity regarding his outstanding credit needed amending, and soon.

  At the end of one particular evening, she called Mr. Wickham over to the bar as he prepared to leave; he had been having rather an unpleasant altercation with a Mr. Smith and she wished, firstly, to alleviate Mr. Wickham's embarrassment as the confrontation had occurred in front of his associates, and secondly, to bring his attention to the matter of his outstanding debt to her establishment. Using all of her persuasive charms to diffuse what she knew from experience could turn into an unpleasant conversation, she proceeded thus:

  "Mr. Wickham, sir! If I may take a moment of your time? I would be most obliged if you would share a drink with me this evening before you go - it is growing rather late and the games are all finishing. I find that of all my customers, I seem to know very little about you, sir. I have been most remiss in my duties as hostess to your good self these past months.

  “Pray tell me, what brings you to Cambridge? You are not from these parts, I believe?"

  Wickham smiled privately at the extraordinary attention; he had spoken to the lady only in passing, but her good looks and fine figure had certainly not gone unnoticed. He had felt certain that his nonchalant manner had allayed any fears she may have held regarding his ability to pay, but now he guessed correctly to what her questions were leading. Unfortunately, it had been another dismal night of cards and the very last matter he needed to try his patience was that of his outstanding debt behind the bar.

  However, nothing would be accomplished by aggravating the woman, and he believed, with his usual optimism, that much could be gained by applying his time-honoured system of flattery and inducing her feminine sympathy, such as would be forthcoming after his explanation of his past, including his mistreatment at the hands of the Darcy family. Those tales of woe had been enhanced and polished into the brightness of truth, and they had paid dividends many times before this; he had every intention of continuing their use frequently in the future.

  "Madam! What an enjoyable evening it has been again in your delightful establishment. It is almost a second home to me now; a home away from home, one might say. May I congratulate you on the friendly ambience you have created. I thank you, but no, no more drink for me this evening; I need to clear my head for several business meetings that I have tomorrow, and it is almost midnight already.

  “Indeed, as you so rightly deduced, I am not from these parts, madam. My family comes from the great estate of Pemberley in Derbyshire - are you familiar with the name, I wonder?"

  She admitted to having absolutely no knowledge of the estate in question, an answer which suited Wickham perfectly, enabling him to expound, as always, about his childhood (greatly exaggerated as to his actual intimacy with the Darcy family); his shocking lack of funds (blamed entirely upon said family and their inexcusable behaviour towards him); and his desire to make his own way in the world and make something of himself - perhaps even as a clergyman (if the said Darcy family could be convinced to stand by their duty and award him the living he had been promised).

  By the end of his short but most convincing biography, she was all the more enraptured than she ever had been while watching him from afar; she was shocked at his childhood acquaintance and their behaviour - to leave him in such dire straits without any future before him other than that which he could arrange for himself indicated a certain lack of nobility in a family which should pride themselves on their nobility.

  Her feminine feelings, as he had hoped, were certainly aroused in his defence; she longed to be able to relieve him of his present distress and her quick mind was beginning to see how it could be brought about to both of their advantage. He clearly had no money, so she was not about to embarrass him on the matter of his bar account; he clearly had no friends upon whom he could rely, other than those he spent the evenings gambling with, and although she certainly was not about to suggest anything improper to alleviate his discomfort and friendless state, she longed, more than anything, to assure him of there being at least one interested person upon whom he could depend.

  She carefully replaced the last glass on the shelf behind her and smiled at him.

  "But surely, sir, if your childhood friends knew about your current situation, they would not refuse to help you? Especially when Mr. Darcy has taken so much trouble with your education upon his father's wishes; he cannot wish you languish in such a state without being informed of it. He must want to help you in your endeavours; you mention that you wish to enter the church after your time at university, but I wonder if that is what you would wish to spend your life doing? How would you like making sermons, and tending the poor and the needy? It seems rather an unusual profession for a young man who has spent the last few months in my establishment!

  “But perhaps you attend here in order to further your understanding of the temptations of the flesh? If so, sir, you have conducted yourself commendably and done your research most thoroughly, indeed."

  Wickham laughed, his first of the evening, and, leaning closer, admitted in a whisper that he really did not think he would fit entirely into the expected behaviour of a parson however much he tried for the sake of old Mr. Darcy or even for his own future security!

  Moving away again, he continued, smiling, "For I cannot bring enough study and attention to bear upon the subject, although I have tried, but I fear I do not have the sympathies necessary in a clergyman. I would have been a grave disappointment to my benefactor and I thank God that he is no longer here to understand the grievous extent to which I have failed in my attempt to please him. I would have done anything that was in my power to make the old gentleman happy and proud of me, but now that I answer to his son, I find myself rejecting all feelings of gratitude that I once felt for his father, and can only feel anger at my former friend - whose life is so happily planned and convenient - who continues to expect that gratitude to be expressed to him. I would rather leave everything behind and make a new life for myself than be indebted to him."

  "He cannot force you to enter a profession to which you are not entirely fitted, surely?" she enquired, eager to continue the conversation as long as possible. "Perhaps you should express an interest in another, quite different profession; one more suited to your talents, and present that as an alternative to Mr. Darcy. If you should seem sincere, he cannot but help you on your path to independence."

  Wickham pretended to consider her advice and agreed that it might have some merit, while privately thinking to himself that such a plan did nothing to alleviate his present pressing predicament; leaving town immediately to avoid the real threats expl
ained to him that evening by Mr. Smith was his only real option. But this was not a subject he could bring up with the lady in front of him, especially as it might cause her to remember his considerable credit he held with her. He smiled carelessly and took her hand, bowing low and kissing it gallantly.

  "You are absolutely correct, madam, in your notion, and I shall give some serious consideration to doing just what you suggest once I return from my business appointments tomorrow. I shall endeavour to formulate an interest in a profession that will provide ample income yet allow me to continue with the pursuits that give me pleasure, such as the pleasure I have enjoyed regularly within your establishment, madam. I hope to return to you one day as a successful man, full of experience and knowledge; and, even better, gainfully employed and using my talents wisely! I wish you a good night, madam. I hope we shall meet again very soon."

  Mrs. Younge smiled quietly at his bravado and held his hand in hers, detaining him a little longer. She felt a deep desire to make him stay within her influence; she wanted to see him every day; she dearly wanted to be the entire focus of his attention. She had never felt this way about another person before, but felt it most strongly now. She tightened her grip as Wickham tried to withdraw his hand.

  "I also hope that we shall meet again very soon, but there is still the little matter of clearing your account here, Mr. Wickham. It is quite substantial, as I am sure you are aware, and really must be satisfied before you leave on your business. I am sure you would not wish such a matter to be left unresolved, sir."

  Wickham withdrew his hand and swore inwardly to himself, all the while smiling engagingly back at the lady. Again, his charm had failed to work! Twice in one evening! He could not believe his ill-luck; he had thought he had her with his tales of woe and his seeming acquiescence to her suggested course of action.

  " Forgive me, madam, but, due to my losses this evening I am, I am afraid, currently without sufficient funds to repay any debt. I am also unable to withdraw any monies from my account at this present time, of course, due to the lateness of the hour, but I would be perfectly content to leave you with a promissory note which you can present to my banker in the morning; it will be honoured in full, I assure you. I must, though, take my leave as, as I have already mentioned, I have pressing business to attend to - ah, today! - and have yet to take some much-needed rest. I wish you a good evening, madam."

  "Mr. Wickham! Sir! Let us not allow a small matter such as money interrupt our friendliness! I am perfectly aware of the possible state of your finances judging by what is owed to me and after observing your rather heated discussion with Mr. Smith this evening. I confess, I had an idea in mind before I asked you to join me in a nightcap and I would that you might hear it, if you would be so kind as to indulge me a little. It will be to your favour as well as mine, I assure you. I believe it is possible for us to enter into an arrangement whereby you would be free from debt as soon as the banks open in the morning, and we could get to know each other better than we do now, as business partners, and friends, perhaps."

  Wickham frowned slightly but, more than a little intrigued in any relief from his pressing monetary problems, he re-seated himself and smiled encouragingly at this woman who, despite his initial attempt at disinterest, was becoming more and more interesting to him with every minute.

  "And how, pray," he asked, smiling, "do you propose rescuing me from my current situation? Which, by the way, is far more serious than anything you can possibly have imagined, madam. It is not only debts to your establishment and clients that are falling due, but there are other, more egregious ones that will need more than money to erase. But, please, continue with your idea - I am more than happy to hear you out. I can certainly afford a little time before I really must leave."

  She smiled and placed her hand on Wickham's arm. "You have been good enough to explain your past to me, sir, and have awoken my feelings of sympathy for your situation, now I shall return some of the favour, although sharing my past experiences is not something which I generally do.

  "I am now quite alone in the world - the remains of my family live in the area but I have little to do with them other than visits once or twice a year. My businesses keep me occupied every day and leisure time is difficult to find. My husband, Mr. Younge, was a great deal older than me; he died several years ago due to ill-health, but he was a good man and left me well-provided for if I continue to maintain his businesses in the manner he taught me. I have found over the years that being in charge of my own future and fortune is most satisfying, and I am very grateful for my husband's thoughtfulness and kindness, and for his encouragement. He was a sensible and thrifty man, Mr. Wickham, but he knew how to benefit from those who were not so inclined themselves. He built up this business based on others' desire for entertainment and their lack of will-power regarding money.

  "However, due to there being only one of me where there used to be two of us when he was alive, I find that maintaining every aspect of my businesses by myself is proving to be impossible; I have hired managers for several of my properties but, unfortunately, very few are indisputably honest and I cannot rely upon them entirely. Successful and trustworthy managers are hard to find and the lack of them is a serious issue, I assure you, Mr. Wickham."

  Wickham moved uncomfortably in his chair. Becoming an employee of this Mrs. Younge, becoming her manager, was not what he had in mind at all.

  "In essence, sir, I am in a position to help you out of whatever predicament you now find yourself in; I can certainly pay off any of your current debts and clear the one owed to my own establishment. As to the other debts you mentioned, those will have to be disposed of by your own efforts."

  Wickham's hopes rose as she finished speaking - his debts all to be written off in one fell swoop! Perhaps he could tolerate being her manager after all. But he hesitated, still unclear as to what her underlying motives and intentions could be, to make such an offer.

  "My dear Mrs. Younge. You show great trust and favour to one such as myself; one whom you do not know at all. How could you possibly wish to lend me more money on top of that which I already owe you? It does not make sense for you to do so - your late husband would not approve, of that I am certain. You already know the kind of man I am, and I cannot be expected to change; all you may be doing is squandering good money, I assure you.

  "I thank you for your kind offer but it is impossible for me to accept it; it would be an entirely dishonourable thing to do."

  Mrs. Younge smiled calmly at him, his gallant answer hoped for rather than expected, and knew that because of it he had merely endeared himself to her even more.

  "Mr. Wickham," she asked quietly, "you are in a terrible situation, are not you?"

  He nodded his agreement, bewildered again at the direction the conversation was taking.

  "As I have said, I am in a position to relieve you from that situation immediately; I do so willingly and without any expectation of repayment for some time, or at least not until you have approached Mr. Darcy with my previously stated plan of action. It makes sense for both of us: you gain time to improve your situation and character, to make something of yourself before perhaps removing yourself to another county where your past is unknown; and for me? Why, I, once again, will have the assistance and support of a gentleman who will have my best interests at heart.

  "Now, why do not you return to your lodgings for what is left of the night and we will discuss the details more thoroughly in the morning? I am sure that once you have thought about my offer, you will find it to be the only sensible solution for you, just as it certainly will be for me."

  Chapter 3

  Wickham returned to his rooms in a most perplexed state of mind; the opportunity to reverse his situation could scarce be believed and he fully expected it to vanish with the soon-arriving morning light. He cast his eyes about the room where, only hours before, he had been preparing for his escape if all had not gone well at the tables that evening. Evidence of his intended has
ty removal was everywhere: clothing that would not fit into the one trunk he hoped to have sent on to him was discarded on the floor and chairs; drawers half-open; the bed tumbled just as he had left it after the previous night's tortured tossing and turning while pondering his options. The letter he had written as explanation and apology to his unpaid landlady was as he had left it, awaiting his final seal, and he re-read his words with a rising sense of his own disgraceful behaviour. Here was another lady to whom he owed money and all he had to recommend him were his charming but empty words written in an elegant hand on expensive notepaper.

  He crumpled the missive into a small ball and threw it against the trunk which was all strapped and ready awaiting its removal. He considered his other, even more disgraceful behaviour that would, he knew, make it almost impossible for him to remain for much longer in Cambridge without some kind of ally who would vouch for him. His conduct with some of the young ladies of the town had certainly been most enjoyable but not entirely honourable, and he knew it. A few promises here, a few endearments there was all it had taken. In the beginning, he had been astonished at the effect he had upon even the most respectable ladies, not to mention the young and inexperienced ones, but he did not question his good fortune or apparent ability for too long. He should not have taken advantage of this innate talent of his to charm and flatter, but it was hard to resist when so much desire was expressed in a look or a touch of hands amongst the excitement of the games.

  Wickham loved women, and he loved gambling. These two loves were his weakness and failing and, as he surveyed the room in the early-morning darkness, he though ruefully just how his weaknesses had failed him to date. His life was a shambles because of them, although, he admitted to himself, he had enjoyed every minute of turning his life into a shambles; he had no money - in fact he had less than no money - and he had made promises to several women which he had never any intention of keeping. And now he had charmed another lady, without even trying, who wished to restore him to a state of honour merely in exchange for his company and assistance with her businesses! How could he be blamed for this most recent conquest? He had not instigated nor encouraged it.