Page 35 of Collins Takes Charge

“I am astonished at his intimacy with Mr. Bingley! How can Mr. Bingley, who seems good humour itself, and is, I really believe, truly amiable, have such a man as a good friend?” Elizabeth questioned. “How can they suit each other? Do you know Mr. Bingley?”

“Not at all.”

“He is a sweet-tempered, amiable, charming man. He cannot know what Mr. Darcy is.”

“Probably not, but Mr. Darcy can please where he chooses. He does not want for abilities. He can be a conversable companion if he thinks it worth his while. Among those who are at all his equals in consequence, he is a very different man from what he is to those below him socially. His pride never deserts him, but with the equally socially and rich, he is liberal-minded, just, sincere, rational, honourable, and perhaps agreeable—allowing something for fortune and figure.”

‘What twiddle-twaddle! Think Cousin Elizabeth! Use that incredible memory of yours and remember that Mr Bingley is from trade. Mr Wickham says whatever he needs to say so that he can weave his tale of woe for you. And you, cousin of mine, have blindly taken in every word.’ All William could do was to shake his head.

Seeing that the conversation was concluded, William slipped away. He watched as the disingenuous man bowed over and kissed Cousin Elizabeth’s hand. Mr Wickham collected his friends, and after thanking their host and hostess, they took their leave.

Once all the other guests had departed, Fanny called for the carriage. While they waited, Lydia turned to her second eldest sister. “Why did you not allow Mr Wickham to play cards? Rather, you kept him to yourself!” Lydia demanded peevishly as she stamped a slippered foot. “I saw him first! Leave him alone.”

“He was free to go where he wanted. He was in the company he preferred. You are a child!” Elizabeth shot back.

“Enough! My nerves will not stand for fighting,” Fanny screeched.

Before any more could be said, the Longbourn footman came to inform the mistress that the carriage was ready. They were soon on their way back to Longbourn with Cousin Collins seated on the box.

Chapter 14

Sir William did not procrastinate the next morning. He rode his gelding into Meryton. His first stop was at the general mercantile, one of the two concerns he had owned in Meryton prior to his knighthood.

The owner was very much shaken by what Sir William had to say and said that there were a few officers to whom he had granted credit, but the most so far was two pounds owed by Lieutenant Wickham. The merchant’s eyes got large when Sir William pointed out that the officer had only been in the town for a few short days. The merchant swore he would close all credit accounts for individual officers and demand payment forthwith.

When Sir William shared what he had been told regarding younger ladies, that too hit home, as the man had daughters of thirteen and fifteen. He resolved to speak to them, his sons, and his wife as soon as may be.

The scene was repeated at every shop in Meryton as well as at the Red Lion Inn. A small number of officers had accounts at two or three merchants, but only one, Lieutenant Wickham, had credit at practically every store in Meryton. The total he owed was already close to twenty pounds, and that was after only two or three days!

Each person Sir William spoke to swore they would protect their daughters and make sure that the information about what some officers had been known to do to gain the virtue of unsuspecting maidens would be disseminated far and wide.

What he had discovered perturbed Sir William so much that he decided there was a need to confront Colonel Forster. He made for the man’s office.

“How may I assist you, Sir William?” Colonel Forster said as he extended his hand to the knight after his adjutant, Captain Carter, showed him in, leaving the door open.

“It is more like how I am able to stop you and your regiment from being told to move on from Meryton.” Ignoring the outraged look on the Colonel’s face, Sir William continued. “What would you say if I told you that one of your officers has credit accounts with practically every merchant in the town, and since he has been here only a few days, already owes twenty pounds, or close to it?”

“Who would that be?” Forster demanded.

“Lieutenant Wickham. Before you ask, I verified the existence of the debts myself. I am unsure if you are aware, but I used to be a tradesman, and I, more than most, understand what unpaid debts can do to a business.”

“Wickham warned me about this. He said that to blacken his name, Mr Darcy did the same before, that he had opened accounts in his name…” Forster stopped when Sir William guffawed.

“So a man with ten thousand per annum and likely more, needs to open accounts in a penniless officer’s name? Colonel Forster, that does not sound likely to me. Besides, all you need to do is join me and come see the merchants for yourself. They will be able to tell you to whom they gave credit.”

Suddenly, Forster felt less sure of himself.

“Also, the merchants demand all accounts be paid in full immediately, and no further credit will be extended. If you, in the name of the militia, need to purchase on credit, that will be allowed, but payment will be expected within ten days.” Sir William sat back and waited.

“What made you check what my officers owed? Was that because of Mr Darcy?” Forster guessed.

“On my word as a gentleman, it was not Mr Darcy. I spoke to one who related what had occurred in the town he lived in when he was a lad. On that basis, I went to see the shop owners. Colonel, this is after two or three days! If unchecked, what would he owe by the time your regiment moves on in March of the coming year? From what I remember, lieutenants are paid about five pounds per month; is that not so?”

Forster allowed that was so.

“Unless this Wickham fellow has another source of income, how will he pay what he owes now, never mind what it would be if he were allowed to continue in this vein?” Sir William paused. “Before we go to verify who opened the accounts and made the purchases, you must be aware that if the debts are not settled right away, your regiment’s welcome in Meryton will be revoked.”

The Colonel accompanied Sir William to several stores. At each one he received the same answer. As much as Forster was praying that it would not be his lieutenant who was identified as opening and making purchases on the accounts, it was a vain hope. He pledged regimental funds to pay anything any of his officers were unable to pay of their current obligations. He would deduct what was owed from their wages.