Wickham's Diary

21st January 1799

I mastered my anger and wrote again to Darcy asking him to reconsider and reminding him again that it was his father's wish I should be provided for—reminding him. too. of the happy times we shared as boys. I only hope I said enough to make him change his mind.

23rd January 1799

Another refusal from Darcy. Damn him!

27th January 1799

I have written now three times to Darcy and each time he sends the same reply: that I must not expect anything further from him. that he has helped me all he intends to help me. and that I must now face up to the consequences of my actions and mend my ways before it is too late.

To hear him preaching to me made my blood boil. I was about to write to him again, angrily, for what did I have to lose, when something happened which distracted me. There was, visiting the prison, a woman who had come to bail out her sister. She cast an approving eye over me and I smiled in return. She spoke to me, I bowed to her, and the upshot is that she paid my bills and I am now living with her in her house.

'Why should I not have a pretty face to look at?' she asked, as she introduced me comfortably to her friends. 'I was a good wife to my dear David, God bless him, and now that he's gone I want a bit of fun.'

It is a strange turn of events, and not one I wish to last, but for now, she is undemanding, generous, and appreciative, and it will do.

5th February 1799

I have grown tired of living off Mrs Dawson and her friends and I must think of another way to live. If one last appeal to Darcy does no good then I must find an heiress. And, fortunately, I know where one is to be found, for Anne de Bourgh is in Kent, and so to Kent I am bound.

27th February 1799

I arrived at the inn shortly after midday and took a room, then set about making discreet enquiries. I hoped to learn at what time Anne went out for her rides, so that I could happen to meet her and renew our friendship, but instead I learnt that the family were not at home.

I quickly conquered my disappointment and decided to look over the estate. I wanted to cheer myself by imagining my future as its lord and master. All problems of courting her under her mother's nose I chose, for the moment, to put aside.

I therefore set out, on horseback, and I was soon at the entrance to the park. It was magnificent. As I rode up the drive I could easily see myself as master of such an abode. The grounds would be ideal for house parties, for there would be plenty to do. Boating on the lake, fishing in the river, playing cricket on the lawn... and there was ample scope for children, too, with large trees to climb and all manner of outbuildings to hide in.

Indeed, by the time I had arrived at the door I already felt myself so much master of the house that I had no hesitation in going inside, where the housekeeper welcomed me warmly and said that she would be glad to show me round, for the family were in Bath on account of Miss Anne's health.

'It is a very fine house, Sir, the finest in Kent.'

'Is that so?'

'Oh, yes. Sir, the very finest, everyone knows it for such hereabouts. The de Bourghs have lived here for five hundred years, the name passing down through sons and daughters, for there is no entailment on the estate and so no difficulty about a female inheriting. The only stipulation is that the husband of any heiress of Rosings should take the family name.'

'Indeed?' I said, whilst thinking expansively. I shall be George de Bourgh.

'Oh, yes, indeed, sir, the family do not want the name to die out, you see.'

She stopped in front of the portraits hanging in the hall.

'That picture is of the present owner. Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The picture was to commemorate her wedding day.'

I looked at the picture of Lady Catherine, looking young and noble, and beside her Sir Lewis, a handsome young man with blue eyes and an amiable expression.

'And next to them is a portrait of their daughter, Miss Anne.'

I looked at the portrait and I was reminded of Anne as she was before her father's death, for although her pose was formal, there was laughter round her mouth and in her eyes.

If I could bring that Anne back I would have an amusing as well as a wealthy wife, and why should I not? As Mama was always so fond of saying, I could charm the birds from the trees.

We went into the drawing-room, and I admired its dimensions, which were truly impressive, and looked out onto the park. The view was discussed, and then we went over the rest of the house, or at least, all that was on display to visitors. 'Well, sir, what do you think of it, is it not the finest house you have seen?'

'It is excellent,' I said. 'I should not mind living here myself

She laughed, and I thought, We will laugh together when I return here as the master. It is a story she will tell to my children and grandchildren. When your father first came here, I showed him around the house and he said he should not mind living here himself His words proved to be prophetic, for he married Miss Anne and now he is living here.

When I had seen all there was to be seen I left the house, well pleased with my visit. I was so eager to have the place for my own that I decided not to wait for Anne to return; I decided to follow her to Bath.

1st March 1799

I have put my time in Bath to good use and I have discovered that Lady Catherine is staying in Laura Place. Miss Anne takes the waters at ten o'clock each morning and I mean to see here there tomorrow.

2nd March 1799

I was at the Pump Room by a quarter to ten and I contented myself with strolling round until I saw Anne enter the room out of the corner of my eye. To my delight she was not with her mother but was instead with her companion. I walked over to the Pump, timing myself so that I arrived there with Anne.

'Why, if it isn't Miss Anne!' I said in feigned surprise.

'Mr Wickham,' she said, with real surprise.

'What a strange chance meeting you here. What brings you to Bath?'

'I am here to drink the waters. My health is not good, alas.'

'I am here for the same purpose. I have had one or two trifling ailments recently and my physician felt it would set me up to come to Bath for a few weeks.'

We both took our glasses of the water and I was forced to drink the noxious stuff. I tried not to grimace, and Anne did the same, and we laughed together.

'It is horrible, is it not?' I said.

'It is,' she agreed.

'Look, over there, there is a chair, Miss Anne,' said her companion, trying to get her away from me.

But I was not to be so easily shaken.

'Let me escort you,' I said.

I gave her my arm and led her to the chair. Her companion glowered at me but I ignored her sour looks and said, 'I was very sorry to hear about Mr Darcy—old Mr Darcy, that is. It was a sad loss when he passed away.'

'Oh yes, it was,' she said.

'He was always a great friend to me,' I said respectfully. 'I believe he loved me almost as another son, and in return I loved him almost as another father. He had high hopes for me, and it has been the purpose of my life to make sure that I realise his dreams. He gave me the benefit of a gentleman's education and a gentleman's life at Pemberley, and I will always be thankful to him for his generosity in both deed and spirit.'

She smiled and said he had always been very kind to her, and the companion looked somewhat mollified at the idea that I was a gentleman and an intimate at Pemberley.

We were just beginning to get along very well when Lady Catherine arrived, throwing a gloom over the whole party. Anne's expression, which had started to become more animated, closed entirely, and the companion seemed ill at ease.

Lady Catherine looked at me pointedly.

'Your face is familiar,' she said.

'George Wickham,' I said, bowing. 'I had the pleasure of meeting you at Pemberley.'

'Ah, yes, I remember now,' she said, and I felt myself begin to relax. But then she said dismissively, 'The steward's son.' Then, turning away from me she said, 'Come, Anne, finish your drink; we are due at Lady Eleanor's in half an hour.'

Anne finished the noxious liquid and then, without so much as a glance at me, followed her mother from the room.

I do not intend to be so easily dismissed, however. I am sure that Anne is willing to know me, even if her mother is not. I discovered from other visitors that Miss de Bourgh frequents the library on a Thursday afternoon, and so, on Thursday, to the library I shall go.

5th March 1799

I was at the library in good time and. once again, I feigned surprise on seeing Anne. But this time there was no complaisance on the part of her companion.

'Mr Wickham, we will bid you good day.' she said. 'Miss de Bourgh. you know your Mama said we were not to be above ten minutes. We must change your books and then be on our way.'

I tried to start a conversation but it was no good. Anne was anxious, her companion watchful, and I had to withdraw with good grace.

I will bide my time, however. In a few years time Lady Catherine might have passed away, and then I can renew my assault.

3rd July 1799

Whilst walking through the park today, who should I see but Belle! She was as delighted to see me as I was to see her and we went to an inn together. The day was so hot that we both ordered an ice.

'And have you married your merchant?' I asked her as we began to eat. 'You were going to find some rich husband and settle down the last time we met.'

'No, I changed my mind. I couldn't find anyone to suit me and in the end I decided that, anyway, it would not do. I am not cut out to be a wife. I have taken a salaried position instead.'

'Ah, so you are some man's mistress then. He is very lucky. I only wish I had more money, my dear, and I would snap you up myself.'

She laughed at me.

'Pockets to let as usual, George?'

'You know me too well,' I said, turning them out so that she could see how empty they were.

She raised her eyebrows and went back to her ice, but after a minute or two she said seriously, 'We're both getting older, George, even you are not as young as you were. You ought to be thinking of settling down. Marriage is easier for a man, not as restraining. With your silver tongue you ought to be looking for an heiress to marry.'

'I have been thinking in just the same way.'

She turned and looked at me appraisingly.

'What is it?' I asked.

'Only this. That I am engaged to be a companion—'

'A companion! I had no idea your salaried position would be so respectable,' I said. 'You will never keep it, Belle. You will not be able to hold your tongue when some old harridan starts telling you what to do.'

'I'm not engaged to be a companion to an old harridan, but to a young girl—'

'A young girl!' I exclaimed. 'You, Belle! Why, who would employ a woman like you to be a companion to a young girl—begging your pardon, but you know what I mean.'

'Don't worry, George, I know exactly what you mean. But you see my employer doesn't know about my history, and who is going to tell him? You?'

'No, of course not, but how did you come by such a post in the first place?' I asked curiously, for I could not imagine any way in which it could happen.

She took another spoonful of ice and let it melt slowly on her tongue, then said, 'I met an old school friend by chance in the circulating library. I went to an elegant seminary, you know, one of the best, a very respectable establishment it was, and frequented by some very good families. My family were respectable, God bless them, when they were alive. But when my parents died, shortly after I left the seminary, I had to fend for myself and—well, you know the rest. Well, I met this friend again, Amelia Campbell, and we exclaimed over the chance and then caught up on all the news, only my version of my history was, as you may well guess, a slightly altered one.'

'Did she not suspect anything? Had she not heard anything of you in the meantime?'

'No, not she. She had married a man in the diplomatic corps and so had spent many years abroad, and she and her husband had only just returned to this country.

So she had heard nothing of my years in the demimonde. She saw what she expected to see: an old school friend, somewhat shabbily dressed but as respectable as ever. I quickly saw she could be of use to me. and so I spun her a tale about how I had married a wonderful man, how happy we had been until his tragic death in a carriage accident, my brave struggle to manage since his death, and my poor but respectable life. She. bless her, was full of sympathy and said she knew of an excellent position that might suit me. and before the week was out I was employed. So tomorrow I am to take up my new appointment and in a few weeks we are to go to Ramsgate, where my young lady is to spend the summer; her brother thinks it is too hot for her in London and he wants her to have the benefit of sea air.'

'And you have a plan in mind?' I asked her.

'Yes, I have. George. This young woman is an heiress.'

I saw where her thoughts were tending and I began to take more interest in her story.

'An heiress, under your influence.' I said thoughtfully. 'And she is to spend the summer at a seaside resort, where she will not be watched very closely. She will be away from her family?'

'She will. She will be there alone with me. She is an orphan.' she said by way of explanation.

'Better and better. If she is all alone in the world—'

'No, not that. She has a brother, a careful guardian, but he will not be going with her to the seaside. He will, for the most part, remain in London. He has property in the country as well, and he spends his time between the two places, managing his affairs.'

'Then whilst he is busy we will snatch his gem, if she is worth it. How large is her fortune?' I asked.

Belle gave a wide smile.

'Thirty thousand pounds.'

I sat up at that.

'Thirty thousand pounds?' I asked, my head already whirling.

'Aye, thirty thousand pounds. That's made you sit up straight. She's a prize worth winning, eh?'

'She is indeed.' I said.

Thirty thousand pounds! What could I not do with such a sum! I need never be poor again.

'I would want my share,' said Belle.

'Of course. You can have a thousand pounds—'

'Now, George, don't be mean, I would rather have two.'

'I will be the one running all the risks,' I reminded her.

'What risks?' she said in derision. 'There aren't any risks.'

I pushed the ice away from me and leant forward.

'Yes there are,' I said. 'If her brother finds out what I'm doing and calls me out, then it will be me looking down the wrong end of a pistol, not you, and if he is a good shot then it will be me taking the bullet.'

'He will have to catch you first.' She laughed and finished off her ice with one last lick of the spoon. 'And how will he find out? By the time he learns that anything is amiss you will be halfway to Scotland.'

'Scotland?' The word brought me up short. 'She is under age then?'

'Yes. She is fifteen.'

'That is very young,' I said with a frown.

'In England, yes, though in Scotland it is thought plenty old enough to be married and no parents' or guardian's consent needed, just two people who say they want to be wed. Then it's a quick ceremony over the anvil and you're legally man and wife—or perhaps I should say man and fortune!' she added, laughing.

I joined in her laughter.

'Man and fortune. I like that,' I said. Then I became serious. 'Now, how is the thing to be done?'

She thought.

'You must meet us casually,' she said at last. 'A chance meeting, in the circulating library...'

'No, not the library; there will be too many people there and too many curious glances. We should meet somewhere less crowded, whilst walking by the sea perhaps, somewhere well away from the main promenade, so that there will be very few people there. Then I can scrape an acquaintance—perhaps we have friends in common, or anyway I can at least pretend we have. What is her name?'

'Darcy,' she said.

I stared at her.

'Darcy?' I asked in astonishment.

'Yes. Why, do you know her?' she asked.

'Not Georgiana Darcy?' I said.

'Yes. Why?' she asked curiously. 'Do you know her?'

I began to smile and then I fell back laughing. I could not believe it! It was too good a joke.

'Know her? Yes, I know her! I practically grew up with her! I lived on the same estate and I was an intimate of her family. I was her brother's friend and her father's favourite. But this is capital. Georgiana Darcy! It will be child's play to win her confidence and then elope with her.'

'If you're a friend of her brother, then why...?'

'I was a friend of her brother,' I said. 'But that was a long time ago. I am no longer a friend of Darcy's; he's treated me too badly for us to ever be friends again. But that's what makes it so delicious. I can not only win myself an heiress for a wife when I run away with Georgiana, I can also be revenged on him at the same time.'

'You seem to hate him. Has he injured you so badly?' she asked, looking at me closely.

'Oh. Yes, he has injured me very badly, and in very many ways,' I said, my mood darkening. 'As a boy he treated me as a servant, someone who would spend my life waiting on him, and then when we were grown he was always trying to tell me how to behave, until at the end he destroyed my life entirely by robbing me of my living.'

'Why? How did he do that?' she asked, agog.

'By refusing to honour the express wishes of his father. The old man had liked me very much and he had provided for my by giving me a good education and then leaving me a living in his will...'

'You don't mean a religious living?' she asked in astonishment.

'Yes, I do,' I said. 'It was a very valuable one at that, with a gentleman's residence attached to it, a very fine rectory in large grounds, and a good income. But Darcy refused to honour his father's wishes. Can you believe it, Belle, the self-righteous prig told me I wasn't fit to hold the living and that therefore I must do without it?'

She burst out laughing.

'Oh, George, I'm sorry, but really it is too ridiculous! You! A clergyman! Standing up in church, giving sermons, and telling other people how to live their lives!'

'I would have made a very good clergyman,' I said, annoyed. 'I can give a sermon as well as anyone else, yes, and tell them what to do, too. I can do everything else the clergy do as well. I can eat too much and drink too much and collect my tithes... but the living was denied me,' I ended bitterly.

'Ah yes, I remember now, I seem to think I heard you talking about it. But I thought you said you gave it up in return for some money?'

'I gave it up temporarily,' I said, 'being in low funds and needing something on account with which to pay my bills. But when it became vacant—'

'—And you found you needed some money again—'

'—I said that I was ready to take it. Darcy refused to give it to me, even though

he knew my situation was desperate and even though I asked him for it several times. At last I gave up asking for it and we have not spoken since.'

'And now you are in a position to secure your future by running away with his sister,' she said slowly.

'With your help, yes, I am. I will have a good living, far better than the one he refused me, because I will not have to do anything for it: no reading or writing of sermons, no dressing soberly and pretending to care about everyone in my parish. Well, Belle, are you still going to help me?' I asked her, putting my bad humour aside and turning towards her with a winning smile.

'Of course I am,' she said. 'Never you mind, George, what's done is done, and you're right to look to the future instead of dwelling on the past. I'll help you catch your heiress, and gladly.' I squeezed her hand and she smiled at me. 'She's a lucky girl. I only wish I had a fortune and then I'd marry you myself. You're a handsome man, George, and you know how to make yourself attractive to a woman. It will be easy. I will help you by encouraging her romantic notions—'

'Let her read Romeo and Juliet.'

'A good idea. And I will talk to her about the romance of elopements: a carriage ride through the night, the moon up above, a rosy-cheeked blacksmith in Gretna Green, and a marriage over the anvil. Two people plighting their troth, making their vows to each other in a private ceremony that celebrates everything that is real and good without all the fuss of a society wedding, where half the people do not even know the bride and groom. I might even tell her that I eloped myself, and that I never regretted it, because the memories are amongst my most cherished.'

I smiled at her.

'It must be fate that brought you to me again,' I said. 'I don't mind telling you, Belle, I thought I was done for. I had no money and no chance of getting any. But now, the future looks rosy again.'

'I reckon fate brought you to me again, too. I was feeling restless and beginning to wish I'd never taken on the job as a companion; it was too staid for me. But you've injected some fun into it. You always were fun, George,' she said, leaning forward to display her ample bosom and then brushing my cheek with her hand. 'What do you say? Once more, for old times' sake?'

'You know I could never resist you,' I said, catching her hand and kissing it.

'I have a set of rooms just round the corner.'

She gave me the address and then she left. I waited a few minutes and then I followed her and we resumed our happy friendship.

4th July 1799

I went to the tailor's today to order a new coat and then stopped at the jewellers to buy a diamond pin for my cravat. I had to go to the less fashionable establishments where I was not known, otherwise the shopkeepers would never have given me credit, but what do I care about such small matters now? All that was in the past. Before long I will have credit everywhere again, not only as a wealthy man. courtesy of his wife's fortune, but also as a member of the Darcy family. What a wonderful thing fate is! Not only is it going to bring me a wealthy bride, it is going to make me Darcy's relation. In a few weeks time, he will no longer be able to regard me as a servant; he will have to call me his brother-in-law!

12th July 1799

I had a letter from Belle this morning. She and Georgiana are settled in Ramsgate. As they do not know anyone, there will be no danger of anyone seeing me paying my addresses and no one to interfere. Darcy has no plans to visit, being too busy with business at the moment, and so it is time for me to put my plan into action. I am looking forward to it. Revenge and riches! What more could a man want? The summer promises to be an interesting one.

15th July 1799

A fine day, exactly the sort of day I wanted, with a smiling sea, a gentle breeze, a blue sky and white clouds floating across it. The poets themselves could not have designed a better day for my purposes.

At eleven o'clock exactly I set out from my lodgings. At a quarter to twelve, I saw Belle walking along the promenade towards me with her charge. I was elated to see that Georgiana was even more beautiful than I expected. Her figure was light and pleasing, her complexion was clear, her eyes were dark and lovely and her hair was thick and lustrous.

I carried on walking and we drew level and then I feigned a look of surprise and said, 'Why, if it isn't Georgiana! Or Miss Darcy I should say.'

I turned the full force of my charm on her and she exclaimed, 'George!'

The delight in her voice went straight to my heart, or I should say, straight to my pocket.

Belle, playing her part magnificently, said to Georgiana, 'Do you know this gentleman, Miss Darcy?'

'Oh, forgive me, Mrs Younge. Of course you do not know him, but yes, I do. I should not have spoken to him if we were not acquainted, I do assure you. This is...'

'Mr George Wickham, at your service, ma'am,' I said, making Belle a low bow.

'An old friend of the Darcys.'

'Oh!' said Belle, her voice warming. 'You are known to Mr Darcy?'

'I am indeed.'

'George grew up with Fitzwilliam,' said Georgiana. Then she hesitated, as though remembering that recently we had not been friends.

Belle took her opportunity, however, and said, 'In that case, you must join us for dinner, Mr Wickham. If you are willing to take potluck we will be honoured to see you. Will we not, Miss Darcy?'

'Oh, yes,' said Georgiana, overcoming her brief anxiety. 'Yes, we will. It is nice to see a familiar face.'

'And a friendly face,' I said to her. Then, turning to Belle, I said, 'Thank you for the invitation. I would be delighted to accept.'

'Then we will see you at six o'clock,' she said.

I bowed and walked on, returning to my lodgings by a circuitous route.

It was not until a few hours later, at two o'clock, that I learned how Georgiana had reacted to our meeting; Belle, on pretence of ridding herself of a headache, had excused herself from her charge and once again taken a walk by the sea.

'Where is Georgiana?' I asked.

'Practising the pianoforte. Have no fear. She will not discover us. She is very obedient and will not venture out of the house without my permission.'

'You did well to seize the moment and invite me to dinner,' I said. 'I saw her wavering and I thought we were undone. Has she said anything to you about me?'

'Yes. She said that she was not sure her brother would like you joining us for dinner because the two of you had argued. I said that she should not trouble herself about it, that men were always arguing about politics or business or world affairs and that it meant nothing. She relented at that and said that the girls at her seminary were often arguing as well, but that the arguments were soon forgotten. Then I sealed the matter by asking her if her father had approved of you and she said that yes, you were a great favourite of his. So I told her that, in that case, she was right to offer you hospitality and extend to you every courtesy. You have only to flatter her a little and look at her appreciatively and the thing will soon be done.'

'Good. The sooner the better. We do not want Darcy ruining our plans. He has no intention of coming here, I hope?'

'He intends to call at the end of the month but not before, so you need not worry about it. By then your work will be done and you will be in Scotland.'

'Ah! Scotland. It is a long time since I was there. I think I might stay there for a few weeks and give the fuss a chance to die down. Georgiana can write to Darcy once we are married, and then a tour of the highlands will give us a chance to lose ourselves until Darcy has had time to accustom himself to the idea and to accept it. And what do you intend to do, once Georgiana has gone?'

'I intend to be found searching for her, saying that I am beside myself with worry for she went to her room as usual the night before but when her maid went to draw back the curtains in the morning she had gone. I intend to hand him a note saying that she had eloped with the man of her dreams and then I intend to say that I have guarded her carefully and that she has not spoken to any young men, except his friend Mr Wickham.'

I laughed.

'I wish I could be there to see his face when he hears my name.'

'If you are there to see his face he will see yours and then you are ruined,' she said. 'You must be well away before that happens, safely in Scotland, indeed safely married. Where will you go after your tour? You cannot stay in the highlands forever.'

'To London, perhaps, or to the country, to buy a home of our own. A large house in ample grounds, a gentleman's residence, with a river running through it. We can entertain there. We can invite Darcy to dinner!'

'I wouldn't mind a little home in the country myself,' said Belle. 'Nothing so grand as what you have in mind, but a comfortable little place with a maid to wait on me. I might buy something in your neighbourhood.'

'Do, Belle, and we can carry on our friendship at close quarters. We will celebrate our luck together!' I envisioned a happy future, with Belle to entertain me and Georgiana to be my beautiful, and very wealthy, wife. 'But for now you had better go back or she will be missing you. I will see you at six o'clock.'

She hurried off and I returned to my lodgings, where a willing little chambermaid awaited me. I passed the afternoon pleasantly enough and then dressed with care, presenting myself punctually at Georgiana's house. It was a respectable dwelling, nothing too large, but ideally suited to being a young lady's summer residence. I was shown in, and there was Georgiana looking very beautiful, her Darcy profile classically handsome, her figure graceful and elegant. Her dress was very costly and her shoes, dyed to match, were as expensive as her dress. She rose to meet me and I caught the scent of lavender and roses.

Belle stood respectfully behind her, looking demure and respectable Georgiana was suddenly overcome with shyness, for she was not used to the role of hostess, and so Belle prompted her, saying, 'Miss Darcy.'

Georgiana looked flustered but she welcomed me all the same, saying, 'Mr Wickham, welcome,' with all the consciousness of a young lady welcoming a guest for the first time on her own.

'Thank you, Georgie—but I must not call you that, you are a young lady now and not a child. I must call you Miss Darcy,' I said with a charming smile.

She blushed but she looked pleased, and Belle cast me an approving glance.

'Won't you ask Mr Wickham to sit down?' said Belle.

'Oh, yes, please George, do sit down,' said Georgiana.

Belle and I exchanged glances, for neither of us had missed Georgiana's use of my name, and then I turned back to Georgiana.

She sat down and I followed suit, placing myself in a chair opposite her.

'What a coincidence, your names being so similar. George and Georgiana, just like they are a pair,' said Belle, filling the silence, for Georgiana was shy.

'When I was younger, my mother called me Georgie, and Georgiana was also called by that name.' I said, looking at Belle and then turning and smiling in a friendly fashion at Georgiana. who smiled in return.

'I think you said your mother lived in Ramsgate, Mr Wickham?' asked Belle, knowing I had said no such thing but wanting to give me an opportunity to speak.

'No, alas, my mother is dead,' I said.

And I felt real regret as I said it.

'As mine is,' said Georgiana.

We exchanged sympathetic glances.

'I can see you have much in common.' said Belle.

'Indeed,' I said. 'We both lost our fathers some years ago, my father following Miss Darcy's father to the grave within a matter of months. He was Mr Darcy's steward.'

'A fine occupation, and a very necessary one,' said Belle. 'Suitable for a gentleman, and yet at the same time of great use. So many gentlemen these days seem to fritter their time away on nothing. Miss Darcy and I were talking about it only the other day. Do you have a profession, Mr Wickham?'

'Yes, I intend to go into the law.'

'A noble calling,' said Belle approvingly. 'Do you not have family members in the law, Miss Darcy?' asked Belle. 'Was not your uncle a judge?' Georgiana said that yes, that was so, and Belle remarked comfortably that interests in common were so important to friendship and she was sure she was delighted that Miss Darcy had found such a suitable companion in Ramsgate. 'For the people hereabouts are not all of the right kind. You must ask Mr Wickham if he would care to join us for a picnic on the downs tomorrow,' said Belle to Georgiana. 'I would have suggested it last week, but without a gentleman to lend me his arm I could not have managed the hill and even you, my dear, I am persuaded would have found it difficult. But with a gentleman those kinds of things are so much easier.'

Georgiana invited me on the picnic and I accepted, saying I would be delighted to offer the ladies any assistance they might require.

It was time for dinner, and as we ate, we planned several excursions for the coming weeks. Georgiana became animated as we discussed picnics and boating parties, and by the time dinner was over she had lost her shyness around me and was treating me as she had done in the days, long gone, when we were all children together. Cries of, 'Do you remember, George, when...?' or 'Did we not have fun on the day...?' led to shared memories, and Belle smiled at us both benignly as we talked over old times.

'And how is your playing coming along?' I asked Georgiana as we moved into the drawing-room after dinner. 'You always had a musical touch, though you were not always inclined to practise,' I teased her.

'Miss Darcy is a proficient,' said Belle. 'She excels at music; everybody says so. Her masters are very pleased with her. So are we all. Play something for Mr Wickham, my dear. That pretty tune you were practising this morning, perhaps.'

Georgiana sat down at the instrument and played a lively sonata. She really played well, and as I sat and watched her, I thought, I will make her happy. She will want for nothing as my wife. She will have clothes, jewels, a pianoforte, a horse, and a fine house to live in. And when Fitzwilliam sees how happy she is with me he will forgive me everything, particularly when the children come along, for then he will have nephews and nieces to strengthen the attachment between us. We will visit Pemberley at Christmas and Rosings at Easter and before very long, perhaps he will decide to do something for us and Georgiana and I will have an estate of our own.

As I thought of Darcy I remembered him as a lonely figure, surrounded by friends and yet somehow out of their reach. I remembered him saying that he was looking for something. I wondered if he had found it. I had certainly found what I was looking for. a rich, beautiful, and well-connected wife. So at ease did I feel, so at peace with the world, that I hoped he had found what he was looking for, too.

Georgiana finished her sonata and I congratulated her warmly. She smiled at my praise and Belle and I exchanged glances again. It would be easy to win her affections and make her agree to an elopement.

I have a few weeks in which to woo her and then it will be off to Gretna Green and a wedding over the anvil.

16th July 1799

The weather could not have been more perfect for our picnic. I hired a carriage for the first part of the journey, but when we reached the downs I helped the ladies out. Then, giving them each an arm. I escorted them to a beauty spot with the coach driver carrying the basket. I thanked him for his trouble, paid him handsomely, and then set about helping the ladies to all the choice delicacies contained in the hamper.

Afterwards, Belle declared herself too tired to walk any further but said that we must not let that stop us, for she would enjoy watching us as much as she would have enjoyed walking with us.

I gave Georgiana my arm and we set off.

Luck was on my side. We had not been walking for more than five minutes when a sudden gust of wind blew her bonnet off and sent it tumbling down the hill. We both ran after it, just like children again, and did not see our danger until it was almost too late, for the downs fell away suddenly and Georgiana nearly ran over the edge. I caught her hand and pulled her back, dragging her into my arms. Our faces were inches apart and I felt her body melt into mine and I knew that she was attracted to me. I let her go, and I saw the reluctance in her eyes as she was forced to step away from me.

'I am glad I found you again, Georgie,' I said.

'As am I,' she whispered, overcome with confusion.

'I am afraid your bonnet is lost.' I said, as I watched the wind carry it out to sea. 'But never fear. I will buy you another one.'

'Oh, there is no need, I know you cannot afford it!' she said.

I smiled.

'What, do you think I am a pauper?'

'Fitzwilliam says that your pockets are always to let,' she told me.

'When I was a student then yes, I admit, I spent unwisely, but I am older and wiser now. Young men are apt to be foolish, but maturity cures the problem you know.'

I gave her my arm and she hesitated.

'Come now, we are old friends, are we not?' I said.

She smiled shyly and took my arm. I covered her hand with my own and she looked up at me, her eyes drawn to mine. I looked steadily into her eyes and then, when her eyelids began to droop and her head inclined towards me of its own will, I said, 'We must go back.'

She blushed and said. 'Of course.' and we walked back to Belle.

Belle had seen everything and cast a triumphant glance at me.

We had had the best of the weather. Clouds started to cover the sky and the breeze became colder. We gathered our things together and we went back to the carriage, just as it began to rain, and we were soon on our way back down to the town. I took my leave of the ladies and went to the milliners, where I bought the most beautiful bonnet in the window. And then I went to an out-of-the-way inn and entertained myself with a willing wench until the early hours.

17th July 1799

I called on Georgiana this morning, taking the bonnet with me.

'I promised you a new one, you see, and I do not forget my promises,' I said.

She looked doubtful and said that she could not accept it, but Belle said, 'If Mr Wickham was a stranger you would be right to refuse, for a lady should never accept a gift from a gentleman. But as he is such a friend of the family there is no harm in it, my dear, particularly as it is not a gift at all, really; it is only to replace the bonnet you lost.'

Thus encouraged, Georgiana tried on the bonnet and smiled as she saw how becoming it was.

'You have grown into a beauty,' I told her, turning the full force of my charm on her. 'The man who wins you will be lucky indeed.'

She blushed and turned away, but I saw her face in the mirror and she was looking happy and excited.

The boating outing this afternoon brought us even closer, for as she climbed into the sailing boat, she wobbled, and I had to catch hold of her and assist her bodily into the boat. I sat close to her throughout the voyage and twice she clutched at my arm when a large wave rocked the boat, and then again, when we disembarked, I had to render her my assistance.

Offering her my arm on the way back to her house, I felt her lean on me much more heavily than she had done previously, and press closer to me, and I thought that the time was soon approaching when I would be able to propose.

Belle invited me in but I declined her invitation, knowing that absence would make Georgiana's heart grow fonder. And it did, for her eyes followed me regretfully as I left the house.

In only a few more days, or a week, perhaps, I will ask her to marry me. There is no sense in delaying. As soon as I am certain of success I will proceed. The sooner we are in Scotland the better.

27th July 1799

I met Belle this morning, walking by the sea, whilst Georgiana was busy indoors with her watercolours. Belle's 'headaches' are proving to be very useful as they give us a chance to talk. We met far away from the main promenade, where we would not be observed.

'How does Georgiana seem this morning? Does she speak of me?'

'All the time. She is head over heels in love with you, and I am not surprised. That new coat looks very well on you. It would turn the head of a more experienced girl than Georgiana.'

'Is she ready yet for me to propose do you think?' I asked her.

'Yes, she is, I am sure of it. I encouraged her to take a number of romances out of the library when we first arrived here and yesterday, as she sat and read, I told her that her novel reminded me of my own happy life. I told her that I had met the most wonderful man in the world, kind, handsome, and a good friend, and that we had eloped together. She was shocked at first, but as I spoke about it she began to see how romantic it had been and in the end she was convinced that an elopement was the best way to marry, just a woman and her beloved plighting their troth together. After much sighing and smiling, I ended by wishing her the same happiness I had found.'

'That all sounds very promising. I will come round to dinner tonight and then I will propose tomorrow,' I said.

'Call on us at ten in the morning,' she said. 'I will take care to be out of the room when you arrive, and you can have five minutes alone. Is that long enough?'

'Yes. Five minutes is all I will need.'

28th July 1799

I dressed with great care this morning and I wore the cologne I know Georgiana likes. I called at the house at exactly ten o'clock, and, as Belle had promised, Georgiana was by herself. I was shown into the drawing-room and she started up, took a step towards me. then stopped and coloured, and said that Mrs Younge was upstairs.

'But she has only gone to fetch her workbasket. She will be down directly,' she said.

'I cannot say that I am sorry to have found you alone,' I said, going over to her and taking her hand, then kissing it impulsively before looking deeply into her eyes. 'Georgiana, you must know, you must have felt how much I like you. In our childhoods we were always friends, but, now that we are grown, my feelings for you have deepened, and I find that friendship is no longer enough for me. I love you, Georgiana, with all my heart and soul. I have no right to ask it, no right to expect it, but'—I sank to my knees in a very pretty gesture of submission—'will you do me the very great honour of becoming my wife?'

She blushed and smiled and said, 'It is you who do me too much honour, George.'

'Does that mean that you accept?' I asked, standing up and touching her cheek.

'Yes, it does. As long as Fitzwilliam gives his consent to the marriage, I will be your wife.'

'Then you have made me the happiest of men,' I said, kissing her hand again.

Belle, who had been listening at the door, then entered the room and said, 'Oh, Mr Wickham, how good of you to call.'

'I had something very particular I wanted to say to Miss Darcy,' I said.

'Oh?'

'Mr Wickham has asked me to be his wife,' said Georgiana.

Belle clapped her hands together in delight.

'Oh, this is wonderful news,' she said. 'The best news possible. I cannot say I am surprised. You two were made to be with each other. I knew it from the first moment I saw you together. Just like my good, dear Stephen and me. Oh, the happy times we had together, from the moment we met, to all the magic of our wedding in Scotland, to all the happy years we had together until he died. I only hope you two young people can have the same.'

'Why should we not?' I asked, as though suddenly struck by the idea. 'Why should we not go to Scotland?' I turned to Georgiana. 'What do you say to the idea, my love? Just you and me, pledging our love for each other, with none of the pomp and circumstance of more trivial marriages, marriages contracted for the sake of family connections or for the sake of convenience. Then there needs to be a show, for there is nothing else to unite the two people. But for us, who love each other dearly, there is no need for it. We need nothing but each other.'

Georgiana was carried away by the idea of it and we made our arrangements then and there, with Belle adding her comments every now and again to help the matter along.

'I left the house with only a bandbox,' said Belle. She was so convincing with her reminisces that even I almost believed her stories. 'My dear Stephen was waiting for me with a carriage at the end of the road.'

'Were your family not worried?' asked Georgiana, as she began to think of the matter more carefully.

'Bless you, no.' said Belle. 'I did not just run off, you know; I left a letter explaining everything. I would not have worried them for the world! My papa said afterwards that it was the most romantic letter he had ever read. He said that that was when he knew I was really in love, when he knew I would do without all the fripperies that went with a wedding, just to be with the man I loved.'

Georgiana looked at me and I smiled.

'If you want a large society wedding then we will have one. I would not deny you any pleasure for the world. But if you would like something more romantic then we will go to Scotland. The scenery there is very beautiful and the people are warm and friendly. Well, my love, what shall it be? Shall we elope?' She smiled and I took that as her answer. 'Very well, then, I will arrange the carriage for tomorrow, and then on to Scotland,' I said.

'Oh, yes, George.' Then she faltered. 'What about when we return? What will we do then?'

'We will buy a house and surprise all our friends by throwing a party to celebrate our marriage,' I said.

I left her then. I had no fear of her changing her mind, for I knew Belle would spend the rest of the day encouraging her in her plans for the future.

29th July 1799

A calamity! I am undone!

I hired the carriage and was just about to set off to collect Georgiana, with our route to Scotland firmly planned in my mind, when who should I see but Belle, hurrying down the road towards me.

I knew at once that something was wrong, and I called out for the coachman to stop.

'Fly!' she said, when she reached the carriage. 'Go! It is Mr Darcy! He has found us out! He called on us not an hour ago, wanting to surprise his sister, and she, poor fool, could not bear to deceive him and told him everything. He is in a towering rage. He is ready to murder you. You must be gone from here before he finds you, or who knows what he will do?'

I could not believe it. To be so near and yet so far.

'Damn!' I said. 'Damn Fitzwilliam Darcy! Was he born to ruin everything for me? First he denies me a living and now he denies me a wife.'

'Do not stay!' Belle begged me. 'Go, now, at once. He is a powerful man. He has friends, influence; he could make things very difficult for you.'

I looked at Belle with her comely face and figure and I thought, Why shouldn't I have some company on my flight.

'Come with me,' I said impulsively, seizing the moment.

'Come with you?' she asked in surprise.

'Yes, come with me, Belle. You cannot stay here. The carriage is waiting. We can go to Scotland together. Oh! Not to marry, but to have an adventure and get away from this dreary place. We will yet grab some pleasure from the day.'

She was undecided and then, suddenly picking up her skirt and climbing into the carriage beside me she said, 'Aye, what do I have to stay for?'

We were soon away, and before very long we had decided that we could be just as happy in London as in Scotland, and for a lot less expense, and so thither we went.

It was not what I expected from today, but what is the use of repining? Something will turn up, I am sure of it, and for now I have Belle to keep me company.

Besides, there is always still Anne de Bourgh.

4th November 1799

Our money has at last run out. Belle has invested what little she had left in a boarding house, and we have reluctantly decided to go our separate ways.

I am thinking of enlisting. One of my acquaintances happened to recommend his regiment to me this morning, and as I have nothing better to do I believe I will join. It will get me away from London, where my creditors are once again pressing me, and take me into Hertfordshire, a place where I am not known. Then I can begin again, and at the very least, run up some new bills.

And at the most... There will be impressionable young women in Meryton, no doubt, and they will all be susceptible to a charming and handsome young man in a red coat.

Who knows? I might meet my heiress in Hertfordshire, and by this time next year I might have eloped!