To Fall for Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Renata McMann & Summer Hanford
Author:Renata McMann & Summer Hanford
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Read, Compromise (D&E), Forced Marriage, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
Published: 2022-05-13T04:00:00+00:00
Chapter Eighteen
Going by the name Mr. George Wiekran, Wickham used forged papers making him a landholder and obtained a lieutenantâs position in the local militia about to be stationed in Meryton. He then charmed his way into being the officer that his new colonel, Forster, sent on ahead to begin community relations and to arrange accommodations for their unit. An assignment that came with a pleasantly weighty entrustment of funds.
His success in creating a plausible reason to be in the village near where the Bennets lived pleased him. Heâd expended considerable charm, effort and even some of his meager funds researching where the Bennets lived and coming up with his cover for being there. Mustering the funds to buy the paperwork had been difficult and had required a few risky thefts, but he didnât mind being steadfast and dedicated when it came to getting retribution from Darcy. Besides which, though the inquisition had become more a trickle than a torrent, being Mr. Wiekran in a local militia afforded the additional comfort of not having to worry as much about the runners Darcy had loosed to investigate him and the bridge incidents.
His first few days in Meryton, rather than seek arrangements for his unit, he wandered the town charming merchants and making new friends. He spent the money Colonel Forster had entrusted to him in shops and gambled freely, both to add to his appeal as an acquaintance and because Darcy would be paying the money back, one way or another. He didnât ask about the Bennet family. Not right away. He bided his time until the question could arise naturally so as to avoid suspicion.
Nearly a week into his stay in Meryton found him in the general store inspecting a length of leather he fancied for a new belt, until movement caught his eye. There, reflected in the small mirror beside a display of rather sorry looking bonnets, appeared the loveliest creature heâd ever beheld. Tall, sweet of face and demeanor, she entered with a maid in tow. That paltry chaperone would be easily worked around.
âAh, Miss Bennet,â the shopkeeper greeted, and Wickham went still lest his reaction betray him. âHave you come for your motherâs order?â
âYes, Mr. Basil.â
Nodding, the shopkeeper disappeared into the back.
Wickham couldnât believe his good fortune. Surely, Heaven smiled on his work to gain retribution from Darcy. Heâd hoped for a father or brother he could lure into gambling debts, or a bored matron he might seduce. Possibly a younger female relation to compromise. This fair creature, though, cried out for elopement.
And then, Darcy would have to call him brother. Darcy would be forced to accept him, ensure he and his bride had enough money on which to live, and to call off the Bow Street Runners. There was no way that Darcy would prosecute him. Darcys didnât disown their family members, only their godsons.
Before the shopkeeper could return, Wickham maneuvered to stand behind the woman and her maid, then turned his back on them. Confident in both his regimentals and his smile, he knocked a large pot off the nearest shelf.
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