The Bad Miss Bennet Abroad Read online

  ‘I will not return to the West Indies,’ I snarled.

  ‘The matter is already in hand. I obtained a commission in the East India company army, as a precaution. We leave for Calcutta within the month.’ I heard a low moan of pain reverberate around the room and I realised it was coming from my mouth. My husband beat a hasty retreat and Adelaide pressed herself against the closed door.

  ‘Don’t take on madam.’

  I waved a limp arm at her, ‘Laudanum!’ I croaked. She nodded and left the room.

  It was ever thus, dear reader. My disastrous taste in men had again been my undoing. I was now shackled to a second wastrel of a husband, with a taste for gambling but not the wit to profit from it. Furthermore, it appeared that I would be forced to embark on another long sea voyage to another distant land. Surely, no Englishwoman ever had such misfortune? I had not yet been sentenced to exile in Van Diemen’s Land, but no doubt that would happen in due course. Who would save me? Why had I not married a curate? If only I was Spanish or French – then I could withdraw into a convent and end my days in peace.

  At this point Adelaide returned with the laudanum bottle. She administered a few drops and I collapsed gratefully onto the bed and waited for oblivion.

  Chapter 24

  As if the loss of my jewels was not a sufficient blow, I faced another humiliating experience caused by my inept, meddling husband. When I emerged from my laudanum induced haze and ventured downstairs, I heard raised voices issuing from the library. Lizzie appeared with her finger pressed to her lips and the tips of her ears red with anxiety.

  ‘What is happening?’ I asked. Somehow I knew that whatever it was, I would be the cause.

  ‘Your husband is arguing with mine. The subject appears to be money.’ Or the lack of it, I told myself. Had I not warned Mr Macaulay about the folly of asking Darcy for money? Naturally, he had chosen to ignore my advice and no doubt I would pay the price.

  At that moment my husband threw open the library doors and erupted into the hall where he leaned against a wall for support, breathing heavily. He was followed by my brother-in-law, the picture of cold disdain. His eye fixed on me as I tried to remain unobtrusive in the lee of my sister.

  ‘So, madam,’ he boomed. ‘I might have deduced that you would marry another scoundrel like the first, one who would eventually come begging for money and assistance, having frittered away any fortune he might once have possessed.’ Darcy paused for breath and Lizzie valiantly intervened.

  ‘In fairness, dear heart, I do not think that Lydia knew anything of her husband’s financial affairs. She cannot be blamed for them.’

  ‘No, indeed,’ I added. ‘When I met Mr Macaulay, he was a respected plantation owner. How was I to know that he had gambled everything away? I thought I had finally made a good match and that my family would approve of me at last.’ I gave a soft sob at this point to gain sympathy, but only Lizzie was impressed. My husband shot me a poisonous look as he pawed the walls for some kind of assistance. Mr Darcy’s stony stare remained in place. I could have reminded him that he had expressed pleasure at my union with Mr Macaulay, but that would not have served for the moment.

  ‘You have a taste for gamblers and wastrels, Lydia,’ he said. ‘It has been your undoing, despite our attempts to advise you.’ I could not deny the justice of this remark. I wriggled with embarrassment when I recalled the triumphal tone of my last letter to him before I left Pemberley for the continent. He turned to my husband.

  ‘You, sir, are a scoundrel and no gentleman. You will get nothing from me. You must both sink or swim by your own efforts.’

  Mr Macaulay greeted this announcement with fury and I thought that he would assault Darcy, but Lizzie bravely stepped between them and managed to quieten things. Her husband retreated to his library and my spouse rushed out of the front door as if pursued by demons. I assumed he had been using the white powder again.

  When he reappeared after some days, it transpired he had been finalising our departure for India. His appeal to Darcy for funds was intended to be a last attempt to avoid the need for emigration. At least he could not sell any more of my jewels. I intend to wear my pearls day and night. Adelaide suggested that she should bury them somewhere in the grounds but I rejected this idea. Suppose we forgot where they had been placed?

  Now my mind was solely occupied with plans to leave the country, although not for another far-off, tropical destination. I would gladly return to Paris, preferably without my husband. At a pinch I could endure his company, but I will not forgive him for the loss of my jewels. I had not even worn the diamond collar in public. How admirable it would have looked when promenading in the Place des Vosges. However, this was no time to be planning my wardrobe. Adelaide, who was hovering nearby read my thoughts again. It is frightening how easily she manages this.

  ‘Perhaps you could slip away to your friends, madam. I mean when Mr Macaulay isn’t about.’ Yes, surely Selena and Miles would assist me. We could resume our former carefree life of card parties and joie de vivre once my husband was on the high seas. How I missed those days which, from my present position, seemed so happy and uncomplicated. I turned to my maid.

  ‘I doubt you are keen to accompany me to India, Adelaide?’ She sighed and looked despondent.

  ‘Is the climate like Brazil?’

  ‘At the very least… if not worse. I believe there are many precious jewels to be found there – and elephants. That is all I can say with certainty.’

  She sighed again. ‘I had better start the packing.’

  Later, she informed me that my ‘tropical muslins’ as she called them, were in a sad state. They had accompanied me to Brazil and the West Indies and were now little better than limp rags. An entire new wardrobe was required and it was unlikely to be supplied from my husband’s pocket.

  When the Darcys were told of our proposed departure for India, he gave a snort of disbelief and Lizzie became agitated on my behalf.

  ‘Must you go so far… and to such a wild place? Surely it would be preferable to return to the West Indies?’ I began to weep at this point while my brother-in-law sneered and said that he doubted we would go farther than Longbourn where my husband would try to ingratiate himself for a lengthy period of time. ‘Or perhaps he will press his suit with your sister Jane and her husband.’

  Mr Macaulay could be seen pacing up and down on the terrace at that moment, looking morose. No doubt he was pondering on where his next supply of white powder could be obtained.

  Lizzie urged her husband to be more charitable. Indicating my distressed self, she informed him that Macaulay had sold my jewellery to pay his debts and I was more to be pitied than blamed. I wept louder at this and Mr Darcy threw up his hands. ‘I cannot suggest anything more. Your sister has made her choice and must abide by it.’ He left the room leaving the two of us in a dejected heap on the sofa.

  ‘He thinks I should have married a curate, no doubt,’ I said sniffing loudly. My sister gave me a speaking look. I twisted my handkerchief viciously and declared that nothing would induce me to go to India. ‘Make no mistake, I shall escape one way or another.’

  ‘But as his wife you must accompany him,’ Lizzie admonished me. ‘What would become of you alone here?’ What indeed? I knew I could not expect help from any member of my family but if I could join forces once again with my friends… I needed to make plans.

  When I returned to my room I found that Adelaide had anticipated my decision. She had packed a few essential items assuming, as she put it, that ‘we would make a run for it.’ I instructed her to pack my manuscript. I had not mentioned its existence to my sister, knowing how little regard she has for my accomplishments. Lizzie is such a blue stocking. How surprised she will be when it is published.

  ‘How will we leave here unobserved, madam?’ Adelaide asked. I thought for a moment. ‘First I must send a letter to my friends at Stoke Newington. Then all I need is a distraction. Mr and Mrs Darcy are giving a grand ball in a few days. There
will be so many people present. We can slip away and borrow some horses. My sister Jane and her husband are invited. We can take their mounts. My sister will surely not pursue me as a thief.’

  Adelaide looked doubtful, but continued packing.

  April 3rd

  The following days were difficult ones. We all tried to avoid each other’s presence, but we were forced to dine together. The atmosphere was strained. Mr Darcy uttered scarcely a word and even Lizzie eventually gave up trying to make conversation. Mr Macaulay appeared deeply depressed which I took to mean that his supply of white powder was exhausted.

  On the day of the ball my husband’s spirits appeared to improve. No doubt, he hoped to induce some of the guests to play at cards. That would suit my plans very well.

  When my sister Jane and her husband, Charles Bingley, arrived they greeted us warmly. Obviously Mr Darcy has not had time to inform them of the situation. I had donned my best gown of lilac satin together with Mrs Makepeace’s pearls and endeavoured to put on a brave face for the first part of the evening, taking time to talk with my sister, catching up with news and gossip. Jane and her husband have not yet been blessed with children, which saddens her and she commiserated with me on my own barren state. What a fraud I have become.

  I discovered to my annoyance that, in addition to his other shortcomings, my husband was a poor dancer. After a few clodhopping attempts he retired to the card tables, and I was grateful to Mr Bingley for leading me out in a most gallant manner. I essayed one or more dances with gentlemen to whom I had been introduced and I would have deemed it a most pleasant evening had I not been planning my escape.

  At about eleven of the clock, after refreshments were served, I slipped away unobserved. Adelaide was waiting with my cloak and, clutching a small grip, we made our way to the stables where I convinced the stable boy to saddle up my sister’s horses. We intended to ride to the nearest town where we would take the stage towards London. Once again I was fleeing from Pemberley like a thief in the night. Would it always be so? My life had come full circle and my problems remained just as insoluble.

  Chapter 25

  April 5th

  We arrived safely in London and made our way immediately to Stoke Newington. Miles and Selena had barely received news of my intended visit, but they welcomed me warmly and we were soon relaying titbits of news and describing our adventures during the last two years. My news was, as always, somewhat circumscribed. Selena exclaimed with delight as I described Brazil and its sights and sounds. Miles was impressed by my sojourn at the royal court, but did not envy me the long sea voyages. As a soldier he had no time for seafaring. My description of Mr Macaulay brought forth laughter and expressions of sympathy. If they disapproved of my flight from my husband they were too polite to say.

  After an uncomfortable night – on a makeshift bed in Adelaide’s case, and a couch in mine – it became apparent that we could not remain long at the cottage. There was barely room for two people and certainly not for four.

  ‘I have a little money left,’ I told my friends. ‘We could take a house in London or, better yet, Paris and give some card parties as we did before.’ Miles looked embarrassed and Selena looked as if she had swallowed something sour.

  ‘We cannot leave here, Lydia,’ she told me. ‘The salary Miles earns is all we have to sustain us, apart from his army pittance. This cottage is loaned to us free of charge as long as Miles is employed by the estate.’ I could not believe my ears. Had my friends lost all spirit of adventure in the years I had been away? It would appear so. ‘But we could make so much more money with the cards,’ I cried. ‘We have always been successful in that regard.’ Miles shook his head.

  ‘Times are changing, Lydia. We cannot go on forever taking risks and living by the skin of our teeth. We are growing older and we need some security.’ Selena nodded vehemently and I observed that her general demeanour had indeed changed. Even her gown appeared more matronly in style.

  Nothing more was said on the subject and we finished our breakfast in silence. I thought furiously as I drank my chocolate. There was nothing to be done; I must find Captain Marshfield again and ask for another assignment. I thought of my time in Italy with the count and the Princess of Wales. How long ago that seemed. I had no doubt that the captain was back in England and I resolved to call upon him as soon as possible. He had mentioned that his home was in Swallow Street. It would not be difficult to discover the house.

  Adelaide and I duly departed on the stage for London the following morning. Miles and Selena bade me a fond farewell, begging me not to bear any ill will toward them because of their reluctance to join me, and declaring their undying friendship. In truth I could not blame them. I would probably have done the same in their position.

  In London we put up at the Bell Savage Inn at Fleet Street and took a hackney carriage to Swallow Street. After various inquiries of tradespeople, I knocked at the door of number twelve. I had barely touched the door when it opened quickly and the captain emerged in full dress uniform as if about to attend a royal parade. He regarded me with astonishment for a moment and then laughed.

  ‘No doubt you are here to make your report, Mrs Wickham. We have been expecting you.’ This was such obvious nonsense that I did not dignify it with a response. It pleased me a little that the know-all captain had not discovered I was now Mrs Macaulay.

  ‘It is essential that I speak to you in private, captain. We have some matters to settle.’

  The captain invited me to return later that day, as he was off to attend a military parade in honour of the king’s birthday. Adelaide and I were obliged to return to the inn and twiddle our fingers for a few hours as I did not dare attempt to visit the shops for fear of losing what little capital remained to me. We ordered a lunch of lamb chops and eventually returned to Swallow Street.

  Captain Marshfield, now at home and sporting a magnificent purple and gold morning coat, welcomed me and proffered a glass of Madeira which I accepted gratefully. Adelaide retreated to the kitchen to gossip with the servants.

  ‘Now tell me everything about your adventures since we last met.’ I gulped with terror at the thought but eyed him defiantly.

  ‘I am surprised that you do not know more about them than I.’

  ‘I know that you travelled to Brazil with the Austrian princess,’ he replied. ‘I received some details from Luccombe.’ Was there a hint of a smirk on his face? It was not easy to tell with Marshfield.

  ‘You did not know about my marriage, I presume? Apparently, you are not omniscient. I am now Mrs Macaulay.’ He look puzzled.

  ‘Then why are you here? The presence of your husband would make it unnecessary and unsuitable for you to continue in our service.’

  I wondered if our dear monarch would know or care about my unsuitability. Reluctantly, I gave him my reasons for being in London without dwelling too much on my financial and marital problems. He gave a loud guffaw and slapped the arms of his chair.

  ‘Truly you are the most unwise female I have ever encountered. Nevertheless, you have rendered some useful service.’ I was not greatly diverted.

  ‘Nevertheless,’ he continued, ‘we cannot employ a runaway wife. Where had you planned to go?’

  ‘Paris!’ I wailed. ‘Please send me there.’ He shook his head but when I told him about Mr Macaulay’s planned enlistment for India he perked up immediately.

  ‘India, you say? Tell me more.’ I explained that as my husband had rendered us penniless by his feckless ways and that Mr Darcy had refused to help us, the East India Company army was his only option. The captain nodded, looking delighted.

  ‘Now there is a place where you could be of some assistance. There is a great deal happening with the East India Company and the government needs to know about it. We also need to know more about the native rulers and their intentions. The company is seldom forthcoming about these matters. Your special gifts would be useful.’ I did not like his implications at all.

  ‘My husban
d and I detest each other and I cannot face another sojourn in a tropical clime, not to mention another long sea voyage.’ Marshfield threw up his hands indicating that he could not help me. He gave me a promissory note for my expenses which still remained unpaid. This involved a trip to a bank. Adelaide was eagerly anticipating her wages which had not been paid for some months.

  As Adelaide and I waited to receive the money I considered my options which were all too few. I knew no one in Paris who would give me a roof over my head. My money would last for a year if I lived parsimoniously. If only dear Mrs Makepeace was still with us. I could happily be her companion again in that wonderful city.

  Selena and Miles were unable to help me and I could not set up a gaming salon alone. Also I had noticed that London’s society was more sober than I remembered from a few years ago. Times were indeed changing. I could not return to Longbourn or Pemberley as a runaway wife. Perhaps I could impose on my sister Jane’s good nature, but for how long? When I thought of the diamond collar that was to have been my security for life, my fury at Mr Macaulay brought a rush of blood to my head.

  ‘Madam, your neck and ears are bright red,’ Adelaide commented. Men were staring at this highly flushed female so I calmed myself with an effort. When the money was given to me I sat clutching it and staring into the abyss. I sighed and turned to Adelaide.

  ‘It will have to be India, I fear.’

  She nodded. ‘I know, madam.’

  I could hear Mr Darcy telling me that I had made my bed and I must lie on it.

  Chapter 26

  When we returned to the inn at Fleet Street, another unpleasant surprise awaited me. I found Mr Macaulay ensconced in the dining room gnawing on a chicken leg and drinking a tankard of ale like a common tradesman. His companion was a similarly dishevelled character from whom he appeared to have won money.