25. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

August 1813


The carriage rocked back and forth as the coachman maintained the rapid pace I had requested. At first he had been confused as to why I would request we travel at such a pace, however, after several hard blows to the ceiling, he understood that I was, indeed, serious.


Time was of the essence.


I knew that James was hiding somewhere in London. Scotland was more than likely a rouse intended to throw people off his trail.


The question was why?


I knew him well enough to know it was probably the result of running up debts he couldn't pay back; James had run up several tabs in Lambton before his first hasty retreat.


This still didn't answer why Victoria?


I leaned down, bringing my fingers to my head and slowly massaged my temples. My head was beginning to ache as I tried to recall anything that would have triggered such a response.


Victoria was, if anything, vivacious but it often bordered on alarming. Propriety was completely lost on her as she sought to be the center of attention wherever she went. These traits would appeal to James, as he often felt the same way about society and its rules, but enough to throw everything away?


The problem was her lack of fortune; by all accounts Victoria's dowry was a paltry one thousand pounds. James would never allow himself to be entangled in a marriage to a poor woman - no matter how beautiful or charming.


I had momentarily panicked after Isabella told me the news that James had somehow been made aware of our engagement. It only lasted a moment before reason again took hold; there was no way he could have known.


I tried to reason through it until the pounding in my head became too much to ignore.


Sitting up, I laid my head back and closed my eyes, trying to conjure pictures of Isabella to soothe my frustration.


But I was only able to see the broken, tear stained face of my beloved.


In my impatience, I struck the ceiling once again with my cane causing the coachman to urge the horses faster.


Soon we arrived in London, and I ran from the carriage to my townhouse. The housekeeper looked on in shock as I began giving orders and instructions requesting people to be sent for immediately. I also asked that any callers be notified I was not at home, this was not a social visit.


If the housekeeper thought this was strange she kept her thoughts to herself. I was grateful; I already owed the coachman an apology.


I went straight to my study and wrote letters to several people.


The most important being Jasper.


If anyone could help me, it would be him. I trusted him implicitly, and knew he had contacts within the military which could aide us in our search. James had deserted his post, not something the Army looked upon with forgiving eyes. That was the first bargaining chip I had, the second I was quite sure would be his debtors. James never left anywhere without leaving extensive tabs in his wake. I wrote to Mr. Cullen asking him to try and gather what information he could about the debts James accrued while in Hertfordshire and Brighton.


It was well past dark, and I was feeling the effects of my journey. Exhausted, I sealed the letters, and took them to the housekeeper asking that she dispatch them immediately. I climbed the stairs to my bed chamber and fell into bed.


The dreams I had hoped would take me eluded me. Instead, all I could see was Isabella's tear stained face, as she pleaded with me to release her from our engagement. I tossed and turned, as the agony such an event would cause pierced my subconscious.


Clutching my chest, I sat up panting for breath. Though I knew it to be a nightmare, it had felt real. So much so I still felt the sting from the very thought.


I needed to erase that image from my mind, only hours earlier I had been the happiest I could ever remember. Trying to focus on those memories, I let the warmth of her smile, and the softness of her lips ease the pain of seeing her so bereft of hope.


The moon moved slowly across the sky as the night wore on, by morning's light it was apparent I had slept poorly.


I felt much better after finally dressing in clean clothes, all thanks to my Valet. In my haste, I had not taken the time to pack, and so had him follow me after. He shook his head but seemed to understand my life was not the same. A year ago I would never have been so careless, nor exhausted, as to fall asleep in my clothes.


I was surprised to see Jasper waiting for me, already seated at the breakfast table taking coffee. He looked up with a grim expression.


"Edward, I would like something clarified before another word is spoken. I understand this involves James, but please tell me Alice is in no way hurt."


"No, Jasper, Alice is safe at Pemberley, and has had no contact with him." I paused realizing my error. "I apologize, Jasper, I should have clarified that in the letter. In my defense, it was rather late and I was exhausted."


His expression only softened slightly, his hard gaze stayed fixed upon me. "I am an understanding man, Edward, but you can't begin to understand just how long you made my night."


I hung my head, ashamed at my lack of thought for his feelings. Of course he would want to know Alice was safe.


"Enough of this, we have a bastard to deal with, and I may forgive you if I'm able to make him suffer, even a little."


I smiled at the thought and sat down to breakfast.


"You're smiling? It would seem Pemberley agreed with you after all."


I smiled even larger, "More than you know."


"Well, this sounds like a story I must hear." he pressed.


I told him of my engagement to Isabella, in which he immediately asked if James was aware. I shook my head in the negative, and he sighed in relief.


His thoughts had no doubt mirrored my own.


"What are your plans, Edward? You know James won't be easy to find and when you do, what then?"


"I plan on using the law, to convince him to do what is right,"


Jasper scoffed, "You know his penchant for evading the law, Edward."


I smiled though there was no humor in it, "You remember I told you he was in the army?" Jasper nodded.


"He has left his post without leave. He has effectively deserted his post in his Majesty's military." I paused letting the weight of my words sink in, Jasper looked astonished.


"Is he mad? He could be hung for such an offence."


I nodded, "Precisely,"


"That is a rather huge bargaining chip, anything else?"


"There are always his debts; I have little doubt that is what drove his desertion in the first place." At least I hoped it was.


"The young lady you mentioned, Victoria? She is Miss Isabella's sister?"


"Yes, and I have racked my brain repeatedly trying to come to some sort of reasonable conclusion. What could have possibly driven him?" I stood frustrated once more and began to pace.


"She has no fortune; her dowry is a paltry one thousand pounds. Her family has no connections to which he would rise to any fortune... It makes no sense!"


"Edward, have you ever considered it was a mere fancy in which his was indulging?"


I rounded on him, "She is not a woman without family, Jasper; she is a gentleman's daughter." No matter how Victoria behaved, she deserved better than this.


"Where do you propose we begin searching? London is a very large place, Edward, they could be anywhere."


"I don't plan on searching every inn in Greater London. I believe he is being concealed with help. James would not have been able to arrive and stay hidden without some assistance. I just need to figure out who is helping him."


My pacing increased as I ran through the possibilities, who would he turn to? There couldn't be many people willing to be taken advantage of by him time and time again. In Ramsgate it had been...


Mrs. Laurent... of course!


I stopped and turned to face Jasper, "Mrs. Laurent, that's whose hiding him,"


"The woman from Ramsgate?" Jasper repeated. His expression grew contemplative as he mulled it over in his mind.


"Yes, I believe that is a very good place to start." He agreed, "Last we heard she'd opened an inn in London,"


"I will make inquires as to her wear-abouts immediately. I have asked Miss Isabella's uncle to find what he can find out in regards to James' debt."


"Does the family know you are searching for her?" Jasper asked.


"Her Uncle is aware and will help in anyway he can, which is why he is the perfect person to get us the information we need." I paused a moment, taking a sip of coffee, "I need to know what we are dealing with before we approach him, James is not going to marry Miss Victoria willingly."


"No, I expect he still intends on finding a wealthy heiress." Jasper could barley disguise the disgust in his voice.


As if a thought had just occurred to him, he continued, "Does Alice know why you're here?"


Alice… She had been upset when I had finally reached Pemberley.


~I~I~I~


Alice had greeted me upon my return. Immediately noticing I had returned alone, she became concerned, "Edward, where is Miss Isabella?"


Isabella... The sickness and anger residing in my chest had not abated.


"She is on her way home to Hertfordshire as we speak."


Her expression changed from anticipation to horror, "What! Why? Edward, what did you do?" she accused.


I shook my head, "Nothing, Alice, I promise I didn't run Isabella back to Hertfordshire," I laughed to myself, as I thought it would probably would have been true a year ago.


"Why would she leave then?" she whispered. "Was I too presumptuous leaving you two alone?" her eyes widened. "I offended her, oh Edward, I am so sorry,"


"Alice," I took her in my arms, cradling her head to my chest. "You did no such thing, in fact Isabella and I are engaged," She looked up, shocked. "Truly?" her eyes alight with hope and excitement.


I chuckled, "Yes, my dear, Isabella has consented to be my wife."


"Oh, Edward! That is wonderful news, when can I see her again? Will we travel to Hertfordshire?" she rattled of her questions with excitement.


I sighed heavily, "I must depart for London as soon as possible,"


"Why? I don't understand, Edward, we only just arrived."


Swallowing nervously, I tried to think of the best possible way to tell Alice what had happened. I knew she would support whatever I decided, but to open old wounds... After a moment I realized there was no easy way to break this to her, I would just need to trust that Jasper was right and she could handle this.


I drew in a calming breath, "Miss Isabella received a letter from home with distressing news. It seems her younger sister has run away with an officer from Brighton,"


Alice covered her mouth as she gasped in horror, "No! Oh, Edward, their family!"


"That's not all, Alice. The officer... The man she ran away with was James Wickham."


I awaited her reaction, seconds passed and nothing. Suddenly, a strangled sob ripped through her body, and she slumped into my arms, "Why, Edward? It's as if he is some demon sent to torment us."


"I never wanted to cause you pain, Alice. I am sorry to have burdened you with such news, but I felt it was only right to tell you the truth. Although I may not always see it, you are capable of more than I give you credit for. It would be unfair of me to leave and not be open with you,"


She wiped the tears from her eyes and stood, her expression hardened, "You will find him, Edward, and when you do… I want you to do whatever it takes to ensure he never hurts another woman again... you must, for Isabella."


~I~I~I~


I looked at Jasper, who was waiting. "Yes, I told her before I departed. Her reaction was a dichotomy; on one side she was hurt for her and for Isabella, but she was also angry at Wickham,"


"I'm relived to be honest, she has had time to mature and understand exactly why he preyed on her. Anger is to be expected, Edward,"


"I never want her to feel that way again. I want to protect her from him. It seems no matter how hard I try, he still has the power to hurt those I love,"


I pounded my fist in the desk in frustration, "It's maddening, Jasper! I feel like I'm losing my mind... the anger I feel its overwhelming,"


"Edward, you need to put aside those feeling if you are going to rationally deal with this situation. James knows how to play you, do you not see that? If you go into this wearing your emotions on your sleeve he will know there is more than mere friendship invested in your interests. You'll be playing right into his hands,"


I knew he was right, but it did little to temper my rage.


"What would you suggest, then?" I asked.


"Edward, I have no doubt you have thought this through and the letters you have written are a good start. You know as well as I that information is vital, if you are to get James to cooperate,"


"But will it be enough? It has to be Jasper, I cannot fail her,"


He looked thoughtful for a moment, "Perhaps I could arrange a meeting with the Major General; he may have a solution to our problem,"


I eyed him speculatively, "How so?"


"When going into battle we assess the situation coming up with multiple strategies before we even strike; knowing your opponents weakness is your greatest strength in overcoming him,"


"So by not only laying his debts and desertion at his feet, but having contingency plans I can effectively force his hand,"


"Exactly." He agreed.


~I~I~I~I~I~


I had been in London a week, and progress was moving slower than I'd liked. After receiving the reports detailing Wickham's debts, in both Brighton and Meryton, I felt like we were finally getting somewhere.


The sum equaled ten thousand pounds, a substantial amount for a gentleman with little fortune. It was no wonder he had fled in desperation.


Checking the time, I finished some letters before departing to meet with Jasper and the Major General. I was indebted to Jasper not only for his insight and advice, but it was he who demanded I calm down enough to reason through this mess with a level head.


My efforts to locate Mrs. Laurent had so far been in vain, it was possible she was left London. If this were the case my search would need to follow a different path. Mr. Cullen was searching with Isabella's father and kept me informed as to what progress they were making.


In truth, we had little to go on as of yet.


I dispatched the letters and loaded the carriage bound for Boodles. The club seemed less crowded than usual, but I reminded myself it was summer and most gentlemen were in the country.


"Edward!" I was greeted by Jasper.


I approached their table and greeted them, "Jasper," then turned to the man seated to his left. "It is an honor to finally make you acquaintance, Sir,"


He eyed my curiously for a moment, "Not at all," he smiled. "Edward would probably never forgive me for taking so long to meet his son,"


I was certain mine, as well as Jasper's, expression was both confused and shocked.


He laughed a hearty laugh, "My full name is Peter Cahlwell, and I was a friend of your fathers,"


"You are Lord Cahlwell's son?" I sputtered.


"Indeed, I grew up with your father and we attended school together. I was very sorry to hear of his passing, I was serving abroad during the funeral or I would have attended,"


"I remember Jasper's father mentioning he was trying to locate their friend. They had tried to get word to him but were unable to in time,"


"It was hard news to receive such news, and more so since I was away," He looked distant for a moment. "But enough talk, what can I do to help you my boy?"


I cleared my throat, "I am not sure how much Jasper told you…"


"I filled him in on the basics, but I think it will be helpful if he knew the entire history behind your dealings with Wickham,"


I nodded and proceeded to acquaint him with James Wickham - his beginnings up until the present. He sat there listening, betraying no hints as to how he felt about what I was telling him.


It was unnerving.


When I finished, I sat back and waited.


He sighed and shook his head, "Edward was always too kind for his own good. It doesn't surprise me that George's son would have taken advantage of him,"


He saw our question, "George Wickham was your father's steward, I met him several times during my visits to Pemberley," I never knew James' fathers name, he died when I was eight.


"Although he preformed his duties well, there was an attitude of entitlement to him. He encouraged his son's friendship with you, hoping that your father would help his son secure a place in society,"


I smirked, "But he didn't count on his son's complete lack of motivation. In fact, my father gave him many opportunities, which he threw away simply because they would have required work,"


Jasper added his opinion, "I've decided James wants a life of leisure where he has enough money to drink, gamble and womanize without the restraint of lack of funds,"


The Major General chuckled, "That is not new behavior; many a wealthy aristocrat has emptied their coffers spending so recklessly. But enough of this, I think I may have a solution to your problem,"


That caught my attention.


"As a senior officer, I can say that Lieutenant Wickham faces the hangman's noose for his desertion, if convicted under military justice. Which in this case is likely, with two wars his Majesty is taking desertion very seriously,"


He paused for a moment, "Are you certain you don't want to just turn him over to the military? If he has behaved as you say, his life isn't worth all this trouble,"


"No, it is not, but the honor of the woman I love and her family's is." Isabella meant everything.


"So the young lady he has compromised is your fiancé's sister?" I nodded, "Well that does complicate things,"


"My first plan is to see if she will willingly quit her circumstance and retire to the country. If that fails, I shall persuade James it is in his best interest to marry the girl,"


"And how will you do that? The army will still seek justice for his desertion. Would you marry the poor girl to a condemned man?"


I sighed heavily, this was becoming more entangled, "Would it be possible for him to receive a pardon if he were willing to submit to another post?"


He sat back, thoughtful for a moment, "I suppose that is possible. He would need to realize that he would be under heavy scrutiny. One step out of line and it would be all over... I might have a good stern commander that would shape him up in no time,"


I chuckled. James would probably prefer death after all this was over.


"You would need to buy his commission, Edward. Are you willing to waste more money on him?" Jasper asked with concern.


"I have no choice. We allowed him to roam unchecked for far too long. If we had dealt with him when he tried to seduce Alice this would have ended long ago,"


Just saying that out loud made my stomach twist into knots.


The Major General shook his head, "Your father would have been appalled. I have no doubt he would have strung him up himself. You have a lot more compassion than I."


"My handling of James had nothing to do with compassion," I bit out harshly. "Forgive me, it is still very painful. I merely wanted to spare Alice from a life of ridicule because of a small lapse in judgment."


"It is a very fine line to walk, and I applaud your restraint. In the end, for Alice, it was probably the best decision. Though not for this unfortunate young lady,"


I agreed, of all my decisions I regretted most it was not doing enough to ensure he could never harm another young woman. If I had, Isabella would not be suffering.


It had grown late and I excused myself, pleased to have made his acquaintance; I thanked him for his help.


~I~I~I~I~I~


Seated at the table, I sifted through the letters I had received. I was still amazed to find the Major General had been such a good friend to my father as well as Jasper's. As I thought on this more, it made sense why he had taken such an interest in Jasper's career.


I was disappointed to find that no relevant, or credible sources, had been able to find the whereabouts of Mrs. Laurent or James. Most accounts were vague at best, giving random bits of information in hopes of a reward. I threw the letters on the table in frustration.


Time was running out.


"Sir? Two letters just arrived for you." The old butler placed them on the table and left.


One was from Jasper, and the other an unknown person.


I read through Jasper's letter first. He had made significant progress in obtaining the necessary documents for us to proceed. Either way, James would not leave London unchained.


I smirked to myself at his choice of words.


The second letter was written in barley legible handwriting.


Sir,


I own a small tavern owner in East Shadwell. A gentleman came in not too long ago looking for information about a young officer and a lady. I have information which may benefit you. The young officer and the lass described were seen entering an Inn on Fell street a week or so ago. This is all the information I have.


Regards,


T. Banner


East Shadwell? That part of London was close to the docks and considered dodgy. I knew James was desperate, but that desperate?


I needed to locate Jasper, if this man was correct then it would be the first credible lead we had.


Not thirty minutes later, Jasper arrived and we set off together in a hired coach. It would do no good to go into such a place bearing livery, it would immediately make people suspicious.


We traveled as quickly as possible through the crowded London streets. I watched as the familiar buildings made way for the more industrial fair, and then finally the dilapidated buildings, which dated back to the 16th century.


I chuckled a bit, as I envisioned groups of men running around in wigs and pantaloons.


There are some fashions I would never understand.


When we arrived, I negotiated with the driver to remain, and he agreed after I paid him a hefty sum to wait until we had finished our business.


The street was alive with activity as people scurried from place to place. Children ran through the street, most looked as if they hadn't had a bath in weeks.


"I will never understand how a country as diverse and wealthy as ours allows people to live in such squalor. It feels as if we are in another world," Jasper had travelled much in his military career and seen the good and bad of the world.


I watched as a very drunk man crawled from the tavern across the street. He moaned as each moment seemed to be physically painful.


"I believe that is the tavern we are looking for," I pointed in the direction of the man.


We walked around the man, I covered my nose, the stench was overwhelming. "Good Lord, it's as if he'd not bathed in a month," I whispered to Jasper.


He seemed unaffected, "The stench of war is similar, at least he still has all his limbs intact,"


"I can honestly say I'm glad I have never had to experience that," I said, as I pushed open the door.


The tavern was surprisingly clean, although I wasn't able to say the same for the patrons. We walked to the bar; the man on the other side was cleaning some glasses. I hoped he was the T. Banner from the letter I had received.


When we approached he looked up and blinked furiously, "Evenin' Gents, what can I get fer ye?"


"I am looking for a T. Banner,"


His expression darkened, "And what might ye be looking for him fer?"


I sighed, this was becoming taxing, "I received a letter contain information, and I would like to speak with him. Can you help us or not?"


His eyes widened, "My apologies, Sir, I am Timothy Banner, and this here is my tavern. Sorry if I came off rude like, but one can never be too careful."


"Very good, could you perhaps point us in the directing to the house you mentioned?"


"Aye, it's on the other side of the street can't miss it; it's the red one with the windows."


"Thank you," I replied, and handed him a sack of coins.


We made our way out of the tavern and back onto the street; the afternoon sun was oppressive. We spotted the building immediately. The appearance looked like some sort of inn. But there was no activity around the building, which was strange. I grabbed hold of the heavy iron knocker and knocked. Jasper and I stood back and waited for someone to answer.


The door opened, and a small woman answered followed close behind by another woman. As she neared I saw it was a very shocked Mrs. Laurent.


"Good day, Madame," I greeted her with as much civility as I could muster.


She quickly composed herself, "Mr. Masen, what a surprise. What brings two gentlemen such as your self to this part of London? What can I do for you?" Though she tried to remain calm, I detected a flicker of unease in her voice.


"I am looking for a mutual acquaintance of ours, James Wickham,"


Her eyes widened slightly, but just as quickly she narrowed them. "I don't know where he is,"


Ahhh, she was lying.


"Madame, I would appreciate it if you didn't waste my time. We both know that is not true, the question is why are you helping him?"


It was a matter I had yet to decipher, her continued aide confounded me, unless... James was giving her money in return. I couldn't fathom any other reason she would help him.


"I told you, I have no idea where he is."


Exasperated I drew in a deep breath, "I would not test me today, Madame, I know not what James has done to win your loyalty, but after your part in his plot to ruin my sister, I feel I was more than generous in simply discharging you from your post,"


She stepped back slightly.


"I will not hesitate to exact what punishment you truly deserve, if you do not give me the information I require,"


Trembling, she looked away, silent for a moment, "I may know something but it will cost you,"


"We owe you nothing, Madame, you are not in a position to bargain," Jasper spoke.


"You don't understand, James knows people. He could do just as much damage to my livelihood as you. I won't trade what I know for nothing,"


"What is your price?"


"One hundred pounds,"


"Very well, now give me the information, but I warn you it better be worth what I have paid,"


I handed over the coins and waited while she counted them, "Wickham is hiding in an inn three streets over on Cannon street. He had a girl with him, but I am not sure if he still does,"


"Thank you, you understand we will be back if your information proves untrue,"


"I understand perfectly,"


"Very well, good day, Madame." We left the inn walking toward our awaiting carriage, climbing in I directed him to the next stop.


Setting off, I tried to collect my thoughts. I knew every word and expression would be important. I could not afford to give James any hint there was more to my interest than restitution for his prior crimes. The more I thought about what James had done, not only to me, but those I loved the more hardened and angry I became. I was sure there were others out there who he had wronged. I felt like I would be standing in for them when we finally achieved justice.


Too soon the carriage stopped outside a filthy looking inn, Jasper stopped me before I could open the door. "Edward, are you prepared? You know what is at stake here. You must keep a level head,"


"I am very aware of what is at stake, Jasper. James will face justice one way or another,"


"Very Well, Edward."


Stepping out, I instructed the driver to wait in which he was happy to oblige. I was certain I had paid him in one afternoon what he would normally make in a month.


We entered the Inn, and the gentleman behind the desk greeted us.


"Evenin', will you be requiring rooms then gentleman?"


Hardly.


"I am looking for an acquaintance, a Mr. James Wickham. I was told he is a guest here,"


"Why yes, Sir, he is stayin' in the last room on the third floor. Still waiting fer the gent to pay me, perhaps you could remind him,"


I smiled, "I would be delighted to convey your message."


I climbed the stairs quickly, Jasper was right behind me. The hallway seemed adequately lit, as we made our way to the door at the end of the hall.


I drew in a deep breath, before raising my hand and knocked soundly.


Seconds passed when finally the door swung open.


"I told you I would pay..." the words died on his lips as he took in who was on the other side of the door.


"Hello, James."