Chapter 1

George Wickham adjusted himself into a more comfortable position on the seat of the coach, being careful not to wake the woman dozing in his arms. As he watched out the window at the darkening sky he reflected on his good fortune. He had always dreamed - no, not dreamed, but planned, carefully planned - to marry a woman of means; an heiress perhaps, or a rich widow. For a gentleman like himself, a poor but ambitious soldier, that was the most convenient way to financial freedom. And he had finally succeeded; he had married a woman with an inheritance of 20,000 pounds. But he had never conceived - not even in his wildest dreams - that his bid for freedom would land him tethered in marriage to such a woman.

In the week that he had been married to the former Miss Caroline Bingley, he had reveled in a few days of wedded bliss before being pelted with plates, shunned by his wife, threatened by giant footmen, had groveled before and apologized to his former friend, Mr. Darcy, and on his own initiative, offered to relinquish his bride's fortune to her brother. Not to mention the few days spent in drunken albeit profitable misery (he had managed to win nearly 3500 pounds at cards). But the strangest part about the whole last week was that he had somehow managed to fall in love, madly in love, with a woman that he had only married for her money.

He had never believed in love, never thought he would be foolish enough to fall in love, and certainly not to a woman that he would chose to marry for financial gain, but he had. And she loved him - well, he thought she loved him - she acted like she did. She had agreed to run away with him - not once, but twice - if that meant anything. She had never actually come right out and said that she loved him - but then again, neither had he - at least not to her.

And now they were off on a romantic honeymoon to Bath. Soon they would be stopping for the night, and...

The coach came to a rather abrupt stop, waking Caroline and causing George to grab her to keep her from losing her seat. By the time he inquired and verified that she was all right, the driver had appeared at the window.

"There's a tree blocking the road, Mr. Wickham. If you don't mind, sir, I think it's small enough that between the two of us we can move it out of the way without having to unhitch the horses."

"Very good, Filbert, I'll be right out." George reached for his coat. "This shouldn't take long, Luv. Keep my seat warm." Caroline nodded sleepily and tried to find a comfortable position on the seat as her preferred cushioning stepped out the door.

Charles arrived for dinner at the Gardiners earlier than expected that evening, so was surprised to find Mr. Darcy already there and alone in the drawing room when he was shown in. Mr. Darcy stood to greet his friend, and noticed that he seemed less tense than he had seen him in days.

"Good news, Bingley?" he asked.

"I think so, I hope so - the Wickham matter is resolved."

"That is good news. What did the scoundrel settle for?"

"Caroline."

"Excuse me?"

"He and Caroline reconciled. They are going on holiday to Bath until my wedding."

"Charles, you could not have allowed it!"

"I did, Darcy - what choice did I have? Caroline is a grown woman and knows her own mind. Besides, she loves him."

"Nonsense, he's charmed her."

"Perhaps, but I believe that she truly does love him, and that he loves her."

"He loves her fortune - and he'll run through that in a matter of years, then he'll start whittling away at yours."

"You really believe that? Even after what he confessed at your place this afternoon?"

"I learned long ago that Wickham's word is not to be trusted. Remember, less than a year ago he was swearing undying love to Georgiana."

"Well, what's done is done. I wish them well, and I will continue to give him - and them - the benefit of the doubt until something happens to prove it otherwise."

"I know what Wickham is capable of, Bingley. At least try to take some precautions - for Caroline's sake - so he can't leave her and - God help us - any children destitute. A little precaution could save Caroline's future."

"Well I don't think..."

"Just talk to your solicitor and see what can be done.

"When you put it that way..."

"Put it what way?" asked Jane, as she and Elizabeth came into the room.

Charles flustered, then thought it was best to just come out with his news - it would prepare him for when he got up the nerve to tell Louisa.

"Darcy was just congratulating me on the marriage of my sister," said Charles as brightly as he could muster.

"It's a bit late isn't it, dear?" laughed Elizabeth, "Haven't the Hursts been married for years?" When she met her fiancé's eye, her face fell, she knew this was no laughing matter. Mr. Darcy's whole expression warned her that, despite Charles' tone, it was not good news. Jane had noticed their exchange.

"Caroline?" she asked in alarm.

"Yes, Caroline - and Mr. Wickham, they were recently married."

"But she was just here today for lunch - nothing was said!"

"That would explain why Mrs. Hurst was so upset about Miss Bing ... Caroline's ring," said Elizabeth thoughtfully. "They were married last week?"

"How did you know?" asked Darcy in amazement.

"Just a lot of little things that were said here and there that didn't add up until now."

"Yes, well - they had some difficulties a few days ago, but they seemed to have resolved them and are now off on their honeymoon together," Charles said, in the not-so-convincing bright voice.

"How is Louisa taking it?" asked Elizabeth more out of curiosity than concern.

"I haven't told her yet - they just left a few hours ago - but I don't think she is going to take it well."

"It's all so strange - there was never any sign, no show of particular regard..." puzzled Jane.

"Maybe not on Caroline's part - until recently," Charles said, glancing quickly at Elizabeth, "but I thought Wickham was showing her a bit too much attention a few weeks ago. Well, water under the bridge, as they say. The Wickhams are off to Bath, but have promised to return to Meryton on time for our wedding in three weeks."

"Poor Caroline," said Elizabeth, after Charles and Jane had left the room. "Does she have any idea what kind of man he is?"

"I thought so, but now...? And he is acting peculiar, too," replied Mr. Darcy. "He actually came by this afternoon to apologize to Georgiana."

"Oh my - how did she take it?"

"She was still here at the time. He left a letter for her, I haven't decided what to do with it yet."

"It hardly seems like Mr. Wickham to apologize, but then it hardly seems like Caroline to marry a penniless officer. Do you think there is any affection in the match?"

"Charles is sure there is on both sides. Given what I've seen, I think there may be some on hers, but his...? I've known him all my life, and even I couldn't tell you. As Charles said, what's done is done, but I've warned him to take some precautions in the settlement to be sure Caroline's interests are preserved."

"That sounds wise, even if she doesn't seem the type that would let herself be taken advantage of."

"No, I just suggested caution. Caroline has more than proved that she can take care of herself. She's not the type of woman that can be easily cowed or bullied - by any man."

"No!" Caroline said stubbornly.

"Please, Luv, just do what the man says. We'll buy you another bigger ring," George pleaded.

"No. I don't want another ring, this one belonged to your mother. Besides that, it is my wedding ring," she said through clenched teeth, "and I won't part with it!" George saw a flash of anger in Caroline's eye. He had seen it once before, and knew it was not a good thing, especially for him.

"Gentlemen, you have everything else. I beg you, let the lady keep her ring, and be on your way," he half pleaded, half warned.

"A bit hen-pecked are we, General?" laughed a man holding a pistol level with George's chest. "Afraid the missus will be a bit peevish with you if we take her favorite bauble? Well, we aren't so squeamish, are we Horner?" he said to his associate collecting valuables from Caroline, "Just cut her bl*$#y finger off, and be done with it!"

"No!" shouted George, now in real fear for his wife's safety. "Caroline, give it up!"

The robbers had struck when George and Mr. Filbert were moving the tree out of the road. A big man, the one with the pistol, had hit Mr. Filbert over the head with it so the driver now lay unconscious nearby. Horner, the smaller man, had come at George from behind with a club and struck him across his back and arm with such force that he had been knocked to the ground. By the time George could get back to his feet, the larger man was holding a pistol over him while the smaller one was ordering Caroline out of the coach. They had already taken a purse off Mr. Filbert, and relieved George of the money from his coat. Caroline had given up her money and other jewelry, but was refusing to give up her wedding ring.

"Oh, all right - take it!" spit Caroline when Horner produced a knife. She took off the ring and dropping it on the ground in front of her. Horner started to bend over to pick it up when the other man ordered him to stop.

"Don't you do it, Horner - make her pick it up! How many times have I told you, never take your eyes of the clients?"

"Oh, sorry Simon," he said, then to Caroline. "See here, M'am. Pick up that ring, if you please."

"No."

"Caroline..." warned George.

"Fine!" She glared at him, then crouched down and felt around on the ground for her ring. Her hand brush against a rock. It was slightly larger than her fist. She grabbed it in her right hand, while continuing to feel for her ring with her left. A few seconds later, she found the ring, but hesitated to admit it. She still had to think of some way to warn George to be ready.

"Come on now, hurry it up," ordered Horner.

"It's a small thing to find - it's a ring - it's not like I'm looking for a plate," she said meaningfully, looking at her husband. George had a horrible realization of what she intended to do, and tried to convey with his eyes a message of caution. Caroline understood, but chose to ignore it - she had no intention of losing her ring. "Oh, here it is!" she said, then she slowly stood up, holding the ring up in her left hand for the robbers to see, hoping they wouldn't notice that she was keeping her right hand hidden in the folds of her skirt.

"Here, now take it and go!" she said

"Thank you, ma'm!" replied Horner with a nod, as he added the ring to the loot in his sack. He turned and called to his partner, "That's it, Simon."

"'Bout time, bring that sack over here," Simon ordered, then turned to George. "We'll be on our way now, General. Don't be getting any ideas about being a hero..." His words were cut off as Caroline's rock struck the back of his head. He lurched forward, dropping the pistol, only to be pushed back again by the force of George's fist hitting his face.

"Run, Luv!" George yelled as he landed a few more punches on Simon's face, eventually knocking him to the ground. Horner meanwhile thought it was better to leave with the loot than try to help his comrade and started to run off. Caroline picked up another rock and threw it at him. This one was off a bit - it hit him in the back, but it startled him enough so that he did not notice that Mr. Filbert had come to and had stuck his leg out to trip the man. He fell sprawling on his face. Caroline ran up behind him and grabbed the sack.

"You ought to be ashamed of yourself, taking advantage of a helpless woman! What would your mother think of you - stealing a lady's wedding ring?" she scolded, while rummaging through the sack looking for her ring. Mr. Filbert, after grabbing some rope from the carriage, proceeded to tie Horner up.

George was sitting on the slightly stunned Simon's chest. "You should have let her keep the ring," he said to Simon, shaking his head. "Got more of that rope, Filbert?"

Mr. Filbert, who had finished with Horner, came and took Simon over from George, who gave the thief a parting kick. He picked up and pocketed the pistol, then went quickly to his wife. "Caroline, you all right, Luv? Didn't I tell you to run?"

"I did! I got the bag with our things back," she said excitedly. She handed him the sack.

"Did you find your ring?" he said as he looked inside.

"No, it must be at the bottom."

"I believe this is yours, Filbert," George said, tossing their driver his purse. "And this is my money clip. Ahhh, here's your ring, Luv." He took out the ring, then tucked the sack under his arm and reached for his wife's hand.

"I can't believe you made me to give up my ring!" Caroline said testily.

"Only because I like this finger much better where it is," he said, kissing her ring finger before putting the ring on her hand. He held her hand for a moment and looked into her eyes. "If anything had happened to you, Luv, I don't know what I would have done. I - I should have told you this before - I love you, Caroline."

A look of pure joy came to his wife's face, which quickly turned to terror. George looked over his shoulder to see if a third robber was behind him - there wasn't. When he turned back, Caroline seemed more composed - she wasn't.

He had just admitted that he loved her. She loved him too, of that she was certain - she had confessed as much to Charles days ago, but she trusted Charles - George was a whole other animal. Oh, she trusted him with her life, but they weren't talking about life, they were talking about love - something that Caroline had only recently admitted to herself was not a lot of nonsense. In her circle, among her society friends, if a man claimed to love a woman, she used him unmercifully; and if a woman loved a man - well, Caroline never knew a woman who truly loved a man, at least not in her circle. To them, if love existed, it was a weakness, a risk. Caroline was not one to show weakness, but she was more than willing to take a risk - she would take this one. She took a deep breath, threw her arms tightly around George and whispered in his ear.

"I love you, too."

As for George, Caroline totally confused him. She had just gone up against two armed men with a couple of rocks, and yet the words I love you had completely terrified her. He didn't totally understand, but he had seen her coming to terms with something in the last moment, and he realized whatever it was, she was putting her trust in him.

"Don't worry, Luv," he said holding her close, "I'll keep it safe."

Chapter 2

They were none-too-gentle throwing the bound men into the coach. Caroline refused to get inside with them so, despite his injury, Mr. Filbert took her place there holding a pistol at the ready - just in case. This left Mr. Wickham to drive the coach, with Caroline snuggling beside him up top, wearing his coat for extra warmth.

As he drove, George pondered his situation; this husband business was more difficult than he had expected. He had just come close to losing his new wife, or at least parts of her, and that left a very unsettled feeling in the pit of his stomach. This Mrs. Wickham resting her head on his shoulder was a puzzle to him. She was the answer to all he had wished for in a wife - and much more that he had never dared to dream. But what was he to her? He certainly was not anything that she had wished for - she had wished for Darcy, and George Wickham was no Fitzwilliam Darcy - thank goodness!

Now that would have been the answer to her worst nightmare. Caroline would have spent a king's ransom and all her energies trying to impress Darcy with her style and elegance, constantly redecorating Pemberley and the London townhouse to suit her taste and the latest fashion, and he would have dismissed it all out of hand as inconsequential, crushing her expectations and breaking her spirit. He would have bored her to death and never appreciated her worth; she would have grown bitter and spiteful with his neglect. He would have ruined her in a matter of years.

Yes, thank goodness George had saved her from that - but what had he saved her for? Being labeled inept by her so-called friends for not securing Darcy's affections? Caroline expected as much - had even said that she would be the laughing stock of London when word of Darcy's engagement to someone else got out. Would she also be ridiculed and scorned by the ton for falling prey to a fortune hunter? Shunned by proper society for not marrying an impressive name or title? That would ruin her more quickly than any damage a marriage to Darcy would have caused. He could not let that happen, he would have to prevent any scandal that their marriage might cause. She could not lose one jot of her social standing because of him. He had to find a way to make her marriage to him seem an advantage in the eyes of the ton.

Bless me! he thought, Has she made me soft? Am I getting all duty-bound and stuffy like that fool Darcy? Going out of my way for someone else when there's nothing in it for me? No, he sighed in relief, Even though I'd do anything for Caroline, I've got as much riding on appearances as she does. And it has nothing to do with duty - just good old reliable self-interest.

He had always managed to play circumstances to his own benefit, now he would just have to broaden his strategy a bit to include the both of them - but the timing was crucial; he would have to work fast. They were sure to come under scrutiny by any society types that condescended to attend Charles and Jane's wedding - and he could only assume rumors of Caroline's unexpected marriage would be circulating by then. Well, that gave him more than enough time to come up with a plan and put it into action - after all, he had nearly three weeks!

There were few who saw the entrance of the carriage into the village of Mill Green that evening, but those who did were so taken by what they saw that the rest of the villagers heard of it by breakfast the next day. A gentlewoman with an officer's red coat wrapped around her sat beside the driver, a man of military bearing. As curious as this was, when the coach stopped to reveal the passenger inside as being the actual coachman holding a pistol over two bound highwaymen, the tale became a local favorite.

After a quick inquiry at the inn, the newcomers were told that the nearest constable's office was in the next town a few miles southwest. A volunteer was quickly dispatched to fetch him while the highwaymen were stowed in the innkeeper's cellar. To say that the villagers were relieved that the twosome had been captured would be an understatement; apparently Simon Casper and Milt Horner had been plaguing the area for over a year, robbing private coaches on the more deserted stretches of highway between London and Bath. They were even blamed for the death of an elderly gentleman who had suffered an apoplexy during one of their attacks.

While the travelers waited, Mr. Filbert's injured head was seen to by the village doctor, who bandaged it then ordered the coachman to a few days' bed rest. At Caroline's insistence he also looked at George's bruised arm, for which he prescribed a stiff drink, which the innkeeper readily supplied.

The constable came with his men in due time to take the highwaymen away. He made arrangements to return the next afternoon to complete his report and to present some compensation to Mr. Wickham, him being the principal member of the party, as there had been a reward offered for the capture of the two thieves. George surprised him by declaring that it had been a group effort, but that Caroline had been the primary reason for the foiled robbery. The constable was skeptical of his account - that is, until he heard the foul epitaphs spewing from Simon's mouth, cursing the General's wife for being a b#$@dy, wicked, deceiving b#$@h who didn't know how to be robbed properly - followed by more disrespectful words that were eventually silenced by a blow from the sergeant at arms.

Caroline was spared all the indelicacy of overhearing such rough talk, as the innkeeper's wife was entertaining her with a light supper followed by teacakes in the main dining hall. The elderly woman clucked over the younger, urging her to eat more while they waited for "the men folk" to finish their business. All Caroline wanted was a nice soft bed - it had been a long day. It was hard to believe that just this morning she did not know if she ever wanted to see her husband again. Now she was waiting for him to finish with that awful robbery matter so he could escort her up to their rooms. One thing was sure, life with George certainly moved quickly.

"But why can we not just hire another driver to take us to Bath today?" Caroline asked her husband the next morning over breakfast.

"Because the constable will not be back until after two o'clock," explained George. "We have to stay at least until he is done speaking to us."

"But we could not possibly make it all the way to Bath before evening. We would have to stop for the night."

"Exactly," he agreed, "that is why I thought we might be better to leave early tomorrow, then Filbert should be well enough to drive us there himself and we could easily make Bath by nightfall."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes."

"Travel tomorrow?"

"Is something wrong with tomorrow?"

"Well, it will be Sunday..."

"I am aware of that."

"But George, we could never travel so far on Sunday. It just isn't done."

"It isn't?"

"You know very well it is not! Not even Mr. Hurst would think of taking a trip on Sunday - and he rarely even attends Services."

"Truth be told, Luv, I long stopped having the day of the week rule my actions. I have always gone where I wanted when I wanted, and I do not see why we can not do the same."

"But our reputation..."

"We don't have a reputation - at least not in Bath - or here for that matter, but let us not worry about it now. There is nothing to be done until after two o'clock."

"And what do we do in the meantime?"

"Well, it is a lovely day out, quite warm for this time of year. Would you fancy a walk?"

"I am no great walker."

"Nor I, but perhaps we might find a pretty, secluded place along the way that would make our efforts worthwhile," he said suggestively. "Then we might find other means of amusing ourselves, as we did on Oakham Mount ..."

"Perhaps," she said, smiling at the memory. "A leisurely stroll in the countryside would be just the thing to pass the time..."

"Good Morning Mr. Wickham, Mrs. Wickham," greeted an unknown villager as he passed. It was the third such greeting they had received since they had set out, and they had not even reached the edge of town.

"How do so many people know of us?" puzzled Caroline.

"Good news travels fast; they must have heard about last night. I guess we do have a reputation here after all."

"What? Of putting ruffians in their place? I will admit that it does give one a nice sense of accomplishment, but it is hardly the type of reputation that I would choose for myself, or my husband for that matter."

But it just might be the type of reputation that's needed, thought George. He had a gleam in his eye as he tipped his hat to the next set of villagers that passed by. Yes, it might just do very well.