If this seems familiar it was originally posted as 'A Mere Country Attorney' – a playground entry for Dropping Eaves on A Happy Assembly in August 2019.

I'm finishing up the last chapter of 'The Wisdom of Mrs. Collins' and when that's done, I'll continue this story.

This has not been beta'd. All mistakes are my own.

In civil procedure, when a court dismisses a case "with prejudice," it means that the court intends for that dismissal to be final in all courts, and that res judicata should bar that claim from being reasserted in another court. (Cornell Law School, Legal Information Institute)

~~~WP~~~

"Mr. Wickham, while informal the bequest may have been, I believe there may be actions we could take on your behalf." Neither Elizabeth nor Wickham realized that Mr. Phillips had taken a seat on a nearby chair.

"Oh, uncle! It would be very generous of you to take up Mr. Wickham's cause. You are too good." Elizabeth was delighted that her Uncle Phillips was willing to champion Mr. Wickham against to dour and cruel Mr. Darcy.

"Lizzy, you must not get too excited. I am a mere country attorney, but I have several well-placed friends in the legal community in London. Even then, I do not know that we can compete with any representation Mr. Darcy may employ. Mr. Wickham, if you would care to give me the particulars of your situation, I shall write a few of my colleagues directly."

Wickham had remained silent during the exchange between Elizabeth and her uncle. This evening was taking an unexpected turn. His charm had worked. He had thought himself exceedingly lucky, the young lady, already thinking ill of Darcy, was ready to believe anything he said that placed Darcy in a negative light.

That Darcy was here, and heartily disliked, was a gift. Even without this boon, his charm had never failed him. His slanderous words had just enough truth in them to achieve his purposes. A warm smile, bit of flirtation, an intimation of the injustice he faced at the hands of Darcy and the sympathy flowed from these simple misses and their slow-witted neighbors. He became a valued member of many a community; a welcome guest in many a home. Credit was extended by many a merchant. Liberties were granted by many a maiden.

His manner was such that no one had ever challenged his story. He had fielded a few uncomfortable questions from time to time, but he had been able to finesse his way out of those conversations. However, he knew his story could not stand up to any real scrutiny, especially with Darcy in the vicinity. For the first-time in his life he believed he may have overplayed his hand.

"Mr. Phillips, you are too kind. I could not ask you to go to such trouble on my behalf. Nor do I have the financial means to wage a serious battle for the living I should have had."

At this Mr. Phillips scoffed, "Nonsense, lad. I would be happy to help, if you would allow it. It has been some time since I have had the occasion to participate in such a legal skirmish that I am sure this will prove to be. I would relish the opportunity. No remuneration necessary."

Wickham's eyes widened at this, panic beginning to take root. "I must stress I have no wish to pursue Mr. Darcy for the unfairness he has enacted against me. It would be unseemly for one destined for the church to seek relief through legal maneuvering. And, alas, what would be the gain? If I were, ultimately, granted the living, would the parishioners trust me given the way of attaining my position? No, it can come to no good.

"And to be under the thumb of Darcy would be unbearable. His bitterness would make my position quite untenable. Darcy's influence among his tenants and the surrounding community is absolute and far-reaching. How could I minister to my flock effectively given his implacable resentment which surely become well-known? Who would go against the great master of Pemberley?"

Elizabeth agreed. "However, your consideration for your potential congregants reinforces your goodness. Perhaps, pecuniary relief could be granted in lieu of the living. What say you, uncle?"

"Indeed, that seems to be a more likely result should Mr. Wickham emerge the victor in this matter. Though, given the circumstances, and knowing Mr. Darcy as we do, I do not believe formal action to be required as he would not like his privacy compromised by our suit. Once he realizes Mr. Wickham is not without friends willing to come to his aid, he will do right by you, Mr. Wickham."

"Oh, yes!" Elizabeth cried. "We can make our arguments directly to him. I am certain proud Mr. Darcy would wish to avoid the spectacle this would create. Nor would he wish his wider acquaintance to know of his reprehensible conduct."

Mr. Wickham paled. "You are all kindness, sir. However, I cannot ask you to pursue this. You must think of your own wellbeing. Darcy can crush you as he has me. Your practice may suffer irreparable damage. No, sir. You will do no such thing on my behalf. I will not see you hurt due to your own benevolence." From experience, Wickham believed self-preservation to be amongst the strongest of motivations. Surely, Mr. Phillips persistence could not withstand this tactic.

"Very well. I will adhere to your wishes on the matter. However, I do think it would be a fitting to make Mr. Darcy aware that the people of Meryton are not impressed with his fortune and connections. It would take ten of him to equal your goodness and tolerance."

Wickham held up his hand, as if to prevent any additional arguments. "You must not, either of you. I am resolved that this matter should go no further."

Mr. Phillips countenance lost all affability. Gone was any trace of the sincere helpfulness it had held throughout this conversation. His eyes steely, his voice low and menacing, he said, "See that it does not, Mr. Wickham. While it is true Mr. Darcy is not well-like among Meryton society, I will not stand by as you malign an honorable man with your ludicrous tale of woe. Frankly, it was quite unbelievable. You are not as convincing as you believe yourself to be."

Both Wickham and Elizabeth were struck dumb by Mr. Phillips' speech. Disbelief was apparent on both of their faces. "Truth is the currency of my trade, Mr. Wickham. I have become very, very good at distinguishing truth from lie. What proof can you offer me that Mr. Darcy is guilty of that which you accuse him? Have you a copy of the will? The name of Mr. Darcy's solicitor? Have you taken orders? Are you even in the position to accept a living? How have you supported yourself prior to joining the militia? I have several more questions, but you can make a start with those."

Wickham's mask of friendliness once again slipped into place. This time it was tinged with just the right amount of hurt. "Mr. Phillips, this affront against my person wounds me greatly but I am resigned to such things. Mr. Darcy taints my good name whenever he can. Surely, Miss Elizabeth, you can see how mistaken your uncle is about me."

Before Elizabeth could respond, Mr. Phillips continued his assault on Wickham. "No, Mr. Darcy has said nothing of you. And it is you who are mistaken, Mr. Wickham. I may be a mere country attorney, but I am not a rube. And you are not as charming or as intelligent as you believe yourself to be. Know that I will be visiting Mr. Darcy at the earliest possible moment I can on the morrow. I am quite willing to serve witness as to the slander you have so enjoyed executing this evening."

Wickham searched for an escape. Lydia, feeling that her sister and her uncle had monopolized Mr. Wickham for far too long, came over and invited him to join her at the card tables. He accepted with alacrity, commenting that he needed to make an early night of it so perhaps just a game or two. Once alone, Elizabeth looked at her uncle with wonder, and not a little bit of confusion. "How..." was all she managed to say.

Her uncle looked at her kindly. "What is it you wish to ask, Lizzy? How could Wickham be so cunning? Or how could I be so perceptive?"

"Both, I guess. Oh, dear, that does not do you justice, does it?"

"Do not think on it, my dear. Like you, I am prone to sketch the characters of those I meet. Keen powers of observation are a professional necessity. As is the ability to take the measure of a man quickly." He stopped her before she could interrupt. "I have a good deal more experience than you, Lizzy. You should not berate yourself for believing Mr. Wickham's story. Also, I am not a pretty, young lady, flattered and worked upon by a practiced charmer. I can be a bit more detached under the circumstances."

"Well, this has been most embarrassing. Oh, how quickly and wholly I was taken in by Mr. Wickham. What does that say for my powers of discernment? Especially, as I can admit that, considering everything, I do believe Mr. Darcy to be an honorable man. How could I believe him to be so cruel in this instance?"

Mr. Phillips raised an eyebrow at her knowingly. "The comment?"

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