Wickham’s Story

Chapter 1

The frozen landscape blurred by as we drove down the winding road. The reds and golds of Maine bathed in autumn had snowed over several weeks ago to become a winter wonderland and had since remained that way. Little crystalized snowflakes hit the windshield before slowly melting their way down the glass.

My wife, Lydia, sat in her heavy parka, heat cranked up to high. I pulled at the collar of my Armani sweater, cursing her unending sense of cold, uncomfortable but not willing to say anything.

Can a human really be colder than a vampire?

“I can’t wait until we get home and we can see everyone!” Lydia exclaimed, a large smile on her face. “Guess how shocked they will be to see that I am the first of all my sisters to gain a fae husband!”

I tried not to roll my eyes. I’m not sure exactly how I’d ended up in this situation. It was a set of events that had spiralled out of control. 

She gave a sigh. “Our wedding was so beautiful. It was such a shame nobody could be there.”

“We got married because we were about to be accused of murder and we needed a convincing cover story,” I reminded her. We’d run off to a resort in upstate Maine and taken our vows right before the police hauled me off to the station for questioning. 

Lydia held up her hand, examining the ring on her finger. I’d only been able to buy her the ring because of the money Darcy had given me. “None of my sisters has a ring like this.”

“I’m glad I can fulfill your dreams of outperforming your sisters.”

She let out a laugh that was a little too loud and chewed on her fingernails the way she did when she got nervous. I hoped she didn’t get soggy, chewed-off nails all over my car. Such a disgusting habit.

I thought of the annulment papers hidden in my laptop bag in the trunk, and my hands tightened on the steering wheel. Lydia acted as if she’d like nothing better than being married to me. If she really understood what my life was like, she’d be the one asking for an annulment.

I breathed in her constant scent in the stuffy car. Lydia’s blood was the most enticing thing about her, a mix of tang and roses. Whenever she came near, I found myself breathing in the concoction of smells that was Lydia Bennet.

But she was Lydia Wickham now. I had to keep reminding myself of that fact.

“Do you think they will be happy you married a lowborn fae?” I asked.

“Happy for me? They are going to be jealous of me.” She smiled, flicking her light brown hair behind her in that way that annoyed me the most. The smell of her shampoo drifted through the car in my direction. “Who wouldn’t want to be married to George Wickham of The Grey Doors?” She reached up and adjusted the vents, opening them wider so that they blared even more heat into the car.

People thought vampires couldn’t stand sunlight. That was false, but I was certain in that moment that this vampire would incinerate if the car got any hotter. Or maybe it would be the entire car that would go up in flames, taking both of us and the annulment papers with it. I planned on giving her the papers after we visited her family once we returned to my apartment. 

I just needed to make sure of one thing first. Lydia had solved the murders that potentially could have exposed me and landed me a life sentence. I owed her at least this much. 

Releasing a growl of frustration, I dropped the driver-side window a crack. Lydia didn’t show any signs of noticing or caring. She reached over and turned on the radio, blaring Lady Gaga.

Of course she would like this repetitive pop-rock drivel.

We passed a sign along the road half covered in snow. I made out the letters Aus and eights and the number ten next to it, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Austen Heights was mere minutes away, and then I’d be free of the music, the heat, and the exceedingly tenacious woman in the passenger seat.

As we crossed over the town line, the magic of Austen Heights came to life. Children in knitted cloaks chased enchanted snowflakes that giggled and dodged away like fireflies. Tiny winged creatures with fur-tufted boots zipped through the air delivering hand-folded letters sealed with holly wax. A snowman on the corner tipped its hat politely as our car rolled by.

Humans, as soon as they left Austen Heights, completely forgot about magic. But once they crossed over the town line, their memory returned. Because Lydia was a half-fae and half-human witch, she had no trouble remembering, and I was a fae who had become a vampire. Lydia acted as though my being a vampire was just another everyday reality, but simply being involved with me was already turning her world upside down.

We pulled up to the Bennets’ small shop, Cupid’s Confections. It was a quaint little store filled with all kinds of baked goods and love potions. In the window floated a tiered cake decorated with sugared violets, slowly rotating on its own, casting a soft, lilac glow. I had been inside a few times. First, when I was almost dating Lizzy, Lydia’s sister. We’d never officially decided that Lizzy and I weren’t dating, though things had sort of petered out between us. Lydia just sort of bulldozed her way into my life and, well, here we were. 

I straightened. I’d pretend that nothing was the matter. Like this had been my plan all along. What else could I do? Despite things cooling between me and Lizzy, I knew that no amount of explanation would justify running off and marrying Lydia in Lizzy’s mind.

I already knew my role in this story. I was the villain.

Lydia’s brows scrunched together. “The shop is dark. That’s odd. it’s business hours. Unless…” She grabbed her phone and pulled up her calendar. “Oh yes! The Winter Festival is today! Everyone is at Regency Meadows Park. Should we head over there?”

Showing up at Lydia’s family’s place and explaining what happened was nerve-wracking enough, but announcing our marriage to the entire town wasn’t what I had in mind.

“That is why we got married, right? To prove we have a reasonable alibi?” She pressed, reading my reaction a little too well. “Why hide it when that was the point?”

It was the point in the hopes that the police would find the killer, but they hadn’t. “Everything is over and done now,” I said. “You found the murderer, and we don’t need to pretend anymore.”

We had found the culprit, but had failed to put her behind bars. And yet, flaunting our marriage around town also hadn’t been in my plans. Especially in front of the other vampires that most likely would be present.

“Who is pretending? I’m not. Besides,”—Lydia shrugged—“I told Kitty, and she would’ve told Mom, which means the whole town knows by now.”

If that were true, perhaps I could use the festival as a sort of damage control. And if Lydia’s family was there, I could still gather the information I needed. “Okay, let’s go.”

“Yes!” Lydia said as we pulled back onto the street. The drive to Regency Meadows Park was brief, and by the looks of things, the winter festival was well underway. Children and teens were having an epic snowball fight with a bunch of enchanted snowmen. Several stands were planted throughout the snowy field, each with a magical warming bench that kept the area around it several degrees warmer without melting the snow. I parked on the street that ran along the side of the park.

“We’re here!” Lydia squealed as she opened her door. I exited on the other side, and a moment later, Lydia slipped on the ice. I was next to her in an instant, grabbing her arm and pulling her to her feet.

She looked up into my face, a grin lighting her lips although she had almost broken her neck a second ago. She pressed closer to me, and her heightened pulse sounded like drums in my ears. Her blue eyes, like the bluest diamonds, flickered with something dark. “Well, hi there.”

I stepped back, my chest twisting with annoyance at my own heightened awareness. “Watch the ice.”

She raised an eyebrow, her red lips curling flirtatiously. “Why should I watch the ice when I know you’ll be there to catch me if I fall?”

“I may not always be there,” I snapped.

She frowned but didn’t respond as we made our way through the different stands and groups of people in winter attire. We passed Charlotte Collins’s stand, where she was selling candles carved in the shape of snowflakes. Mayor Pembroke strode around in her frost-marked cloak that shimmered like mist when the sun hit it. Her skirt had tiny icicles attached that clinked together like chimes. 

“There they are! The couple of the hour! Everyone is talking about you.” Bradley, my best friend, came up to us wearing a large coat, earmuffs and skinny jeans. A fellow vampire and bandmate, I’d texted him that we were on our way back. 

“Hey Bradley,” I said. “How are things?”

“Considering people are killing off members of The Grey Doors, I’m not doing so great.” He looked around as if he thought that at any moment someone might pop out from behind a stand and plunge a stake into his heart.
“We solved that,” I said. “Actually, Lydia solved it.”

His eyes widened. “What do you mean, solved?”

“We found the culprit and made sure they couldn’t kill again,” Lydia said.

He grinned. “That’s a relief. I’m glad the killer was found.” He wiped a hand across his forehead. “Who was it?”

I looked around us at the crowd and lowered my voice. “I’ll tell you later.”

Bradley’s eyes widened, but he nodded, letting it drop. He picked up on the way Lydia had draped her hand over my arm, not so conspicuously showing off her ring. “And felicitations on your marriage! I’m sure Lydia was the loveliest bride. I want to hear all about it.” 

Lydia smiled and opened her mouth to respond. No doubt to give him every tiny detail.

“Maybe another time.” I turned to Lydia. “Do you see your family?”

“I’ll check. I’m sure they’re here.” She squinted, searching through the crowd of people.

“Lydia!” Kitty shouted from beside a large stand filled with baked goods.

“Kitty! I’m home!” Lydia slid over to Kitty, and the two embraced like they hadn’t seen each other just last week. 

Kitty stood among her sisters and mother, who had all gathered to sell their wares. Great, the entire family was here, save for the father, who was too ill to attend.

I turned to Bradley. “How is everyone in the Midnight Kitchen Group taking everything?”

My friend sighed and glanced over to where a man in a long dark coat glared at us. He stood in a group of five other people, all casting unapproving glances my way. “I’m going to be honest, some weren’t too happy about it. Mason especially,” he said, indicating the man in the long coat. “There are rules, Wickham, and those rules are in place for a reason. I warned them you were coming back after I received your text to prepare them.”

I eyed the group of people in their somber-toned garments and long faces and almost shook my head. They gathered around a group sign at a stand that read “The Midnight Kitchen Group.” Pastries and other food sat for sale at their stand. Looked as if Alice had made her traditional death by chocolate coffin cakes. They were worried about me? The little group of vampires was verging on obvious. It was a miracle that no one had discovered them yet. “I will come and talk to them. Do you guys still meet on Wednesday nights?”

“Like clockwork.”

I nodded to Bradley. “I’ll be there.”

“Lydia! Where is your man? I must talk to him!” Mrs. Bennet’s voice rang over the crowd. Lydia pointed in my direction, and Mrs. Bennet pinpointed her laser vision on me. 

“I gotta run,” I said to my friend.

He suddenly stepped close and dropped his voice. “Hey, I wanted to tell you. There’s a rumor among the vampires that your sire has had someone here in town keeping an eye on you. Reporting to him what is going on.”

I tore my gaze from Mrs. Bennet to stare at him, my gut churning. “Reporting what? For what reason?”

“Your guess is as good as mine. But you can guarantee he knows about her.” Bradley nodded towards Lydia. Then he lifted his hand in a wave. “See you later.”

Trying to push aside my concern over Bradley’s little bombshell, I took a deep breath and headed towards my new mother-in-law.

“Ah, there is your husband!” Mrs. Bennet bustled over and took my hand. “What a fine handsome one he is!”

“Thank you,” I said even though this wasn’t my first interaction with Mrs. Bennet.

“What an amazing day this is. I always knew Lydia would marry well, and you are such a wonderful choice.”

I’d experienced her fawning before, but now that I was Lydia’s husband, she seemed to lay it on extra thick.

She pressed my hand. “Come join us at our stand and let us get to know one another.”

Mrs. Bennet practically dragged me over to the booth filled with pastries that rose and fell gently, still warm, as if they were breathing. Cupcakes iced with sparkling frost gave off a soft hum. She pulled up a stool. “Sit, sit!” she exclaimed.

I did as I was told while Kitty dragged Lydia off to the side where all four of her sisters gathered around her. I watched them out of the corner of my eye.

Lydia beamed at them. “Everyone thought Jane would be the first to get married. Isn’t it hilarious that it was me, the youngest of all of us?”

“We’re glad you are home, Lydia,” Jane said, not cracking a smile, her tone filled with concern. “Are you okay?” 

“I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?” Lydia asked.

Even though Lydia was a good distance away, I could make out their conversation crystal clear because of my enhanced hearing. Mrs. Bennet prattled on. She paused a moment, asked me a question, and I murmured a brief response before she continued her praises.

“Why wouldn’t you be?” Lizzy demanded. “You ran off with a man you hardly even know and got married to him without telling any of us. Of course we were worried!”

“Lizzy, don’t be silly. Everything is fine. Better than fine. Have you seen my ring?” Lydia held up her hand to show off the small rock on her finger. “Isn’t it gorgeous? You know if you stick with me, I can probably get you all husbands by Valentine’s Day.”

Mary shook her head, Kitty looked a little mortified, and Lizzy snorted and said, “No thanks.”

“… and not only are you fae, but you’re a famous rockstar no less! The Grey Doors,” Mrs. Bennet said in front of me. “Lydia is going to love living such a glamorous life. I admit I am a bit envious.” 

I simply nodded, focusing on Lydia’s conversation with her sisters.

“Are you sure this is what you want, Lydia?” Jane pressed.

“Are you certain you want to remain married to him?” Kitty asked, moving a little closer.

Lydia gazed around at all their serious faces. “What is this? An intervention?” Lydia’s voice clearly displayed her annoyance. “I’m married. That isn’t something you just undo.”

“Actually,” Mary said, followed by the crack of a book opening and pages ruffling. “You can get a marriage annulled within a certain amount of time if you think it was a mistake. I have all the information right here.”

“The only ones who think this is a mistake are my sisters. All of you? Kitty?”

“I just want to be sure this is what you want—”

“Yes, it’s what I want. I am George Wickham’s wife. Who wouldn’t want that?”

A grim determination settled inside me. Her sisters were this way because they loved her. Even they knew I ruined everything that I touched. But I had gotten the information I had come here to discover. 

Lydia would have good support when I crushed her heart. 

And she’d be free of me.

The sisters continued bickering while Mrs. Bennet wiped away a tear from her eye. “I’m just so happy that she is finally wed and happy.”

Wed and happy. A sour taste filled my mouth. “Thank you for being so welcoming despite the less than ideal circumstances of our marriage.”

“Yes, I will have to talk to Lydia about that. It was very cruel of her not to invite us to the wedding, but that doesn’t mean you are not welcome to stop by our place anytime.”

Lydia was still arguing with her sisters. “Wickham has been nothing but kind to me, and I know he’d never hurt me. I’m sorry he chose me over you, Lizzy, but maybe you don’t know him as well as you think.”

I should probably end things before Lydia ruined her relationship with her sisters over me. When Mrs. Bennet began to speak again, I placed a hand on the booth and rose, startling her. “Forgive me, but it has been a long drive, and Lydia and I should head to my place.”

“You mean our place?” Lydia asked as she stomped over, all fired up. Her eyes flashed like astorm, brilliant and fierce. She grasped my arm. “Come Wickham. We’ll return when my sisters have learned how to be happy for me.”

She threw a glare over her shoulder at her sisters, who had followed her over to the booth. I met Lizzy’s disgusted gaze.

I grimaced and averted my eyes, giving all of them a little wave. “Nice seeing everyone.”

And with that, we left the Cupid’s Confections booth much quicker than expected.

Lydia stumbled over to the Tea and Tarot stand and bought two cups of steaming hot cocoa. She shoved one at me, still looking quite put out. “Here.” 

I took the cup from her, and her eyes grew wide. “Oh sorry, do you even drink hot cocoa? I wasn’t even thinking.”

I shrugged. “I like hot cocoa.”

We headed for a secluded area near a large tree, and consumed our drinks.

“I’m sorry things didn’t go well with your sisters,” I said after a few minutes.

Lydia huffed. “They completely ambushed me.”

“Don’t you think they might have a point?”

She turned to me with wide eyes. “What do you mean?”

“We got married kind of quickly.”
“Because you suggested it.”

I swallowed. I had. “And you don’t really know that much about me, really.”
The cold had made her nose turn a light shade of pink, and she stared at me through the steam drifting up from her drink. “What are you saying?”

A short fae man made his way across the snow towards me. I would have responded to Lydia, but I found I recognized him. His name was Ragun. One of Darcy’s men. He came up in his snow cap and peered up at us. “Mr. Wickham?”

“Yes.”

“I’m here to deliver a message from his highness.”

Lydia gasped, but I said, “Go ahead.”

Ragun straightened his coat as if getting into official mode. “The prince would like to meet with you at his current residence three days hence at noon.”

“The prince? You mean the fae prince? Fitzwilliam Valemont?” Lydia gazed between the two of us with her mouth open. “Is he in town?”

“Must be a quick visit,” I murmured.

“But you know the fae prince? Can I come?” Lydia looked excited.

“Perhaps another time,” I said, then turned to Ragun, who was waiting for a reply. “Tell him I’ll be there.” 

Lydia’s shoulders slumped.

“I will convey your response to his highness.” The fae man turned and walked away.

Fae Prince Fitzwilliam Valemont hid his true identity to everyone in town by going by the name Darcy. I couldn’t believe he’d sent someone to make such a display. But then again, he probably didn’t want Lydia to know that Darcy and I were meeting, so it protected him to present himself as the prince instead of his known identity in Austen Heights. It was probably the same reason he didn’t text. Maybe he thought Lydia would see the text and tell her family? It had been clear when Darcy had offered his deal that he had wanted to keep it a secret. I had even made Lydia promise not to say anything to her family about his interference in our wedding arrangements.

“I don’t know why I can’t come. I’m your wife. If you know him, shouldn’t I?” She tipped her styrofoam cup back and drained it. “I’ve had enough of all the celebrating,” she said, clearly in a bad mood. “Let’s head home.”

After helping her into the car to ensure she didn’t break her neck on the ice, I rounded the vehicle and got inside. It was still much too warm for comfort, but I ignored that as I started it up and pulled onto the road.

We drove mostly in silence, but then Lydia said quietly. “You’re right about what you said earlier. There’s still so much I don’t understand about you.” She looked over at me. “But what I know, I can’t help but admire. I would love it if you opened up a bit more.”

This was exactly the opposite direction this conversation should be headed. I turned onto the street where my small two-story townhome was located. 

I pulled into the driveway and put the car in park. It was now or never. I took a deep breath and faced her. “Lydia, I think that we may have rushed into things and…” I let the words trail away because Lydia was looking out the front window, my vampire hearing picking up on her heart pounding at an unnaturally fast rhythm in her chest. “Are you listening to me?”

Clearly she wasn’t, because she opened the passenger door and bolted for my front doorstep. I sighed. Did she suspect what was coming?

I opened my car door to follow her. “You can’t avoid this by running away from me…”

The scent of death became strong in the air. I rushed to Lydia’s side, who stared down at the dead fae man that lay on my front doorstep.

For a moment, I stood in numb disbelief.

Lydia’s hands flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with shock.

The body was unbearably pale. I leaned closer, my stomach churning with dread as I saw two little pricks in the neck. A vampire did this.

Lydia’s hands lowered from her face, and she released a groan. “Oh, not again.”