by Jennifer Joy
Wickham raised his chin and puffed his chest out. “So I am in charge and you must do as I bid. What an agreeable change.” He reveled in his power. “Very well. Out of the goodness of my heart, I give you until tomorrow. I will call in the afternoon and you had best have my money ready.”
“And a proposal. I want you to propose in front of your sister,” said Miss Bingley. “I want her to know that she owes her loyalty to me.”
Darcy stiffened. “You will keep your silence. Georgiana is to be kept out of this.” His words echoed the forcefulness he felt in his soul. He would do anything to keep Georgiana out of this mess. She must not know.
Miss Bingley’s face hardened, but she said, “If that is what you wish. But I hold it over you to grant my next request.”
“Which is?”
“To be determined. Believe me when I say that you shall pay for not giving me what I want when I want it. I always get what I desire. The sooner you learn to adapt, the happier our union will be.”
Darcy could never be happy with such a manipulative, overbearing woman. If there was a way to avoid eternal woe with her as his wife, he would find it. He had to.
At least he had gotten Wickham to give him a day. Darcy had expected nothing more.
A knock on the door signaled the end of their meeting. Fifteen minutes had passed.
Miss Bingley left the room first, flouncing down the hall to join the ladies.
Wickham turned to Darcy. “Until tomorrow then. I believe I will excuse myself from your little party. The company is too dull for my taste and I would not want my association with you to taint my reputation. Do not forget what is at stake, my old friend.”
With that, he gave his excuses and left for the barracks.
Fortunately, his early departure encouraged an earlier end to the evening’s gathering. The hostess was rather put out, but still declared her party to be a smashing success after everyone had gone.
Several times, Georgiana caught Darcy’s eye. She knew something was wrong, but Darcy did not have the heart to tell her. He could handle this. He would find a solution on his own and everything would be put to right.
The hours ticked slowly by, bring Wickham’s return to Netherfield Park closer with each passing second. No nightmares haunted Darcy that night. He would have had to sleep for that.
As dawn approached the next morning, Darcy was running out of options and out of time. He was no closer to freeing himself and Georgiana of Wickham and Miss Bingley than the night before.
Giles entered the room and stopped short when he saw his master. “Sir, did you not sleep at all? May I get you something?”
Darcy rubbed his hands against his face and leaned back in the chair he occupied. “I find myself in a quandary, and it would appear there is no way out.”
“Pardon me for intruding where I do not belong, sir, but has this anything to do with Miss Darcy’s missing diary? I realize how detrimental it would be if it fell into the wrong hands.”
Giles knew firsthand about Wickham. Darcy decided it would not hurt to tell him what had happened the night before.
“Miss Bingley and Wickham are using it against me. Wickham has it in his possession.”
“How do you aim to fight back, sir? I assume you would rather perish than give in to their wishes.”
“You sound like my cousin, Richard. I wish he was here.”
“Sir, is there anything I can do to help?”
“No, Giles. This is something I must face alone.”
Giles shuffled his feet, his eyebrows bunched together. “Master Darcy,” he asked just as he used to when Darcy’s father had been alive, “may I speak plainly?”
“Of course.”
“Even the greatest generals need the help of their soldiers in a war. Battles are not won by a single man. Could it be that, just maybe, you need help lightening the burden you carry?”
“What do you suggest?”
Giles stepped forward, his hands out in appeal. “It is Miss Darcy’s actions which has caused the problem. Perhaps you could trust her to help you. Whatever Mr. Wickham and Miss Bingley plan against you will certainly affect her. Let her help you fight.”
“I fear it would be too much for her to bear.”
“Until you test her out, you will never know what she is capable of enduring. Neither will she. It could just be that she could save you, but you will not know unless you communicate with her exactly what you are up against. At least you would not be alone.”
“Thank you, Giles. I will consider your advice.”
An hour later, Darcy had made no more progress on a plan than he had during the long night. He laid aside his natural inclination and walked down the hall to knock on Georgiana’s door.
She was awake and dressed, having slept poorly as well.
“William, how glad I am to see you. I could not sleep all night knowing that something is dreadfully wrong. Please tell me what happened.”
After dismissing the maid, Darcy grabbed her hands and led her over to the couch in front of the window.
“Mrs. Hurst read enough of your diary to understand how much we would want its contents kept secret. She gave it to Wickham, who is using it to demand money.”
“He shall not extort you. Give him nothing, William.” Her nostrils flared and her cheeks darkened.
“That is not all. Mrs. Hurst has arranged it so that I must marry Miss Bingley or they will talk.”
The high color in Georgiana’s face paled. “Oh. They would use me to ruin your life.”
Darcy’s heart hurt for her. It was what he had hoped to avoid.
“I did not want to involve you, but I… I have no idea what to do to get out of this situation.” That had been difficult to say.
Georgiana pursed her lips together and narrowed her eyes. “We must not give up. I think I know how to handle Caroline, but you must talk to Mr. Bingley.”
“How could I talk to Bingley without revealing the contents of the diary? He must not know.”
“William, think. Is it not bad enough that his sister invaded my room while a guest in his house? She then proceeded to steal an item of personal importance to me. Do you not think that is enough reason for him to act?”
“Bingley has yet to take a stand against his sisters. What makes you so confident he will now?”
“Do you have a better idea?” she asked sarcastically. Had the situation not been so serious, Darcy would have smiled at her fighting spirit. Giles was right. She was the perfect soldier to have by his side.
“Very well. I will talk to Bingley and tell him what his sisters have been up to. What do you suggest we do about Wickham?”
Georgiana twisted her hands. “I must confide in Miss Elizabeth. She is my friend and she is clever. I do not know if she can help, but I would regret not asking.”
Darcy wanted to tell Georgiana what a bad idea it was to share such sensitive information, but he had no other plan to offer.
“I see it in your face, William. You do not want me to tell her. Do you not believe her trustworthy?”
“Miss Elizabeth has always proved herself to be reliable. She protects her own sisters with a zeal I expect she would extend to you. I…” What was the problem?
Georgiana interrupted his thoughts. “I do not think she would refuse me her friendship nor think less of me for my mistake.”
“But she might think less of me,” Darcy said before he realized what he meant.
“If that is what worries you, brother, that is a simple problem of pride. Everybody makes mistakes— even you, William.”
“I cannot make mistakes. Too many people suffer if I do. Do you not see, Georgiana? It is my mistake in judgment which caused you to come so close to compromise in the first place.”
“You take on too much, and it is high time you let your friends— you let me— help you. If we go down, at least we will go down united and fighting. I will face the consequences of my errors and live the rest of my life in dignity knowing
that I did not doom you to a miserable marriage with Miss Bingley when I know you would much prefer to marry Elizabeth.” Her chest heaved up and down with the intensity of her speech.
Darcy had no argument against her. He decided to trust Georgiana at the same time he realized that he could think of no better wife than Miss Elizabeth.
“We will call after I speak with Bingley. There is no time to lose.”
“I am coming with you. This is every bit my problem as it is yours.”
Darcy stood, extending his hand out to Georgiana. Arm in arm, they went in search of Bingley.
Chapter 19
Bingley was on his way to the breakfast room when they saw him. He was more than happy to grant their request for a private conversation.
Enclosing themselves in Bingley’s study, he placed himself behind his desk and placed his folded hands on top of his polished oak desk. He looked every bit the master of his household. Darcy was glad of that, or what he was about to reveal would be more difficult to manage. He and Georgiana took their seats in the plush, leather chairs in front of him.
“Something has happened which, as the head of your household and our dear friend, you should be made aware.”
Bingley sat up straighter.
Darcy continued. “Georgiana has been keeping a diary, and it went missing. You remember when Wickham wanted a private meeting with me?”
Bingley nodded, all his focus on Darcy.
“He requested more money— in the sum of ten thousand pounds. He held up Georgiana’s diary and said he would reveal its contents unless I complied and fulfilled one other request.”
Looking to Georgiana, Bingley asked, “My goodness, Miss Darcy. The contents of your journal must be like reading a gothic novel.”
“I was rather fanciful and capricious in my wording. One should never take the musings of another’s diary too seriously.”
“Can you not simply refute him as a liar then?” asked Bingley, not yet understanding his involvement.
Darcy shook his head. “Would it were that easy. At that moment, Miss Bingley entered the room. It was Mrs. Hurst who had secured the diary in order to conspire against me with Miss Bingley and Wickham. They mean to force me to marry your sister.”
Bingley’s eyes grew to double their size, and his face turned tomato red.
“Mrs. Hurst need only mention a few well-placed comments in the right company, and Georgiana’s reputation would be ruined for life. You know how these things work, Bingley. Young ladies’ reputations have been ruined with lesser things.”
Bingley pounded his fist against the desk and stood.
“All this has happened under my nose, and I only find out about it now?” He tugged his fingers through his hair. “No, not any more. This is the worst misconduct I have ever known of my sisters doing, and it will come to an end.”
With that, he charged out of the room. Darcy looked at Georgiana and her expression looked just as shocked as he felt. What would Bingley do? Would he really take charge of his household and put his sisters in their proper place? If so, it would be a sight to see. Darcy and Georgiana stood in unison and almost stuck themselves in the door frame in their hurry to catch up with Bingley, who was now partway down the stairs.
They watched as he entered the breakfast room doorway. When they reached it, Darcy was faced with the dilemma of whether they should enter as well or leave Bingley to speak alone to his relatives. Georgiana, too, hesitated.
A bellow from inside the room removed their doubt. “Darcy!” Bingley called. “Your presence is required as a witness and as a restraint, for Lord help me, I have not been this angry in a long time, and I do not want any misunderstandings if I bumble my words.”
All eyes were glued to Bingley, and the household staff had the good sense to scurry out of the room, a look of panic on their faces.
Even Mr. Hurst put his fork down and acknowledged his wife’s brother.
“Louisa and Caroline, you have acted in a treacherous way in my house to my guests— my friends. My shame in you is so complete, I must ask you to pack your things and leave for your home by this afternoon.”
Miss Bingley looked around the room, her cheeks puffing out and her breaths coming in short bursts. “Charles, what is this about? Of what treachery am I accused?”
“Did you or did you not arrange to take property which did not belong to you and use it to force Darcy’s hand?” Bingley’s voice was loud compared to the silence in the room.
Putting her hand on her chest, she insisted on her innocence. She soon quieted when she saw that her brother was not convinced.
Mrs. Hurst calmly sipped her chocolate. Setting her cup down, she haughtily said, “How can you prevent us from talking? I know the contents of the diary, and my silence comes with a price.” She looked at Darcy.
Bingley stepped forward and gripped a chair at the table like he would strangle it. “I will have no more threats issued in my house, Louisa.” Standing up to his full height, he added, “How is this for guarding your silence? If you issue so much as a whisper to your most confident friend, I will cut Caroline off completely and send her to live with you permanently.” He crossed his arms and raised his chin.
Mrs. Hurst gasped and Mr. Hurst choked on his own spit. Already having drunk his chocolate, he grabbed his wife’s and chugged down the contents between coughing fits.
Finding her tongue first, Mrs. Hurst objected, “That will not do, Charles. We cannot have Caroline with us.”
Miss Bingley threw her napkin onto her plate and stood from the table so quickly, the table shook. “You will not have me?”
Mrs. Hurst whipped her head around to look at Miss Bingley standing beside her. “No, we will not have you. My one goal in life is to see you married, so that I can be rid of your company. You are an ambitious, selfish woman very near to being shelved as an old maid because of your insistence on marrying the one man out of your reach. I took matters into my own hands and tried to help you, Caroline, but now you are on your own.”
Miss Bingley opened her mouth to speak, but only a squeak came out. She slowly sat back down, doing her best to appear unaffected.
Georgiana reached over and looped her arm through Darcy’s. When he looked down into her face, her eyes fairly bounced with excitement. Some horror was there too, but even Darcy had to admit to himself that Bingley had gone over and beyond what he had known him capable of.
“Do I have your promise of silence?” Bingley asked the ladies at the table.
Two subdued voices said, “Yes.”
“Good. You may begin packing your things. If you behave yourself, Caroline, I will allow you to continue residence with me after the militia has quit Meryton. That, I think, shall afford you two enough time to fully convince yourselves of the value of keeping your silence.”
Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst looked at each other in disappointment and disgust.
They filed out of the room. Mr. Hurst paused in front of Bingley. He grabbed Bingley’s hand, shaking it vigorously. Then, Mr. Hurst bunched his chin and nodded in approval before continuing out of the breakfast room.
Darcy breathed for what felt like the first time since Bingley called them in as witnesses. He was free from Miss Bingley. He could marry whom he wished. Dancing brown eyes and soft brown curls flashed before his mind’s eye.
Bingley paced about the room, tugging his hair and grinning. “I did it! I really did it!” Pumping his arms in to the air and flexing his muscles, he said, “I am the master of my house!”
Georgiana laughed and Darcy beamed. Not only was he happy to have part of the threat removed, he was sublimely happy for his friend.
“You did well, Bingley. Nobody could have done better.”
Growing more serious, Bingley said, “I did it for her, you know. I did it for Jane. I have never wanted to please anyone more than I want to please her. No offense to you, of course, Darcy, but our friendship can hardly compare to the love of my heart.”
Dar
cy laughed and raised his hands up. “No offense taken. You should feel proud knowing that you have worked to deserve her. I applaud you.”
Bingley puffed his chest out like a peacock. Flexing his authority, Bingley then wished to have a few words with his butler and housekeeper. He was ready to take complete charge— and he would have to with Miss Bingley gone and no one left to manage the house for him.
Her mind full of questions and possibilities, Elizabeth set out to walk. She knew she should not involve herself, but curiosity and a desire to help her friends— if indeed, they needed help— turned her feet toward Netherfield Park. She would not attempt to call until the afternoon, lest she plummet even deeper into Miss Bingley’s disfavor. For Jane’s sake, she would irritate the lady as little as possible.
The sun occasionally peeked through the clouds, melting her concerns and slowing her pace so that she might enjoy the warm, untroubled sensation. Extending her arms out and looking up into the sky, she let the sun’s rays soak into her face and the dark fabric of her morning dress. Her skin would brown, but it felt too delicious to resist. Twirling, feeling the length of her skirts poof around her legs, she spun round and round until she grew dizzy.
At peace in her mind, she focused her gaze on the path winding in front of her and concentrated her attention on her friends and Mr. Dixon’s warning. The uneasy feeling she had before returned, but the fresh air and sunlight had cleared her mind and she felt better.
Coming toward her from Netherfield Park were two figures. They were too far away to see clearly, but Elizabeth had no difficulties identifying Mr. Darcy. His gait, like his personality, was firm and resolute. Georgiana was with him. She walked with all the grace of a proper lady, and she carried herself tall and erect like the confident woman she was becoming.
Elizabeth picked up her pace to meet them.
“Walking alone again, I see,” Mr. Darcy said after exchanging greetings. His crooked smile tempered the sternness in his voice.
“I am glad of it, William,” said Georgiana. Turning to Elizabeth, she said, “We were on our way to Longbourn to call on you, and the fewer ears around to hear, the better.”