“Mama?” As she spoke when her mother drew breath, Elizabeth was heard. “Mr. Darcy requested to speak to Papa. If you will excuse us, I shall show him to my father’s library.”
“Oh, yes, of course,” she dismissed with a wave of her handkerchief. “It is not as though your father would deign to leave his study to receive callers.” She peered at Mr. Collins and back. “You will return directly. Mr. Darcy can have nothing of interest to say to you.”
“Actually,” came the low voice from beside her. “I had some information to impart to Mr. Bennet, and it is of great importance to Miss Elizabeth as well. I am certain she will be asked to remain.”
Her mother’s jaw opened and closed as Elizabeth pressed her lips together. Do not grin!
“A… as you say, Mr. Darcy.”
Elizabeth dropped her head and made her way into the hall, Mr. Darcy’s boots thudding across the wooden floor behind her. When she reached the library, she knocked. A moment later, her father bid them to enter.
“Papa, Mr. Darcy requested to speak with you.”
Her father’s eyebrows rose upon his forehead. “He did? I cannot imagine why, but please show him in.”
With her step to the side, Mr. Darcy made his way before the desk and bowed to her father as he stood to greet the visitor. “Thank you for agreeing to see me, sir.”
Her father nodded. “I must admit to a significant amount of curiosity at your application to speak with me.” He gestured to a pair of chairs set before the desk. “Please.”
She closed the door and took her usual spot as Mr. Darcy seated himself in the chair beside her.
“I hope you do not mind, Mr. Bennet, but I requested Miss Elizabeth join us. I fear I was quite rude in Meryton in hastening your daughters’ departure, and I wished to explain myself to her.”
Her father leaned forward and rested his forearms upon his desk. “I did not imagine my interest in the reason for your call could increase, yet you have piqued my curiosity. Pray sir, continue.”
“Bingley and I departed Netherfield with the intention of calling upon Longbourn since my friend wished to be certain Miss Bennet had regained her health. When we arrived in Meryton, Bingley noticed your daughters to one side of the road speaking to a member of the militia—I believe I heard him called Mr. Denny—and an acquaintance of his.”
“Lydia and Kitty would be responsible for such an endeavour,” stated Mr. Bennet lifting his eyes to the ceiling. “I must say I am growing weary of the talk of red coats in this house.”
“Mr. Bennet, it is the man who accompanied this Mr. Denny that concerns me. I am loath to share private family business, but I feel I must if you are to understand why I have come to speak with you today.”
Her father’s brow furrowed and drew down over his eyes. “Of course.”
“The man, Mr. Wickham, was the son of my father’s steward, who was a very respectable man, yet the son is not of the same ilk as his father. Wickham and I were educated together at my father’s expense—he even attended Cambridge with me.”
“Quite generous of your father, if I may say.”
Mr. Darcy nodded. “My father had a great respect for the elder Mr. Wickham, and I never disabused him of the notion that the son deserved a similar affection.” The gentleman stood and stared through the nearby window. “I could not pain my father, especially as his health declined.”
Elizabeth turned to keep her gaze upon Mr. Darcy. “If the son was so different from his father, may I ask his sins? I assume those are why you desired us return to Longbourn without delay.”
“Mr. Wickham has several vices, but the most worrisome is his interest in the fairer sex. I was aware of him persuading quite a few young women into activities usually reserved for marriage, but after my father’s death, the plight of a maid and a tenant’s daughter came to my attention.
“While Wickham was at Pemberley for the burial, he forced himself upon these two women. One beget a child by him, the other is now buried in an unmarked grave outside of the Kympton churchyard.”
A gasp escaped her throat. “Those poor women!”
Mr. Darcy closed his eyes and sighed. “Please forgive me for speaking in such a blunt fashion, Miss Elizabeth, but I cannot think of a more palatable way of describing his treachery.”
“You stated it in as gentle a manner as you could.” Her voice was weak. How could such a man appear so charming at a first acquaintance? She had witnessed his pallor and shock at meeting Mr. Darcy, but he had such an appearance of goodness prior to the arrival of the gentleman before her.
“Of all my daughters, you have chosen the correct daughter to enlighten. Lizzy visits our tenants and ensures those who are sick are tended. She has also read most of the contents of my library in her short years. Evil may not have touched her personally, but she is better equipped than the rest of the girls to be aware of the truth.”
Mr. Darcy ran his hand through his hair. “I wish I could claim those two cases were the only ones, but there have been several more. One was a young gentlewoman, who he preyed upon. She was not yet sixteen years old.”
Her gut clenched and a knot rose to sit in her throat. Dear Lord! His sister! Had he not said she had been hurt? Could the young gentlewoman be her?
“If you will forgive me for saying, Mr. Bennet. Your youngest daughters are free spirited and would not recognise the danger they faced until it was too late. No family should suffer ruin for his depraved actions.”
Elizabeth’s eyes burned, and she swallowed in an attempt not to cry. “You mentioned other vices.”
“Yes, he is fond of gambling. He inherited one thousand pounds from my father and was paid three thousand in lieu of a living, which he squandered in three years.”
“That is quite a sum to waste!” her father exclaimed. “He could have lived well enough for quite some time had he managed his funds in a more careful fashion.”
“Yes, he has never been a prudent spender. Wickham also leaves substantial debts in his wake.” Mr. Darcy took his seat once again. “I paid those in Lambton and Kympton, with the understanding that I would cover no more of Wickham’s spending. As a result, he is no longer extended credit in the villages around Pemberley.”
Elizabeth turned her attention to her father. “What shall we do?”
Her father removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. “I shall never have a moment’s peace for this, but I will ban the militia from Longbourn. If Mr. Wickham is now a part of their ranks, I cannot ban him without calling attention to him. I am unaware if he is of a resentful temper, but I do not wish to tempt him.”
Mr. Darcy sat forward in his chair. “One of the reasons I have not exposed him publicly is his propensity to seek revenge. Your plan is wise.”
“I shall speak with Sir William Lucas on the matter of this Mr. Wickham’s debts. The businesses in Meryton might be safer to refuse all of the militia any sort of credit. Several of the merchants cannot afford losses of any significant amount, yet a problem could arise if Colonel Forster or any of his men take insult to the refusal.”
“Are you familiar with Temple of Muses in London?”
“Yes, Mr. Lackington extends no credit to anyone and runs the most popular bookstore in town.” Her father gave a shrug. “I do not know if it will prevent them from taking offence but it is worth a try I suppose. Some may offer credit regardless.”
Elizabeth sat forward. “Other young ladies of Meryton should be protected from him as well.”
“I would hope…” Mr. Darcy’s voice was anxious.
“I shall not mention your name, sir, though if this Mr. Wickham discovers we have been warned—”
“He will know it was me. I do understand.” He glanced at Elizabeth. “I could not allow him to harm another lady when I could prevent it.”
Her father’s eyes shifted between them. “I laud your sense of honour, and I assure you I will take every precaution.”
Chapter 8
Elizabeth escaped from Longb
ourn not long after the sun rose the next morning. When she stayed at Netherfield, Mr. Darcy’s horse could often be heard galloping away from the house at such a time, and if she was lucky, she would happen upon him today as she took her morning walk.
Her mother’s displeasure at her father’s decision had resonated through the walls of Longbourn the evening prior. Her laments were voiced in the loudest and most vehement terms at dinner and after, even when her father departed for his library. The house was not silent until her mother had at last taken laudanum to find sleep after being so cruelly ignored by her husband.
Lydia’s wails of displeasure were also grating to Elizabeth’s ears. She joined her mother as she ranted and railed the entire evening. Of course, her youngest sister had no idea of the reason for the militia’s banishment from Longbourn, but it was doubtful she would care. Lydia would never believe something evil could befall her—particularly within the sleepy environs of Meryton. Lydia’s potential response to the idea was obvious: “La! What a joke!”
Elizabeth walked through the well-worn trail in the direction of Netherfield. Unlike the day when she journeyed to tend to Jane, today, she took a trail that bypassed Meryton. When the edge of Longbourn’s property was reached, she climbed the stile, and began to scan the countryside for Mr. Darcy. The sound of a neigh from beside her caused her to jump with a hand to the fencepost.
“You startled me!”
Mr. Darcy sat atop his bay stallion as it emerged from some trees and approached where she stood, a large grin upon his face. “I noticed, but you should be more aware. My horse’s footsteps are hardly silent.”
With a huff, she stepped down one board so she was face to face with the tall gentleman on his sizable mount. “I confess I hoped to happen upon you.”
Something flickered in his eyes. Was he surprised, pleased, annoyed?
“And why is that?”
“I hope I am not presumptuous, but I wished to say how distressed I was to hear about your sister yesterday.”
His jaw clenched and released. “I should have been more circumspect when I mentioned a young gentlewoman. I had not intended to divulge so much.”
“My father is unaware, and you can be assured I shall not tell. She does not deserve such censure when she has already been violated in so cruel a manner. I hope she finds the strength to put Mr. Wickham’s evil behind her.”
His eyes remained upon his hands, which gripped the reins with such force his knuckles were certain to be white under his gloves. “I wish I could call him out! It was all I could do to prevent my cousin from pursuing Wickham and killing him.” His eyes met hers. “My cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam shares guardianship of my sister with me.” He looked into the distance. “I could not allow him to incite gossip. Georgiana’s reputation would be damaged if anyone even suspected or conjectured as to why we challenged Wickham. I could not—I cannot take such a risk.”
“No, you could not. She would not only have to bear what he did, but endure the sneers of those who do not care or understand what she has suffered. And what if either you or your cousin were killed? She would mourn your death as well. She requires both of you to help her through this ordeal.”
His eyes lifted to hers with such sorrow, her chest pained her. “I have felt such guilt leaving her these past weeks.”
“I believe you said she is staying with her aunt?”
“She is. My aunt felt she could be of more help to Georgiana than two bachelors, and I had made a promise to Bingley prior to Ramsgate that I would come.”
“Your sister was in Ramsgate when this occurred?”
His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. “Yes, we formed an establishment for Georgiana, and she was to spend the summer by the sea. Wickham followed, by design it seems, and conspired with my sister’s companion. Mrs. Younge encouraged Georgiana to think of Wickham as a suitor.”
Elizabeth gasped. “I am aware that Lydia is a similar age and is out, but both she and your sister are far too young for courtship and marriage. I would not have desired a husband at such a tender age.”
“Georgiana found herself uncomfortable with Wickham’s attentions and wrote to me, divulging Mrs. Younge’s persuasion and Wickham’s idea that they should marry. I hastened to Ramsgate, but Wickham, in an attempt to convince Georgiana they should elope forced himself—”
“You do not have to say it.” Her eyes blurred with tears at the sadness and shakiness of his voice. “Her aunt must be such a comfort to her at this time and would, no doubt, write should your sister have need of you.”
Mr. Darcy dismounted, stepped around his horse, and held out his hand to help her alight from the stile. “Might I accompany you on your walk? It would ease my mind to know you are safe.”
As she stepped down, she peered in the direction of Meryton. “Do you believe it unsafe for me to walk as I always have?”
“Wickham is unpredictable, but I would rather you are unharmed.”
She placed her hand upon his proffered arm. “I am unaccustomed to such worry. We are a small community, so my father never saw a reason to curtail my ramblings.” They proceeded away from the village as Mr. Darcy led his horse.
“When such happenings seem so far away, one does not always see the danger to themselves.” He cleared his throat with a gentle cough. “Forgive me.”
With a slight tug at his arm, she stopped him, and he turned slightly to face her. “As I said before, I am a willing ear should you require it, but please do not feel you must divulge anything to me.”
His eyes searched hers. “I have never spoken in such an unguarded manner with another person. I cannot explain why I seem to trust you as I do.”
A fluttering erupted within her belly and her chest was light. “I am honoured by your trust, sir. I just did not want you to feel forced to confide in me.”
“I have kept this inside for the last few months. To be honest, it is a relief to speak of it. Your kindness towards my sister’s situation gives me hope.”
His eyes held hers with such intensity that she could not tear hers away until he gave an abrupt turn and began to walk towards Longbourn.
“I should be returning to Netherfield soon, but I would like to see you safely home.”
“Longbourn is not far. Nothing untoward should happen in the short time it would take to return.”
“Regardless, I shall escort you as far as the back garden. I shall brook no arguments on the matter either.”
With a grin, she looked up with a raised brow. “You should be aware that I do not take commands well.”
“Perhaps you should learn.”
A crooked smile she had never seen before lit his face, revealing a dimple on one side. Was there one on the opposite as well? She would have to make him give a full smile! He was definitely a handsome man when he wore a pleased expression, and who knew he had a sense of humour?
They walked in silence for the remainder of the path bordering Longbourn’s back garden. There, Mr. Darcy removed her hand from his arm and encased it between his palms.
“Thank you for today. I am in your debt, Miss Elizabeth.”
His lips grazed her knuckles. Why did it feel as though he had kissed her bare flesh? His warm breath tickled the back of her wrist as her chest began to feel as though it would burst. She needed air!
“There is no debt, Mr. Darcy.” She curtsied, and before he could discern her heated cheeks, she ran to the door of the kitchens. As she slipped into the house, she did not look back lest her heart break if he had departed before she was inside.
Darcy leaned around the hedge to watch her enter Longbourn. Were her cheeks pinker just before she dashed in the direction of the house? Had she truly blushed?
When the door closed behind her, he led Boreas far enough from the house that they would not be seen with him atop, mounted, and turned his stallion towards Netherfield.
What had happened? He had intended to meet Miss Elizabeth, though when he first set out, it was only to
ensure her safety. He had lied to himself! For the duration of his stay at Netherfield, he had fought an overwhelming attraction to Miss Elizabeth—a battle he was losing by the day.
He had never spoken so openly to anyone. His cousins, his aunt, and even his father would never have been told of his grief or his feelings of culpability in Georgiana’s situation. They would listen and keep his counsel, yet he was not comfortable with the intimacy of the gesture—until Elizabeth.
Was he beetle-headed not to consider Elizabeth as a potential wife? Her connections were not as poor as some, and she likely had little or no fortune, but had he a need for such considerations? Would he be more willing to take her for a wife if she were higher born and still penniless?
He was not a spendthrift and had saved a considerable sum since he began receiving an allowance at Cambridge. He could afford to take a wife who came with little but herself to the marriage, so why was he not considering that very situation?
He had no need for more connections or money, so the circumstance of the utmost concern was her family’s behaviour; however, they would not be in the company of her family often as his responsibilities required him to be at Pemberley or in London for most of the year.
She would be an excellent sister for Georgiana—understanding, compassionate, kind. Georgiana could not ask for a better relation. Elizabeth had cared for Jane with such diligence at Netherfield, she would certainly do the same for Georgiana.
He was a numbskull! A low growl left his throat as he spurred Boreas into a gallop. He had offended the one woman he should have considered from the beginning of their acquaintance! He had made an amends for the gaffes at the assembly, but now, how to proceed?
Should he request a courtship? Should he call upon her at Longbourn and see how matters progressed?
What a nightmare! How did you court a lady? He had run from the women pursuing him for so long, he now had no idea how to woo one. The situation was hopeless!
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