He sighed. “Georgiana has always been to me the epitome of everything sweet and fine. Since she was born, and then when she was just a few years old and lost her mother—I have been close to her for her entire life, Miss Bennet. I watched her grow from adorable child to shy youngster to graceful young woman, and I have never felt but admiration and brotherly affection—that is, until this summer.”
He paused, biting his lip and shaking his head. “I never wanted to kill anyone more in my life! The violence I abhor on the battlefield, the necessary evil of my duty, all of that honed to a single point for me when Darcy sent me that express from Ramsgate. I would have gladly spilled the scoundrel’s entrails, coldly defiled my hands with another man’s blood, if only to spare what was good and right in my world from the pain and ruination of what the truly wicked would devise.
“Everything clarified for me on that trip south. My life has meaning and purpose if I can spend it, protecting that which I love. I would gladly lay it at my cousin’s feet to preserve her purity and innocence! It is not like the passion Darcy feels for you, Miss Bennet. Forgive me if I cause you any discomfort!” he interjected upon noticing Elizabeth’s vivid blush. “I imagine that emotion would arise if I gave it rein, but I cannot allow it. I am her guardian! It is shameful that I should harbour thoughts of her. I will be an old man while the bloom of youth is still fresh on her! She deserves better, Miss Bennet.”
“Better than a man who would sacrifice his happiness for her sake?” she challenged.
He eyed her carefully. “Better than one with no future or prospects, who bears unspeakable scars both in body and in spirit. She is sweetness and perfection, and I would have her give her heart to one who is worthy of her.”
“I suspect she may have already done so.”
He closed his eyes again. “Do not tell Darcy,” he implored. “The subject is closed, and I shall not pursue it. She is too young to even consider such matters. Let us not speak of it again.”
Elizabeth drew a ragged breath. “As you wish, sir.”
“And, Miss Bennet,” he opened his eyes, the bright, cheerful expression she had grown accustomed to returning faintly. “I would thank you for your kindness. You will make the finest mistress that Pemberley has ever known.”
Darcyfleetinglythoughttoarrange for a carriage to take their entire party back to Netherfield after their ordeal in the street but quickly thought better of it. Making such provisions would publicly declare that their party felt shame and humiliation after the incident. Better, he decided, to hold their heads high.
With that in mind, he left Georgiana in Jane and Mary’s capable hands and approached Mr and Mrs Philips, both of whom shrank slightly with the honour of such a man’s condescension. Mrs Philips was only a slightly more practical version of her sister, and Darcy cringed at having to depend upon her prudence to keep up his family’s good name. “Mrs Philips,” he greeted her cordially, “your hospitality is quite unrivalled, as always. I have greatly appreciated each opportunity to partake of your home’s elegant welcome.”
Mrs Philips blinked, glancing uncertainly toward her husband. Such, from a man accustomed to the finest circles, was high praise indeed! Mrs Philips drew herself a little straighter and preened a little.
It had not been her wish to welcome all of these girls into her house after that shocking display in the street. Her niece Elizabeth, however, had given her no option. Before she had been able to object, the entire party had been received and served refreshments. She had always rather taken her sister Fanny’s part in her belief that Elizabeth was far too outspoken and direct, but her staff were another matter. They had leapt at the prospect of being of service to a young lady who had always been kind to them, and who even now stood poised to become one of the finest ladies in all of England. Who knew what avenues for their own advancement lay open through her?
Mr Philips found his voice before his wife did. “Most civil of you, Mr Darcy. We were all very horrified yesterday when it became known that Mr Wickham, whom we have received in this house, had taken advantage of a local girl in such a way. Poor Miss King! I wonder what became of her?”
“Miss King?” Darcy inquired, with deliberate confusion. “Why, Miss King is known to be travelling with her uncle. Mr Wickham has in the past preyed on young ladies, as he attempted to do with my noble cousin, but that particular lady, at least, is safe.” There. Thanks now to Mrs Philips and her ilk, Mary King would be vindicated through the town, and Anne viewed with sympathy.
“Do you know,” Philips leaned close with an uncomfortable glance at his wife, “that Wickham fellow owes most of the shopkeepers money.”
Darcy sighed and nodded. “I have already begun arrangements to purchase his debts. Wickham was my father’s ward; thus, it is mine to take responsibility.”
Philips’ eyes widened. “That is right good of you, sir! Is... is Miss Darcy well?”
“Well enough, I thank you. She, like myself, suffers from grave disappointment in our childhood friend.”
“Oh, I see,” he nodded. He stood in mock relaxation for a moment until his wife was temporarily diverted by a question from one of the maids. “I hear,” he whispered to Darcy, “that he takes up with... you know... Some of thelesserladies of the town.”
Darcy pressed his lips thin but made no reply to that comment. No doubt Wickham had not been lodging alone. He’d had access to funds and incentive to lie low, so a young companion of some sort would certainly have served him well. He hoped the girl, whoever she was, would have the sense to go through Wickham’s belongings once she had word of his capture.
Though it cost him every last shred of his peace of mind, Darcy remained to make polite conversation with the Philipses, and even extended an invitation to Pemberley after Christmas, should the wedding plans not interfere. His being roiled with both anticipation and dread. Come what may, he would make absolutely certain that Elizabeth was his wife well before the end of the year! A quick calculation on the length of time for the banns…. Oh, hang the banns! All he was really waiting for was Elizabeth’s father, and then he intended to carry her off as soon as may be.
His dream of Elizabeth at Pemberley for Christmas was possible, only just, if Mr Bennet continued in his rapid recovery. Elizabeth would be his, and without delay, if he had a say in the matter! He would not look forward to a flood of visitors—particularly not these visitors—quite so soon, but Pemberley was large, and his people were loyal. There were plenty of places Elizabeth would need to become acquainted with, and it was easy to get lost!
Just before the walking party were to set out again from Meryton, he found a moment to draw near Anne. “Are you well?” he whispered.
She turned laughing eyes on him. “Why would I not be?”
“Well, I… I only wondered,” he offered lamely.
“At seven and twenty, I am rather on the shelf, William. Title, fortune and all, there are plenty of others in thetonmore alluring than I, and I have never yet had my presentation. I long ago relinquished any thought of marriage. What need do I have? I have Rosings, and any man pursuing me is likely to be more interested in my property than in myself. You must know what that is like. I would not subject myself to a knave just to have the distinction of the marriage estate. I had always intended to leave it to your second son, or maybe to Richard’s children if he should have any.”
“Then…” his brow furrowed, utterly astounded, “you are not… overcome with all that has occurred?”
Anne actually laughed. “I may never have another kiss me quite so expertly as your Mr Wickham, William! Say what you will about the man; he has his momentary charms. I have spent twelve years feigning serious illness. I intend to live, now, William. Oh, do not look so shocked! I shall not behave immodestly, but I will not allow one incident to overshadow the happiness I intend to enjoy from here on out. Perhaps one day I may, after all, marry, but it shall no longer be a pall hanging over my life. At present, all of your friends seem to be spoken for, so I shall have to shift for myself.”
He took her hand, smiling gently and thinking that even Anne’s brief acquaintance with Elizabeth had brought a sparkle to her that had never been there before. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam had just entered the room, and Anne’s eyes went immediately to the young lady. “You have done extremely well, William. I had expected you to select an entirely different sort, but you surprised me! You could not have chosen a better bride. I predict many years of joy for you both.”
