“Oh…” That, she did not expect. “Yes, we were introduced to Colonel Forster and his wife, as well as Mr Denny and Mr Wickham.”
He paced around a little, puzzling Elizabeth even more. “Sir, it is cold, and we shall freeze if we delay this conversation too long.What are your concerns regarding Mr Wickham? You should know he mentioned to me that you have been acquainted for a long time.”
“Ah…he did not lose any time in telling his stories. Usually, it takes him a few days, at least.”
“Usually?”
“Yes. He usually complains about how unfairly I treated him and how I condemned him to poverty, disregarding my father’s wishes. That is the tale he repeats at every opportunity.”
“Oh…I see…” Elizabeth whispered. “He told me something of that sort.”
“Miss Bennet, I shall try not to contradict him, because I am aware you have no reason to trust my word over his. Wickham’s attempts to disparage me have been too many to hurt me any longer. I shall only be so bold as to warn you to be prudent in his presence. You and your sisters. George Wickham’s charming manners help him to make friends easily, but he should not be trusted.”
“Mr Darcy, this is quite… I understand there are some unresolved matters between you and Mr Wickham, but I do not feel it is my place to discuss them with either of you. I only hope I am wise enough to show decency and prudence when it comes to any man at the beginning of our acquaintance.”
“I am sure you are, and I trust you will seek proof before believing any accusations made by me, Wickham, or anyone else. I am more concerned about your younger sisters — or any other young woman who might be easily impressed by charming manners.”
Elizabeth stared at him, blinking a few times, then her cheeks heated. Such a conversation between them was certainly not proper.
“Forgive me if I have said more than I should.”
“I admit being surprised. But I thank you for being thoughtful enough to open this uncomfortable conversation. I hope you have sound evidence for such statements.”
“Sadly, I do. I am very closely acquainted with Wickham’s dishonourable actions.”
He looked affected by the meaning of his words, and Elizabeth was confused for a few moments, then immediately felt cold shivers up her spine. Could it be? Should she dare to enquire further?
“What I wished to tell you is that I am not certain of Wickham’s true intentions in joining the regiment, so I shall not warn your father or anyone else. Not yet. I still pray that Wickham will change his habits and find an honourable way of making a living, as my father intended for him. I hope that perhaps he has joined the militia to improve his life. But I still wished to warn you…”
“Thank you, sir.”
They were silent for a little while, as if pondering whether to continue the conversation or leave — as they should.
“Mr Darcy, since we are talking openly, there is something I have long wished to ask you. I mean, I have wished it for a few days, at least.” She smiled at him.
“Please ask.”
“I am a little bit puzzled. When we first met, regardless of your reasons, you were not impressed by me, nor by my family. I could see your reproachful glances at my mother and myyounger sisters at the assembly. Then, a few days later, you called on us, spent time with my father, and you showed me attentions usually appropriate to friends. And that was before we began to speak about our love for animals.”
“I shall answer, of course, but I might upset you even more.”
“I doubt it. I prefer an honest answer to uncertainty.”
“Very well. I shall not deny that at first, I disapproved of some of your mother’s and younger sisters’ behaviour at the assembly. I fear I might resemble my aunt Lady Catherine in this.”
He paused, and Elizabeth smiled. “Hearing people around me talking about it, I became aware that my rudeness had been publicly heard, and consequently I had exposed you to a most undeserved and unfair offence. And I felt ashamed of myself. The fact I refused to dance with you was not a joke for people to amuse themselves with. So I came to apologise.”
“Oh…as simple as that?”
“Yes…but then I found Mr Bennet’s company exceedingly pleasant. And yours too. And I met Mr Ash, who provided us with a most welcoming subject of conversation. How did I come to talk to you about my private life? I still wonder, but I do not regret it.”
He sounded genuine, his expression was light, and his eyes locked with hers. She quivered and assumed it was too cold for further conversation.
“I believe I should return home,” she said.
“Of course. Bingley intends to call at Longbourn later today. I would like to accompany him.”
“I would like that too,” she said, then immediately added, “My father will be happy to see you.”
