Georgiana sat next to her cousin, who glared at George Wickham each time he dared to open his mouth.
What was unexpected was the arrival of Elizabeth’s parents and sisters after services. The ladies remained in the carriage while her father asked to see Darcy and Elizabeth.
When they reached the doorway, her husband put his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him.
“Are you protecting me or am I to protect you?” she asked.
“Both.”
She giggled as her father ascended the stairs, the rain pounding on the stones beneath his feet. “From my father? I think not. From the rain? Now, that might be if either of us had an umbrella.”
Her papa came right to the point. “Do not be concerned that this is a matter of needing your help. Rather, we learned from Mrs. Nicholls’ sister that you are hosting a group of individuals when you should enjoy the first blush of your marriage in isolation. We are here to offer hospitality for your visitors at Longbourn. Mr. Collins will still arrive on the morrow. Kitty and Lydiaagreed to share a room as did Jane and Mary. Since Lizzy’s chambers are empty, we have plenty of space available. And you know how much your mother delights in having fresh ears with whom to share the gossip of the neighborhood. The Lucases will join us for a light supper this evening. For as much as the matrons love to talk, I believe Sir William exceeds them all.”
Elizabeth laughed. “You are correct on all counts, Papa.”
Darcy offered his thanks. Leaning closer to his father-in-law, he said, “I suggest you bring your family inside so they may meet those we have in residence. It will not surprise me if your wife suspends her offer after an introduction.”
Her father took a step back. “Ah, I see. Lord and Lady Matlock are within?”
Darcy quickly replied, “I know that the Matlocks enjoyed your company after the wedding, sir. No, it is Bingley’s family, along with my brother-in-law.”
Her father rocked back on his heels. “You have piqued my curiosity. We shall have to come in then.”
Caroline Bingley was livid.Darcy suspected that steam might pour from her nostrils and ears at any minute. Where Georgiana looked everywhere except at her husband, Miss Bingley refused to blink when Wickham approached Elizabeth’s youngest sister.
Elizabeth put her hand on his arm.Why would his bride keep him from protecting Lydia?When he glanced at her, she slowly shook her head.
Glancing around the room, he realized that Miss Bingley was not the only one paying attention. Richard watched Wickham like a predator to prey. Mr. Bennet sat forward in his chair. Even his uncle approached Bennet’s two youngest daughters.
Wickham bowed his head. “Miss Lydia, how delightful. Would you grant me the privilege of accompanying me on a stroll about the room?”
Lydia’s brow arched decidedly. “I must decline. There are only two types of men who tempt me. One wears the red coat of an officer. The other is a discerning sort of gentleman with impeccable taste, like my new brother. I do not know you well enough to know if you are either.”
Elizabeth wanted to hug Lydia. She could clearly see the effort it took for Wickham to pretend to laugh along with the other men. Even Mr. Hurst chuckled.
Not one to be gainsaid, Mr. Wickham stepped closer. “Please do not think that I was trying to take advantage. I am a gentleman. With that in mind, you do not know the advantages that friendship with the master of Pemberley would bring to any lady.”
Miss Bingley gasped. The men each looked willing to pull Mr. Wickham’s tongue from his mouth.
Lydia shrugged. “Be that as it may, I am not at all interested in entertaining someone else’s husband unless he is married to one of my sisters. Now”—she glanced at Georgiana—“if your wife is available, I would love to know her. Pray do excuse me, sir.”
Directing her attention fully to Georgiana and his aunt, Lydia’s shoulder turned away from Mr. Wickham, giving the appearance that she was cutting him.
Lord Matlock chortled, slapped his hands on hisknees, and said, “I suggest that my niece and the rest of the Bennet ladies, including Mrs. Darcy, join my wife. Perhaps in another sitting room where they can speak of fashion undisturbed.”
Wondering what he was about, Elizabeth followed them into the smaller room.
26
Darcy was unsurprised when Wickham became defensive.
“You no longer have any power to intimidate me, Darcy. Anything you, your uncle, or your cousin”—Wickham spat the word, his hatred for Richard equaling the colonel’s—“do to me will affect sweet Georgiana. We cannot have her suffer, now, can we? As well, since I control Pemberley, whatever is done against me will influence what happens to Pemberley. I would consider your steps closely if I were you.”
Richard stood to pour himself a drink. “That is the point, is it not? None of us are you. We do not think like you, nor do we act like you. Your goals are not ours. Your standards of morality are on par with a snake in the grass, which is far below us. Under these conditions, I believe the better advice is foryouto consideryoursteps, Wickie.”
Darcy’s uncle held up his palm for silence. “The material point is what Darcy, as the sole authority in thishouse, intends. Let me remind you that the rest of us are guests only. You are welcome to leave at any time.”
Wickham smirked. “My presence is a constant reminder to Darcy of which of us is shrewder and who has more power. I shall stay.”
