Fitzwilliam growled low in his throat. “Let us leave the packing to the servants so we might visit my brother. He needs to know where Wickham has been, and we should also speak to Richard. I wonder if Richard might join us in Meryton…” he trailed off as he continued to think of additional precautions to take as they travelled.
“Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth snapped, “what on earth are you thinking to make you scowl in such a way?”
“Oh, Elizabeth,” he responded, returning from his thoughts, “I was contemplating measures to ensure your safety. I am aware of your penchant for exploring the countryside, but during our stay at Netherfield, you shall refrain from doing so. You must have protection if you venture outside and shall not roam alone.”
“I shall, shall I,” Elizabeth retorted. “We are not to discuss things now; you are to tell me what I ‘must’ do.”
“Elizabeth, I am your husband and want to keep you safe,” Fitzwilliam replied. “I will do everything I can to protect you from harm, particularly from Wickham. Unfortunately, I know him and what he is capable of too well.”
“And it did not occur to you to speak to me about the dangers instead of merely commanding me to remain indoors,” Elizabeth replied tartly.
Fitzwilliam gazed at her in silence, and Elizabeth returned his gaze. In that brief moment, neither of them uttered a word. Then, comprehension illuminated Fitzwilliam’s countenance.
“My dearest, I apologise for not discussing this matter with you. My sole concern was your safety,” he admitted. “Of course, I shall share my plans with you, but I hope you understand the necessity of staying close to the house if Wickham is nearby. I will still need to discuss this development with George and Richard, but rest assured, dearest, I will keep you informed of the details.”
He pulled her into his arms and explained his fears for her and his history with Wickham, including some of that man’s escapades with women during university. “Wickham is not anhonourable man, nor is he even a good man. He is a rake of the worst kind and does not care if the women he uses are willing. I fear for you, my love. I am uncertain exactly how angry he is with George, and he has never liked me. Even though my father frequently took his side over mine, perhaps because of it, he has always sought to take what was mine. I want you safe, my love,” he confessed.
“I apologise for getting angry when you only meant to protect me,” Elizabeth replied, snuggling deeper into his embrace. “I must learn to trust you more than my reaction just now demonstrated. Of course, you would only act in my best interest.” She leaned her head back in a signal for him to kiss her, and he obliged her with a passionate kiss.
A sudden noise made the couple realise this entire conversation had taken place in the stairwell, and before their passions could run away with them, they removed to her chambers, where they proceeded to express their love. Some hours later, they finally departed for Darcy House to share their knowledge with their relations.
CHAPTER 23
Arrival at Netherfield
As they departed for Darcy House, Fitzwilliam sent a message to Richard at his barracks requesting his assistance. Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth were just able to acquaint George with their news when Richard arrived. After exchanging greetings, Fitzwilliam repeated what had been said about Wickham’s visit to Meryton.
“What the devil?” Richard exclaimed immediately upon hearing this news.
“Richard,” Darcy reprimanded, while Elizabeth merely giggled at the outraged look on her husband’s face.
Fitzwilliam rolled his eyes at his wife as he pulled her to his side. “Richard, can you join us at Netherfield for Livesay’s wedding? We will be there less than a sennight, and I would feel better knowing Elizabeth was well-protected. I hope you can suggest some former soldiers I could hire to act as a guard for a few days. George, is that miniature of Wickham still somewhere in Father’s old room?”
“We must ask Mother since she still resides in her old chambers. As far as I know, nothing has been touched in that room,” George replied. “Father’s things were moved from the study into his chambers after he passed, as I did need to use that room.”
“A miniature of the blackguard would make it easier for the guards to be on the lookout for him,” Richard replied. “There are a few men, formerly under my command, who would appreciatethe chance to work for you, even for as short as you propose. I will contact them tonight and bring them to you in the morning. When are you to depart?”
“We were scheduled to leave the day after tomorrow,” Elizabeth answered. “Meryton is only about a four-hour carriage ride, and we intended to leave mid-morning. Is that enough time to make the necessary arrangements?”
Richard looked at her and nodded. “I believe so. How many men do you need, Fitz?”
“At least two, although four would be better. We need to speak to Mr. Livesay about this and see what can be done once we arrive to protect Elizabeth’s younger sisters,” Fitzwilliam answered.
“That is unless we can manage to rid Meryton of Wickham,” Richard retorted. “Do we have anything to use against the scoundrel?”
“I do hold some of his debts, but it is insufficient to land him in debtor’s prison for long,” George responded. “I settled many of his debts in Lambton after realising he had exploited our friendship. I am certain Father cleared many, though he did not retain the receipts as far as I have found.”
“Perhaps I could arrange to have him pressed into service with the Navy. I have a Captain who owes me a favour, and I could see what could be arranged with him,” Richard suggested. “It would mean my remaining in London another day or two after you depart. However, I might be able to discover what our old friend has been up to, that is, if he is in London.”
Elizabeth listened to the gentleman’s plans, and while she occasionally asked a question, she had little to add to the general discussion. However, the questions she asked were good andcaused the men to consider some ideas that had not occurred to them. It was nearly dinner time when their conference ended, and Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam made to depart.
“Elizabeth, Fitzwilliam,” Lady Anne called out when they stepped into the hallway outside the master’s study. “I was only just informed that you have been in the house most of the afternoon. Is aught amiss?”
“Mother,” Fitzwilliam greeted his mother with a kiss on the cheek. “We needed to speak to George about a letter we received today.”
George stepped into the hallway behind them. “Mother, I need to ask you about something that belonged to Father. Would you care to step into my study for a moment?”
Elizabeth stood on her tiptoes to whisper into her husband’s ear. “Your mother needs to know about Mr. Wickham and his threats. She and Georgiana could also be at risk if he merely intends to strike at the Darcy family in some way.”
