Page 131 of A Question of Character

“She had formed an attachment.”

Elizabeth waited.

“To Mr. Wickham.”

Silence settled between them.

“He had persuaded her,” Darcy continued, “that he admired her. That I wished her married. That their union would relieve me of responsibility.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened with pity.

“Oh...”

“He encouraged her to conceal the matter from me.”

“Poor Georgiana.”

“She confessed everything before irreparable harm occurred.”

Elizabeth released a breath.

“I am glad she trusted you.”

“So am I.”

She considered this for several moments.

“And Georgiana named Mr. Wickham specifically?”

Darcy answered without thinking.

“Yes.”

Then the memory returned.

Georgiana’s pale face.

Her trembling hands.

The stammer.

His confidence faltered.

“Well...”

Elizabeth watched him closely.

“She did not actually speak his name.”

Her brows knit. “No?”

Darcy shook his head slowly. “She began to.”

“And then?”

“I supplied it.”

“You... supplied it?”