Page 132 of A Question of Character

Darcy’s jaw stiffened. “Yes, and she nodded.”

Elizabeth remained silent.

He suddenly heard the conversation again precisely as it had occurred.

“Who?”

“W-w...”

“Wickham!”

Elizabeth spoke with evident care.

“Mr. Darcy...”

“She nodded.”

“I believe you.” She looked at him with compassion.

“It was Wickham.”

“I am not saying it was not.”

She chose her next words with painful precision.

“I think... something is not right.”

He stared at her.

She continued.

“Your account of Mr. Wickham bears no resemblance to the gentleman my family has known.”

“You think us deceived.”

“I think there is a contradiction.”

“He deceived my father for years.”

“I know.”

“He deceived Georgiana.”

“If indeed it was Mr. Wickham.”

Darcy’s patience snapped.

“Elizabeth.”

“I am asking—”

“Why do you refuse to trust me?”

The question escaped him harsher than intended.

Immediately he regretted it.

Elizabeth did not retreat.