Page 144 of A Question of Character

“No.”

“I would not respect you if you did.”

Her anger wavered.

“But neither can I betray my sister.”

Elizabeth’s gaze dropped.

When she answered, her words came more slowly.

“I never wished that of you.”

“I know.”

“Then what are we to do?”

“I do not know.”

That admission carried more weight than certainty would have done.

She studied him.

He looked tired.

Not physically.

Like a man attempting to carry two incompatible duties without dropping either.

Elizabeth loved him.

The realization arrived unwelcome in the midst of disagreement.

It did not make the disagreement smaller.

If anything, it enlarged it.

She cared too much to dismiss it.

“I cannot simply watch while Meryton condemns Mr. Wickham.”

“I would never ask it.”

“Then help me.”

His features froze.

“How?”

“Tell those repeating the stories that you will not discuss the matter.”

“I already refuse.”

“Not privately.”

She shook her head.

“Publicly.”