Page 176 of A Question of Character

“They will be on his desk before luncheon.”

The shopkeeper wished him good day with evident satisfaction.

No hint of uneasiness.

No creditor pursuing him into the street.

No angry gentleman demanding satisfaction.

Merely another respectable exchange.

Darcy frowned throughout the remainder of the ride.

His inquiries had produced equally little.

The discreet investigations he had commissioned weeks before had uncovered no gaming debts.

No neglected accounts.

No whispers involving young ladies.

No evidence of extravagance.

Instead, his servant reported that Mr. Wickham labored diligently in Mr. Philips’ office, attended church regularly, paid his bills promptly, and enjoyed a generally favorable reputation.

Such reports proved nothing.

A practiced deceiver could maintain appearances for months.

Years, perhaps.

Darcy knew that better than most.

Even so...

The thought lingered longer than he wished.

That evening Bingley found him standing before the library window.

“You are thinking.”

“I generally make some attempt.”

Bingley grinned.

“I mean seriously thinking.”

Darcy offered no reply.

His friend wandered farther into the room.

“You have been happier lately.”

“I have.”

“And troubled.”

Darcy’s silence answered for him.