Page 208 of A Question of Character

The attempt at levity vanished when hurried footsteps sounded upon the stairs.

The landlord appeared, twisting his cap between anxious hands.

“Begging your pardon, sir...”

Darcy was already standing.

“What is it?”

“The gentleman, sir. The fair-haired gentleman.”

“Mr. Wycombe.”

“Yes, sir. His chamber is empty. He left without paying.”

Wickham was on his feet before the landlord finished speaking.

“Of course, he did!”

“We cannot rightly say how he managed it.” He swallowed.

Darcy refused to let the innocent innkeeper suffer because of another man’s treachery. “I shall cover his account,” he promised before he dismissed the man with a brief nod.

The innkeeper retreated gratefully.

For several moments neither gentleman spoke.

Wickham broke the silence first.

“He planned it.”

“Undoubtedly.”

“He never intended to pay once he discovered the settlement could not be touched.”

Darcy looked toward Georgiana’s door.

“No.”

Before either could move, a cry sounded from within the chamber.

Not loud.

Merely wounded.

Darcy crossed the passage.

“Georgiana.”

“I heard.”

Her voice was raw.

“He has gone.”

“Yes.”

“He did not even wish to say farewell.”