Page 82 of A Question of Character

“And did she agree?”

“Mostly.”

Richard’s brows rose at the name, but for once he did not pursue it. “Then you were right. A rare occurrence. Mark the date.”

Darcy gave him a flat look.

“Fine,” Richard said. “We shall save levity for after the villain is threatened.”

They worked over the letter for the better part of an hour. Richard’s first preference was for direct violence expressed in elegant terms. Darcy removed half of it. Darcy’s first preference was for legal precision with implied menace. Richard restored several teeth. Between them, they produced a warning that said nothing which could injure Georgiana if repeated, yet promised consequences no sensible man would invite.

When Darcy read it aloud, Richard listened without interruption.

“Sir,” Darcy began, voice low in the close room, “your conduct at Ramsgate has been discovered. Any attempt to communicate with Miss Darcy, directly or indirectly, will be treated as a deliberate assault upon her safety and reputation. You are to make no claim upon her, no reference to any imagined engagement, and no mention of these events to any person. Should one whisper of this matter reach society, Colonel Fitzwilliam and I will hold you responsible and act accordingly. You know enough of my family to understand what that means.”

Richard nodded slowly. “Good.”

“It is too much?”

“It is not enough, but it is good.”

Darcy sanded the page. “How do we get it to him?”

“His last lodgings?”

“I can send there.”

“Send a servant first. If he left a forwarding address, have the letter delivered by hand and obtain proof it was received.”

“And if there is none?”

Richard reached for his hat, then seemed to remember they were not leaving that instant. “Hire a runner. Someone accustomed to finding men who do not wish to be found. Wickham cannot vanish so completely if he has no money.”

“He had enough to arrange Ramsgate.”

“Mrs. Younge may have assisted. Or he has debts enough that another foolish creditor expects repayment from Miss Darcy’s fortune.”

Darcy folded the letter but did not seal it. “I will send to his lodgings today. If there is no direction, I will hire a runner.”

“And I shall speak to my father.”

“No.”

Richard’s eyes narrowed. “Darcy.”

“Not yet.”

“My father is her guardian.”

“I know.”

“Then he must be told.”

Darcy’s fingers closed around the folded page. “I will tell him. I ask for a day. Georgiana can bear so much shame at once.”

Richard studied him for a long, uncomfortable interval. “A day.”

“Thank you.”