Page 75 of Courting Elizabeth

“No.”

“I knew what Wickham had attempted with Georgiana. I should have spoken to my father, insisted, prevented Lydia from leaving.”

“I spoke to Forster. He assured me he would watch Wickham.”

“Then he failed.”

“Yes.”

He didn’t shield the colonel out of politeness. That unexpected honesty allowed me to breathe.

“Lydia is lost,” I murmured. “If he doesn’t marry her… Kitty and Mary… Jane… your name…”

“Look at me.”

I raised my eyes.

“I will find them.”

“How? London is immense.”

“Wickham has neither money nor discipline. He’ll seek out certain acquaintances, certain creditors, certain places where he thinks he can disappear. I know some of his habits.”

“You cannot do this alone.”

“I’ll work with your uncle.”

“I’m coming with you.”

He hesitated.

“Elizabeth…”

“Don’t leave me here to wait for news of my sister while you repair my family’s faults yet again.”

“I don't consider Lydia a mistake to be fixed.”

“Then don't treat me like a child who needs protecting from the world.”

His gaze fixed on me. Then he nodded.

“We leave in an hour.”

I remained by the window, the letter clutched in my hands.

Fitzwilliam returned with my shawl.

“Georgiana will stay with Mrs Reynolds. I told her we need to help your family.”

“Does she know Wickham is involved?”

“Yes.”

“It must remind her…”

“She's afraid for Lydia.”

He placed the shawl around my shoulders. His hands lingered for a second.