Page 79 of Courting Elizabeth

“That’s an unfriendly opening.”

“You removed her from the Forsters’ protection, brought her to London, and set her up under a false name. You will marry her.”

“With what? My military prospects have grown disappointing. My creditors are not patient men. Miss Lydia possesses a thousand pounds upon her mother’s death, which is hardly an immediate fortune.”

“Name your price.”

His smile widened.

“There’s the Darcy I know. Always ready to pay to keep the world clean around Pemberley.”

I took a step toward him.

Mr Gardiner quietly placed a hand on my arm. I stopped.

“Your debts will be settled up to a verified amount,” I said. “A commission will be purchased in a distant regiment. A modest annual income will be placed in Lydia’s name and will not pass through your hands. In exchange, the marriage will take place immediately.”

“Modest?”

“Enough that she won’t lack for necessities. Not enough to fund your gaming tables.”

He took a sip.

“You’re generous with the Bennets. Two sisters in one season. The first cost you more, I imagine.”

I felt the blood pounding in my temples.

“Do not speak my wife’s name.”

“Mrs Darcy, of course. What a remarkable elevation. She always had wit. I didn’t think she’d use it to land such a fine bargain.”

I seized him by the collar before Gardiner could stop me.

The glass fell and shattered.

“One more word about her and no arrangement will protect you from me.”

Wickham paled, then recovered his smile.

“Always so sensitive where a woman is concerned. Georgiana could testify to that.”

My hand tightened.

“You will never speak her name.”

“The world is always eager to hear the stories a man tells about a young lady too well-bred to answer. I could describe Ramsgate in terms far less favorable to your family.”

The rage turned cold.

“You would be lying.”

“A rumor need not be true. Your sister is reaching the age when people will speak of marriage. Do you wish to discover how many can tell the difference between a deceived child and a consenting young woman?”

I released him.

I saw Georgiana at Ramsgate again, trembling and ashamed at having been duped. Wickham had kept no proof. He needed none to ruin a reputation.

“State your terms.”