Page 151 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

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After his first quick perusal, Darcy reread the letter from Miss Elizabeth more carefully.

“Dear Mr. Darcy,

I am writing to tell you that your friend followed me into the milliner shop earlier. I am sorry to confess that he made me anxious. Perhaps I would not have been if I did not know his history. That is difficult to know. However, I managed to evade him through the assistance of a friend and made it home safely. I thought it would be best if you knew. He is audacity personified.

Kind regards,

L.

P.S. Jane told me her news, and I am thrilled for her and Mr. Bingley. Also, Mary is full of news, but her lips are sealed, even after she spent some time enclosed with Papa in his bookroom. I think she and the young doctor—an old friend—have declared themselves to each other. I pray I am right.”

The corners of Darcy’s lips lifted as he read the postscript. He folded the letter and placed it into his pocket, saying nothing to the others at the table. Darcy thought of the main body of the letter and wished dueling was still legal.

“When you are finished your tea, Georgiana,” Darcy said, returning to the table, “kindly show Mrs. Inwood to her bedchamber.”

“Yes, Fitz, I will,” his sister said, smiling sunnily.

“Please, excuse me,” he said, placing his hand on her shoulder, “I need to see to my correspondence.”

In his bedchamber, Darcy sat at the small desk placed near to the window. He pulled forward a clean sheet of paper, dipped his pen in the inkwell, and began to write a return missive.

“Dear Miss Elizabeth,

Thank you for your note. I think you were wise to make your escape from this friend’s company. Please avoid him whenever possible. Keep Harry with you when you are out on your walks, for my sake. I could not bear it if you were distressed by unwanted company.

I am happy for Miss Mary, if you are right. She has been exceedingly kind to my sister and deserves every happiness.

Love,

D.”

Darcy looked at “love” and wondered if he should re-write the note and replace “love” with something more innocuous.

“No, dash it,” he said aloud. “It is time.” A knock sounded at his bedchamber door. “Come.”

Douglas opened the door and entered. “Are you finished your correspondence?”

“I am.” Darcy folded the note, sealed it with a wafer, addressed it and set it to one side. “Did you come to hear what happened this afternoon?”

Douglas pressed his lips together and nodded sharply. “Georgiana only thinks she is hiding her reaction. Those who know her will see something untoward has occurred.”

Darcy indicated the spare chair. “Something more must be done about Wickham.”

His cousin’s eyebrows shot up. “So that is the issue, is it?” He sat in the chair, crossed his legs, and scowled at Darcy. “Tell me.”

Darcy told him about finding Georgiana at Miss Elizabeth’s aunt’s house, facing down the blaggard, Wickham. “He was there with two of his fellow officers. The youngest Bennet sisters had taken them to meet their aunt. However, she was not at home. The housekeeper attempted to chaperone them, but they are wild to a fault. Fortunately, Miss Mary Bennet took her sisters in hand and ousted the two younger officers. We arrived before she succeeded in forcing Wickham to depart.”

Douglas cursed, and then said, “I am surprised, and pleased, with how well Georgiana has responded to such an awkward moment.”

“Meeting Miss Mary has been of great benefit to my sister,” Darcy praised. He rose and went to the bell pull by the fireplace. He tugged on it.

“I spoke to Wickham, you know,” his cousin admitted, rubbing a finger along his jawline. “It seems he does not care to listen to a superior officer.”

Returning to stand near the desk by the window, Darcy asked, “What did you say to him?”

“I told him to keep his attention on his assignment.” Douglas rose and began to pace. “I could order him and the two other lieutenants back to Brighton.”