Page 74 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

“Then he will have no interest in any of you.”

“Unless you mean to take Georgiana away immediately, then she might be in our company when this man intrudes on her life.”

“This cannot happen.”

“Then, you must take her away, now,” Lizzy said in a firm voice. “It is the only sure way of keeping her from meeting this fellow. But, are you certain that is the best option?”

“I do not take your meaning.”

His sharp reply caused Lizzy to swallow, but she kept her nerve. “Without knowing the entire story of your altercation, may I assume from your remarks that it had to do with Georgiana?”

A muscle in his cheek tensed. “Yes.”

“Is it likely that his position in society will allow him to come into contact with her once she is out?”

“Possibly. He is charming, you see. Though a mere hanger-on, his charm gets him invited to social events above his station.”

“Then, when you are not nearby, Georgiana may encounter him at social engagements once she is out?”

In a voice of steel, he said, “I will see to it that she does not.”

“How?”

The bluntness of her question startled him. He drew the horse to a stop and glared at her.

“You must turn there,” she said, pointing up ahead.

“Thank you,” he said through gritted teeth, keeping his blazing gaze on her face. “I suppose you have a suggestion to assist me with my sister’s future?”

“I do, as it happens.” She twisted the strings of her reticule around in her lap. After taking a deep breath, she spoke in a rush of words. “I think you should let her meet this gentleman here in Hertfordshire. That way, she will not be startled in the middle of a London ball, which would cause all sorts of uncomfortable talk. The story of her altercation with this man might become known.”

“That cannot happen,” Mr. Darcy said, furious anger showing in every line of his body.

“It will not happen if she can face her tormenter here, amongst friends, instead of in front of the ton. She must greet him as an old friend. No one will mark the occasion if you betray nothing of your antipathy for him. Laugh at him. Treat him as though he is nothing to you.”

In a tight, angry voice, he said, “I do not know if I can.”

“If he is beneath you, then you may treat him as such.”

Mr. Darcy took in a deep breath and expelled it slowly, before saying, “He will tell everyone he meets that I have done him wrong.”

“I will not believe his lies,” she told him. “I am a hard woman to fool, you know. But, come, tell me his name. I am sure to discover it on my own in due course. And remember, since he will be here long after you have gone from Meryton, we must encounter him and should ward ourselves against his charms—unless you mean to stay until the militia leaves in the spring?”

“I do not.” He took another deep breath and said, “Very well. His name is George Wickham. He is a lieutenant.”

“George Wickham,” Lizzy murmured, committing his name to memory.

“I should have called him out,” Mr. Darcy muttered.

“Humph, that would have been carrying foolishness beyond permission,” Lizzy said tartly. “If you had killed him, you would have had to flee the country, leaving your poor sister to cope on her own, unless you would have dragged her away with you. And, it is possible that you would have been killed instead. Do not be so idiotish.”

Darcy discovered he wanted to laugh at her strong stance. Instead, he gave the horse his office to continue. A dark alley is what I need. If I use a garrote, I could kill him without any blood. Darcy chuckled darkly and silently. He felt Miss Elizabeth’s hand on his arm.

“The puppies will cheer you up,” she told him, nodding emphatically.

Darcy looked down into her eyes and read sympathetic resolve in them. “No doubt.”

“With your permission, I will tell Mary and Jane this man’s name, though in strictest confidence. I will not, however, say anything about him to Lydia and Kitty, who cannot keep anyone’s secrets.”