Page 50 of Regrets

“I do not plan to marry the man,” Lydia said, pulling her shoulders back.

“Well, then what is it you plan to do with him?”

“Just…well, you know, Lizzy, just dance and flirt a bit. Nothing more! You are always so serious! No one is talking about marriage!”

“And if you are caught with him in a compromising position, you could be forced into marriage, Lydia.”

“We know that, Lizzy, of course,” Kitty put in, impatiently. “But why are you particularly warning us against Mr. Wickham?”

“Because he is trying so very hard to win you over,” Elizabeth replied, firmly. “The very fact that he is so determined makes me suspicious of him. I understand him flirting with Georgiana; they have known one another since childhood, and she has a large dowry to tempt him. He cannot marry either of you, so why does he spend so much time flirting with you?”

“It is just like I said,” Lydia insisted. “Just dancing and flirting a bit; it is just for fun!’

Elizabeth sighed. “Then all I can say is that you must be very, very careful.”

Chapter Forty

Georgiana was determined to see George again; but how? He was not permitted to visit her at Netherfield Park, and when he was at Longbourn, Kitty and Lydia were vying for his attention. Perhaps she might see him again in Meryton?

“Brother, I should like to go into Meryton today,” she said at breakfast.

“Go with one of the Bennet girls,” he suggested. “I can have a note sent over.”

She frowned. “May I not go by myself?”

“Of course not,” he said at once.

“Very well; with a footman?”

Mr. Darcy looked hard at Georgiana. “Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why do you need to go without a companion?”

“Do you not sometimes find it beneficial to be alone with your thoughts, Brother?” she countered.

“I suppose I do,” he admitted. “Very well, but the footman must be with you the entire time, Georgiana.” He thought for a minute. “I will have Archie accompany you. And I will speak with him before you depart.” Archie had not been in service to the Darcys for long, but he was a good lad, and would obey instructions.

Georgiana managed not to groan. Of course, Archie would be instructed not to leave her side for even a moment! And what good would it do for her to see George under such restrictions?! Still, she had said that she wanted to go, and now she was stuck with it.

***

Archie stood before Mr. Darcy and nodded his head. “I understand, sir.”

“Not for even a moment,” Mr. Darcy repeated.

“And if she needs to…well, if she…” Archie trailed off, hoping Mr. Darcy would understand.

“Then have an innkeeper’s wife, or whatever female is nearby, accompany her.”

“Very well, sir.” Archie bowed and departed. Miss Darcy was a pleasant young lady, but there were rumours floating about that she was fond of a certain Lieutenant whom Mr. Darcy very much disliked. It was clear to Archie, though this had not been explicitly stated, that his task was to keep Miss Darcy away from this man.

Archie sat on top of the carriage as it took Miss Darcy to Meryton. When the carriage stopped, Archie leaped down and opened the carriage door, extending a hand to help Miss Darcy out. She looked at him, hopefully, and said, “This is bound to be quite tedious for you; might I not give you some coins and allow you to spend your time at the pub while I shop?”

He had to give the girl credit for trying. He kept his face impassive as he replied, “No, miss, but I thank you for the thought.”

She sighed, nodded, and made her way toward the nearest shop after first staring hopefully up and down the street. Archie almost laughed; if she was trying to be subtle, she was failing utterly. Archie followed her into the shop and stood at the door, his eyes following her as she tried on one hat after another.