Page 11 of Painted with Love

“Her words were confusing. I am not sure whether she gave it to him or whether she knew he had taken it but wanted to let him keep it. I would rather have given that wretch some more money, because if he sold the watch, as he intended, he would receive far less than its true value.”

Darcy paused to sip from his drink.

“It pained me that she did not trust me enough to mention the watch was missing. If I had known, I would have dealt with it a long time ago. She deceived me, and the watch could easily have been lost for good, but imagine if someone had discovered the truth about it! You know Wickham will do anything when he is desperate for money.”

“What was Georgiana thinking? I cannot understand that girl. She is so clever, so wise, so prudent regarding everything else, except for that rogue.”

“She was prudent and wise when she told me about the elopement — we must grant her that. But I believe she is scared, perhaps ashamed to admit all the errors she made during her stay in Ramsgate. I refuse to think too much about what truly happened. I…”

He paused again, took another gulp of his drink, and continued reluctantly.

“For months, I wondered how much had happened… I feared she might be with child, at her young age…”

“Thank God that was not the case,” the colonel replied, emptying his glass in one large gulp. “So, what are your plans now? What will you do with Wickham?”

“I am not sure. As long as Georgiana is hesitant to reveal the whole truth, I cannot risk a scandal. I cannot insist, as she is already very upset. She has not left her room since. Mrs Annesley takes up her food, and I have heard her playing the small pianoforte in her chamber.”

“I understand your reluctance. All you can do is to hope for no other surprises of that sort.”

“I have written to Wickham. I told him I have retrieved the watch, and I mentioned that thieves belong in prison, or worse. I asked him to come and discuss the matter.”

“What is there to discuss? Wickham will never change as long as he can find easy prey. You should have let me shoot him last summer.”

Darcy laughed bitterly. “Brandy always induces you to wish to kill Wickham.”

“I have enough reason for it. At least find a way to send him to war. Or somewhere abroad.”

“Send him away and make him someone else’s problem? That is not very gentlemanlike.”

“Well, you cannot depend on Miss Bennet’s wit and perceptiveness to resolve every problem he creates, and you do not want to shoot him, so what other choice do you have?”

The colonel was speaking half in jest, and Darcy laughed again.

“You always cheer me, Cousin.”

“It is the least I can do. Speaking of Miss Bennet, I applaud her intervention, especially since you and she are more enemies than friends.”

“Her gesture was kind and considerate. But it is not true that we are enemies. We both misjudged certain situations and are now trying to make amends.”

“I am glad to hear that. She is one of the most charming women I know. If she is in London, do you think I could call on her?”

“Why not? She will probably be pleased to see you. And Mr and Mrs Gardiner are very pleasant people.”

“Have you met them?”

“Yes. Mr Gardiner brought me the letter from Miss Bennet informing me about the watch. And then I called to thank them, especially Miss Bennet.”

“Then I shall join you when you visit next. Will you call again soon?”

“I shall wait for Bingley to return to town. There is something of great importance I must discuss with him, then he may or may not wish to visit them.”

“Bingley? Oh, another mystery?”

“No mystery…Bingley was quite attached to Miss Jane Bennet — the eldest sister — when he was in Hertfordshire, and I was not convinced that she returned his feelings. Besides, there were some objections to her family as well. I convinced Bingley it was not a good match for him. But apparently, I was wrong.”

“Oh…”

“So, I must tell Bingley about my error and that Miss Bennet is in town. He is not aware of that. His sisters concealed her presence from him…and so did I.”