Page 26 of A Sisterly Bond

“Miss Darcy…I am not sure what you mean,” Elizabeth said, “but I am certain we know everything we need to admire you and to hold you in regard. We are honoured to call you a friend.”

“A friend as close as a sister,” Jane added, taking the girl’s hand.

“You are very kind to say so, but I have been foolish and thoughtless and almost ruined my brother’s life and our family’s reputation. You see…last summer…I almost eloped with Mr Wickham… I was so sure I loved him and he loved me, and…I have known him all my life. I never imagined…”

Tears overwhelmed her, while Elizabeth and Jane listened in utter astonishment. Then Mr Darcy interjected.

“George Wickham was my father’s godson, as you probably know. He was treated like family, and we all grew up together at Pemberley. Georgiana had known him since her infancy, so her affection for him was as great as my father’s. And he probably cared about her, too, as he cared for my father. Sadly, greed and recklessness are the strongest inducements behind all Wickham’s actions, made worse by his vices of cards, drinking, and other indulgences. He spends all the money he can get, then accumulates debts until he finds an escape — elopement seems the easiest way. My sister, though she was only fifteen, showed remarkable strength and fortitude and told me of the plan before it was too late.”

Elizabeth and Jane kept glancing at each other, then at their companions.

“This is beyond words,” Elizabeth whispered. “Mr Wickham’s impudence as well as your determination and wisdom, Miss Darcy.”

“Thank you. You are too kind. I do not deserve such praise, but you two do deserve to know the entire truth about me since you have granted me your genuine friendship.”

“You honour us with your friendship,” Elizabeth said, and Jane nodded. “As for your revelation, we thank you for trusting us. Please be sure it only adds to our admiration.”

The girl nodded, breathing deeply in relief, and Elizabeth felt Mr Darcy’s gaze upon her. She smiled at him, and he inclined his head slightly in appreciation.

“This story…nobody knows about it, except for my brother and the colonel, who is also my guardian. Miss Bennet, I know you are engaged now, and if you wish to tell Mr Bingley, please ask him to also keep the secret.”

“My dear Miss Darcy, I trust Mr Bingley with my life and with my secrets. Your secret is something that belongs only to you and Lizzy and to our friendship,” Jane said, tearful as well. The three of them held hands in a moment of powerful silence, and Mr Darcy left the room, allowing them privacy.

Some time later, when they had all regained their composure, the three friends joined the rest of the party, and dinner was served. Elizabeth could not help looking at Miss Darcy, whose expression was now all bright and serene, as if a shadow had disappeared from her face.

Elizabeth was deeply affected, not just by the painful secret but by guilt and remorse for her naïve confidence in such a horrible man.

The meal was pleasant, tasty, and entertaining — an enjoyable evening among close friends.

Afterwards, no separation took place and no formal music was requested. Elizabeth noticed Mr Darcy near the window and impulsively joined him.

“How is Colonel Fitzwilliam? Very well, I hope?”

“Yes, thank you. He had to return to his regiment, but we expect him back in town next month.”

“I am glad to hear that. I am… Mr Darcy, I am very sorry for my silliness. I shall be forever mortified for trusting Mr Wickham so readily.”

“Many other people have made that mistake, Miss Bennet. I shall not allow that to ever happen again. I strongly believe Miss King would be better off without marrying him, but she cannot be convinced to leave him.”

“Poor Mary…”

“Mr King has two sons and several nephews, all of whom are very fond of Miss King. I pray Wickham will become — willingly or forcibly — a good husband to her or will suffer the consequences.”

“Do you believe he will change?” she asked.

“No, but he might adjust his behaviour so as not to hurt his wife. Otherwise, he will find himself in debtors’ prison — or worse.”

“He deserves the worst, if only for trying to deceive Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said, but the conversation ended there and they returned to the party.

The evening came to an end close to midnight and marked the beginning of a week of joy and delight before Elizabeth and Jane’s return to Longbourn.

Chapter 11

The letter from Mr Bennet expressing his consent and blessing and Mrs Bennet’s joy at Jane’s engagement to Mr Bingley arrived the next day. Once the engagement became official, a wedding date was established for the end of May.

For the rest of their stay in London, Elizabeth and Jane — often together with Mr Bingley — were frequently at Grosvenor Street. Walking in the park, music, afternoons spent in conversation that ranged from the lightest nonsense to the deepest confidences — all these hours wove a bond that soon felt as natural and as necessary as any sisterly tie formed in childhood.

Miss Darcy, once so shy, bloomed in their presence. She laughed more freely, played with greater confidence, and spoke of Pemberley and her hopes for the future without her former hesitation. Jane’s gentle steadiness soothed her; Elizabeth’s lively wit drew her out. In return, Miss Darcy offered a quiet loyalty and an affection so sincere that both Bennet sisters felt they had gained a third sister almost without noticing the moment it occurred.