Page 8 of A Sisterly Bond

Elizabeth threw him a frowning, enquiring look.

“You seem entertained, Uncle. Would you be so kind as to offer us more details?”

“Gladly. In confidence of course. Apparently, Mr King looked into Mr Wickham’s past and discovered the man has more debts than can be counted and is rather too proficient at charming young women, including maids and shop girls.”

“What on Earth are you talking about, Uncle?” Elizabeth cried, appalled by the careless way he made such serious statements.

“I am just relating what I was told. I cannot testify whether it is true or not. But it was enough reason for Mr King to move his niece away from the danger.”

“It cannot be true. It must be a falsehood,” Elizabeth insisted.

“And why it must be falsehood, Lizzy?” Mr Gardiner asked.

“Why? Because…” Words failed her; she had no proof to offer — nothing beyond her own conviction that it could not be so. Why indeed?

“I just pray it is not true…for Mr Wickham’s sake,” she eventually said.

“That sounds more reasonable, Lizzy,” her uncle replied. “I wonder what evidence Mr King gathered to make such accusations. I doubt he would spread such allegations about an officer without being certain. Regardless, it is a matter that does not concern any of us, is it not?”

“What does concern me, though,” Mrs Gardiner interjected, “is what sort of evidence allowed anyone to spread accusations about Mr Darcy, other than Mr Wickham’s word, and what will Mr Darcy say if he hears the rumours. Especially since we plan to visit Miss Darcy tomorrow.”

Elizabeth gulped several times to remove the lump in her throat caused by her aunt’s subtle rebuke.

“If only half of it is true, Mr King had sound reason to move his niece far away,” Mr Gardiner concluded.

“What if some of those things were true in the past, but Mr Wickham has changed his habits and reformed his character?” Jane asked quietly. “What if he regrets his past errors and intends to make an honourable living in the militia? Such rumours would certainly ruin any chance he might have.”

“There is such a risk, indeed,” Mr Gardiner admitted. “It depends on how bad and how old were his habits that alarmed Mr King. It should be a good lesson for all girls. A handsome face and amiable manners are not proof of goodness and worthiness.”

Elizabeth’s cheeks burned If Mr King was right, then she, Elizabeth, had been nothing but a gullible fool and the worst judge of character. What if — Heaven forbid! — she was forced to apologise to Mr Darcy for her wrong assumptions? Surely he would arrogantly dismiss her excuses.

With such considerations, the rest of the dinner passed slowly; when the family retired for the night, Elizabeth and Jane spoke only a little, but Elizabeth found she could not sleep. Her mind was occupied with thoughts of Mr Wickham and Mr Darcy — none of them pleasant or comfortable.

Chapter 4

The appointed hour found the three ladies of Gracechurch Street descending from their carriage before a handsome building, and Elizabeth stepped out with an unsettled sensation in her stomach. Her spirits had been in a state of lively disorder ever since Mr King’s visit, and she adjusted her gloves with more care than the task strictly required. Jane regarded the façade with silent preoccupation while Mrs Gardiner surveyed the house and the street with genuine curiosity and good humour.

Miss Darcy received them in an elegant, stylish drawing-room, attended by the quiet Mrs Annesley. The young lady rose at once, colouring a little, yet with a warmth that banished every suspicion of mere formality.

“Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, how very good of you to come. I have looked forward to this hour more than I can say.”

“It is an honour and an utter delight to be here, Miss Darcy,” Mrs Gardiner replied, while each took a seat. “Being invited by Mr Darcy and Lady Anne’s daughter is a privilege I never expected.”

“I am truly glad you are here,” Miss Darcy repeated gently, inviting them to sit. “Miss Elizabeth, I trust you suffered no lasting injury from your accident?”

“Not at all, but thank you for your concern.”

“And your guests? Are they improving?”

“Yes, we expect to leave for Kent soon,” Elizabeth answered.

Refreshments were brought, and the conversation ceased briefly.

“You said you knew my parents, ma’am,” Georgiana said, turning to Mrs Gardiner with shy eagerness. “I can scarcely remember my mother, and of my father I have only the fondest, most imperfect recollections. Any particular you might share would be a treasure to me.”

Mrs Gardiner smiled, the expression softening her features.

“Your mother was kindness itself, as well as beautiful and elegant. It was a joy for everyone to meet her in Lambton. And your father was the best master and best landlord — everybody in Lambton agreed on this. I know many tenants and business owners applied to Mr Darcy for help when they were in need, and every one of them received support.”