Page 137 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

“I do not know, Georgiana, but do you see now that Mr. Wickham is not a good man? We will talk later of my experiences with him, but he is deceitful and seeks only gain for himself.”

“I thought he loved me.”

“Unfortunately, he is a man who can love only himself.”

Darcy stepped between them, taking an arm of each, and led them back to the house. Matthew and Richard followed.

Hours later, Georgiana was safely in her bedchamber with Mrs. Annesley. She was upset but less heartbroken than before. While the doctor had looked at Matthew, Elizabeth had taken Georgiana upstairs, and he suspected she had told his sister all about her experiences with Wickham a year earlier. He was relieved not to have had to listen to that conversation.

Once the doctor had confirmed Matthew’s wound was superficial and bound his upper arm to help it heal, Darcy had taken his sister home. He was eager to hear what his cousin would have learned from Wickham.

Leaving his study door open, Darcy tried to distract himself with estate business and correspondence, but he was furious with Wickham and worried that they had left Elizabeth unprotected when the man may not have acted alone. He had sent three of his own footmen to Gracechurch Street, but they were not trained for this like his cousin’s men were.

When he finally heard a knock at the door and his butler’s voice, Darcy went to greet his cousin in the vestibule.

“Your study.”

The two men did not speak again until they were safely behind the closed door of his private room. Darcy offered his cousin his favorite drink, and they sat by the crackling fire.

“Everything is fitting together, Darcy.”

“You know why Wickham keeps trying to take Elizabeth’s life?”

“He does not know why, but he said Mrs. Younge hired him to do it, and the money was good enough for him to ask no questions.”

“Was he acting alone? Is Elizabeth safe now?”

“She is safe. If you still wish to go to Bath tomorrow, we will ensure Mrs. Younge does not have time to hire another.”

Darcy sagged in relief.

“Wickham confirmed her address is the same as on the letter to her from Mr. Jeune. And he did say he thinks this is some sort of revenge. He assumed she meant it against you, but he did not know why she cared so much, as the plot against your sister was all his idea. Apparently, Mrs. Younge has no need of Georgiana’s dowry.” Richard raised his eyebrows.

“Because she has more diamonds.”

“Likely. I did not tell Wickham about Guillemine’s letters or your diamonds from Ramsgate. He swears he has never seen any diamonds in her home but a few pieces of jewelry.”

Darcy’s fists clenched. “The silver hair comb Wickham gave Elizabeth. It was lined with ten or fifteen diamonds.”

Richard whistled. “An expensive gift from someone who is never flush with funds.”

“Where is Wickham now?”

“At Newgate. He admitted to the two attempts on Miss Elizabeth’s life in Hertfordshire, too. We certainly have enough to hang him. Or transportation if you prefer.”

Darcy nodded. “I believe I have time to go see Elizabeth today and inform her she is safe and that I will be away for a few days.”

“Continue to be discrete, Darcy. Mrs. Younge is probably only lashing out at you through Miss Elizabeth. After all, you not only sent her off from Ramsgate late at night, but you found her Red Silk Reticule. It is unlikely Miss Elizabeth has any other part in this, and for her continued safety, she does not need to know more.”

“Of course.”

“How is Georgie?”

“Better. Seeing a new side of Wickham was surprisingly good for her. I think she will be well while we are gone, but I will suggest Elizabeth call on her in our absence.”

The evening before, Fitzwilliam had told Elizabeth he had to leave London for a few days. It was Friday now, and as he would not travel on Sunday, he expected to return on Tuesday. She understood this was a necessary journey, but she worried for him. If Mrs. Younge had wanted to harm her because Fitzwilliam cared for her, how was he to be safe from the woman? Elizabeth knew she would not rest soundly until she could once again be in his presence.

She was not supposed to think of herself as engaged to him, but in her heart, nothing had changed. He had said he would tell nobody of their intentions but that he was as much hers as if they were already wed. Such a tender speech had made her wish they were alone, so she could feel his kisses again. But they had not been permitted a moment alone since her return to London. His embrace in the street was the first time he had touched more than her hand all week. How she missed him!