Page 80 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

“Yes, um. About that. Darcy did tell me Wickham did not want the living. He instead requested and received three thousand pounds.”

“Surely not! Mr. Wickham could have nothing to complain of in that case.”

“And that was in addition to the thousand pounds by direct bequest in Darcy’s father’s will.”

“Why should I trust you over Mr. Wickham? You know nothing of this for yourself, I am sure. This will be only what your friend has told you.” Elizabeth was also not inclined to put much faith in Mr. Bingley since early July. The things he had said disgusted her even now.

“Darcy did tell me, but I believe him. He is always honest and is the most upright man I know. I must tell you that despite Mr. Wickham’s inheritance, he has more than a thousand pounds in debts in the areas around Pemberley. Darcy has purchased these debts to pay back the tradesmen Mr. Wickham left high and dry. Darcy said he could send for the proof, but I told him I have no need of it. Mr. Wickham also has a great many gambling debts, I am told.”

If this were true! Could any part of what Mr. Bingley said be trusted?

“That is a gross accusation, Mr. Bingley. What did you mean he could not be trusted with women? Lizzy, perhaps we should send for your uncle, so he can hear this.”

“Mrs. Gardiner, I would be happy to stop by the Emporium to speak with him if he is in his office.”

“Thank you. Please go there when you leave us. But what did you mean about Mr. Wickham and women? Is Lizzy safe with him?”

“Darcy believes quite the opposite. Given Mr. Wickham’s expensive tastes and propensity for gambling, Darcy expects he will wed only an heiress. Other women, he simply uses for his own amusement.”

“Oh, Lizzy. You must not see him again until we can disprove these accusations.”

“I see no reason to trust Mr. Darcy over Mr. Wickham. Only one has been so ungentlemanly as to lose my good opinion.” Although Mr. Wickham’s hasty exit and refusal to take back the silver comb had been unsettling, he had never been harsh or cruel. Still, her voice lacked conviction as she defended him. If any part of this were true…

Mr. Bingley grimaced. “Darcy did ask me to apologize to you⁠—”

“He already made the attempt last night.”

“No…he asked me to apologize to you right after it happened nearly two years ago. In the note he sent the next morning to inform me he was leaving for Pemberley, he asked me to extend his apologies to the ladies, and he wrote, ‘especially Miss Elizabeth.’”

Elizabeth’s heart stuttered. She had waited for Mr. Darcy to explain himself, sure he would have a valid reason. She had been sure he had only had a bad day. But when he had left town instead, she had thought the worst of him.

“But why then did you not?” Her voice wavered.

“You did not come back. I thought I had told Jane, but perhaps one of us forgot. It was surely my fault. I am so sorry, Miss Elizabeth. He now knows he caused you great pain. When he finally returned to town and danced with you last year, he realized his message had not been delivered. He asked me to bring him here…”

“The day Mr. Cage was here? The morning after that ball when I danced with Mr. Darcy?”

“Yes.”

“But Mr. Darcy only sat and glared the entire time.”

“I cannot explain Darcy’s manners except that he was frustrated not to find you alone. He had hoped to go for a walk to apologize to you privately.”

Elizabeth shook her head. Too many memories were roiling about and changing shape and importance.

“I thank you, Mr. Bingley. Will you excuse me?”

“Of course, but Miss Elizabeth, do you believe me? Do you believe Darcy?”

She shook her head. “I do not know. Aunt, I will be in the attic if you have need of me.”

Elizabeth had been making steady progress on a cheerful London scene for her cousins, but she prepared a new canvas for her current mood.

As she painted a much darker setting, she turned over in her mind all she knew of two very different men. Had Mr. Wickham seen Mr. Darcy before rushing off so quickly? He had seemed distracted by something behind her. She knew he had not wished to encounter Mr. Darcy the previous week at the park. He must have seen him at Mrs. Humphrey’s ball. Why would Mr. Wickham run from Mr. Darcy if he told the truth? For it seemed that was exactly what he had done.

She chuckled bitterly. Elizabeth might have run herself had she seen Mr. Darcy before he was directly in front of her. She sighed heavily. How could she know who to believe? It was unfortunate Matthew was otherwise occupied and had not heard Mr. Bingley’s claims. He seemed to be a good judge of character, and she would like to know his opinion.

If Mr. Bingley had gone to speak to her uncle as promised, she was sure he and Aunt would express their views to her this evening. She would most likely be forbidden from seeing Mr. Wickham again. Elizabeth was surprised to find the strongest feeling that came with that thought was not heartbreak or despair or defiance but relief.