Page 57 of The Crown’s Gift

"My family will."

"Your family must not know."

"Then we must tell Lizzy and Papa. They are already investigating Mr Wickham. They will believe you."

Georgiana's head lifted.

Mary held the letter more firmly. "They have already acted to protect others from him. They will protect you now, and they will not spread what you tell them."

"William will challenge him."

"Papa will not permit it."

Georgiana made a broken sound. "Sir Thomas cannot command my brother."

Mary thought of the swords in the story every Bennet child knew. "He is very persuasive when someone is in danger."

They took the letter to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth read it standing by the window. The hand was disguised in places, but Mary's commonplace book confirmed enough. Rage rose so quickly that the room narrowed.

"He put this in your music case?"

Georgiana nodded.

"Did he specify where the money is to be delivered?"

"The old toll house beyond Lucas Lodge. Tomorrow at midnight. He says I must come alone."

"You will do no such thing."

Georgiana flinched.

Elizabeth softened her voice. "Forgive me. You have been ordered enough. What do you wish to do?"

The question surprised her.

"I want it to end. I want William not to fight him. I want not to feel fifteen whenever I see his handwriting."

Mary sat beside her. Their hands found each other.

"Then we shall end it," Elizabeth said. "But not alone."

Sir Thomas read the letter in his library. Lady Bennet was present because Elizabeth refused to treat her mother as incapable of discretion.

Lady Bennet's face went white. "That man came into my sister's house. He spoke to my girls."

"And he shall not again," Sir Thomas said.

"You must send for Mr Darcy."

"I shall."

Georgiana rose. "Please tell him not to challenge Wickham."

Sir Thomas looked at her with the same steadiness he offered his daughters. "I will tell him. I cannot promise what another man chooses, but I can promise you will have a voice in every step we take."

"Even if I am frightened?"