Page 73 of To Win Her Affections

“At the risk of giving offense,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam, “I do not look on the prospect of George Wickham receiving his just desserts with anything other than pleasure.”

“Truly,” said Mr. Bennet. He turned to Mr. Darcy. “Perhaps you should share the contents of your plan with us.”

Mr. Darcy nodded. “There is a woman connected to Wickham with whom I have had some experience by the name of Mrs. Younge. Mrs. Younge has a house on Edward Street and makes her living by renting out the rooms.”

“You suppose we will find them there?” asked Mr. Bennet.

After a brief pause, Mr. Darcy said: “That is uncertain, depending on whether she had rooms to let when they approached her. If they are not there, I am certain Mrs. Younge will know where to find them.”

“It will be a matter of wringing the information from her,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam.

“Do you suppose she will be amenable to sharing it?” asked Mr. Gardiner.

“She will cooperate,” was Mr. Darcy’s implacable reply. “I shall give her every reason to do so.”

“I have some men watching the house,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam. “They have orders to report to me if anyone catches sight of Wickham or a young gentlewoman. As yet, I have heard nothing.”

“That might mean nothing,” observed Mr. Bennet. “Wickham will wish to remain out of sight—he must know we are searching for him.”

“He knows you are searching for him,” said Mr. Darcy. “Of my involvement, he knows nothing.”

Mr. Bennet regarded him for a few moments, shifting in his chair as he considered it. At length, he nodded.

“How much his lack of knowledge will assist us is impossible to say, but it cannot hurt.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam bared his teeth. “If Wickham knew I was involved, he would flee.”

“Wickham has always had a healthy respect for my cousin,” observed Mr. Darcy, a classic understatement.

“It has grown to terror,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam, keeping his tone offhand. “After another offense against our family, I tracked him down last summer, and left him in no doubt about what would happen if he crossed us again.”

“Then I suggest we depart at once,” said Mr. Bennet.

Mr. Darcy appeared a little uncomfortable, his eyes finding his cousin. Elizabeth noted the colonel shrugging his response, allowing Mr. Darcy to speak.

“Edward Street is not the best part of town.”

“I know what you will say, Darcy,” said Mr. Bennet, “but I shall not allow you to handle this yourself. I mean to be a part of it.”

“You will need us both to handle Lydia,” added Mr. Gardiner.

Mr. Darcy nodded, a slight smile gracing his face. “I should have known you would insist.”

“Yes, you should have,” agreed Mr. Bennet, not without irony. “Is there any reason to delay, or should we be about the business at once?”

“No reason that I can imagine,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam.

With that agreement, the gentlemen rose, Elizabeth standing along with them. Seeing her, Mr. Bennet fixed her with a raised eyebrow—Elizabeth understood what he was saying and would not press the point.

“There is no reason for that, Papa,” said Elizabeth. “I know that I am not invited, and I have no objection to waiting for your return.”

“Good,” said Mr. Bennet. Then he turned to Mr. Darcy and winked. “Unless I am mistaken, I believe our young lovers would appreciate a moment to say their goodbyes in privacy. Shall we?”

The three chuckling men turned to leave the room, but not before Colonel Fitzwilliam gestured to Mr. Darcy as if telling him to get on with it. Elizabeth could not tell what Mr. Darcy thought of their teasing, for his expression revealed nothing when he turned to her.

“Now that our engagement is sanctioned, I can turn my attention to certain necessities.” The gentleman paused and smiled. “After we retrieve and settle your sister, of course.”

“Necessities such as informing Lady Catherine?” asked Elizabeth lightly.