Page 84 of The Lost Prophecy

“He becomes human.” Mr Wickham released her and bowed as the figure required. “You become immortal, unchanging, and bound to the world he has escaped.”

“I would become a master vampire.”

Surprise appeared before he concealed it. “He admitted that?”

“He did.”

“But did he explain what it means? You would have strength beyond ordinary vampires. You could compel vampires, not only humans. You could command them and live beyond every earthly limitation. Darcy would not merely gain humanity. You would receive power.”

The set separated them again. Elizabeth performed the figure and returned while he adjusted his approach. He had expected ignorance, then fear. Knowledge required seduction of another kind.

“I do not wish to see Darcy use you.” His expression softened. “Whatever lies between him and me, you have no part in it. You deserve the choice he intends to narrow until only sacrifice appears honourable.”

“How fortunate that you are willing to protect my freedom.”

“I am willing to explain it.”

“In a ballroom full of witnesses?” she asked.

“No, not here. Darcy can hear us.”

Elizabeth glanced at him. He stood in the same place, but the distance meant nothing when he could hear her heartbeat from another room. She had felt her heart betray her when Mr Wickham first bowed over her hand. She resolved to give Mr Darcy nothing further to hear.

Mr Wickham followed her glance. “Bingley’s study is open this evening. Darcy used it before the guests arrived, and there are papers there concerning the True Blood which he has not shown you.”

“Why would Mr Darcy leave such papers in an unlocked room?”

“Because he believes I cannot cross the boundaries he has imposed.”

“Can you?”

“The study is among the rooms opened to the guests.” He extended one arm as they turned. “His command protects the private passages, not every desk at Netherfield.”

The explanation was plausible enough to deserve suspicion. Elizabeth completed the figure without responding.

“I will show you the papers,” he continued. “You may read Darcy’s intentions in his own hand.”

“Do you take me for a fool? I shall not go anywhere alone with you, Mr Wickham.”

Mr Wickham’s gaze travelled beyond her to Mr Collins, who stood beside Charlotte with his stick planted firmly between his shoes. Contempt touched Mr Wickham’s face before charm concealed it.

“Your cousin may accompany us. No one could question the propriety of a clergyman’s presence.”

“No one acquainted with Mr Collins would question his presence anywhere. He generally supplies the explanation before it is requested.”

The music ended. He bowed, and Elizabeth returned the courtesy before stepping away. She closed her fan and transferred it to her left hand.

Charlotte saw the movement.

She walked without haste, drawing Mr Collins with her through the simple method of mentioning Elizabeth’s name and walking in the required direction. Mr Collins followed, his stick striking the floor at every second step despite the injured toe having caused him no visible discomfort since his dance.

“Is anything wrong?” Charlotte stopped beside Elizabeth and glanced from her closed fan to Mr Wickham.

“Mr Wickham claims that there are documents in Mr Bingley’s study which concern me. He has offered to show them to me.”

Charlotte regarded the officer. “A study during a ball is an unusual destination for a private conversation.”

“I shall accompany Miss Elizabeth,” Mr Collins said firmly. “Recent circumstances have persuaded me that vigilance is among the duties of a clergyman, particularly when officers are involved.”