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ncourage their departure. “Very well, I will tell you.” Perhaps a few vague statements would satisfy them.
However, once Darcy started the story, the words tumbled out of his mouth faster and faster. Soon he had confessed all: his feelings for Elizabeth, Wickham’s threats, and the entire disaster at the Gardiners’ house.
When his story faltered to a conclusion, the room was silent.
“I am impressed,” Richard said slowly. “When you make a mistake you do so thoroughly. No half measures for you.”
Darcy snorted despite himself.
Georgiana’s hand covered her mouth, and her eyes were wide with horror as if she witnessed a battlefield littered with dead soldiers. “You kissed her? Before her aunt and uncle and the servants?”
“And Wickham,” Richard added helpfully.
“I could think of nothing else to do,” Darcy confessed.
Richard drew his brows together. “Did you consider calmly telling her the story of Georgiana’s experience with Wickham and requesting that she break off the engagement?”
No, it had not occurred to Darcy. Not even hours later. He shook his head. “It was too late for such explanations. She had already accepted him.”
Richard made an impatient noise. “I am certain that any woman who could secure your regard would have listened to your explanations.”
Yes, Darcy thought miserably, staring into his empty glass. She probably would have listened.
Georgiana threw her hands in the air. “It is not as if Mr. Wickham would have married her that instant. You would have had time to convince her of the truth! She could have broken off the engagement later.”
“I-I—” Darcy sputtered.
“You panicked,” Richard supplied.
Darcy tipped his head back, resting it on the back of his chair. “I suppose I did. All I could think was that I could not allow Wickham to steal her away and ruin her life.” He stared at the ceiling. “I also believed she would be happy—or at least content—to marry me. I thought she at least…” His voice trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.
Richard stood and strolled to the window, gazing out even though there was nothing to see in the darkness. “So you are engaged to a woman who does not like you.”
Darcy closed his eyes briefly. “Worse. I do not know if I am engaged to her at all.” Richard gave him a quizzical look. “She did not agree to the engagement. Nor did she break off her promise to Wickham.”
Richard shook his head slowly. “Good Lord, it just keeps getting worse.”
Darcy continued, “I went to Gracechurch Street with the purpose of telling her the whole story, but I never had the opportunity.”
Georgiana’s hand flew to her mouth. “Might he convince her to elope with him?”
Darcy experienced a jolt of panic but then shook his head. “I do not know what his purpose was in offering marriage, but I cannot imagine he intended to follow through. Most likely he was only attempting to thwart me.”
Richard leaned his shoulder against the wall, his arms crossed as he frowned in thought. “It seems to me the first object is to convince Miss Bennet of Wickham’s perfidy. At the very least that would insulate her from the danger of marrying him. Have you considered writing her a letter? You could hardly do worse expressing yourself in writing.”
“I thank you for that endorsement, Cuz,” Darcy sneered at him. “But I did have a note sent round to the Gardiners’.”
“And?” Georgiana asked breathlessly.
Darcy sighed heavily. “Her uncle returned the letter unopened with a note saying she would not accept a letter from a man to whom she is not related.”
“Oh.” Georgiana winced.
Darcy sighed. “What am I to do?”
“You could write to her uncle with the story about Wickham. Gardiner could hardly refuse to read your letter, and he is not likely to dismiss it out of hand.” Richard straightened to his full height. “Allow me to deliver the letter. I can vouch for the veracity.”
Georgiana lifted her head. “I have an even better idea.” Darcy’s eyebrows rose. His sister was usually reserved when discussing Wickham; he was surprised she had not already fled the room.
