Page 38 of His Pride and His Prejudice

He did not like the smirk playing around the other man’s lips even as he refused to look directly at Darcy.

He did not like anything about this situation at all!

Darcy shifted slightly, perhaps intending to say something after all but Charles, who recognised Wickham also, prevented it.

“Wickham, it has been some years,” he said. “I find myself surprised to see you here, and in the militia no less.”

“Indeed, it is a surprise to see you also,” Wickham said.

“You were always full of surprises if I recall,” Charles said.

Wickham flushed. As well he should. Rarely had Darcy heard such a tone to Charles’ voice. Members of their society were sometimes shocked when realising Charles was an alpha given his nature was so playful and unserious. If they could see him now, they would not be.

“And you have managed to make the acquaintance of our dear friends,” Charles continued, and he took a step closer to Jack. Darcy would have expected the omega to respond by stepping away from the officers and into the protection Charles offered but he remained where he was, smiling still. “But do let us take it from here as we would not wish to delay you.”

“There is no delay to be had,” Wickham said. “We are quite happy to accompany the Bennets home.”

“It is not necessary,” Charles continued, and he said no more than that. It took only a moment for Wickham and his fellow officer to understand that they had been dismissed, were to continue on without the Bennets, and they did just that without further argument. Charles was an alpha after all.

Darcy stood silent, making no comment. He came close only when Wickham took Elliot’s hand to say goodbye. Elliot allowed it, however, so there was little Darcy could say. He simply clenched his jaw and waited. A few minutes later and they were gone, and they were once more alone with the Bennets.

“You are acquainted with Mr. Wickham?” Jack asked.

“Indeed,” Charles said. “You could say we are old friends.”

Did Jack know him well enough to understand the real meaning of his words? Darcy watched the interplay between Charles and Jack and realised that it seemed like he did not, for Jack simply nodded trustingly.

“He has struck up quite a relationship with our aunt and uncle,” Elliot said, smiling at Charles.

“Mr. Wickham has always had that knack,” Charles said.

“Some people do have a more charming nature than others,” Marc replied before launching into the reasons why he thought that might be the case. He was interrupted only when Charles turned to Jack and took his arm.

“Whilst I have you here, Mr. Bennet,” he said. “My sister has asked me to pass on an invitation to dinner this evening.”

No such thing had occurred, and Miss Bingley would now be responsible for organising a dinner late in the day, but Darcy did not betray Charles by so much as a flicker. He remained standing still, jaw clenched.

“That is very kind of you, sir,” Jack said.

“And your brothers, of course,” Bingley added, gesturing to Marc and Elliot.

Darcy’s traitorous heart gave a thump at those words. Excitement danced through him as he considered the prospect of having Elliot Bennet sat next to him at dinner…sat close enough to touch his hand once more…

Darcy shifted as his body responded exactly how it should to that prospect. He was immensely pleased that no one seemed to notice the reason for his discomfort. But then…the image of Wickham holding that hand filled his mind and a biting anger replaced the excitement and pleasure.

“I am happy to accompany you, Jack,” Marc said. “Mrs. Hurst and I had not finished our previous conversation regarding a new musical artist, and I would appreciate the chance to revisit it.”

“That is settled then,” Elliot said with a strange sort of smile. “As we have a visitor of our own, I will remain to entertain him.”

“Are you quite sure?” Jack asked at the exact same time that Darcy demanded, “Who is the visitor?”

They all turned at those words. Elliot looked directly at him. Where else could Darcy possibly look but right back?

Their eyes met.

That same curiosity shivered between them.

Darcy was certain it did.

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