Trapped in Scandal

Chapter Seventeen

Elizabeth

17th May 1813

T wo weeks had passed since that evening in the drawing room, and Elizabeth could no longer ignore the distance that had settled between herself and Mr Darcy. At first, she dismissed it as nothing more than the inevitable consequence of a household brimming with activity during her sisters’ extended visit to Hartley House. The constant flurry of conversations, outings, and shared meals had left little time for reflection. Yet, even amid the bustle, she had noticed Mr Darcy’s subtle withdrawal.

He remained courteous, as ever, but there was a measured restraint in his demeanour that had not been there before. He avoided moments of intimacy, ensuring they were seldom alone together. Elizabeth had hoped this would pass—a mere discomfort lingering from their near-kiss. She had even prepared herself to broach the subject, believing that open discourse might mend the situation. Yet, no opportunity presented itself, their days were too full of distractions.

Now, with her sisters gone and tranquillity restored, Elizabeth could no longer deceive herself. The distance was no fleeting awkwardness. It was deliberate, and it wounded her more deeply than she cared to admit. Did he regret that moment? Was this why he was avoiding her? The thought unsettled her. She felt no regret, none at all. On the contrary, she had hoped it would mark the beginning of something new— a thawing of his reserve, a shared understanding. Yet, instead, they seemed to have retreated further into formality. The ache of it lingered.

Elizabeth resolved not to let the matter fester. Whatever the cause of Mr Darcy’s behaviour, she needed to know. The silence was unbearable. Yet, as she rehearsed how best to approach him, a flicker of doubt crept in. What if his regret was so profound that speaking of it would only widen the chasm between them? The prospect chilled her, but the alternative—allowing this quiet estrangement to continue unchecked—was unthinkable.

Another near-silent breakfast passed. Elizabeth longed to confront Mr Darcy, but she knew it would only aggravate matters. Their few quarrels had taught her that he resented being pressed.

Sensing the tension, Georgiana cleared her throat. “I wondered, when might I have the chance to see Kitty and Mary again? It was such a pleasure to become better acquainted with them.”

“Georgiana, why would we need to visit them?” Mr Darcy asked, clearly perplexed.

“Because they are our family now, Fitzwilliam, and I should like to see more of where Elizabeth is from. We were there only briefly for the wedding. I thought perhaps we might travel to Longbourn for the christening, once Lydia’s child is born. Or will she deliver in Newcastle?”

Elizabeth cleared her throat. “The plan is for my mother to travel to Newcastle in early October to be there for Lydia’s confinement. She will be there for the birth and stay for a few weeks after, until the christening and then return.”

“Bingley informed me Lydia wished to stay at Netherfield for the duration, and after the child is born, but Wickham would not have it,” Mr Darcy offered.

“Indeed, she wanted to be near our mother but I do not believe she wishes for Mother to see their modest home. In any case, Mother informs me that Mr Wickham has no more leave left. I understand he is already rather in a bad spot with his superiors for having taken so much leave from the militia as it is,” Elizabeth explained. “Besides, Jane and Charles will not be back at Netherfield until near Christmas.”

“They intend to travel, if I understood Bingley correctly,” Mr Darcy said then. “Are they not to set off for a tour of Scotland in the summer?”

Elizabeth nodded. Her sister hadn’t had a proper honeymoon due to the scandal Elizabeth and Mr Darcy’s situation had brought upon the family, and Charles intended to rectify this now that they had their affairs settled. Jane and Charles would leave for a tour of Scotland in late June and not return until September. She was happy for her sister, but knew she’d miss her immensely.

“So then, your mother will be back at Longbourn before Christmas and we could all spend it there. If Jane and Mr Bingley are there, then we ought to as well, do you not think so?” Georgiana asked.

“Indeed, we could spend Christmas at Longbourn or at Netherfield,” Elizabeth confirmed.

Mr Darcy glanced up from his plate. “I must visit Darcy House before the year’s end. I’ve not been back for a year, and there is business in Town that requires my attention before the New Year. I had thought we might spend Christmastide in London.”

“Why not both?” Elizabeth suggested. “We could spend a few months in London and travel to Longbourn for Christmas.”

“This is true. And the Season will be in full swing—there may be masquerade balls,” Mr Darcy said thoughtfully.

“You enjoy masquerade balls?” Elizabeth asked, astonished. “I never would have guessed! What’s next? Are you a master of parlour games as well?”

Georgiana giggled. “He is quite adept at bullet pudding.”

Elizabeth grinned. “Then we must have Christmas at Longbourn. My family adores parlour games.”

Mr Darcy sighed although he seemed unenthused. “It seems the matter is settled.”

“Well, I’m glad that is resolved,” Georgiana said with a nod.

“I am meeting Bingley in an hour. I’ll speak to him and arrange matters,” Mr Darcy said as he rose from his chair. As he passed Elizabeth, he nodded once.

“Are we still taking a carriage ride this afternoon after your ride?” she asked.

He hesitated. “Carriage ride?”

She faltered, sensing the shift in atmosphere. Their earlier lightness had vanished. “It is Wednesday. We’ve missed our weekly jaunt twice now.”

Mr Darcy’s expression remained distant. “Ah, yes. I beg your pardon, but I’m rather occupied today. I do not wish to rush, perhaps another time?” With that, he left, leaving Elizabeth saddened and confused.

“I do apologise for my brother, Lizzy. I cannot fathom what has come over him of late,” Georgiana said, looking troubled.

“There’s no need to apologise. You’ve done nothing wrong,” Elizabeth replied.

“I fear mentioning Mr Wickham was a mistake,” Georgiana sighed. “It always puts him in a foul mood.”

Elizabeth hesitated. “I sense that something happened between your brother and Mr Wickham… though I do not wish to pry.”

Georgiana hesitated but then spoke. “You will hear of it in time. Some years ago, I was… somewhat involved with Mr Wickham.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “Pardon?”

Georgiana composed herself. “I believed I loved him. He made me think it. He’d bring me gifts and tell me my brother did not want him near me because he thought Geo—Mr Wickham was beneath our notice. I thought myself in love. My attendant at the time, Mrs Younge, helped foster the connection. In the end, we planned to elope, but Fitzwilliam stopped me in time. I overheard him speaking to Mr Wickham when he confronted him and found that Mr Wickham wanted my inheritance, not my heart. I was too foolish to see it.”

Elizabeth’s breath caught at the similarity in which Lydia had ended up married to Mr Wickham—though she of course had no inheritance to speak of, a circumstance that still confused Elizabeth. “Oh, you poor thing,” she murmured. “But I am relieved it did not go further.”

“I am ashamed of my folly, but grateful to have escaped. That’s why Mr Wickham dared not show himself at the ball,” Georgiana sighed.

Elizabeth leaned forward. “Is that the only reason?”

“No,” Georgiana admitted. “The other is that Fitzwilliam facilitated Lydia’s marriage. Though you wouldn’t know it from how Lydia ignored him.”

Elizabeth’s jaw dropped. “Mr Darcy arranged their marriage?”

Georgiana nodded. “I overheard it. One of the servants who still remained connected to Mrs Younge heard that she’d once again helped Mr Wickham with a young woman—although one of lower standing, who’d be ruined if the connection was made public. He made sure Lydia never saw him, dealing only with Mr Wickham and your uncle. I suspect he acted because he saw something of me in Lydia.”

Elizabeth was stunned. Gratitude and admiration warred within her. “That explains much… I must thank him. He has done my family a great service, even if he won’t admit it.”

Georgiana smiled softly. “When he’s ready, I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.”

Elizabeth nodded, lost in thought. Every time she believed she understood Mr Darcy, a new revelation shifted her perspective. Despite herself, her admiration for him deepened.