Chapter 21
“Did you complete your business to your satisfaction? I hope it was not a matter of ill health in your family.”
“My family is in good health, thank you. May I ask — did your uncle say anything to you about George Wickham?”
“He did. He shared your warning and apprised us of the fact that the man was your father’s godson. I hope he was not what kept you away all these days.”
“Unfortunately, he was. However, I also resolved some other matters that had been neglected too long and could have become obstacles in the future.”
“I am confused, I admit, but as long as you are pleased with the result, so am I.”
“I hear that your family are in good health too. Bingley tells me he visited Longbourn daily and is overjoyed by your sister’s recovery.”
“Mr Bingley is a dear friend of our family,” she replied, smiling. “And I can safely say that you were wrong, Mr Darcy.”
“I have never been more pleased to be wrong, Miss Bennet.” He paused for a moment before continuing, “There is something else that troubles me, and I hope you do not mind my asking. I heard your cousin Mr Collins is courting you, and he is expected to propose to you soon. Is it true?”
She stared at him, her mouth and eyes wide open in shock, her face burning with embarrassment.
“What? Where did you hear that? It is preposterous!”
“Forgive me. Bingley said your mother told him… So is it not true?”
“Of course not! This is absurd! Mr Collins speaks too much, and most of his words are foolish. And yes, he has bored me with his attentions lately, but I would certainly not call that a courtship!” She pondered her own words for a moment, then continued, “Oh dear! That silly man actually believed he was courting me? And my mother spread such ridiculous rumours? Dear Lord, this is mortifying!”
He gently touched her arm, then his fingers rested upon it.
“I am sorry I upset you. I admit I could not believe it either when Bingley told me last night. I thought we had some sort of understanding… I had to ask, since we promised to be honest with each other, regardless of how difficult a subject was.”
“I am glad you asked, sir. I am upset, but not with you. I have never trusted someone’s honesty as much as I do yours. I mean, someone who is a stranger — not part of my family.”
“Am I still a stranger, Miss Bennet?” His voice was deeper, warming her inside as much as his grip on her arm.
“You are not,” she replied, her voice trembling from emotions, then she added more lightly, “How could you be a stranger when we swam together in the sea and you rented a bathing machine for me?”
She let out a little laugh, and so did he, their eyes locking. His hand was still on her arm.
“Miss Bennet, since you mentioned my honesty, I am afraid there is something more I must disclose to you. I am reluctant to do so, as it is a painful tale that does not reflect well on anyone involved. But I trust you will understand and will forgive our faults.”
“Your faults?” she repeated, puzzled and nervous again.
“Mine, my father’s, and my sister’s. Apart from my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam, nobody else is aware of what I am about to tell you. But since you are such an important part of my present, I believe you should know before we discuss the future.”
Elizabeth held her breath, trying to soothe her pounding heart. He looked troubled, so she put her own hand on his arm. “I would gladly listen to whatever you have to say, sir.”
She waited for him to speak, but instead he pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to her.
“Last night I could not sleep. I pondered what I should tell you if we were to meet today…about me, about my wishes…and about George Wickham, since my past dealings with him might cause a scandal that could affect my family’s name — and yours by association.”
Elizabeth’s mind became heavy with confusion and turmoil.
Earlier, Mr Darcy had said he thought they had an agreement.
Then he had spoken about the present and the future, and now something about her association with his family.
What was she to comprehend from all this?
And why on earth was Mr Wickham important enough to warrant writing a letter about him?
She took the paper hesitantly, then, casting another glance at Mr Darcy, she began to read it under his worried gaze.
Word by word, her emotions shifted — amazement, indignation, horror, anger.
How could that worthless man be guilty of such horrible actions and face no consequences?
Why was he allowed to live freely, join the regiment and deceive the people of Meryton with his pretence of honesty and kindness?
Elizabeth finished reading, placed the letter in her lap, then gazed at him.
“What is your fault that you asked me to forgive?”
“My fault was lenience and caution, prudence — something I pride myself on. I observed Wickham’s tendency for depravity early in his life.
He grew up with all the benefits of being my father’s protégé, without any clear responsibility.
He used his easy manners and pleasant appearance to seduce people either for romantic purposes or financial gain. ”
“But why was he not stopped? Why all those advantages, all that mercy and tolerance?”
“My father’s fault was his genuine affection and confidence. Mine was the fear of disappointing my father, then the fear of a scandal.”
“You said in this letter that years ago he attempted to seduce your cousin Miss Anne de Bourgh.”
“Yes, on her first long visit to Pemberley. They were both around nineteen years old. Nothing actually happened, except Anne fell in love with him — truly. Anne is a kind soul, very timid, very restrained. When you meet her, you will understand. She gave him a few family jewels, which, upon their separation, he used to threaten her into silence, then he sold them.”
“You knew that, and still you granted him one thousand pounds after your father died, then even more when he requested compensation for the living. Why? I would have asked the servants to throw him out or put him in prison!”
“You would have been right, of course. But he would have certainly cause a scandal, and I wished to protect Georgiana, since she had suffered the loss of our parents so deeply. However, I did more harm as I exposed her to the danger of a dreadful plan of revenge. It was only her strength that prevented the elopement.”
“This attempted elopement happened this past summer?”
“Yes.”
“How is Miss Darcy now?”
“A little better, I hope, with the support of her new companion, Mrs Annesley.”
“And now? May I ask what you resolved regarding this Mr Wickham? What do you plan to do? You cannot allow him to continue deceiving people and hurting the innocent. Why would you fear a scandal when it is his word against yours? To any reasonable person, your word would carry far more weight than his.”
Her growing rage increased the volume of her voice; Mr Darcy replied with a strange smile and another touch to her arm.
“Not quite. For several years now, Wickham has used his charms to ruin my reputation, spreading lies about my seemingly unfair treatment of him, including my refusal to grant him the living and disregarding my father’s dying wish.
I must say many people believed him since his manners have always been more amiable and engaging than mine. ”
“People’s first impressions are often wrong, altered by prejudice and faulty judgment. I am certain you will act according to your own conscience, not their expectations.”
He smiled again, then he gently took her gloved hand and brought it to his lips in a gesture equally tender and respectful. Quivers and a wave of heat spread from the spot pressed by his lips throughout her body.
“What a couple we are, Miss Bennet! Unlike me, you act on impulse and allow your feelings to influence your actions. You are passionate and impetuous in everything you do, and even if you are wrong at times, it is still better than my prudence, self-control, and restraint that can lead to hesitation and fear. I have much to learn from you.”
“We both might learn something from each other,” she replied, thrilled by the implication of his last statement.
They were a couple, he had said. “But something must be done about this man, Mr Darcy, before he causes more damage. To an honourable, generous gentleman like you, a family scandal cannot be worse than another life ruined by deception.”
“Over the last few days I have been gathering all the necessary proof. I purchased his debts two years ago, and he has probably accumulated more since. I learnt that he joined the regiment with funds from his friend Lieutenant Denny’s future inheritance and with three hundred pounds the lieutenant’s father loaned him.
That debt I paid too. I shall speak to Colonel Forster today, then I shall confront Wickham.
Depending on his response, measures will be taken. ”
She smiled at him. “I expected no less from you, Mr Darcy. Let him cause a scandal if he dares. It must be difficult to spread gossip from debtors’ prison.”
“I am not concerned about the scandal any longer, Miss Bennet. I have already spoken to Georgiana and to my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam. If I have your approval, too, I shall be entirely at ease.”
“Do you need my approval to take measures against the man who hurt you?”
“I do not need it, but I am happy that I have it, nevertheless.”
Their eyes locked again, and their gloved hands joined and entwined.
“The only good thing George Wickham ever brought me was this consensus I feel we share,” Mr Darcy said, bringing her hand to his lips again.
Then, his eyes never leaving hers, he gently removed her right glove, placed a gentle kiss in her palm, then put the glove back on.
She watched him without daring to move or even breathe.
She attempted to say something, but the silence was suddenly broken by thunder.
Only then did she notice the sky was covered in dark clouds.
“You should return to Longbourn immediately,” he said. “I am sorry I delayed you for so long. Would you like me to accompany you? Perhaps take you home on my horse?”
He seemed genuinely concerned, while she was still shivering from the warmth of his kiss, so she forced a laugh as she responded, “Your company would be lovely but not required. I cannot even imagine what my mother would say if she saw me on your horse. Or Mr Collins. I shall hurry home and will be there within minutes. You should do the same. Shall I see you later today?”
“Most certainly you will, Miss Bennet.”
“I hope you are not truly sorry that you delayed me. I would be sorry if you were,” she said, smiling teasingly.
“Since we promised to be honest with each other, my only regret is that I could not delay you longer, as there are still many things I wish to tell you.”
Another clap of thunder interrupted their conversation, and Elizabeth hurried home.
As hasty as her steps were, her heart beat faster still, racing with exhilarating joy.
The rain began in earnest when she reached the garden, so she was soaked through when she entered the house, which provided her with a good excuse to go straight to her room and savour her happiness alone.
As she changed her clothes, she touched the spot in her palm that had been pressed by Mr Darcy’s lips.
Amazed, she realised that, although she had dreamt so many times about him kissing her, touching her, caressing her body in ways she barely dared to imagine, the reality of his lips on her skin was stronger and more thrilling than any dreams. And if that was the case, what would his true touches, caresses, and kisses be like when they happened?
Because they would, and soon; their last encounter had dispelled all her doubts.