Chapter Twenty-Nine #3
“I considered several less permanent alternatives.”
That earned him a brief laugh, though her expression soon sobered again.
“Your sister... how is she now?”
“She has suffered greatly from it.” Darcy exhaled.
“For some time she could scarcely speak of anything without assuring me how sorry she was. I was obliged, naturally, to dismiss the companion who had permitted the acquaintance of Wickham and engage another in her place. Georgiana then became persuaded that I could no longer trust her, or that I meant to watch her more closely because she had disappointed me.”
Elizabeth's expression softened. “I can only imagine what she has had to go through.”
“Mrs. Annesley, her new companion, is a sensible and trustworthy woman, and I wished Georgiana to understand that I had confidence in them both. Remaining constantly at her side would only have persuaded her that I did not, which is partly why I left for Som...” Darcy caught himself. “Why I came to Hertfordshire.”
“You may trust me, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said. “I would not betray your confidence, nor your sister's.”
The words struck him with uncomfortable force, and Darcy was grateful he had not made the slip he had nearly made.
This was not the time to mention Somerset.
Not until he could give Elizabeth something more concrete than the unanswered letters.
Richard's inquiries had already produced one promising lead, and Darcy could only hope it would amount to something.
“Thank you,” he said simply.
They walked on for a little while before Elizabeth asked, “What will you do now that you know Mr. Wickham is here?”
Darcy frowned. “I considered that very question last night. I know of sufficient debts to make Wickham's situation exceedingly unpleasant, but I have no intention of provoking him into spreading some account of Georgiana in revenge. Her name must be kept entirely out of it.”
“Then what can you do?”
“I shall speak to Colonel Forster. He commands the regiment and ought to know the character of a man serving under him.
I can tell him enough of Wickham's debts, extravagance, and dishonesty without mentioning Georgiana.” His mouth tightened.
“Wickham is seldom without some scheme in hand. If he means to cause trouble in Meryton, I would rather Forster be warned before the damage is done.”
Elizabeth nodded. “That seems very sensible.”
They had reached the end of the garden and turned back towards the house. Darcy was relieved to have the subject of Wickham behind them. Elizabeth knew enough now to understand what she had witnessed in Meryton, and he had told her as much as he could without reservation.
They had gone some distance before Elizabeth spoke again. She had been unusually quiet since they turned towards the house, and when Darcy glanced at her, he found her attention fixed upon the path.
“Mr. Darcy... there is another matter I wished to speak to you about.”
He looked at her in surprise. “Another matter?”
A little colour had risen into her cheeks. “Yesterday morning, I told you I wished for time to consider your request.”
Only then did Darcy understand her, and whatever answer rose to his lips was checked by the sudden quickening of his pulse.
“You did.”
“And you said I might have as much as I required.”
“I meant it.”
“I know.” Elizabeth was silent for a moment, then looked up at him, her expression caught somewhere between shyness and amusement. “But I find I did not require nearly so much as I supposed.”
Darcy stopped. Elizabeth did likewise, and the small smile upon her face made it difficult to remain composed.
“You asked whether I would permit you to pay your addresses to me openly,” she continued. A small smile touched her lips. “Here is my answer, sir... I will.”
For a moment he could only look at her, his heart pounding as her answer settled over him. “You are certain?”
Her brows rose. “You have formed a tolerably accurate opinion of my stubbornness, Mr. Darcy. Surely you do not imagine I could be persuaded into encouraging a gentleman whose attentions I did not want.”
Darcy laughed. “No. I cannot suppose it.”
“Then you may cease looking so alarmed.”
“I am very happy.”
Her expression softened. “So am I.”
The words sent a warmth through him which made restraint unexpectedly difficult. He wanted to take her hand, but contented himself with a smile. “Then I shall speak to your father.”
“Today?”
“If you have no objection.”
“I have none, though I warn you that Papa may enjoy the conversation considerably more than you do.”
“I have survived several such conversations.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Then perhaps you are prepared after all.”
They continued towards the house, Darcy happier than he could remember being in years. Yet as they reached the door, Elizabeth's earlier words returned to him.
You may trust me.
His happiness remained, but the words pricked at his conscience. Elizabeth had given him her trust freely, while still knowing nothing of the confidence he had taken from her without permission.