Chapter XVIII #3
“There is every need.” Her voice trembled despite her efforts. “You have saved that poor child.”
Darcy looked uncomfortable. “I have done only what circumstances required.”
Mrs. Gardiner appeared unconvinced. After a brief silence, she asked quietly, “Where did you find her?”
Darcy’s expression altered almost imperceptibly. “I hope you will forgive me, Mrs. Gardiner, but I do not think Miss Lydia would thank me for answering that question.”
Mrs. Gardiner hesitated.
“The circumstances were very bad?”
“Yes.”
Nothing more.
She studied him for a moment.
Then she nodded. “I understand.” And she did. Not entirely perhaps, but enough. Whatever had occurred, he was protecting Lydia’s dignity.
The silence lasted only a few moments before Gardiner spoke again. “We should bring her here immediately.”
Mrs. Gardiner turned towards him. “Yes. At once.”
Darcy remained quiet for a moment before answering.
“May I speak candidly?”
“Certainly.”
“I am not persuaded that removing her immediately would be best.”
Both Gardiners looked at him in surprise.
“She is among people she trusts at the moment. Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley have shown her great kindness. She has begun to feel secure there.” He paused. “Another sudden removal might do her more harm than good. At least at this time.”
Mrs. Gardiner’s expression softened. “She has been very distressed?”
“Yes.”
The answer was simple. Nothing more was required.
“I would not wish to separate her from those who have helped her before she is ready.”
Gardiner exchanged a glance with his wife. “That is reasonable,” he admitted reluctantly.
Mrs. Gardiner nodded. “But may we see her?”
“Certainly.”
Some of the tension left her face at once. “Then I should like to do so as soon as possible.”
“You shall be welcome.”
Another silence followed. This one was more thoughtful than distressed.
At length, Darcy said, “There is another consideration.”
Gardiner looked up.
“When I find Mr. Wickham… I do not believe making him marry Miss Lydia is the right thing to do.”
Gardiner stared at him. “You astonish me, sir.”
“Perhaps. But I have had many years in which to observe Mr. Wickham’s character. I would sooner see him prevented from harming others than rewarded with a wife he neither deserves nor values. My chief concern is that he should never be at liberty to repeat such conduct.”
Neither Mr. Gardiner nor his wife spoke. It was Mrs. Gardiner who recovered first. “Not marry her?”
“No. I have not discussed it with Miss Lydia, but the man has abandoned her with no care for what would happen to her. He even left her without paying for their accommodation.”
“Oh no!”
“The wastrel.”
“But her reputation…” Mrs. Gardiner began after the shock.
“I am aware of the consequences.”
Gardiner frowned. “Then I do not understand.”
Darcy was silent for a moment. “At present, Miss Lydia believes herself ruined. Yet she is not…”
“She is not?”
“No, Mrs. Gardiner. And I see no justice in binding her for life to a man who has already demonstrated precisely what sort of husband he would be.”
Mrs. Gardiner lowered her eyes. “And if society demands it? The other girls…”
A faint weariness crossed Darcy’s face. “Society often demands things which are neither wise nor humane. Especially of women.”
The room fell silent once more.
“I do not say the matter is simple,” he continued. “Only that I cannot persuade myself that sacrificing Miss Lydia’s future to preserve appearances is an act of kindness.”
Gardiner leant back slowly. “You would rather see Wickham punished.”
“Yes.”
“But if there is no marriage, what becomes of her? And my sister’s family?”
The answer came without hesitation.
“It has been two months already, I believe.”
Mr. Gardiner nodded.
“The damage has been done already. I would rather see him prevented from ruining another girl… We will find another solution.” For the first time since Lydia had been mentioned, Darcy seemed uncertain. “When Miss Lydia returns, I do not know whether Longbourn is presently the best place for her.”
Neither Gardiner nor his wife answered immediately.
“I do not doubt her family’s affection,” Darcy continued. “But she has been frightened. She is ashamed. And the circumstances remain difficult.”
Mrs. Gardiner lowered her eyes.
“She fears returning?”
“I do not know.” Darcy paused. “But I think she fears facing the consequences.”
The room fell quiet.
At last Mrs. Gardiner spoke. “Poor child.”
Gardiner looked at his wife. “And what of the others?”
The question hung in the air.
“Jane. Elizabeth. Kitty.” His voice remained calm, but the strain beneath it was unmistakable. “I do not speak out of cruelty, Mr. Darcy. God knows I am thankful that Lydia is safe. But the consequences do not fall upon her alone.”
“No,” said Darcy quietly.
Mrs. Gardiner looked helplessly at Darcy.
“She cannot return home unmarried. What else is there?”
“I do not yet know,” said Darcy. For the first time, uncertainty was plainly visible. “But I cannot think one injustice is corrected by another.” He looked briefly towards the window. “We shall find some solution.”