“Mama, that is hardly fair—”
“Is it not? He brings unsuitable persons into our home, exposing my daughters to danger and scandal. What does that suggest about his judgement? His character?” Lady Hartford’s voice grew more strident. “Perhaps your father should reconsider the sale of Longbourn entirely.”
Jane’s face went pale at this pronouncement, though she remained silent. Elizabeth watched her sister struggle with the implications, knowing how deeply this would wound her growing attachment to Mr Bingley.
“Surely one unfortunate guest cannot—” Elizabeth began.
“One unfortunate guest has created a scandal that may destroy your reputation,” Lady Hartford cut her off. “Do not ask me to dismiss such consequences lightly.”
They were interrupted by the appearance of Peters, who entered bearing a silver salver. “A message has arrived for your lordship.”
Lord Hartford accepted the folded paper, breaking the seal with quick efficiency. A frown appeared on his forehead.
“What does it say, Papa?” Elizabeth asked, though she dreaded the answer.
“It is from Mr Darcy. He and Mr Bingley have returned from their search. They checked the inn and every public house in the vicinity, but found no trace of Mr Wickham.” Lord Hartford set the letter aside with visible frustration. “He requests an audience tomorrow morning to discuss their findings—or rather, their lack thereof and next steps.”
“No trace? But surely he cannot have simply vanished.”
“Men like Wickham possess considerable skill at disappearing when circumstances require it,” Lord Hartford replied. “If he departed immediately after the incident, he could be far away by now.”
Lady Hartford’s composure finally cracked entirely. “Then we are ruined. Absolutely ruined. Without apprehending the supposed culprit, Elizabeth appears to have been compromised by our own steward. The scandal will follow us wherever we go.”
“Perhaps Mr Darcy will have better news tomorrow,” Jane suggested hopefully. “He may have discovered some clue, some indication of where Mr Wickham might have gone.”
“I pray you are correct,” Elizabeth said, though uncertainty gnawed at her confidence. “Mr Darcy seemed so determined, so angry on my behalf. Surely he will not rest until justice is served.”
Lady Hartford’s laugh held no humour. “Your faith in our steward’s dedication is touching, though I wonder if it is entirely wise. After all, he bears some responsibility for bringing this crisis upon us.”
“How can you say such a thing? He protected me.”
“Did he? Or did he merely arrive at a convenient moment to appear heroic whilst his associate escaped?” Lady Hartford’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. “How do we know this entire affair was not orchestrated for his benefit?”
“Mama!” Elizabeth gasped. “You cannot seriously suggest—”
“I suggest nothing. I merely observe that circumstances have aligned remarkably well for a man seeking to elevate his position through marriage to his employer’s daughter.”
The accusation hung in the air like smoke, poisoning everything it touched. Elizabeth felt sick at the implication, whilst Jane looked positively horrified.
“That is a terrible thing to say,” Jane whispered.
“Terrible perhaps, but not impossible,” Lady Hartford replied. “I have seen stranger schemes succeed through planning and convenient timing.”
Lord Hartford held up his hand for silence. “Enough. Such speculation serves no purpose and helps no one. We will hear what Mr Darcy has to report tomorrow and proceed accordingly.”
“And if he has nothing useful to report?” Lady Hartford demanded.
“Then we will face that circumstance when it arises.” Lord Hartford’s tone brooked no further argument. “I suggest we all retire for the evening. Tomorrow will bring its own challenges.”
Elizabeth rose from the sofa on unsteady legs, her mind reeling from the evening’s revelations. “I shall go to my chamber.”
“I will come with you,” Jane offered, but Elizabeth shook her head.
“I require solitude to think.” She paused at the doorway, looking back at her family. “Whatever tomorrow brings, I maintain my faith in Mr Darcy’s honour. He will not allow this injustice to stand.”
As she climbed the stairs to her chamber, Elizabeth tried to hold onto that conviction despite the doubts her mother had planted. Surely Mr Darcy would find some trace of Wickham, some evidence that would restore her reputation and confirm her account of the evening’s events.
He had to.
