“Of course I came, Georgie, what else would I do?” Darcy embraced his sister and kissed her on top of the head. “I am exceedingly grateful to see you unharmed, Sister. From now on, you are not to leave my sight without an armed guard fit for a princess.”
“Darcy is to stay behind with the men to learn what will happen next, and to help find the other men involved, if possible.” Elizabeth put an arm around Georgiana. “Mr Bingley has come to escort us ladies and Papa back to Meryton.Iam only here because I am vain enough to think my attendance has merit.”
“Of course it does!” Georgiana exclaimed.
“Lucas, I am happy indeed that you have come, and I hope you brought more men. There is a search to be conducted.” Sir Gregorybowed to the new arrivals. “We have identified who the other men are. However, they expected that, and fled. One of their neighbours says one of them got a letter about a fortnight ago from a relation about a job in Manchester. It would be worth sending a party of men to search in that direction. They have no horses, they will keep to the trails, and off of the roads, but they have money and stolen goods, and they will have to turn up somewhere along the journey to buy food and possibly transport, once they are out of the vicinity.”
“You will have as many men at your disposal as you require, Sir Gregory,” Darcy promised. “Between me and Bingley, we have brought twelve, including local men who volunteered for the task. The men in Meryton do not want these fiends to find their way there, nor to prey upon another village. But we can send for more men from London. I hope you will not object that four of the men will accompany the ladies back to Meryton before returning to the search. We have also brought a great number of arms.”
“Of course, the ladies must have protection, they have been through enough,” Sir Gregory agreed. “And eight men will be a tremendous help, especially if some can head north to search the roads. Our local men are already searching the area. But first, let us discuss another, more pleasant subject. Miss Lydia, the families of those robbed have offered a great sum as a reward for information about the highwaymen’s identity. A great number of family heirlooms and valuable jewels have been stolen, in addition to a lot of money, and there is one terribly irate father whose ransomed daughter returned home with child and in love with one of her captors, I presume that is Mr Wickham.”
“Good heavens!” Elizabeth exclaimed.
“That is not the pleasant bit, Sir Gregory, tell them properly,” chided his wife.
“Of course, Lady Sayles, you are only too right.” Sir Gregory chuckled good-naturedly. “Miss Lydia, it has been decided that since it was you who first identified Mr Wickham, and also who brought him down single handedly, preventing Miss Darcy from being taken, and since your assistance provided us with the identity of the last two, a local man and his young son, that you must receive the reward, which is, if allof the families pay what they have promised, over two thousand pounds.”
“Two thousand, five hundred, and fifty,” Lady Sayles supplied the number.
“What a sum! Congratulations, Lyddie!” Elizabeth cried excitedly.
“I suppose that this will put paid to your dreams of education and accomplishment,” jested Mr Bennet.
“Why should it?” Lydia asked curiously.
“Well, I doubt that you will be interested in books and accomplishments with such a sum at your fingers.” Mr Bennet looked triumphant. Jane wished that she could box his ears. Why was he wishing that his daughter would not improve herself?
“Miss Darcy is rich, andsheis interested in books and accomplishments,” Lydia replied pointedly. “Why shouldInot still wish to learn?”
“It is obvious that you will lose interest once you have purchased a few hundred bonnets to trim.” Kitty looked disdainful.
“I cannot believe we are having this conversation here.” Elizabeth appeared to be mortified. “Can we not discuss the matter at home?”
“Would such a thing even be allowed?” Lydia asked in surprise, ignoring Elizabeth. “Surely, the funds will be added to my dowry. Papa would never let me spend so much.” She looked at her father who looked completely disinterested, and realised that hewouldlet her and probably her mother, spend all of it in order to prove what he believed was true about her.
Jane saw Lydia’s resolve harden. “Sir Gregory?”
“Yes, Miss Lydia?”
“Could you pay the reward to the care of my brother, Mr Bingley? I trust him to invest it safely for my future.” Lydia tossed her curls. “Charles, if the full amount is paid, I would like the fifty pounds to be held back for me to spend, and the rest to please be invested however you see fit.”
Sir Gregory looked nervously at Mr Bennet, who shrugged disinterestedly, and then answered, “Certainly, Miss Lydia, if that is your preference.”
“I have no objection, Sister.” Mr Bingley bowed. “I shall be honoured to safeguard your funds for you.”
“As soon as she learns how difficult it is to be accomplished, she will lose interest and start pestering you for ribbons, Charles.” Kitty looked at Bingley. “You will never have a moment’s peace.”
“I am certain it cannot besohard to be accomplished and perfect, and I could prove it if only Lizzy and Mary would not be so mean! Lizzy is so smug, and Mary is downright self-righteous. They never help me.”
“Why would anyone wish to helpyou, when you only wish to show up Miss Darcy, and prove that her efforts are insignificant?” Kitty challenged.
“As if it should matterwhyI have decided to improve myself! Miss Jane, will you help me?”
“Iwill help you,” interrupted Georgiana.
“Why wouldyouhelp me when according to Kitty, I am only trying to best you?” Lydia faltered.
“Because I am not interested in a rival. I would prefer to be your friend, and support you in your endeavours.” Georgiana was extremely gentle in her speech. “I would be happy to see you best me at anything, I am certain. I am not competitive. It is of no use challengingme,I wish for you to win too.”
