“The next day, William arrived on a surprise visit. I did not know what to do. Wickham and I were supposed to go to Scotland that evening. Somehow, I blurted it out. I think part of me hoped we would all be reconciled and that my brother would relent when he knew how much I loved Wickham. Instead, William looked furious. I cannot tell you how much that frightened me. You do not know my brother, but his face isusually expressionless. He is very controlled. To see him in such a state made me think I had done something terribly wrong.”
“William asked me where Wickham’s lodgings were located then rushed away. I followed him. I was worried my brother would call Wickham out and that someone would be hurt or worse – be killed in a duel. Then the most terrible row happened. William accused Wickham of wanting my fortune, and Wickham accused Wiliam of depriving him of money Papa had set aside for him in his will. I did not understand the details. All I heard was two men arguing about money. That was all they cared about. Wickham started bargaining with William, saying if my brother paid him, he’d stay away from me. William refused to give him anything.”
“You know the worst thing about it? Wickham’s last words to William were that he only wanted to marry me for revenge. That is when I walked away.”
Elizabeth was shocked. What a blow it must have been to discover the person who she had viewed as an older brother had no interest in her at all.
“William brought me here and stayed for a while, then was called to London by his man of business. I’ve been here alone since then with no one else but an older relative of ours, Mrs. Annesley. Miss Bennet, I have been so foolish! I should have known Wickham did not love me. He never liked me when I was a child. And William is so angry at me. I feel I am nothing but a burden for him. And I am so ashamed.” She dipped her head, her face completely cast in shadow. “I kissed Wickham. Once. I did not think about it, but I am afraid now that I may be—increasing.”
Elizabeth gave a loud sigh of relief. She may not know all the details about procreation between a man and a woman, but they had livestock at Longbourn, and she knew what was required fora colt to be born. If Miss Darcy was telling the truth, then she could not possibly be with child.
A tremendous burden fell from Elizabeth’s shoulders. “Kissing a gentleman does not produce a child, Miss Darcy – if that was all that happened.”
Miss Darcy’s expression lightened. “I assure you, it was all. I—did not allow him anything beyond a kiss on my cheek.”
Elizabeth could not help smiling. “Just on the cheek? Then you are completely safe.”
“But my brother hates me.”
“He would have been far more upset if you had gone through with your plan. Fortunately, you did not. You should be proud that you had the courage to tell him the truth before it was too late.”
“I would not call it courage. I was foolish enough to believe he would accept the marriage.”
“You risked everything by telling him about your plans. You cannot dismiss that. You could have run away at night with Wickham with no one any the wiser. But you did not. You did the right thing.”
“You think so?”
“Of course I think so.” Elizabeth bit back the urge to call the girl a little ninny as she would have done with Lydia.
“Then you do not think I have done something terrible?”
“You have not. It was Wickham who should be ashamed, for trying to convince you to run away behind your brother’s back.”
“Do you think he only wanted me for my money?”
Elizabeth considered what to say. She had just managed to cheer Miss Darcy up. She did not want her to return to her gloomy thoughts.
“I cannot answer that question, since I was not there. Only you know the answer. I think it would be good to wait until you have recovered from the shock before reaching any conclusion.Meanwhile, you have talked for so long, you are probably in need of refreshments. Have you eaten today?”
“No. I—have lost my appetite. I did not have anything to eat today. But now that you mention it, I believe I am very thirsty.”
“Then you had better go to the house to change your gloves and ring for some tea and cakes.”
Miss Darcy looked shamefaced as she surveyed the green streaks staining her gloves.
There was nothing left for Elizabeth to do. She rose to her feet, and Miss Darcy quickly followed.
“I do not know how to thank you,” she said, suddenly shy.
“You can thank me by promising you will never allow despair to overcome you.”
“I— promise you.”
“Then I will be on my way.”
Miss Darcy looked astonished. “You intend to leave?”
“I must return to my aunt and uncle. They will be expecting me at the inn.”
