“I have never seen the colonel lose his temper before. I wonder what induced his response,” Elizabeth said, wondering how far Mr Wickham’s hypocrisy might extend.
“I assume it is his loyalty towards Darcy and the same jealousy that caused Darcy to treat me so unfairly.”
“If you know your actions towards the Darcy family were without fault, then their resentment towards you is unfair. I am tempted to confront the colonel about it the next time we meet,” Elizabeth said, and Mr Wickham’s face turned white.
“I thank you for your concern, Miss Elizabeth, but please do not discuss anything with the colonel. Nothing good wouldcome from such a discussion. He would never admit I have been unfairly treated.”
Elizabeth only nodded; her relatives were watching her conversation with Mr Wickham with curiosity and puzzlement, and she decided not to pursue the matter further.
“Will you stay in London long, Mr Wickham?”
“Three more days, Miss Elizabeth. When will you return to Longbourn?”
“Our plans are not yet fixed, but we shall probably remain in town less than a fortnight.”
“Do you know whether Mr Bingley intends to reopen Netherfield?” Mr Wickham asked.
“He did not mention anything to indicate that was his intention,” Elizabeth responded, wondering about his sudden interest.
“It would be a pity if he did not. His departure was hasty and unforeseen, and many people in Meryton expect him to return and complete his unfinished business,” he said with a smile and a meaningful look.
“Unlike the people you just mentioned, we try not to presume or expect anything,” Elizabeth answered. “It is the best way to avoid disappointment or betrayal from someone you once considered a friend.”
She spoke with a light voice and a broad smile, but her words seemed to disconcert Mr Wickham even more — just as she intended.
Soon after that, the officers left, and Mr Gardiner returned to his office, while Mrs Gardiner asked Elizabeth for a private discussion.
Chapter 5
The door to the small parlour clicked softly behind them as Mrs Gardiner led Elizabeth inside, her expression a blend of curiosity and maternal concern. The room was cosy, bathed in the golden glow of a single lamp, with a faint floral scent from a vase of fresh blooms. Elizabeth sank into an armchair, her heart still racing from the whirlwind of the afternoon — Mr Bingley’s earnest apologies, Colonel Fitzwilliam’s jovial banter, and then the shocking arrival of Mr Wickham, whose charming smile had curdled into unease under the colonel’s dark glare.
“My dear Lizzy,” Mrs Gardiner began, settling opposite her with a cup of tea in hand, “that was no ordinary call. First, two delightful gentlemen bearing a dinner invitation, then Mr Wickham and Mr Denny with letters from Longbourn — and the colonel’s behaviour! I assume Colonel Fitzwilliam is well aware of his cousin’s past dealings with Mr Wickham, considering his harsh response. How silly of me, of course he knows — if Mr Darcy revealed that story to you, someone who is practically a stranger, he would certainly not keep the secret from his cousin.”
Elizabeth sighed. “He most certainly knows. Colonel Fitzwilliam is not just Mr Darcy’s cousin but also his friend and Miss Darcy’s second guardian. As for Mr Wickham — I am so angry and appalled by his audacity!”
“My dear, I certainly have no intention of taking Mr Wickham’s side. But please consider he could not possibly haveknown that Mr Bingley or Colonel Fitzwilliam would be here. This time, he did nothing but a kind service, bringing us a letter from your parents.”
Elizabeth sighed again and rose to pace the room in an attempt to calm her agitation. Her aunt was right, of course. Mr Wickham had acted as he always had in the past, trying to charm her through a favour of some sort.
“You are wise and sensible, as always, Aunt. Just as Jane is. I am the only simpleton. I cannot believe I allowed myself to be so easily fooled by that scoundrel. That makes me angry, indeed!”
“I shall not even attempt to argue with you about this, Lizzy. You were indeed imprudent and naive and prejudiced towards Mr Darcy — which led you to misjudgment. Not to mention your recklessness in confronting Mr Darcy about it — I still cannot imagine how such a conversation came about! To challenge a gentleman about his business with another man, when neither is related to you — it is unthinkable and quite unladylike.”
“I realise I was imprudent, naive, prejudiced, and much more when I trusted Mr Wickham, and even worse when I accused Mr Darcy of supposed cruelty to that-that wretch!”
“Dear Lord, what a horrible man indeed to betray his godfather’s family, to feign innocence and act like a victim! I never liked him as much as you did, but I never suspected such lies and deceit.”
Elizabeth sank into a chair, wondering what Mrs Gardiner would say if she found out about the worst part of Mr Wickham’s betrayal. That story, however, involving the innocent Miss Darcy, she would never reveal to any living soul.
“So, Lizzy, did you apologise to Mr Darcy for your false accusations?”
Elizabeth blushed. “I had no time and no opportunity, Aunt. Mr Darcy left Rosings the next day, and I did not see him again until we met at the theatre.”
“Oh dear! No wonder he looked so restrained and uncomfortable! But the colonel is so friendly towards you. Is he aware of your quarrel with his cousin?”
“I do not know, but I doubt it. His friendliness would probably have soured if he knew of my unfair accusations.”
“You are probably right. Miss Darcy was also very kind and amiable — I presume she does not know either. Mr Darcy has been exceedingly discreet about this matter, much to his credit. If you know you were wrong, I strongly believe you should apologise, Lizzy.”
