“Well, if it is so, let us hope the people of Meryton are not so easily deceived, nor so ready to think so ill of someone who grew up among them.”
“Let us hope—but the more I think of it, the more I fear the opposite. If that clergyman conveyed the gossip to Lady Catherine, it must already be common knowledge. Can you imagine the damage inflicted upon a young woman’s reputation in such a small community? Not to mention that people assume I have seduced and then abandoned her. What on earth can I do?” he yelled, red-faced from his ire, hitting the desk with his fist.
“Calm down, Darcy. Calm down.”
“I cannot calm down, Richard! I cannot leave things as they are. Do you realise I might have ruined someone’s life?”
“You? Why you? You are as much of a victim as she is.”
“Be serious, Richard! A man’s reputation is hardly ever touched. Besides, I knew what Wickham was capable of when he seeks revenge, and I carelessly ignored the consequences.”
“So what do you intend to do? Sadly, at this point, not even killing Wickham would help to remedy the harm caused to the Bennets.”
“Yes, I am well aware of that. I do not know what can be done.” Darcy continued to walk around the room, with the colonel watching him.
“Would you consider marrying Miss Bennet? You seem to admire some of her qualities, and she is a gentleman’s daughter…But that would only raise a new scandal with Lady Catherine and…”
“Richard, I care not about Aunt Catherine now. However, proposing to Miss Bennet would not solve the problem. I doubt she would accept me. As I said, the last time I spoke to her, her opinion of me had just slightly improved from hate.”
“Not accept you? Come now, Darcy, this cannot be! The daughter of a small country gentleman would never refuse you.”
“You do not know Miss Bennet—obviously. And even if there were some reasons to force her acceptance, that would only confirm the suspicions! People would assume the gossip was true, that we are guilty and married to cover the shame. That would ruin our lives even more.”
“True… This Miss Bennet appears to be a special lady. I am sorry she had to suffer Wickham’s revenge. So, what do you intend to do.”
Darcy hesitated only another moment. “I will write to Mr Bennet immediately. Then I must explain the circumstances to Georgiana, so she knows why I must leave her again. I must return to Hertfordshire.”
“I believe that is wise. I am sure Georgiana will understand. Do not worry, she will be well taken care of.”
“I do not doubt that. Bingley will return to Netherfield soon. I will go with him.”
“Darcy, do you want me to join you?”
“Thank you, but no. The more of us that go, the more we will confirm the rumours. I must go and settle things myself.”
“Be it as you wish, Darcy. I say—if you have the chance, kill Wickham! Or at least beat him. A duel would do too, but I doubt he would accept.”
“I shall keep in mind your suggestions. Now excuse me, I have to complete the letter and send it, then talk to Georgiana.”
“I will leave you for now, and perhaps return later for dinner. Do not forget to answer Lady Catherine too. But you may well deal with Wickham first, to release some of your anger.”
“I am tempted to deal with Mr Collins too. But later on,” Darcy concluded, then resumed his place at the desk and took out a piece of paper.
∞∞∞
That very day, late in the afternoon, Darcy was listening to Georgiana playing. She seemed absorbed in the music, barely looking at him, but he could see her swollen eyes with dark circles around them.
The siblings had had an affectionate and honest conversation, in which he had explained the delicate circumstances. The subject of Wickham still pained Georgiana and shame, guilt and self-blame, overwhelmed her. She found comfort in her brother’s embrace, and she sobbed until she had eased the burden on her soul.
“Forgive me for the pain I caused you, dearest. But I wished you to know the truth, instead of hearing rumours from someone else and assuming the worst.”
“I would never assume anything bad about you, brother. I thank you for trusting me. Please do not worry about me any more, I shall be fine. I hope and pray that you will bring back peace and tranquillity to those hurt by George’s actions. I will pray for him too…”
Darcy doubted he could settle the matter soon, but his sister brought him much-needed calm. What tormented him the most was the turmoil that Elizabeth must have suffered all those days and the fear that she might suspect he remained in London to protect his own reputation.
However, once he established his plan, it was easier for him to keep his temper under regulation.
Bingley’s arrival found Darcy lost in the sound of music. He rose immediately and Georgiana paused her performance.
