“With money, Elizabeth,” Darcy said abruptly. “It is the only thing Wickham is interested in and the only thing he would never neglect.”
“Everyone in Meryton will know Lydia’s condition by tomorrow. It does not matter whether they know Wickham to be the father or that he is a man who leaves debts wherever he goes. All the blame will fall on her.”
“It is unjust to you and your other sisters, but Lydia’s disgrace will mean more dreadful news for your family. The gossiping minds will jump from assuming Lydia has come upon the town to wondering whether her sisters are just as immoral.”
He saw a cloud cross her eyes, but as fast as it appeared, it was gone. “Elizabeth, I do not think you wicked,” he offered quietly, fearful of being overheard. “It would be hypocritical of me. The world might shun you the same as it will poor Lydia if they knew that neither of you were maidens, but then where might that leave me? If I thought you to be as foolish as Lydia, then am I no better than Wickham?”
Elizabeth linked her fingers through his and brought his hand to her lips. “I do not believe that you and I were brought together only because our passions were stronger than our virtue. I know enough of your character to know that you wish to find Wickham and make him marry Lydia, but I am tempted to let it go.”
“What do you mean?”
“The first desire of my heart is not to see my sister’s reputation preserved but to be gone from Longbourn. Does that make me a heartless person?”
“No, you could never be unfeeling,” he said earnestly. “You are simply being honest—and with the one person who would wish for nothing but the truth from you.”
“Then I feel perfectly justified in admitting that I want to be Mrs Darcy rather than Miss Bennet, and I want to be rid of every obstacle that stands in the way of that. Other than Jane, there is nothing here for me. I wish to begin our life together.” She rested her head again on his shoulder.
“Someone must defend Lydia, both for her sake and for the child she carries. I cannot believe you truly would have me do nothing,” he said as he stroked her hair. “You could hardly respect me if I did.”
“The selfish, foolish girl has no idea who will be hurt by what she has done! She did not even have the sense not to announce her condition where everyone would hear her.” Some of Elizabeth’s tension seemed to leave her after this exclamation. “I know you would help rather than marry me and abandon Lydia and the rest of my family to their ruin. But do not expect me to be happy about it in this moment. I am too furious with Lydia.”
“We shall marry soon enough with Bingley and Jane. In the meantime, he and I must leave as soon as possible to find Wickham. Even as angry as he is now, your father will take no action, and your uncle does not have the funds to buy Wickham’s compliance. You are my family now, and preserving Lydia’s honour protects us as much as it does her.”
“I know. You are the very best of men.”
“I ought to join the others.” He sighed; he would rather remain in Elizabeth’s arms.
“You mean to return to Netherfield?”
“No, I meant your father and uncle in the library. Will you ask Lydia whether she has any knowledge of where Wickham might be?” She nodded, and Darcy carefully wiped away her remaining tears. “I will write to Colonel Fitzwilliam. He might remember something of Wickham’s acquaintances or habits that I do not. We can depend on his discretion. After I speak with your father and your uncle, I will speak with Bingley. He was helpful when we found Lydia, and after he has placated his sisters, I expect he will return to London with me.”
With a parting kiss, he walked toward the library, hoping that he could behave civilly toward Mr Bennet and that Mr Gardiner might be amenable to the plan he was forming for Lydia.
Before she entered the room,Elizabeth heard someone being sick. Lydia sat on the floor with her back against the bed and a chamber pot on her lap.
“I feel wretched! If only I waited for my dear Wickham in London. That carriage ride was hideous.”
“Your dear Wickham!” exclaimed Elizabeth. “Surely he is still not ‘your dear Wickham’?”
“Of course he is.” Lydia sounded incredulous. “You cannot be jealous. I know he was once a favourite of yours, but I do not hold it against either of you.”
Elizabeth had never before felt so astonished. Her life with Fitzwilliam could not move forward until they dealt with Lydia, and she lost her patience. “You are with child! You are unmarried, and your seducer has abandoned you. Do you have no shame?”
“Oh, Lizzy, you sound like Aunt Gardiner, preaching and talking away just as if you were reading a sermon.” Her sister was as insensible as ever. Fitzwilliam had chosen not to burden Lydia with the proof of Wickham’s treachery, but Elizabeth was tempted.
“Mr Wickham’s flight from Brighton was necessary by the distress of his circumstances. He is a gamester and could not resist the opportunity of having a companion. He will not marry you.”
“Of course he will. So long as we are married before the baby arrives, it will all end well enough. He was so affectionate the month we spent together in Brighton. He called every day, and we spent many hours alone in each other’s company from the day I arrived. And do not speak of hiding me away, either, to await the child. I am fond of society and do not—” Lydia bent her head over the chamber pot again.
Elizabeth left the room and ran to her own to retrieve Wickham’s letter that Darcy had left with her. When she returned, the entire room was in disarray, as Lydia had seen fit to rummage through her belongings, searching for some ribbon she favoured. Fitzwilliam might not approve of sharing Wickham’s letter, but she could think of nothing else to withdraw Lydia’s loyalty from the man who ruined her.
“Read this. Wickham wrote it to Darcy a week before you left Brighton.”
“I feel so ill. I have no sense for reading now.”
Lydia had little sense for reading at any time; nevertheless, Elizabeth read it aloud. After the mortification Fitzwilliam and her family had suffered, she could offer her youngest sister no sympathy. Lydia fluttered around the untidy room, but soon Lydia paid attention, sitting quietly as Elizabeth neared the end and read slowly and clearly.
“…I have no intention of marrying the foolish girl, but she would think it a great adventure to go to town and then to Scotland to marry…”
