His cousin had seen Wickham, too. Richard’s expression hardened—the look of a soldier assessing a threat.
“Let us get Georgiana to Netherfield,” Richard said. “I will return to investigate.”
“Richard…”
“Your priority is your sister. Mine is finding out what that rake is doing in Meryton and whether he poses an immediate threat.” Richard’s jaw was tight. “I will return to Netherfield as soon as I know something.”
The carriage rolled on, leaving Meryton behind.Darcy held Georgiana as she quivered like a leaf, her face still pressed against his coat. He managed to share reassurances that rang hollow in his own ears.
Wickham. Here. In Meryton.
It could not be a coincidence. Yet, Wickham did nothing without calculation, without purpose. He was here for a reason, and that reason could only be money—or revenge.
Darcy’s mind raced through possibilities, each more troubling than the last. How had Wickham heard of Darcy’s presence in Hertfordshire? Did he know about Georgiana’s visit? Was he already spreading lies, poisoning the neighborhood against the Darcy name?
Or worse—had someone mentioned Elizabeth? Learnt of Darcy’s interest in her?
The thought made his blood run cold. Wickham was vindictive, charming, and utterly without scruple. If he discovered Darcy cared for Elizabeth Bennet, he would use that information to cause maximum damage.
“Brother,” Georgiana turned her head away from him. “I wish…I wish I had made better choices. I have so many regrets because of him.”
“Hush. You have no need to regret, Georgiana.” Darcy pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “We shall sort this out. Richard will discover what Wickham wants, and we shall deal with it. Together.”
“He saw us. He knows we are here.”
“Yes. He knows.” Darcy stared out of the window at the rain-soaked countryside, his jaw taut. “Which means we must be careful.”
The carriage rolled on toward Netherfield, away from Meryton and the threat that lurked there. But Darcyknew—with cold, absolute certainty—that this was not the end.
Wickham could not merely threaten Georgiana’s future. He could threaten the future that Darcy had only just begun to imagine was possible with Elizabeth.
9
Richard arrived at Netherfield as the sun dipped toward the horizon, his borrowed mount lathered despite the cold. A groom met him at the stable, and the Colonel dismounted with barely a word of thanks before striding toward the house. He found Darcy in the library, a book open but clearly unread in his lap. His cousin looked up the moment Richard entered.
“Well?”
Richard closed the door firmly behind him. “Wickham arrived in Meryton with the militia less than a se’nnight ago. The louse is already in debt to half his fellow officers from cards.” He crossed to the sideboard and poured himself a brandy. “Not an hour ago, he was overheard assuring his creditors that a golden opportunity had presented itself only this morning. Enough money, he claimed, to settle his future.”
Darcy’s countenance turned to stone. “This morning.”
“The very morning he sees Georgiana.” Richarddowned half his drink. “The timing cannot be coincidence.”
“It never is with Wickham.” Darcy rose, setting the book aside with barely controlled violence.
Richard set down his glass, his usual levity gone. “Darcy, if he approaches her—if he threatens to expose what happened at Ramsgate?—”
“He will not get near her.” Darcy’s voice was flat, absolute.
“He does not need to.” Richard dragged a hand through his hair. “He could destroy her reputation with a few well-placed words. Or worse, convince her he still cares for her.”
“Georgiana knows what he is now.”
“Does she? Or does she simply know she disappointed you?” Richard’s tone was rough. “She was fifteen, Darcy. In love, or what she believed was love. Wickham is skilled at making young women believe exactly what he wants them to believe.”
Darcy’s fists clenched. “What does his commanding officer say?”
“That he had no knowledge of Wickham’s character when he accepted his commission. I enlightened him. Mentioned debts, gambling, a pattern of preying on young women.” Richard paused. “Forster is a decent man. He has agreed to reassign Wickham to Newcastle. But it will take time to arrange without raising suspicion. A week, perhaps more.”
