He screamed in agony and released her.
His arm lay at an unnatural angle.
“You broke my arm, you little witch!”
Elizabeth seized Georgiana’s hand. “Come. We must find the footmen.”
Georgiana dropped the shovel as they hurried past George Wickham, who curled upon the floor, where Elizabeth had felled him, his deformed arm cradled against his chest.
They fled down the corridor, calling desperately for Higgins.
At the head of the stairs, they looked down to see the butler and two footmen running toward them.
Georgiana cried out, frantic, “Wickham is in my bedchamber!”
Mrs. Nichols came rushing from another passage. “Oh, my Lord,” she exclaimed, “what is this world coming to?”
Higgins did not hesitate. “Restrain that villain and bring him down to the cellar until I can make arrangements to transport him to gaol.”
The two footmen flew past and ran down the hall.
Georgiana whispered, “Lizzy, I do not wish to see him when they bring him out.”
“Nor do I. Take me to the pretty blue parlor where you served Jane and me tea on our first visit.”
Georgiana grasped her hand tightly and drew Elizabeth along, hurrying down the corridor.
They entered the family parlor and locked themselves inside. Elizabeth looked at the child before her. Georgiana’s face was pale and drawn with shock.
Elizabeth led her to the sofa and drew her close, wrapping an arm about the trembling girl as they waited in strained silence.
At last, Georgiana whispered, “Lizzy, will George Wickham be able to kidnap me?”
Elizabeth answered firmly, “No, my dear girl. Higgins will lock him in the cellar tonight, and in the morning, he will send for your solicitor, who will deal with Wickham until your brother returns.”
She softened her voice. “If it would ease your mind, you may ask Higgins to send for Mr. Darcy’s solicitor at once, so that you may ask him to begin proceedings immediately.”
Elizabeth glanced at the small watch hanging from her waist. “It is only half past five. It is quite early enough to call upon Mr. Darcy’s solicitor.”
“Will you stay with me while I speak to him?”
“Of course, my dear.”
Georgiana moved to the door and rang the bell.
A few minutes later, a tap sounded.
Georgiana leaned close and called softly, “Who is it?”
“It is Ruby, Miss Georgiana.”
The young girl unlocked the door.
“Ruby, have they moved Mr. Wickham to the cellar yet?”
“He is being taken there now, Miss Darcy. Higgins has sent for Dr. Curtis to set his broken arm.”
“Ask Higgins to send for Mr. Kendall. I wish to speak with him.”
