Darcy’s expression grew thoughtful. “I count Bingley among my closest friends. I am not insensible to the value of trade, nor to those engaged in it. Indeed, I have invested in several such ventures myself.”
There was no defensiveness in his tone, only quiet sincerity. By then, they had reached the Smith cottage.
Before Elizabeth could knock, the door flew open and little Emma Smith came running down the path. “Miz Lizzy! Mr. Dawcy!”
Elizabeth laughed as Emma seized her free hand and began speaking at once, her words tumbling over one another in eager excitement about her brother and her doll.
Darcy watched the exchange with a softened expression as they followed her toward the door, where Mrs. Smith stood waiting to welcome them inside.
***
When Darcy returned to Netherfield with Elizabeth, he found Mr. Bennet waiting.
“Mr. Darcy, I have received word from Colonel Forster. He has requested my presence. Might you be available to accompany me?”
Darcy glanced briefly at Elizabeth, who smiled in encouragement. “Yes, of course. We may take my carriage.”
Within minutes they were on their way.
Mr. Bennet turned slightly toward him. “I must confess, sir, that I dissembled a little. Colonel Forster asked for me alone, but as you are acquainted with this Mr. Wickham, I should be very glad of your assistance.”
“You have it, sir.”
They rode the rest of the way in silence and were soon shown into Colonel Forster’s office, with Captain Langley in attendance.
“Gentlemen, I thank you for coming. Pray, be seated.” Forster inclined his head. “I returned only last evening and have since been informed that Mr. Wickham was again found upon Longbourn property.”
He glanced down at a paper before him. “I understand he has been confined pending my return. I am also told that the origin of the fire has now been determined, and that Mr. Wickham was not responsible.”
Mr. Bennet nodded, his expression grave. “The fire was caused by my cousin, Mr. Collins. He has confessed before several witnesses. It appears to have been accidental.”
At that moment, there was a knock.
“Enter.”
Captain Langley returned, followed by two guards escorting Lieutenant Wickham.
Wickham’s expression darkened at once when he saw Darcy. “Darcy, you had best cease your lies about me, or I shall make known…”
Colonel Forster rose at once. “Lieutenant Wickham. You will remain silent until you are addressed. Am I understood?”
Wickham stiffened. “Yes, sir.”
Forster regarded him steadily. “What I fail to comprehend is how you came to be again at Longbourn, having been given explicit orders not to leave camp?”
Wickham hesitated, then said sullenly, “I did nothing. They seized me and bound me like a criminal.”
Forster did not react. “You have repeatedly disobeyed orders,” he said evenly. “And your conduct toward a gentlewoman has been the subject of serious complaint.”
Wickham’s mouth tightened. “As for Miss Elizabeth, she encouraged…”
Darcy rose sharply, composure slipping before he could check it.
Forster’s hand struck the desk sharply. “That will do.”
The room fell silent.
“Your conduct is incompatible with your position in this regiment,” Forster continued. “You will prepare to leave it at once. You will also see that your debts to the tradesmen of Meryton are discharged without delay.”
