Wickham paled. “I cannot satisfy those debts at present. If Darcy had only paid what was owed me…”
Forster’s expression hardened. “You will not repeat that tale here. I have been made fully acquainted with the truth of that matter.”
Darcy spoke then, his voice calm though the tension had not entirely left him. “I will see the Meryton accounts settled.”
Forster inclined his head. “You have my thanks, sir.”
He turned back to Wickham. “Collect your belongings. I expect you gone without delay.”
Mr. Bennet watched Wickham leave. "I cannot say I shall miss him."
***
Elizabeth was writing when a knock at the door drew her attention. Mr. Wilmot stood in the doorway, and she set aside her pen. “Pray, come in. Thank you for coming. Do sit down.”
Mr. Wilmot sat down. “I understand you are going to London.”
Elizabeth nodded. “We may be there for some time. We have decided to proceed with the repairs at Longbourn. Pray, consult the builders and obtain an estimate. We shall include the fireplaces and the kitchen. As matters stand, we lose both heat and convenience.” She paused, considering. “I expect we shall correspond for several months. You will have Mr. Reeves now, which should be of assistance. Pray, review the kitchen and servant passages together. I should like the work made easier, not merely grander.”
She hesitated a moment. “I confess I shall miss Hertfordshire. I have not been away for more than a few days in a very long time… and I suspect it may be some time before things are quite the same again.”
Mr. Wilmot nodded. “You have been working very hard. I am glad you will have this time away. I think it will do you good.”
She inclined her head, though her attention was not entirely upon the conversation. “Yes. You must write to me if any issues arise.”
Mr. Wilmot smiled. “Of course.”
***
Bingley entered the drawing room. When he saw Caroline, he smiled. Mrs. Hurst merely turned the page of her book without comment.
Bingley took a seat near his sister. “I thought you would like to know the Bennets are leaving tomorrow.”
Caroline looked up at once. “Leaving? You told me they were to remain here.”
“Yes. They will instead be staying with a friend while Longbourn is repaired.” He paused, then added, more firmly than before, “It seems your behaviour has made them feel unwelcome.”
Caroline lifted one shoulder, as if the matter were of no consequence. “I cannot imagine what you mean. I have been perfectly civil. In any case, I am sure they will be far more comfortable with their friend.”
“Yes,” Bingley said mildly. “I believe they will.”
She gave a light laugh. “Perhaps we shall call upon them in Cheapside.”
Mrs. Hurst lowered her book. “I do not think that will be necessary.”
Caroline glanced at her. “No, you are quite right. There is no reason to call in Cheapside.”
Bingley looked between them with a faint smile. “I suspect that is not what Louisa meant.”
Caroline frowned. “Then what did she mean?”
“She means their friend does not reside in Cheapside, but in Grosvenor Square.”
Caroline gave a short laugh. “They would say so to preserve appearances. Grosvenor Square indeed.”
“No,” Bingley replied, still calm. “I am quite certain. I have been to Darcy’s house many times. It is in Grosvenor Square.”
Caroline rose abruptly. “Mr. Darcy would never invite them to stay in his house.”
