Chapter 8
“Mr. Darcy…forgive me for disturbing you. I have come to search for a book… something to read. I cannot sleep.”
“I am sorry to hear that. Should I call for a maid to make you a herbal tea? I am sure Mrs. Reynolds has a special recipe for any problem.”
“Oh no, no! I could not possibly disturb the servants in the middle of the night to make me tea! A book will do…”
“What sort of book would you like? What author? I shall help you find one.”
“Oh, I am not sure… I believe Shakespeare would suffice.”
“Very well. Let me show you which shelf his works are on, so you may choose the one you like.”
He directed her, his presence making her disturbingly aware of their situation. They were alone, in the middle of the night, and she was wearing her night clothes. There could hardly be a more ruinous situation. She knew she should be embarrassed, but all she felt was a tender warmth spread all over her body.
“Miss Bennet, I discussed something with Mr. Gardiner earlier, and I believe you should know. I feel uncomfortable knowing Wickham is in Brighton with so many honourable yet naïve young women. We agreed that your uncle would write a warning to your father, suggesting bringing your sister Lydia home. I also intend to write to Colonel Forster. I should have spoken to him last autumn when I was in Meryton, but my judgment was altered at that moment.”
“It is better to be done a little late than never, sir. And I agree it would be useful. I have not divulged my knowledge of Mr. Wickham to anyone, except a little to my sister Jane. I told her about the money he received from you and wasted. But toeveryone else in Meryton, Mr. Wickham is still an amiable man who was forced to fight through all sorts of unfair misfortunes.”
“I assumed as much. I am glad that at least you believed my letter.”
“As unreasonable as I was on the matter, I was not such a complete fool as to reject the evidence, Mr. Darcy. If I had used my wit instead of my vanity, I would have probably guessed the truth myself.”
“As you said, late is better than never.” He smiled. “As for your father, we shall send the express tomorrow morning. Together with your letter to your sister.”
“Thank you. I warned my father about allowing Lydia to go to Brighton, but he made a joke of it. He said Lydia is too poor to tempt anyone.”
“Unfortunately, that is not always true,” Mr. Darcy replied. “Wickham has no scruples in ruining poor young women for his own amusement. Some have paid with their lives for the naivety of believing him.”
Elizabeth gasped, and he immediately apologised.
“I am very sorry. I did not mean to frighten you. I am sure your sister, living in the colonel’s house, is in no danger of any sort. But others might be.”
“Yes…”
“May I help you with anything else? It is very late,” he said.
She felt her cheeks heat with embarrassment. She had no business being there alone with him, and he had politely reminded her of that fact.
“No, thank you, I shall leave now.”
“Good night. We shall meet tomorrow morning at breakfast. Tomorrow, I have some business in Lambton, and your uncle will visit your relatives. Please let me know if you wish to do anything particular.”
“Thank you… I shall stay with my aunt and perhaps take a walk around the lake. I only saw it briefly earlier.”
“Would you like to ride in the phaeton?”
“Oh no…I shall just walk. I did so a little today.”
She turned to leave, but her curiosity could not be repressed.
“When I walked today, I met Jenny and Jacob. Such lovely children.”
He frowned.
“They are lovely, indeed.”
“Mrs. Reynolds told me how fortunate they are to have your support.”
