That Elizabeth did not agree with her father’s assessment did not bear repeating. For a time thereafter, she considered her sister’s behavior, still certain it had been odd. Yet there was nothing Elizabeth could recite, no specific behavior she could assert was unusual. Lydia had not been unknown to leave Kitty behind when she found her sister’s behavior tiresome or her presence unwanted, and unkindness was certainly a facet of her character.
Elizabeth was unable to suppress the thought that Lydia had something beyond her usual behavior or dissatisfaction with her current residence at Longbourn in mind. What this all portended she could not quite say, for Elizabeth could not imagine what mischief Lydia might contemplate. It was not as if Lydia could run away to Brighton—Elizabeth did not think her sister had any notion of how she might travel there, even if the desire entered her mind.
Thus, with no option available to her, Elizabeth allowed the matter to rest. But she did not mean to relax her vigilance, for Lydia’s ability to create havoc was honed and ready to be unleashed on her unsuspecting family. Elizabeth did not mean to be taken unaware.
“Patience, Darcy. There is little enough reason to concern yourself at present, for I have no notion that Wickham has escaped the net we have set for him.”
“How can you be certain?” demanded Darcy.
In sharp contrast to the day Fitzwilliam had arrived at his house, now Darcy was engaged in pacing the room, his anxiety nigh unendurable. It had been three days since Fitzwilliam had brought the distressing news of Wickham’s possible plans, and there had been no sign of him and little evidence he was yet in the city.
Fitzwilliam, Darcy knew, was as intent upon protecting Miss Elizabeth from Wickham as Darcy was himself. In this matter, however, he had proved that his well of patience far exceeded Darcy’s own. While Fitzwilliam esteemed Miss Elizabeth, he was not in love with her as Darcy was, and as a result, his imagination had not run wild as Darcy’s had.
“There has been no word of his trying to escape the city,” replied Fitzwilliam. “The men I have in Hertfordshire have said nothing of his appearing there. Trust me, Darcy—even if Wickham evaded the men I have watching the roads leading to the north, he would not escape their notice in Hertfordshire. The word I have received from those watching Longbourn report the estate is as tranquil as you might expect.”
Darcy grunted and threw himself into a chair. “That does not quash my concerns. We should be in Meryton even now, rather than waiting for some news of Wickham here. If hedoesevade your men, there will be little opportunity for us to thwart him situated four hours to the south as we are.”
Fitzwilliam regarded him for a long moment before he replied with a slow nod. “While I am concerned with the possibility of his learning of our presence there, I concur it would be best if we went north. Besides, if he knows anything about your residence in London now when you usually would have long returned to the north, leaving will set his mind at ease.”
“Are you suggesting Wickham has an informant in my house?” asked Darcy, frowning at the suggestion.
“I am saying nothing of the sort,” said Fitzwilliam. “Your staff detests him nearly as much as I do myself. And that mountain of a man you call footman would be no less than eager to lay hands on him.”
Darcy responded with a mirthless laugh. “Yes, Thompson has a grudge against Wickham. I dare say he considers the last thrashing he gave Wickham to be insufficient, and would like nothing better than to repeat the experience.”
“Then it behooves us to provide the opportunity,” was Fitzwilliam’s response, incongruous with the pious undertone in his evil statement. “The notion of Wickham sporting a few bruises administered by the faithful Thompson fills me with contentment.”
“Then shall we go north?” asked Darcy.
“Very well,” replied Fitzwilliam. “There is no need to delay longer. Let us inform Mr. Bennet of the potential danger and ensure Wickham cannot harm his daughter.”
Fitzwilliam paused, regarding him. “Do you mean to send Georgiana to Pemberley? That might be best for her, though I would suggest a large escort ready to deal with Wickham if our conjecture is incorrect.”
“No,” replied Darcy without hesitation. “With Wickham on the loose, I do not mean to allow her out of my sight. She will travel to Hertfordshire with us.”
“Are you certain that is wise?” asked Fitzwilliam, his uncertainty written on his brow. “Assuming we are correct about his intentions, that might put her in his path, to say nothing of what I expect of the inn’s inadequacy.”
“I cannot imagine the innwillbe comfortable,” agreed Darcy. “Yet I shall feel much better if I can see to her protection myself.”
“What of Georgiana’s feelings on the subject?”
Darcy nodded. “She is much improved from her experience last year. She is also eager to make Miss Elizabeth’s acquaintance, such that she suggested we apply to Bingley to stay at Netherfield this summer.”
“You did not send to Bingley until I arrived,” said Fitzwilliam with a frown. “Unless I am mistaken, it seemed you meant to return to Pemberley before I upended your summer plans.”
“You are not mistaken,” replied Darcy. “This business of Wickham changed my mind. We cannot expect a response for at least several more days. But if Georgiana takes to Miss Elizabeth as I expect she will, I mean to ensure she has as much time in her company as I can manage.”
“This is a new tactic,” replied Fitzwilliam, his grin showing his amusement. “I have often heard of ladies showing attention to Georgiana to gain your approval, but I had no notion you could apply the stratagem in reverse.”
There was, Darcy supposed, some truth in his cousin’s irreverent statement, though he had not judged it in those terms. “To introduce Georgiana to Miss Elizabeth can only help my cause,” mused he with an absence of thought.
“A woman such as Miss Elizabeth cannot help but love your sister. If nothing else, I suspect she will understand Georgiana’s shyness at once and work to cure her of it.”
Darcy nodded. “An acquaintance with Miss Elizabeth will do her good. Even Miss Elizabeth’s youngest sisters, though they are nearly wild, will also help.”
“If only we can keep them all from learning of her experience with Wickham last summer.” The remembrance brought darkness to Fitzwilliam’s mien. “If Wickham presumes to open his mouth and speak even a syllable, I shall have his tongue.”
Though he agreed with his cousin privately, Darcy considered who already knew of the event, not that he thought Miss Elizabeth’s knowledge would do anything other than further dispose her to his sister. Something must have shown in his expression, for Fitzwilliam started and regarded Darcy, his suspicion written across his face.
