Using words as brief as possible yet still conveying the gravity of the situation, Darcy related everything that had happened the past days since Fitzwilliam’s coming. There was not much to say after Fitzwilliam’s original exposition, of course, but what there was, Darcy ensured his sister understood all. Needless to say, it distressed Georgiana to learn of Wickham’s latest depravity.
“You will make certain that he does not harm her, will you not?” pleaded she, her tender heart bruised yet again by the unfeeling actions of their former acquaintance.
“That is what we mean to do, Georgiana,” soothed Fitzwilliam. “I have men watching the roads, and more in Meryton. When we go to Meryton, we shall inform Miss Elizabeth and her father of the danger so they take steps to protect her.”
Georgiana offered a distracted nod. “To think that our father’s favorite is so depraved as to contemplate violence on another to hurt you. How can I comprehend such a thing?”
“I have long known what Wickham is,” replied Darcy. “Yet even I have never known him to intend such heinous deeds for no reason other than revenge.”
“But will Miss Elizabeth accept your word?” fretted his sister. “Perhaps we should inform her of... of Ramsgate so she may be on her guard.”
The statement caught Darcy by surprise, such that he made no response for several long moments. Georgiana was caught up in her worries such that she did not notice his disquiet, and this allowed Darcy to regain his balance. A quick glance at his cousin suggested Fitzwilliam felt the decision was Darcy’s. After a rapid calculation of the risks and benefits of apprising her of the situation, Darcy decided it would be best to have no secrets with his sister.
“That is unnecessary, Georgiana, for Miss Elizabeth already knows.”
Horror such as he never would have expected to see filled Georgiana’s face, and tears welled up in her eyes. “Oh,” was her only response.
“Do not concern yourself, Georgiana,” said Fitzwilliam, laying a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Miss Elizabeth will not think the worst of you for it.”
Though she appeared skeptical, Georgiana took hold of herself, asking him in a tremulous voice: “How did she learn of it?”
“I told her, Georgiana,” said Darcy. “And before you brand me as the worst betrayer, you should know what led me to break your confidence.”
“Oh, Brother,” said Georgiana, laying a hand on his arm. “You would not have said a word unless it was imperative. But I am curious to know how such a subject arose between you.”
Heartened by this show of courage, Darcy delivered his second account of the evening, speaking of Wickham’s misrepresentation of him to Miss Elizabeth and the actions he had taken to correct her misunderstanding. It completed the story he had begun when he had told her of the failed proposal, and Georgiana listened to him, giving no hint of her feelings on the subject.
“So you see,” said Darcy, feeling he needed to draw parallels between the two situations, “you are not the only young lady to whom Wickham has misrepresented himself.”
Georgiana started as if she had not considered it in that way, then she ducked her head as if embarrassed. “I had thought to question her perception, but that would have been foolish, considering my history with Mr. Wickham.”
“The reason your thoughts tended in that direction,” said Fitzwilliam, not unkindly, “is because you cannot imagine anyone questioning your brother.” Fitzwilliam showed them both a tight grin. “It is hard to learn that he is no more perfect than any of the rest of us.”
A tentative smile was Georgiana’s response. Then she grew agitated yet again. “But will Miss Elizabeth like me? Will she not consider me a foolish little girl for falling for such blatant falsehoods?”
“Again, I will refer you back to how Miss Elizabeth was also taken in by Wickham’s charm,” said Fitzwilliam. “Just as you have no reason to blameherfor being deceived, she will have no reason to holdyouat fault for your lapse.”
“And she would not do so regardless,” added Darcy. “When you meet her, you will understand. Miss Elizabeth is as good at heart as anyone of my acquaintance. I cannot but imagine you will like her very much.”
“Then I shall not be satisfied until I make her acquaintance.”
“Trust me, she will not disappoint you.”
Georgiana nodded, and they allowed the subject to rest. The following morning, they departed for the brief journey and when they arrived, they proceeded to the inn where they settled into a set of rooms. The inn in Meryton was not, as Darcy had known, equal to the standards he usually expected in those places he stayed. It was close to Longbourn, which was the most important consideration.
Soon after their arrival, Fitzwilliam departed the inn for a short time to confer with the men he had watching the place. How they kept out of sight and avoided the notice of the townsfolk Darcy did not know, and Fitzwilliam mentioned nothing of their activities. When he returned, he brought with him nothing to report.
“There is still no word of Wickham’s presence in the neighborhood,” said he. “And nothing of excitement has stirred the residents to gossip.”
“Shall we proceed to Longbourn then?” asked Darcy.
“That would make sense as our next move,” agreed his cousin.
So decided, Darcy sent instructions, and within a few moments, they had departed the inn for the short distance to the nearby estate. How Darcy felt about the imminent meeting with Miss Elizabeth was a mystery, for while anticipation welled up in his breast, the feeling of his heart about to burst filling him, how she would receive him was an open question. It would be the first time he laid eyes on her since the day after his ill-fated proposal.
Darcy was determined. He would become the man she admired, and he would not cease his attempts until she informed him there was no more chance of earning her good opinion. No other course of action made any sense.
The events the day of their outing to Meryton appeared to affect Lydia for the worst, for the girl’s behavior deteriorated thereafter. While most of the family appreciated the lack of her company that evening, the girl did not keep to her bedchamber the day after. It should not have been a surprise that Lydia would target Kitty for her ire, for the girls had long been at each other’s throats when they were not engaged in plotting some mischief. Jane was too sweet and obliging to be a target, Lydia would not dare train her fire on Elizabeth, and Mary made it a habit to ignore her. Thus, Kitty was the logical choice, at least in Lydia’s silliness.
