“Do you not suppose he would have ruined your reputation should I have spoken against him?”
“I put nothing past him, William,” replied Georgiana. “If his threats today at Longbourn did not brand him as a man without principle, everything you have told me about him does. But I am not afraid of him.”
“You are disposed to believe no one will listen?”
“Yes,” said Georgiana simply. “Even if they did, no one in this town has a presence in London. I doubt any gossip would ever leave the neighborhood.”
The sigh that escaped William’s lips was one of profound weariness. “Perhaps I might have considered better, but I was thinking about you and my disinclination to have any contact at all with him.”
“If that is what you wish, then take action against him.” Georgiana gave her brother a tight grin. “If you put an end to Mr. Wickham’s interference, he will have no more power to vex us.”
“That is true,” mused William, his thoughts turning contemplative.
“First,” said Georgiana, “we must ensure that Miss Elizabeth knows the truth about Mr. Wickham. I mean to ensure she understands.”
“Very well. You have my support.”
Georgiana departed, eager to return some of the misery Mr. Wickham’s actions had caused her. When she was done with him, Mr. Wickham would rue the day he conceived the notion of seducing her. It was long overdue.
Chapter IX
Darcy was not at all happy to be taken to task by his much younger sister, but an uncomfortable feeling in his breast told him that he deserved it.
For a time after Georgiana left his chambers, Darcy stewed, not resentful toward her but at the situation. Had he not stayed silent for her benefit, to protect her reputation? Georgiana bore some fault for allowing Wickham to court her and persuade her to elope with him. Darcy had done nothing more than spare her the consequences of those actions.
It was not long, however, before Darcy’s thoughts began to turn in the proper direction. The reason Georgiana had trusted Wickham was that Darcy had not seen fit to warn her, never suspecting Wickham capable of such connivance. Therewassome validity to his contention about protecting her reputation, but it was more complicated than that. Darcy had spent so many years dealing with Wickham’s excesses that he wanted nothing more than to rid himself of anything to do with him forever. It was as much that desire as the need to protect her that stayed Darcy’s hand.
That night, Darcy slept little, his head filled with his sister’s words and his reflection on his past with Wickham. When the morning arrived, he rose as usual, but he was more reserved, not wishing to speak to anyone. Georgiana accepted this without comment, taking herself to the sitting-room after they broke their fast. Bingley, however, invited Darcy to his study, and though Darcy was not eager to have his friend’s company, he assented. Bingley wasted no time when they entered.
“Darcy,” said he, his expression unusually stern, “what is troubling you?”
Though Darcy would have preferred to demur and change the subject—and made the attempt—his friend proved equal to every effort at deflection. Soon, for the second time in two days, Darcy found himself explaining his thoughts to another. While he thought of softening it for his friend, he opted in the end to explain all, including Wickham and their past together, as well as his concerns about the Bennets. He even told Bingley an abbreviated version of the affair at Ramsgate. It was to Bingley’s credit that he did not become angry or judge or otherwise rail against Darcy for his opinions. Instead, he listened, asking questions occasionally, but generally allowing Darcy to unburden himself. When he finished, Bingley sat deep in thought for several moments.
“Let me discuss Wickham first,” said Bingley at length. “As I am removed from the situation, I believe I can offer advice untainted by sentiment.”
“I would appreciate that, Bingley,” said Darcy, feeling humbler than he had in many months.
“In short, I agree with your sister.” Bingley flashed Darcy his irrepressible grin. “It may surprise you to learn of it, but it is true all the same. This Wickham sounds like the sort of man who would ruin another for sport, but I cannot imagine he would find much encouragement here.”
Darcy regarded his friend. “What of society’s need to gossip?”
“Perhaps they will,” replied Bingley. “Given what you have told me of Wickham, I suspect that once his activities since arriving become common knowledge, no one will listen to what he says. It will sound too much like the fox and the grapes.”
With a slow nod, Darcy said: “I had not thought of it that way.”
“That is understandable, my friend—your concern is for your sister’s reputation. The gossips can be senseless, but even themost determined among them can see when a man is intent on revenge.”
“Then I suppose I must do something about Wickham,” said Darcy with a sigh.
“Perhaps,” agreed Bingley. “Yet I think you need to do little. A few words spoken to the right people will see Wickham dealt with in a most satisfying manner—Colonel Forster, for example.”
“You are correct, of course. I shall not act at once, for I wish to ensure the danger to Georgiana’s reputation is minimal.”
“Of course, old man,” agreed Bingley. “With your careful nature, I expected nothing less. I do not suppose Wickham can burn the town down in one day.”
Darcy nodded, but Bingley moved on to the other matter.
“Now, regarding Miss Bennet and my attentions to her, I hope you will forgive me, Darcy, but the notion that Miss Elizabeth means to see me married to Jane at all costs is preposterous.”
