Miss Harrington excused herself and walked away, leaving Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty whispering animatedly in clear distress. Darcy paid no attention to them, however, for he caught sight of Miss Elizabeth, and more particularly, her expression. Always a woman of confidence, now she was smiling with an air of utter triumph. Before Darcy could speak, however, the Miss Bennets interrupted.
“We simply must go to the militia headquarters and discover what is happening,” declared Miss Lydia. “There must be some explanation, for Mr. Wickham is not the sort of man to do such things.”
“No, Lydia, you will not,” said Miss Elizabeth.
The elder sister glared at the younger, who returned it with interest. It amused Darcy to note that Miss Lydia broke the contest first, looking away and muttering to herself.
“You shall not barge into the militia offices as if they owe you an explanation,” emphasized Miss Elizabeth. “It is not only improper, but the matter does not concern you. Like the rest of the town, you will wait to hear the truth should Colonel Forster opt to make the details known.”
“But Lizzy!” whined Kitty.
“No, Kitty,” replied Elizabeth, not giving an inch. “Do not suppose you will not learn what has happened. Matters like this have a way of spreading through a neighborhood faster than we might wish. You will stay with us—it is almost time to return home anyway.”
Disgruntled though she was, Miss Lydia did not protest. Georgiana stepped close to the younger girls and began to speakto them, and soon they forgot their pique in favor of whatever she was saying. The reprieve allowed Darcy to sidle closer to Miss Elizabeth.
“This is all mysterious, Miss Elizabeth,” said he, watching her to see her reaction.
“Perhaps it is simply Mr. Wickham’s actions catching up with him.”
Darcy regarded her, certain she was not saying all. “If so, it is something I have never seen. Wickham has always had a deft hand, though it is not an honest one—usually, his victims see nothing of his activities until he departs like a thief in the night.”
“This time, it appears he overreached.”
There it was again, the sense that she was far too pleased with her own cleverness. Darcy was not certain what to make of it, except to conclude that she had some knowledge of the business with Wickham.
Before he could reply, another voice hailed them, and Miss Lucas appeared, approaching them from the north toward Longbourn and Lucas Lodge.
“Charlotte!” exclaimed Miss Elizabeth, catching her friend in an embrace. “It took you long enough, my friend. I had expected your arrival long before now.”
“Please forgive my tardiness,” said Miss Lucas, though the light of mischief gleamed in her eyes. “A matter kept me at Lucas Lodge longer than I expected.”
Then Miss Lucas stepped closer and said in a low voice: “Does this meet your satisfaction?”
Miss Elizabeth laughed. “To be certain. Please thank your father for me—his assistance was most appreciated.”
“You know that Papa was happy to do it. Given his ties to the town, he did not wish to allow Mr. Wickham to do what he would.”
“Well do I know it,” agreed Miss Elizabeth.
“Now, if you will excuse me, I am not at leisure this morning.” Miss Lucas winked. “My mother has sent me here on a commission, so I should be about my business.”
After giving Miss Elizabeth another embrace, Miss Lucas walked away down the street. Darcy did not wait before addressing Miss Elizabeth again.
“It seems you have been busy, Miss Elizabeth, though I suppose I should not be surprised. Youdidtell Georgiana you would handle Wickham. What I do not yet understand is how you managed it.”
Miss Elizabeth turned to regard him. “You are convinced that I was involved?”
“Do not think me witless, Miss Elizabeth. If I did not see your expression of utter triumph, what Miss Lucas just said confirms the matter. Will you not share your method?”
MR. DARCY’S PERCEPTIONof Elizabeth’s satisfaction was accurate. Elizabeth was not surprised, for whatever else she thought of the gentleman, she had never doubted his discernment. Though she considered prolonging his curiosity—deserved, given his lack of action—she opted to explain, to watch him for his reaction, and to enjoy the knowledge that she had acted where Mr. Darcy had not.
“It was quite simple, Mr. Darcy,” said she, affecting an airy unconcern. “Why, a child of five could have done what I did.”
“Indeed?” replied Mr. Darcy. The gentleman seemed to sense her enjoyment, but rather than become angry, he appeared content to wait for her to come to the point. “Tell me, Miss Elizabeth, did youhavethe assistance of a child of five?”
“Not at all,” said Elizabeth.
“It has never been more evident to me than at this moment that you are a teasing woman.” Contrary to his words, Mr. Darcyappeared to be enjoying Elizabeth’s game. “Now, will you not tell me, or should I beg for relief from the uncertainty?”
