“Oh, very well,” said Elizabeth, finally capitulating. “How much do you know about Sir William?”
“Only what is commonly understood,” replied Mr. Darcy. “Sir William owns a small estate—adjacent to both Longbourn and Netherfield, from what I understand. It is not a large property, but sufficient to provide for his family. I assume that whatever you wish to tell me concerns facts about Sir William of which I am unaware.”
“Yes, it does. For you see, Mr. Darcy, Sir William only became a gentleman recently. Before he received his knighthood and the benefits it affords, Sir William lived in Meryton, where he not only managed a successful business, but was also the mayor of Meryton.”
“Then Sir William was involved in whatever consequences you arranged for Mr. Wickham’s downfall?”
“Yes, he was,” said Miss Elizabeth. “When I heard of what Georgiana suffered at Mr. Wickham’s hands, I could not sit idly by while he worked his schemes on the town.”
“That is fascinating, Miss Elizabeth, for I distinctly recall promising to act against Wickham.”
“You did,” replied Elizabeth, feeling the superiority come over her again, “but you suggested you would not act at once. Knowing the wickedness Mr. Wickham was capable of unleashing, I decided his consequences could not wait. During a morning visit to Lucas Lodge, I conferred with Charlotte, and we brought the matter to Sir William’s attention.”
“And he took action.”
“He did,” agreed Elizabeth. “Sir William has many ties in Meryton—he acted at once to protect his former associates and the rest of the townsfolk. Almost the moment we explained the matter to him, he departed from Lucas Lodge and came toMeryton, speaking not only with the current mayor, but with Colonel Forster. The colonel then investigated.”
Elizabeth shrugged. “You see the results of that now. I can only hope nothing irreparable has happened yet.”
Satisfied with the growing amazement on the gentleman’s face, Elizabeth fell silent, watching him expectantly, daring him to take her to task for her actions and, in particular, not waiting for him to move against Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy did not reply at once, as he tried to understand the downfall that Elizabeth had set in motion against his stated desire to act with caution.
“Well, Miss Elizabeth, it seems that you have taken the dilemma in hand and solved it with ruthless efficiency.”
“It was what you would have done, is it not?” asked Elizabeth.
The gentleman laughed and shifted his weight. “Yes, I would have approached the colonel, but I knew nothing of Sir William’s influence in Meryton. That was not the decisive blow against Wickham, I think, but it certainly helped.”
“Yes, it did,” agreed Elizabeth. “The merchants will act when they feel their livelihoods are threatened, but I doubt they would have done so with such alacrity had Sir William not involved himself. He has their respect, as he was their leader before he became a gentleman.”
“Then you have my congratulations, Miss Elizabeth. It seems you acted decisively and to great effect.”
“There is one more benefit to my actions,” said Elizabeth.
Mr. Darcy arched an eyebrow. “And what is that?”
“Youdid not act against Mr. Wickham, Mr. Darcy—his downfall came about because of Sir William’s actions. Mr. Wickham does not even know thatIbrought the matter to Sir William’s attention. When we discussed it with him, Sir William agreed that his involvement would also remain unknown—thatway, Mr. Wickham has no notion that the information came from you.”
Elizabeth offered the gentleman a lofty smile. “All Mr. Wickham would know is that the colonel approached the merchants to ensure his men had no improper debts. Thus, he has no reason to retaliate against Georgiana, and no reason to spread his stories.”
The gentleman chuckled, then looked at her with an expression far more admiring than any she had ever seen from him. “It appears you have thought of everything, Miss Elizabeth. I appreciate your sensitivity to my sister’s situation and your actions to ensure she is not harmed by this business.”
“Not at all, Mr. Darcy. Your sister is a dear girl—I have no wish to injure her. But I could not sit idly by while Mr. Wickham might be ruining reputations while we waited.”
“True,” said Mr. Darcy. “It was a masterful bit of reasoning.”
Elizabeth regarded the gentleman for several moments, curious about his lack of reaction. She had been certain he would at least state his disapproval of her recklessness and had been prepared to refute all his claims. This Mr. Darcy was unknown to her—he remained the same haughty man he had always been, but his easy acceptance of her actions was quite beyond her expectation.
Then Georgiana hurried toward them, her girlish excitement at odds with her previous reticent demeanor. “Oh, Elizabeth! You heard about Mr. Wickham’s difficulties?”
“I did, Georgiana,” replied Elizabeth, catching the girl’s hands in her own. “It is no less than his due.”
“Yes, I quite agree,” said Georgiana. “I expected to meet him on the street today, though I did not suppose he would speak to me.” Georgiana showed her brother a shy grin. “My stern elder brother would have kept him at bay. But I am pleased there was no chance of it.”
“We shall not need to endure Mr. Wickham again,” said Mr. Darcy. “I have already sent for the debt receipts I hold in his name. When they arrive, I shall be sure to approach the colonel—Wickham will finally pay for his misdeeds.”
“Thank you, Brother,” said Georgiana. “I am pleased to know it.”
AS THE LADIES CONTINUEDto speak in animated voices, Darcy watched them, still feeling the hint of astonishment at how decisively Miss Elizabeth had moved against Wickham. Aside from her obvious triumph at how it had all come about, Darcy had not missed the current beneath her words, that she had acted in his stead, and Mr. Wickham was neutralized—no thanks to Darcy himself. As it happened, he did not disagree with her.
