“No, it was by chance. He joined a militia regiment quartered in the same town near Netherfield Park.”
“Brother, I think it is time you told me all. Do not concern yourself with my feelings—Mr. Wickham has no more power to injure me.”
Though it was clear he did not know if it was advisable, William relented. He spoke of meeting Mr. Wickham on the streets of the town and his actions in riding away from the confrontation. As Georgiana listened, a name appeared on William’s tongue, one with which she was already acquainted.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet?” asked she. “As I recall, you mentioned her in your letters from Netherfield, something about accomplishments.”
“Among other things,” agreed William.
The ensuing quiet was telling, for William again turned introspective, though it was not the impatience he had displayed before. Rather, he appeared to be caught in the grip of pleasant memories, though his occasional grimaces told Georgiana that not all his reflections were pleasing.
“There must be more to this, Brother,” said Georgiana, interrupting his reverie. “If Mr. Wickham has become a problem, why do you not go to Meryton? You have sufficient evidence and motivation to move against him.”
William sighed. “It is not quite that easy, Georgiana.”
What followed was a hesitant explanation of the events of last autumn, Mr. Bingley’s interest in a young lady—the elder sister of Miss Elizabeth—his return to town, and William’s efforts in concert with Miss Bingley to prevent his return. The most surprising part of it all was how William’s perspective had changed enough to prompt him to confess error to Mr. Bingley, the reason for his continued presence in London.
“If you will pardon me,” said Georgiana, choosing her words with care, “why do you place such faith in Miss Bennet’s account of her sister’s feelings? Could she not be speaking of the lost opportunity for her sister and her family?”
William paused as if he had never considered it before, then shook his head. “I have the highest confidence in Miss Elizabeth’s honesty, Georgiana. While I do not approve of some elements of her family, she and her sister have always been above reproach.”
“Then I trust your judgment,” replied Georgiana. “From what you wrote in your letters, I already have a good opinion of her. My question is, why is it necessary to tell Mr. Bingley of your new understandingbeforegoing to Meryton? Is not dealing with Mr. Wickham the more pressing matter?”
A frown settled over his features. “I had not thought of it that way. My resolve to wait for Bingley arose from the notion that he may wish to return to Netherfield at once.”
“Surely that could wait until we return from Hertfordshire.”
“‘We?’” asked William, bemused.
“Of course,” replied Georgiana. “Not only would it please me to witness Mr. Wickham’s downfall, but I should like to meet this lady of whom you have spoken so highly.”
“Whether that is advisable, I cannot say,” replied William.
Georgiana shrugged, understanding it would be best not to press him. “Either way, I believe it is best to expose Mr.Wickham at once—Mr. Wickham will have more opportunity to cause further havoc the longer you delay.”
Though William considered this, he nodded before long. “I agree, Georgiana, but we must be cautious. Are you certain of the wisdom of putting yourself in Wickham’s path again?”
“He has no power over me, Brother. And if he should choose to speak of Ramsgate, who would believe him?”
“If he does, I shall bury him in the deepest hole I can find,” muttered William.
“Just so,” agreed Georgiana. “Then let us go before he can cause more damage.”
GEORGIANA’S ADVICEwas, Darcy supposed, excellent. The desire to make amends to his friend had guided Darcy’s decision to wait, but now that he considered it, his reasoning was flawed. Georgiana was correct—to delay too long was to compound his error in not exposing Wickham for the degenerate he was.
With his new determination in hand, Darcy prepared for their departure on the morrow. It was possible to go to Hertfordshire, deal with Wickham, and return to London in a single day, but Darcy thought it likely they would spend the night at the inn, so he planned accordingly.
“Do not worry, William,” said Georgiana when Darcy informed her of their destination for the following evening. “Even if the inn proves as insufficient as you suppose, we shall not stay long. I can withstand it well enough.”
Darcy agreed and allowed the subject to rest, knowing there was nothing else to be done. Before they could depart, however, they received two unexpected visitors. The first was his cousin Fitzwilliam.
“Darcy,” said Fitzwilliam in his jovial tone, “this is precipitous even for you. Are you leaving London again so soon after returning from Kent?”
“I am, but I do not mean to go far. Tomorrow, Georgiana and I will go to Hertfordshire, but we will not stay more than a day or two.”
Fitzwilliam regarded him evenly, aware that Darcy was not telling him everything. “Can I suppose there is a particular reason for your sudden determination to return to a neighborhood you have not visited since November? Or am I mistaken in assuming you intend to return to Bingley’s leased estate?”
“You are not incorrect,” replied Darcy. “What you do not know is that Wickham is in the area.”
