“Four thousand pounds?” echoed Miss Elizabeth when he told her the number.
“Yes, Miss Elizabeth,” replied Darcy. “And he depleted the entire amount within two years of receiving it. I know this because I kept a discreet watch on Wickham’s movements, reports that contained certain details of his exploits.”
“That is shocking, Mr. Darcy,” said Miss Elizabeth.
Darcy followed her gaze, seeing her eyes narrow as she caught sight of him standing by her youngest sister in an attitude of flirtation. Wickham saw them watching him, and he offered a slight smile to Miss Elizabeth, one that spoke volumes to anyone who was at all acquainted with him.
“That is double my father’s income,” continued she. “Papa often complains that we are determined to exceed his income, but I cannot imagine a man spending two years of Longbourn’s profits in that time without considering the expense of an estate.”
“Yet it is true,” said Darcy. “If you wish, I can show you proof of the money he received. His current circumstances should tell the tale of his wasteful dissipation thereafter.”
Miss Elizabeth turned to him, her expression intense. “Then I must assume that he has behaved the same way in Meryton. Even if seduction takes longer, he could obtain debt within a short time of arriving if he is careful.”
“That is almost certainly what has happened, Miss Elizabeth,” replied Darcy. “And do not be too certain that he could not seduce a woman quickly. Wickham’s silver tongue and charm have fooled many a woman.”
“Pardon me, Mr. Darcy, but why have you not already denounced him?”
Darcy sighed. “I beg your pardon, Miss Elizabeth, but a lifetime of cleaning up after George Wickham has left me weary and unwilling to continue. That is not an excuse but the truth.
“However,” said Darcy, fixing her with an arched brow and a hard grin, “I do not mean to allow the situation to continue. It is time that I lanced the boil that is George Wickham. You may rest assured that I will not remain passive any longer.”
Miss Elizabeth regarded him, and though her look was not admiration, it was agreement, which was enough for the moment. “Then I anticipate his fall, Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy grasped her hand and bowed over it. “We are agreed, Miss Elizabeth. Events will prove the truth of what I have told you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy, but I do not disbelieve your account,” said Elizabeth, bemused by the gesture.
“I appreciate the sentiment.”
Soon after, the party dispersed. Darcy spent the brief journey back to Netherfield planning what he would do. Wickham had always counted on Darcy’s restraint to protect him. Darcy would no longer offer it. Wickham would finally learn what it meant to cross him.
Chapter VI
Hurst was a difficult man to move at the best of times. When it pertained to dealing with George Wickham, however, he confounded Darcy.
“It is about time, Darcy,” rumbled he when Darcy raised the subject of going to Meryton to investigate Wickham’s dealings. “You have my support, of course.”
Darcy regarded him with no little interest. “I offer my apologies, Hurst, but I had not thought you would consider this business anything other than a bother.”
“A bother it is, but a necessary one. As it must be done, the sooner we are about the business the better.”
“Do you mean to return before luncheon?” asked Mrs. Hurst when informed of their errand. She did not even bat an eyelash at the news.
Darcy looked to Bingley who considered the question. “Perhaps, unless we go to Longbourn.”
“Yes, I understand the lure of Longbourn at present,” said Hurst, appearing diverted. “Louisa, I believe you may expect me back for luncheon, for I should prefer to return to Netherfield. Our lovesick swains here will no doubt succumb to the enticement of the ladies.”
Though Darcy pierced Hurst with a look, the man appeared pleased with his witticism and did not notice. Mrs. Hurst was not so blind, but other than a look at Darcy, she made no comment. A few minutes later, they were all dressed in their great coats, seated in the carriage bearing them toward the town.
“Where do you mean to start?” asked Hurst when they were underway.
Darcy considered the question. “Wickham may accumulate debt at any number of places. The cordwainer, linen-draper,tailor, haberdasher, and inn are all possible. If the proprietor is unobservant, even the milliner or the moneylender might hold some debt.”
“That is most amusing, Darcy,” said Bingley. “Is your friend in the habit of wearing bonnets?”
“No, but Wickham might purchase a bit of ribbon for a young lady as part of his seductions.”
“Any moneylender worth his salt would want more assurance than Wickham’s charm,” said Hurst.
