He became aware that the music had stopped and the two pianists were looking at him. “Brother? Are you well?” Georgiana’s voice was anxious.
“I am, yes.”
“You look worried.”
“Oh! No, not at all. I had hoped for a minute of your time, Georgiana.”
“Of course. Caroline, might we resume our work together later today?”
“Certainly, Georgiana.”
The two were on a first-name basis! Truly, it was astonishing. Mr. Darcy led his sister upstairs. By the time they reached Georgiana’s room, she was concerned.
“Something is clearly wrong, William,” Georgiana said, her voice tense. “Tell me what it is at once, please.”
“I think something is actually right instead of wrong. Georgiana, this may be a bit of a shock, but I will just say it.” He stopped and swallowed before continuing. “Wickham is dead.”
Georgiana’s face went white and she swayed on her feet. Mr. Darcy led her to a chair and sat her down.
“Was it you?” she whispered, staring up at him.
“It was not, though I rather wish it had been.”
“Richard?”
“Yes.”
For a moment, Georgiana thought she might faint with shock. But then, unexpectedly, she imagined what Lydia would do just now. With her friend in mind, she found herself sitting upright, and saying, quite firmly, “Good.”
“Good?” Mr. Darcy was stupefied.
Georgiana squared her slim shoulders. “Yes, of course. George will not be able to whisper about me now, will he! And it is only what he deserves.”
Mr. Darcy hardly knew what to think. He had anticipated tears, perhaps even hysterics, but this calm, cool acceptance – nay, approbation! – was most unexpected. He recalled, suddenly, Miss Elizabeth saying that women could be rational creatures,and he found himself nodding. Georgiana’s reaction was certainly rational.
Then he told her, “Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary happened upon them, just after – well, just after.”
Georgiana’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, heavens!”
“Yes; evidently Miss Mary recognised the Colonel, despite his disguise, and clapped her hand over her sister’s mouth to prevent a scream. And then they intercepted some people walking down the street so that Richard would have time to make his escape.”
“They can be trusted, Brother, I am certain.”
Mr. Darcy nodded in agreement. “You will doubtless hear talk about a Lieutenant George Wickham found dead in an alley, Georgiana. We will show a normal amount of concern and curiousity, but nothing more.”
“I understand, Brother.” She hesitated. “What of Mrs. Younge?”
“Richard was able to learn her whereabouts before…before.”
“What will you do?”
“I do not yet know,” Mr. Darcy said. “I can hardly tell Richard to put a knife through her gut.”
“Where is she?”
“In a boarding house in Spitalfield, evidently.”
“Will you tell me what you decide to do about her?”
