Page 157 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Dearest, last night at dinner, Miss Bennet told me that Wickham was in Brighton.” He paused, watching Georgiana’s face pale and the colonel’s lips narrow in fury.

“How does Elizabeth know George?” Georgiana asked in a trembling voice.

“I have not mentioned this to you before, as I saw no reason to bring up the subject previously. Two years ago, Wickham joined the militia. During my stay at Netherfield, his regiment was encamped in Meryton.”

“I see. And does Elizabeth know about our past dealings with him?” Georgiana asked.

Darcy hesitated to tell half the lie, but the complete truth was impossible to confess to his sister under the present circumstances. Finally, he spoke.

“I did share some information with Miss Bennet that helped her to see his true character. Sadly, I did so too late. For a while, the Bennets considered Wickham to be a friend, an honourable man. I regret the youngest Bennet girls still favour him.”

“What do you mean ‘too late’? You stayed in the same village as Wickham and did not take any measures?” the colonel asked angrily.

“I only saw him once. Briefly. Soon after he arrived in Meryton, I returned to London,” Darcy explained.

“Brother, is there anything else you wish to tell me?” Georgiana whispered.

“My dear, I am sorry I troubled you.”

“I am well…I shall see you at breakfast,” she said, hastening out of the room.

Darcy followed her out into the hall. Gently, he grasped her arm and led her to the drawing room. She was tearful and could not hold his gaze.

“Georgiana?”

“It is nothing. I am well. Forgive me. I am being silly.”

“My dear, I did not realise you were still suffering from thoughts of Wickham. I shall not allow anyone to upset you. If you wish, we may leave Brighton tomorrow to avoid a chance encounter with that scoundrel.”

“Leave Brighton? Absolutely not! I do not suffer for George Wickham, Brother. I do not fear meeting him. I am ashamed to remember what a complete simpleton I have been and how close I came to hurting you and our entire family. If Elizabeth, Jane, or Anne knew of it, they would surely reconsider their opinion of me.”

Darcy embraced his sister to alleviate her distress. “You are too severe upon yourself. At such a young age, you show wisdom and strength that few older ladies possess. I could not be prouder of you, and I am sure your friends would think no different. You must know that Miss Bennet also believed Wickham’s falsehoods when they first met. She considered him a friend, and we even argued about him as she accused me of ruining his life.”

Georgiana was stunned. “Did she?”

“Yes. Eventually, she recognised her error and was as ashamed as you are to admit it to me and apologise. For the deception that you both suffered, I feel at fault. I should have long ago exposed Wickham’s true character.”

“You take too much upon yourself, Brother. To me, you were never at fault. I can easily understand why you were reluctant to reveal George’s dishonourable actions. He was part of our family for many years, and Papa held him in high regard. And what will you do now?”

“I am not certain. I shall speak to him first, and his response will tell me how to proceed. I am just relieved to know you are not suffering over him any longer.”

“Any actions you take I am sure will be appropriate. And for me, you must not worry.”

“Very well, my dear.” He embraced her. “I shall return to Richard now.”

“And I am going to see Anne.”

When Darcy returned to the library, his concern was allayed, but the colonel looked distressed.

“How is Georgiana? I cannot believe she is still pining for that scoundrel.”

“She is well enough. Better than I feared. And she is not pining for anyone. She is a wise young lady, and we should trust her strength more.”

“I am glad to hear it. But, Cousin, what do you mean ‘too late’ about Wickham?”

“It does not matter now. What is done is done. I must speak to Wickham and discover his present intentions. I must be assured he will stay away from Georgiana and the Bennets.”

“I will assist you. You were always too lenient and too forgiving with Wickham, even when he attempted to elope with Georgiana. You scolded me most undeservingly when I joked at Miss Bennet’s expense, but you seem to grant that scoundrel much liberty.”