Page 92 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

“Not for Kitty.”

His expression tightened. She had reached the point that brought him there, but he still refused to explain himself.

“No,” he said. “Not for Miss Catherine.”

“Then what danger does she face?”

“I cannot say what Wickham intends, but I know enough of his habits to fear what your sister may expect from him. A young woman who mistakes his attention for honorable intentions is not safe from disappointment.”

The warning came close to Elizabeth’s own concern. She had watched Wickham remain just within the bounds of propriety while allowing Kitty’s hopes to pass beyond them, but Darcy gave her no means of deciding whether he spoke from knowledge or resentment.

“What habits?”

“Debts and convenient promises, accounts shaped to secure sympathy, and familiarity used where respect would require restraint.”

“Those are accusations.”

“They are descriptions.”

“Without examples, they are insults.”

Darcy looked past her toward the lane. A cart moved beyond the hedge, its wheels sounding over the dry ruts. He waited until the sound faded.

“Several tradesmen in Meryton have extended him credit,” he said. “Some did so because they believed his connection with me ensured payment, while others relied upon assurances he had no authority to give.”

Elizabeth had not expected anything so specific. “Have they complained to you?”

“I will not name them.”

“I did not ask their names.”

“No. You asked for examples, but in a town this size, any example would identify the person involved.”

That was true, though his manner made it difficult to accept. “And these shopkeepers trust you?”

“They came to me because he used my name.”

“What have you done?”

“What was necessary to prevent immediate loss.”

“You paid his debts.”

“I did not say that.”

“You did not need to.”

Darcy’s face closed again, and Elizabeth understood that he had said more than he intended. He protected the shopkeepers from public embarrassment, but expected her to accept fragments while placing his own conclusions beyond question.

“You might have warned the shopkeepers before they trusted him.”

“I did not know he was trading on my name until after they extended him credit.”

“And now you warn my father after Wickham has begun encouraging Kitty.”

“I am here because I learned of that encouragement yesterday.”

“Yet you have known his character much longer.”