Page 69 of Twice Chosen

Colonel Forster watched him.

Wickham noticed.

He approached Elizabeth one afternoon in Meryton after Kitty and Lydia had gone ahead to inspect ribbons in a shop window.

"You seem determined to dislike me, Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth stopped. "I do not know you well enough."

"You know Darcy."

"Somewhat."

His smile sharpened. "More than somewhat, I think."

Elizabeth's skin chilled. "What do you mean?"

"He looks at you as though you belong to him."

Anger rose. She controlled it. "I belong to myself."

"Of course."

His tone suggested indulgence.

Elizabeth remembered why she had once been charmed. Wickham made agreement feel like intimacy and disagreement feel like a misunderstanding he could resolve with one smile.

"I only hope," he continued, "that you understand the character of the man you trust."

Elizabeth met his eyes. "Do you?"

His smile faded. "Better than most."

"So do I."

For a moment something dangerous appeared.

Then Darcy's voice came from behind her. "Elizabeth."

Not Miss Elizabeth.

Elizabeth.

Wickham heard.

Darcy realized too late. His face hardened.

Wickham smiled. "Interesting."

Darcy stepped beside Elizabeth. "Go."

Wickham laughed. "Still issuing orders."

Darcy did not rise to the bait. "Colonel Forster has received another letter concerning your gaming debts."

Wickham's color changed.

Darcy continued, "Your creditor in Derby has sold the note."