Christmas at Pemberley by Abbey North

Author:Abbey North [North, Abbey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-11-09T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

Lizzy was coordinating with the staff to ensure everything was in order when she came across a distressing sight in the library. She heard a whimper from the hallway and opened the door to see Georgiana pressed against a shelf, clearly trying to keep herself aloof from Wickham. The man appeared more octopus than human as he tried to grab hold of Lizzy’s young sister-in-law.

“What are you doing, Wickham?” she asked shrilly as she swept into the library. “Step back at once. You have already tried to ruin dear Georgiana once. You shan’t have the chance again.”

Wickham gave her a nasty leer. “I was merely being sociable, Mrs. Darcy. After all, Georgiana and I go way back. I was her first…love.” He said that suggestively and winked at Georgiana.

Georgiana’s face curled with disgust. “I never loved you, Wickham. You fooled me because I was young and naïve. Had I realized, I never…” She broke off, glancing at Lizzy. “Leave now, Wickham.”

“Yes, leave,” said Lizzy, crossing her arms over her chest. “I suggest departing from Pemberley posthaste.”

He paused near her, wearing a vicious expression. “If I leave, my wife will come with me. Surely you do not wish to cut short the visit just yet?”

Her eyes narrowed. How she longed to send Wickham on his way, but she refused to let him take Lydia any sooner than planned. Her silence was her answer, and he shot her a mocking smile as he ambled past and out of the room.

Lizzy closed the door to the library behind him and approached Georgiana, who was clearly distraught. “Are you unharmed?”

She nodded. “He tried to kiss me but did not succeed. Unlike last time.” The young woman burst into tears. “I did such a horrible thing, Lizzy.”

She embraced her sister by marriage and drew her over to a loveseat. They sat together, and she kept her arm around Georgiana’s shoulders. “I do not see how you could do anything horrible of your own volition. You are too sweet.”

“I am ruined.” She almost wailed the confession. “I could not tell Fitzwilliam, but Wickham persuaded me to anticipate our wedding night. When I marry, my husband will know I have been sullied.”

Lizzy blinked. Her first instinct was shock and outrage directed toward Wickham, but she tried to hide her reactions. She didn’t want Georgiana to regret confiding in her. “First and foremost, there was no child, so there is no proof.”

Georgiana blinked, clearly surprised by that. “But physically…”

Lizzy hesitated. “It is a delicate subject, but I the pain I anticipated was not that bad, though there was resistance. I do not believe it would be a difficult thing to feign when the time comes, especially since you have experienced it before.”

“Is there not further proof required? Blood?” Georgiana was bright red.

Lizzy paused. “Where did you hear that?”

“Two of the grooms were discussing their brother’s recent marriage and his rage that his wife did not bleed. I was eavesdropping whilst pretending to prepare for my ride.” She blushed at the admission.

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