Coincidence by Jann Rowland

Author:Jann Rowland
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Darcy, Elizabeth, Austen, Pride, Prejudice, Bennet, Regency
Publisher: One Good Sonnet Publishing
Published: 2018-01-28T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter XVIII

Several thoughts went through Elizabeth’s mind at once: shock that Mr. Darcy should appear out of nowhere, mortification that she should be found—even unwillingly—alone on a country path with Mr. Wickham, and even a faint sense of annoyance for the man in question. The last was provoked by the faintly disapproving slant to his eyebrows as he gazed upon them. Though Elizabeth knew it was not precisely proper to be found on a secluded path with a man, she could mean nothing to him, after all, especially given the circumstances of their last parting.

“Darcy!” cried Mr. Wickham, seeming to recover from his surprise more quickly than Elizabeth. “I might have known that you would show up at some time or another. But you have come upon us at an inopportune time, for Miss Bennet and I were engaged in a private conversation.”

“I think you misstate the situation, Mr. Wickham,” said Elizabeth, scowling at the man in revulsion, annoyed with him for attempting to misrepresent their meeting. “In fact, I was trying to divest myself of the pleasure of your company.”

Mr. Darcy could not be said to be slow of wit, for he understood the situation in an instant. “It seems your forked tongue continues to flick about, Wickham. Miss Bennet does not wish for your company—I suggest you remove yourself while you are still able.”

“I do not fear you.”

When Mr. Darcy jumped down from his horse and strode toward him, Mr. Wickham recoiled slightly, belying his bravado to the contrary. But he soon recovered and stood up tall and proud, facing Mr. Darcy as if daring him to do his worst.

“Perhaps you should recall that I possess the power to make your life a living hell,” snarled Mr. Darcy.

“Perhaps you should recall that I can ruin your precious little sister with nothing more than a whisper in the right ears.”

The glare with which Mr. Darcy impaled Mr. Wickham was positively feral. “Perhaps you should try it. While she might suffer for a few days or weeks, by the time she comes out, it will be nothing less than old news, and our family connections will ensure her position. I will not even mention that her demeanor will give lie to your assertions.

“If I call in your debts, you will suffer for the rest of your miserable life. There are enough to see that you will never again see the light of day. Think of that as you consider your behavior, for you will be rotting in the darkest cell I can find long after she marries and is living happily with her husband.”

The murderous fury which beset Mr. Wickham’s face told a far different story than his bravado would indicate. It also showed Elizabeth more about the man than he had ever revealed to her with his congenial manners and syrupy words. Belatedly, perhaps, Elizabeth recognized that this was not a man to be trusted.

“Though it grieves me more than I can say,” said Mr. Wickham, addressing Elizabeth, “I must assume that you have chosen the man who can shower you with riches, Miss Bennet.

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