Every Savage Can Dance: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lory Lilian

Author:Lory Lilian [Lilian, Lory]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-12-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Although she was familiar with the room and had been there since Mr Darcy occupied it, Elizabeth stepped in timidly.

“Miss Elizabeth, please come in. Forgive my boldness in calling for you, but it will be short, and I have Mr Bennet’s approval.”

“Mr Darcy, how are you feeling, sir?”

“Not as bad as Dr Bates feared, nor as well as I would wish to.” He smiled. “Would you sit a moment?”

She chose a chair reasonably close to the bed.

“Dr Bates told me about your little chat. I had no objections as I trust your discretion, but I regret that you have been burdened with a situation inappropriate for a young lady.”

“The only thing I regret is my foolish trust in Mr Wickham when I first met him. I am as angry with myself as I am with him. May I ask — what do you plan to do?”

“I am not sure. Bingley confirmed to me the horse had a similar wound. But I did not provide him with the other details, so he is not aware of our suspicions.”

“Mr Bingley should be warned since he is hosting the ball and Mr Wickham might be there.”

“Bingley has been warned, but I am sure Wickham would not be a danger in public. He is a coward whose every action is deceitful and dishonest. Disguise and secrecy are his usual weapons.”

“But why would he… My father told me of your past dealings with him. But why hurt you now? Could he expect some gain if you…?”

“Wickham must have felt desperate that I tried to expose him and he might lose his comfortable position in the regiment and within the Meryton community. He knew he could not stop me otherwise — that he had already done too much. I warned him a few months ago that… You do not know, Miss Elizabeth, but…”

He paused and averted his eyes for a few moments, while Elizabeth waited, silent and anxious.

“Besides my financial dealings with Wickham, something more dreadful happened this past summer. Something that I did not tell your father.”

“Oh…?”

“Once I refused him any assistance, Wickham tried to take advantage of Georgiana. She was in Ramsgate with her previous companion, and he followed her there on purpose. He convinced her to renew their friendship and tried to use her innocent affection for his personal benefit. The consequences could have been tragic if not for my sister’s wisdom and strength of character.”

Elizabeth held her breath, waiting for his narration to unfold. The few details he offered were enough for her to sketch the circumstances. His last words suggested the worst had not occurred, which allowed her a bit of relief.

“That is why you were angered by Mr Bingley’s letter. You feared Miss Darcy would come here and encounter Mr Wickham.”

“Yes. And that is why I wish to avoid any possible meeting — even a brief one — between my sister and that scoundrel.”

“Is Miss Darcy aware Mr Wickham is in Meryton?”

“Yes. I told her yesterday.”

“The poor girl! How she must have suffered at such a betrayal.

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