Mr. Darcy's Grieving Wife by Rose Fairbanks

Author:Rose Fairbanks [Fairbanks, Rose]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-03-22T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“I should have known this would happen,” Elizabeth said alongside Darcy as they raced to Longbourn.

“How could you have foreseen this?”

“I knew how easily offended Mr. Collins was. I should not have left my sisters unattended when he might show up.”

“They were not unattended. They had their aunt and uncle as well as two of their three elder sisters. You cannot keep them from harm their whole lives. You should be able to trust they can behave properly.”

“You sound as though you know from experience,” Elizabeth said as she turned questioning eyes on him.

“I do. While on holiday with her previous companion, Georgiana nearly eloped with a man last summer.”

Elizabeth gasped. “But she is so young!”

Darcy nodded. “George Wickham was an old friend of the family and she held a tender spot for him. She easily believed she was in love. However, I am convinced his primary motive was her income. I am sure he wished revenge on me as well. We did not part on good terms.” Darcy glanced at Elizabeth he chewed her bottom lip. “I tell you this to say that even those from wealthy families and with a noble pedigree might make foolish choices when young. Do not blame yourself for your sisters’ behaviour.”

“Thank you,” Elizabeth murmured, then her eyes widened. “George Wickham? I believe my sisters have been eager to meet him. He is now a lieutenant in the militia encamped at Meryton. I will be sure to tell them they should not associate with him but keep your sister’s secret.”

Darcy smiled his thanks. As they were neared the house he asked, “Do you wish to be in the room when I deal with Mr. Collins?”

Darcy did not wish to exclude her, but he was uncertain her cousin would accept a woman’s presence during what would be quite the set-down.

“What do you plan to say?”

“I hope to impress upon him the unseemliness of his actions and arrival. To tell a widow and her four daughters to leave the house!” Darcy shook his head.

Elizabeth sighed. “I fear there are mitigating factors which will remove any reproach to his conscience. It is not as though he rode over from Kent upon my father’s death. He was already visiting and was a guest. I had already supposed he might return once there was sufficient chaperonage, and he does have every legal right to be there. Perhaps we can smooth it over.”

Darcy did not agree such a thing was possible but held his tongue. “What do you want to do if we fail to do that?”

“I suppose we must make arrangements earlier than we had planned. I am uncertain if any of the eligible houses we looked at have openings soon.”

“Nor am I,” he said as they reached the door. The next quarter day was not until Christmas—just under a month away.

Inside Longbourn, Mrs. Gardiner immediately greeted them. “Thank heavens you have come.”

“Where is Mr. Collins?” Darcy asked.

“In the library. My husband is attempting to make him see reason.

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