Remembrances: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cassandra B. Leigh

Author:Cassandra B. Leigh [Leigh, Cassandra B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-11-22T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Elizabeth’s heart sank upon hearing Mr Darcy’s dire entreaty. What could be more shocking than the story he had already revealed? But, gazing into his tormented eyes, she could not refuse him and vowed her silence.

He continued in a grim voice. “I sent my sister to Ramsgate with a companion, her headmistress from seminary. At the time, I was unaware of the lady’s connection to George Wickham. Together, they contrived to lure Georgiana to the border. Besides exacting his revenge on me, he also wanted her dowry of thirty thousand pounds.”

She gasped. “How despicable,” she said, scarcely able to believe anyone could be so ruthless.

“When I surprised Georgiana with a visit, she confessed the elopement plan and begged my forgiveness for concealing it from me. I discharged the companion, wrote to George, and immediately brought my sister home.”

“This is beyond shocking. He ought to be publicly disgraced.”

He recoiled at her suggestion. “No, indeed, if it were to become known that Georgiana acted so imprudently, she would be ruined.”

The desperation in his voice gave her pause. “I am grieved for Miss Darcy. How cruel to be so callously deceived by a fortune hunter and to have this youthful indiscretion looming over her head, threatening her future.”

He held his head in his hands.

She could not bear to see him so disheartened. “You must not blame yourself for this episode, Mr Darcy. You have done everything in your power to protect Miss Darcy. I am certain no girl could ask for a more devoted brother.”

“You are exceedingly kind, but I left him just now with your sisters, who appeared perfectly comfortable in his company.”

“Good heavens,” Elizabeth cried, jumping to her feet. “He must not be permitted to prey on them. I would be greatly obliged if you would speak to my father about your…acquaintance.”

“By no means should they be permitted to associate with him.”

Mr Hill admitted Mr Bingley into the parlour. “Darcy! What has come over you?” he said, nearly out of breath.

“I will explain everything later, Charles,” Mr Darcy said, then hastily quit the room.

Mr Bingley gaped in astonishment. “You must forgive my friend, Miss Elizabeth. He is never one to forego common civilities, but something must have disturbed him in town today.”

Elizabeth invited him to be seated. “Indeed, he is quite overset. It seems someone from his past has come to Meryton.”

“He mentioned nothing of it to me,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I am grieved that his peace has been disrupted. He was meant to relax during this sojourn into the country.”

While Elizabeth was not at liberty to disclose Mr Darcy’s story, she hoped Mr Bingley would offer his assistance. “I suspect he will need your support to overcome this difficulty.”

“There is nothing I would not do to help Darcy.”

She admired his loyalty. “He is fortunate to have such a friend.”

Mrs Bennet entered the sun parlour and greeted Mr Bingley, who rose to make his bow. “I am afraid my other daughters have gone to Meryton this morning to visit my sister.

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