The Secrets of Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (Jane Austen Reimaginings Book 9) by Rose Fairbanks

Author:Rose Fairbanks [Fairbanks, Rose]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General Fiction
Publisher: Rose Fairbanks
Published: 2018-03-28T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

A few days later, Darcy arrived in Meryton. Merely being in the same town that Elizabeth grew up in built anticipation in his heart. He knew she remained in Kent; however, his eyes greedily sought her around every shop corner. In addition to asking after Wickham’s debts, he would seek out the man himself. As Darcy had suspected, Wickham’s spendthrift ways carried through to the Militia. The bulk of his obligations were at the milliners. No doubt, small fripperies bought for ladies to impress them with his charm.

Settling the accounts, Darcy then approached where the Regiment stayed on the outskirts of the town. While Darcy stayed in the officer’s common room, Wickham was fetched and brought in.

“Well, Darcy,” Wickham drawled. “You seem to ever catch me surprised. What brought this visit?”

“I must speak to you in privacy. Can you send the others away?”

“I am sure they will oblige for a free pint or two.”

“Very well,” Darcy tossed a few coins at Wickham to hand around so the other men might leave. He rolled his eyes when Wickham kept a few for himself.

“What can I do for you, old boy?” Wickham winked as he sprawled on a settee.

“I have heard you enjoy spreading tales of woe and slandering my name.

“That’s nothing new,” Wickham shrugged. “It is not my fault some are eager to find justification for thinking ill of you.”

“And in the past, I have not taken the trouble to correct it,” Darcy said in a warning tone.

“Never say you find yourself actually caring about little Meryton’s opinion of you.” Wickham scrutinised Darcy for a long moment. “Not the whole town, rather just one person, eh? A lady. Well, I don’t see how my lies would keep her from your bed—”

“Shut your mouth,” Darcy growled. “Don’t you dare say another thing in that direction.”

“Oooh,” Wickham rubbed his hands together. “Even better! You don’t just want to bed her! You must love her! Well, who is it?”

“As usual, you have jumped ahead of yourself. I did not come so you might amend your lies. What care I if you lie when I have the means to prove you wrong?”

Wickham furrowed his brow. “Ah, so we come to the real thorn in your side?” He smirked. “Can you not trust me? Gentleman to gentleman, I will not expose you—or dear Georgiana either.”

“She is Miss Darcy to you,” Darcy glared. “And you know all trust and respect I had for you evaporated long ago.”

“Not to mention neither of us are gentlemen,” Wickham laughed.

Darcy chose to not take Wickham’s bait. “Here,” he handed a packet of papers. “I have your debts. They are signed by my solicitor in Town and Mr. Philips here. Sign the agreement to never even hint of anything irregular about mine or my sister’s birth, and you need not fear the Fleet.”

Wickham’s mouth jawed. “You really did this?” He perused the papers. “What would Mr. Darcy say? Holding my life in your hands in such a way! He wanted me independent of you!”

“Do not twist the blame for your indiscretions on me,” Darcy said.

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