Worthy of Her Trust: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Melissa Anne

Author:Melissa Anne [Anne, Melissa]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Melissa Anne Author
Published: 2024-03-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Darcy was greatly alarmed when he learned of Wickham’s involvement in the matter. “Wickham is a liar, a thief, and a seducer of innocents. I believe it advisable to remove Elizabeth from London at once, sir,” Darcy protested when the gentlemen spoke after dinner. “I know him entirely too well to be unconcerned when his name is mentioned in connexion to anyone I care about.”

“Gentlemen, I suggest we speak to Elizabeth regarding this matter. My niece will not be pleased to be excluded from this conversation. She is not some easily overwrought maiden,” Gardiner inserted into the conversation. At this, Darcy flushed slightly and seemed to release some of his frustration. He nodded and began to lead the others from the room.

However, he was halted by his uncle’s arm. “We need a plan before we speak to the ladies,” he insisted.

“Elizabeth will not respond well to a plan formed without her input. She is not a lady who would allow the men in her life to command her; she is an intelligent woman who is able to consider matters rationally and without excess emotion. Perhaps you would excuse your own wife from such a conversation, but I will not,” Darcy stated.

“She is not your wife yet, Darcy,” the earl observed.

“But she will be, and I intend to act now as I will then. If you prefer to remain here and discuss it amongst yourselves, you may do so, but I will go and solicit her opinion,” he retorted before stalking from the room, followed by his cousin.

Gardiner laughed as he watched the young man depart. “He is quite a young man,” he said quietly, causing the earl to nod.

“He is a very good man. I wish my elder son had turned out half as well. He has always been a responsible child and, since inheriting the estate from his father, has only become more so. I confess, his ease with Miss Tomlinson is surprising, especially given the short duration of their acquaintance.” With that comment from the earl, the rest of the gentlemen followed Darcy into the parlour, where the ladies waited.

Darcy was already seated next to his intended and the colonel next to Georgiana. The other gentlemen rushed to sit next to their wives though Mr. Elliott, a widower, sat in an armchair between Elizabeth and Gardiner. After a few moments of general conversation, Georgiana was encouraged to depart to the music room so the others might speak of weightier matters.

“Should she not be involved, William?” Elizabeth whispered to her intended.

“No, I will tell her what we discuss later, but there are things that it is best she not hear in company with others just now,” Darcy whispered back. “Your uncle just informed me that Wickham is involved, having offered his services to Mr. Collins to ‘help’ claim your inheritance.”

Elizabeth’s mouth dropped for a moment into an O. “Is that the man who attempted to elope with your sister?” she whispered back. At Darcy’s nod, she looked at him with concern.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.