A Vision of the Path Before Him: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Elizabeth Frerichs

Author:Elizabeth Frerichs [Frerichs, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-11-03T04:00:00+00:00

After they left Mrs. Philips’s house, Fitzwilliam took over escorting Miss Mary and, as they left Meryton, Miss Bennet joined them, leaving Darcy and Elizabeth with Apollo.

“I am grateful you arrived when you did,” Elizabeth said seriously.

“As am I.” Darcy frowned. “Was Wickham bothering you?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “Not at all. Though he initially paid me many pretty compliments, he appeared to grow bored by my lack of response and turned his attentions to my youngest sisters. He was charming beyond anything, I’m afraid, and I am concerned for my sisters. I cannot forbid them to speak to him.”

“Do they not worry about their reputations if they are seen speaking to one who possesses a less-than-acceptable reputation himself?”

“Mr. Darcy, I do not believe my sisters are old enough to care about their reputations.”

Darcy’s eyebrows went up. Not old enough? Georgiana had known the importance of caring for her reputation at a much earlier age. Perhaps she had learned more fully the meaning of that goal after her encounter with Wickham, but it was not a new idea.

“When do you believe a person is old enough to care for their reputation?”

Elizabeth blushed. “I agree that it is important knowledge, however, in the country, they are seen as but children and so do not understand.”

“Miss Elizabeth, I do not wish to pain you, but I must disagree. If they are old enough to be ‘out,’ they are old enough to care for their reputation. It is not a burden, but merely a responsibility that all must take up when they reach the appropriate age.”

“Regardless, I am not sure that they believe Wickham poses any true threat to them,” Elizabeth said quickly.

“Oh?”

“Though whispers of Mr. Wickham’s misconduct circulate, many of the officers have countered such gossip and my sisters are more likely to listen to the officers’ opinions than anyone else’s.”

Darcy’s shoulders drooped. His poor behaviour was once more coming back to haunt him. If only he had been as congenial as Bingley when they first entered Hertfordshire—others might give more weight to his words if he were as charming as Wickham.

Elizabeth put a hand on his arm. “You have done your best. You cannot force people to believe the truth.”

Darcy straightened his spine. “Fitzwilliam has lately taken to haranguing me for my cautiousness and inaction. Perhaps it is time to take a more active role with Wickham. I could prove my claims with the bills he has signed, the debts I hold, and the letters from house servants.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “You cannot.”

“I cannot?”

“Wickham will only counter with Miss Darcy’s reputation—as you yourself have pointed out. I am certain his true colours will show, eventually.”

“But how many lives will he destroy before then?” Darcy murmured.

“People have to make their own choices. You have given them the truth.”

“Do you know if the merchants and servants are aware of his proclivities yet?”

“I believe so. I have spoken to several of our tenants, warning them against him and asking them to warn their sons and daughters who work anywhere they might come into contact with Mr.

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