Friendship and Betrayal: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Andrew Zane

Author:Andrew Zane [Zane, Andrew]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2022-07-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Georgiana returned around five o’clock in the afternoon, exceedingly pleased with the time she had spent with her aunt, and brother and sister shared details about their day.

“I am so sorry I missed the opportunity to meet the Miss Bennets and Mrs Gardiner, Brother!”

“Yes, so am I, dearest. I am sure another opportunity will arise soon.”

“I hope you have no fixed engagements for tomorrow. Uncle and Aunt insist you must join us. Richard and Thomas will be there too. And I confess I would very much enjoy your company.”

“I have no other plans, as I have already promised to go.”

“That is wonderful! Oh, and Richard said he will come for dinner tonight.”

“Good,” Darcy answered. He imagined his cousin was curious about how things had progressed in the Bingley and Wickham affair, but he had no news to impart since their last conversation. He was curious too about how Bingley had reacted if the confrontation with Mr Richmond had taken place. He had offered to Mr Gardiner to accompany them if Bingley wished for his support—which he clearly did not.

“Brother, Aunt Amelia asked me when we planned to return to Pemberley,” Georgiana said.

“My current plan is to leave at the end of July.”

“The Bingleys will not come this time?”

“I have not had the chance to discuss it with them, but it is very unlikely. Bingley is still upset with me, and there are indications that he might not be willing to leave Hertfordshire in the foreseeable future.”

“I hope he will find happiness and peace,” Georgiana replied warmly.

“So do I, my dear.”

***

In Gracechurch Street, the ladies waited for Mr Gardiner’s return restlessly, speculating about the possible news he might bring. Jane was—of course—the most nervous and anxious, worried that the gentleman of her heart could have been offended by her dear sister’s harsh scolding. She could not reproach Elizabeth, but she felt distress on Bingley’s behalf.

Eventually, Mr Gardiner was brought home in Mr Bingley’s carriage, but, despite Jane’s secret hopes, he was alone. He poured himself a glass of brandy and then indulged the ladies’ curiosity.

“Did you speak to Mr Richmond?” Mrs Gardiner asked first.

“We did.”

“And?” Jane enquired anxiously.

“And it was as Mr Darcy presumed. Mr Richmond informed us that Mr Bingley’s investment was three thousand pounds.”

“Three? Not five?” Mrs Gardiner asked.

“Three. It seems that Mr Wickham made a personal investment of two thousand pounds.”

“But how is that possible?” Jane exclaimed. “How was it possible to do such a thing without Mr Bingley’s consent?”

“Mr Richmond is not to be blamed. He does conduct risky and questionable business, which I suspect can hardly be legitimate, but he is well known among tradesmen. Since Mr Bingley took no trouble to even check Mr Wickham, nor to speak to Mr Richmond in person, the latter did what was requested and split the money he received as indicated by the one who was in possession of it.”

“So, Mr Wickham deceived Mr Bingley out of two thousand pounds?” Jane asked, incredulous.

“Actually, it was much more. Mr

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