Page 23 of An Interrupted Proposal
“I visited Meryton on Tuesday.”
Her brow arched with eager curiosity.
“Sir William and I met with your youngest sisters on our way to visit Mr. King. Once they learnt the true story behind the living I denied Mr. Wickham, they proceeded to spread the tale before I could say a word to anyone beyond Miss King’s uncle.”
Elizabeth frowned. “Will this not anger Mr. Wickham? Do you think he will harm them for speaking ill of him?”
“He has left Meryton,” Darcy quickly replied as he reached towards her, his hand hovering over hers. “He will be leaving England forever on the first tide Monday morning.”
“How ever did you manage that?” she asked, once more leaning towards him and causing his desire to take her hand even harder to ignore.
“Elizabeth,” Mr. Gardiner called in a loud voice that shook with amusement.
“Yes, Uncle?” Elizabeth innocently asked as she turned away from Darcy.
“Your aunt has been attempting to gain your attention.”
Darcy looked about the room and found the entire party looking in their direction. The ladies were blushing or hiding smiles, but Philip and Bingley grinned obnoxiously at him. He cared not.
“Forgive me, Aunt. How may I help you?” Elizabeth asked with her head held high.
“Miss Darcy was wondering who your favourite composer is.”
The conversation then turned to music which transitioned to discussions about the theatre. Soon, a consideration of what plays were currently being performed led to Bingley and Darcy offering to procure tickets for a performance before the ladies were to return to Hertfordshire. Shortly after the date was set, the housekeeper entered to announce dinner, and Darcy was pleased to escort Elizabeth to the table.
While the party enjoyed their soup, Mr. Gardiner asked Darcy about his business in Meryton. Darcy and Philip told the party of all that had occurred, both there and at Darcy House two days after. The cousins had already told Georgiana of the events so she would not be surprised when the topic was discussed. Indeed, knowing there was to be an ocean between herself and George Wickham had increased her equanimity.
“So, which did he choose? Jamaica or America?” Miss Bennet asked.
Darcy smiled as Philip replied, “Wickham will be plaguing the Americans. Any opportunity for reconciliation between ourcountries is now at an end as they will never forgive us for sending him their way.”
Mr. Gardiner laughed heartily. “As long as they do not send him back.”
Philip looked at Darcy and grinned. “Wickham will jump overboard before returning to England. Darcy told him he will be arrested and placed in debtor’s prison if he so much as places a toe in this country again.”
The admiring look that Elizabeth bestowed upon him made Darcy’s pulse race. Once more, the conversation continued about them.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “May I assume that you have also seen to the young girls who were affected by Mr. Wickham’s attentions?”
Darcy felt his cheeks warm, perhaps from embarrassment, but more so because she knew him so well now. “A quarterly stipend will be delivered to them which should see to their necessities.”
“You are far too good, sir,” she murmured as she returned her attention to her plate. “You take on more than is required of you.”
“If I had done more before leaving Hertfordshire, he would not have been able to cause as much damage as he did.” He shook his head. “You have opened my eyes to my shortfalls, madam, and I hope not to allow myself to become blind to them again.”
A soft gasp escaped her lips, but before anything else could be said, the soup bowls were cleared, and the next course was set before them. As he offered to serve her asparagus, Elizabeth looked at Darcy and he could not mistake the admiration he saw in her eyes. It left him trembling.
“Have you plans for tomorrow, sir?”
“None beyond attending services.”
“I believe Mr. Bingley will be attending with our family.” She focused on cutting her beef. “You are welcome to join us if you would like. You and your sister.”
“I will speak to her, but I would very much like to join you.” He could just see the corner of her lips curve upwards.
CHAPTER SIX
A Proposal
