Page 17 of An Interrupted Proposal
Darcy shook his head. “When I met Colonel Forster, I saw a man who was tired of war and ready to lay down his defences and finish his career in relative peace. Perhaps hiswife’s innocence is a balm to his soul. And we both know how Wickham used my father’s mourning to his advantage. I would not be surprised if he did not use the same tactics on his commanding officer.”
They rode in silence for a time. “At least the Bennets are safe from him.”
“Yes.” Darcy sat taller in the saddle. “I should probably report our progress to Elizabeth’s uncle, but I would rather tell her myself when she arrives in London on Saturday.”
Philip chuckled. “And what will you do with yourself until then? I predict you will be climbing the walls at Darcy House by Thursday morning.”
Darcy’s smile faded as he realized Saturday was, indeed, far too many days away.
CHAPTER FIVE
Wickham
Thursday morning found Darcy in his study, seriously considering if it were possible to climb the walls. Though invited to join his friend, he had not travelled to Gracechurch Street as his cousin had suggested Darcy should remain at home. He now regretted the decision.
Bingley had visited Wednesday afternoon to invite Darcy and announce his intentions to propose to Miss Bennet. “Had I remained in Hertfordshire, we might be wed by now. I see no reason to delay any longer. I know I have often spoken of ladies being angels in the past, but they all revealed their true natures eventually. Jane istrulyan angel. I have never met another being who is able to see the good in people as she does. Even after all Caroline did to separate us, Jane hopes they can be friends again.”
Darcy was uncertain if that made Jane Bennet an angel or exceedingly naïve. He was anxious to discuss it with Elizabeth. He was anxious to discussanythingwith Elizabeth. With a moan, he pushed out of his chair and marched to the door, startled to find his butler on the other side.
The man appeared ill at ease and unable to find his words.
“What is it, Smithers?”
“Mr. Wickham wishes a moment of your time, sir.”
Darcy glanced towards the front hall, but the butler shook his head.
“I requested he wait outside until I confirmed you were at home.”
“Where is Miss Darcy?”
“She and Mrs. Annesley are in her sitting room, sir. I believe they are working on clothing for the poor until her music master arrives in half an hour.”
Darcy straightened and tugged his waistcoat into place. “Very well. Ask Jasper to take up position outside the door and then show Mr. Wickham into my study. Once this is done, send for Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
The old retainer nodded and departed to carry out his orders while Darcy took his seat behind the desk. When Smithers returned with Wickham in tow, Darcy remained in his chair.
“Thank you, Smithers. Is Jasper outside should I require his assistance?”
“As you asked, sir.” The man bowed and left, closing the door behind him.
“No greeting, Darcy?”
“What do you want, Wickham?”
“Very well, to business.” Wickham approached and took an unoffered seat opposite Darcy. “You have ruined me in Hertfordshire. The shopkeepers will not accept my coin, my fiancée has been spirited away, and the landowners will not allow me access to their homes.”
“Do you not mean the shopkeepers will not advance you further credit, Miss King’s uncle rescued his niece, and the landowners have learnt you should not be allowed near their daughters?”
“You know bloody well what I mean. How am I to survive? Why do you feel it necessary to ruin me?”
“I said nothing to any of the shopkeepers, George, and Mr. King had already decided to remove Miss King from the area before I ever met him.”
“A likely story! Even that juicy little Bennet has given me the cut direct.”
“Watch how you speak of the Bennets,” Darcy growled.
An amused grin spread across Wickham’s features, begging to be slapped away. “I knew you were soft onher. You know Miss Elizabeth dislikes you; her feelings were firm before I ever spoke to her.”
