Page 67 of Penned By Mr Darcy
"I see."
"Miss Elizabeth," he said at last, carefully, "I wish to apologise for what happened, and for what I allowed to follow."
"Later," she said, eyes still fixed on the door. "There are things I must say as well. But not now. Let us finish this first."
Chapter Nineteen
Darcy
The door opened, and Wickham stepped into the room as though it belonged to him. He was dressed in civilian clothes, his coat slightly rumpled, but there was a practiced ease in his posture, a glint in his eye that suggested danger more than charm. It was impossible to ignore the stench of alcohol that radiated from him; he was drunk. It was clear in his uneven gait, his eyes glassy and unfocused.
"Ah," he said slowly, his gaze sweeping between them. "What a pleasant surprise. Miss Elizabeth Bennet, here at Netherfield. What an inseparable pair you make. And yet, I have heard of no announcement. I thought you would have the decency to make it official, Darce."
The use of such a casual nickname – one Wickham had so often used in their youth – made him cringe. This man had no right to such informality.
"Miss Elizabeth is here only to seek my help," Darcy said, his voice like ice. "And I will thank you to watch your tongue. She is a lady of good reputation."
"Innocent ladies do not kiss like that, Darcy," Wickham replied, smile sharp as a blade. “I am sure your only experience is with those you have paid, but I can assure you that your little Elizabeth is quite a wicked young lady.”
“These rumours you’ve circulated could destroy five innocent young women." Mr Darcy said.
"Five innocent young women?" Wickham’s voice dripped with mockery. "Are we including you among them, Lizzy?"
Darcy’s voice hardened.
"I will not allow you to slander her further."
Wickham shrugged.
"Truth is hardly slander. I merely speak what others already whisper. Besides, I did not circulate her name. It is not my fault if conclusions have been correctly reached."
Elizabeth's jaw clenched.
"You speak only to wound,” she hissed. “But I will not let you twist this into something it never was. You’ve endangered more than reputations. It is our very future you jeopardise for no other reason than petty revenge!”
"I warned you not to cross me," Wickham said softly, stepping closer.
"And I warned you," Darcy returned, "that I would not suffer threats against those I care for. Especially not from the likes of you."
Wickham scoffed.
"And what will you do? Glower me into submission?"
Darcy’s expression didn’t change.
"Your discharge from the militia is already in motion. Colonel Forster has the letters I have been sent from mutual friends trying to locate you. He knows of your debts. He knows of your behaviour. You will be cast out, with no protection from your crimes. Debtors prison would be too good for you."
For the first time, Wickham’s expression faltered.
"I knew that it was your fault. Colonel Forster cornered me this morning, told me to pack my things and go. I know enough about you, Darcy, to make you regret this."
Darcy stepped forward.
"I am prepared to regret a great many things. But I will never regret seeing you ruined for the things you have done.
Wickham’s eyes flashed. His gaze darted around with all the desperation of a caged animal. Finally, his vision settled on something behind Darcy. He turned, finding just what had attracted Wickham’s attention.
The diary.
