Page 63 of An Accidental Meeting
Darcy assessed Wickham as he would an insect. The man had to know Georgiana was in residence. It was a cruel request, even for him. “You were not denied often enough when you were a boy. Consider this a belated lesson.”
“And Lydia?”
“She is Miss Lydia to you and, unless Mr. Gardiner deems otherwise, no longer your concern.”
Wickham had made a mistake, bringing Miss Lydia here, for Darcy would do all he could to avoid sentencing Miss Lydia to a life with the reprobate before him. Elizabeth would agree with him, and with the help of the Gardiners, Darcy would also figure out a way to avoid scandal for the Bennet family.
He was about to take on a great deal of trouble, but it would satisfy him to be of aid to Elizabeth. He would prefer she never know of his involvement, but as it was all taking place before her, there was little chance of that.
“Whose concern will she be, then?” Wickham wheedled. “Her uncle and aunt will not have her, and she cannot return to her father’s house.”
Fortunately, Darcy had learned enough about Gardiner this week to know that was not true. He opened the door and called for the butler. Mr. Rhoades appeared, flanked by Rogers and a second footman who was nearly as large.
“Her name will be on my lips if you banish me from Pemberley,” Wickham hissed. “Along with your sister’s.”
Darcy had considered this. “You will regret it.”
“Why?” Wickham shook his head as though he had heard incorrectly, then said in a whisper, “I will do it, Darcy. A few thousand pounds will ensure my silence. A trifling sum for you.”
Darcy was tired of being afraid. If he paid Wickham to keep quiet now, he would be paying, in ways large and small, his entire life. He could find a good man here in Derbyshire to marry Miss Lydia, if it came to that, even if he had to pay a handsomesum to do so. But George Wickham would receive neither the funds nor the girl. Miss Lydia would not wed anyone at all, at least not for some years yet, if Darcy could help it.
Rogers and his counterpart took up their positions on either side of Wickham, who nearly growled as he stalked out of the study and then out of the house.
“Mr. Rhoades, have word sent to the inn and the pub that no matter how many times Wickham invokes the Darcy name, Pemberley will not be satisfying any debts accrued. They have been warned before, but a reminder never goes amiss.” He paused. "Better visit the tailor as well."
The butler nodded. “I hope you do not mind, sir, but I sent young Wilson to town to do just that when the young lady and Mr. Wickham made their appearance.”
“Very good, Mr. Rhoades. I need not tell you to instruct the servants not to mention . . .”
The older man drew himself up. “Certainly not.”
“Thank you, Mr. Rhoades.”
The butler’s rigid disapproval eased. “Everyone here knows what they owe to the family, sir.”
Elizabeth was not family—yet. But the servants could not have missed the way she and the Gardiners were being treated as honoured guests. Darcy offered a grateful nod, took a deep breath, and stepped down the hall to the library, where he knocked on the door.
“Enter,” he heard Gardiner call, and he complied. He glanced about for Elizabeth, but she was no longer in the library.
Gardiner stood. “May I speak with you, sir?”
“Of course.”
“I wished to thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Darcy. Be assured, we will not trespass upon your goodwill any longer than it takes to pack our things and ready the carriage.”
Darcy noted the more formal address, and a creeping anxiety took hold of him. “What do you mean?”
Gardiner eyed Darcy carefully. “Is it not plain enough? We cannot remain in your house now that my youngest niece has arrived here in such a way.”
“But you must,” Darcy said immediately, motioning that they should move to the other end of the large room. “It would appear as though you are departing in disgrace—it would make everything worse. I have sent Wickham away, and the servants who witnessed Miss Lydia’s arrival will not speak of it.”
“You sent Mr. Wickham away?” Gardiner inquired, alarmed. He lowered his voice as he said, emphatically, “Forgive me, Darcy, but that was not your place. He must do the honourable thing and marry my niece.”
Darcy was deeply relieved to hear himself addressed once more in a more familiar manner. “Gardiner,” he said, “that is just what he wants. He means to bleed you dry to do it.”
Gardiner frowned. “I suspected as much. How much does he want?”
“Only as much as Mr. Darcy owes him, Uncle,” Miss Lydia called, proving that while her judgement might be suspect, her hearing was excellent.
