Page 24 of To Go Against Her Heart
“I cannot imagine how you feel; I am truly sorry. I cannot comprehend what persuades him that you would so readily favor his suit.”
“I am certain my sentiments in the matter would not matter to him or Mamma,” Elizabeth said with vexation.
“If he makes you uncomfortable, we must let Papa know.”
“I do not want to cause a scene, Jane. I hope he will come to his senses and understand that I am not interested in marrying him or anyone. For the first time, I wish someone had informed him of my miserable experience with love.”
“Lizzy, please do not say such a thing. It pains me when you speak as though you have no future. You cannot allow one wrong decision to torment your entire life.”
“If I had exercised more sense, I might have escaped such a deception; but my heart, which I fancied could not so easily be misled, succumbed to his words and assurances. That recollection will haunt me forever; yet, Jane, believe me when I say I feel no affection for him now. Whether such feelings will ever return for another is a question beyond reasoning, as I am certain I could never feel such a sentiment again. Let us set this matter aside; you were by Mr. Bingley’s side when he was introduced to Mr. Wickham. I hope you noticed their discomfort.”
“I did and was bold enough to ask him about the same.”
“What did he have to say?” Elizabeth asked with excitement.
“For the greater part of the evening, I have reflected upon what he said. Mr. Bingley had not previously been acquainted with Mr. Wickham, and this was their first introduction. Yet it is the particulars of his disclosure concerning that gentleman which give me the greatest concern. He informed me that Mr. Wickham indeed claimed a close connection to the Darcy familyas he was practically brought up in Pemberley as the steward’s son. But he mentioned that in recent times, Mr. Darcy had a very bitter experience with him.”
“This is astonishing. Does Mr. Bingley have an insight into the matter?”
“He said he did not know the particulars, but according to him, it was something unpardonable. He trusts Mr. Darcy in this matter and sort of subtly warned me to stay away from Mr. Wickham.”
“Good Lord! How could he say that without having a proper accusation? From what you say, Mr. Bingley has indirectly communicated his doubts about Mr. Wickham’s character.”
“It seems so, Lizzy. Who would have thought Mr. Wickham would be so closely associated with Mr. Darcy?”
“I wish we knew the particulars to come to a conclusion.”
“Do not term me partial, but I think we must consider Mr. Bingley’s words. I can see that Lydia and Kitty are taken with him.”
“I wish Mr. Bingley had clearly informed you of Mr. Wickham’s misdeeds. If he is warning us, then we must know for certain what he has done. Otherwise, these are baseless accusations, and spreading false allegations against a man’s character would be cruel. There is no sensible way to warn anyone about him without proof, and now, I am worried for our sisters.”
“I do understand your argument, but I could not press him further. It seemed evident that he did not want to dwell on the topic.”
“This worries me, Jane. I wish we could understand what really happened between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham.”
The sisters retired for the night, very confused about how to act with the information they had gathered.
The same night, Mr. Bingley paced his study, trying to come to terms with Wickham’s presence in the neighborhood. He had been taken aback when Colonel Forster introduced him as one of the officers. Though ignorant of the precise details, Mr. Bingley perceived that Darcy was exceedingly displeased with Wickham on some account relating to Georgiana. Mr. Bingley held Darcy in such esteem that he could entertain no doubt concerning Wickham’s character. He recollected Darcy’s mention of Wickham’s promise to amend his ways and steer clear of creating trouble anywhere.
What am I to do now? Though I warned Miss Bennet, I cannot ensure everyone’s safety. Must I write to Darcy about him, or maybe Mr. Wickham has changed his ways? Perhaps he has turned a new leaf after joining the regiment.
Mr. Bingley finally decided to give Wickham the benefit of the doubt.
***
As for Wickham, during the introduction to Mr. Bingley, he perceived from his countenance that Mr. Bingley was aware of his dealings with Darcy. He hoped that Darcy would never return to Hertfordshire to expose him.The moment he beheld Elizabeth, he was drawn by her beauty, as there was something different about her, setting her apart from the whole room of women who flirted with him, and he was frustrated not to get a chance to converse with her that evening.But a few days later, much to his delight, he was afforded the opportunity to meet Elizabeth and Jane at Mr. Phillips’s house.
Wickham and Captain Denny had met Lydia and Kitty at one of the stores in Meryton, and the sisters dragged them along to their uncle’s house.
“Jane, Lizzy, we have company,” Lydia cried as they entered the house, and the sisters both strived to compose themselves at the sight of Wickham.
“It is delightful to meet you again, Miss Elizabeth,” Wickham said with a handsome smile as he sat down to enjoy the refreshments offered. Elizabeth could sense Jane’s discomfort and gave her a look of assurance. In any other circumstance, Elizabeth would have resolved to avoid Wickham, just as she had avoided any man after her heartbreak, but at present, she wanted to know more about him because of Darcy. Her curiosity broke her resolution, and she did not want to miss her chance.
“Pray, sir, might I enquire your opinion of our humble village? I should imagine you cannot fail to compare it with others in which your regiment has been stationed,” she asked.
“Charming is the word, Miss Elizabeth. I have not met such amiable people anywhere else, not to mention the honor of meeting beautiful women like you.”
To this, Jane shifted uncomfortably in her chair.
