Free B00CO8L910 EBOK by KaraLynne Mackrory Page B

continued.
    “Mr. Wickham has been blessed with such happy manners as may insure his becoming a favorite of my daughters for some time now. He was out walking with my two youngest daughters and Mr. Denny when Lydia fell. What I find odd is that, upon returning her to Longbourn, Mr. Wickham seemed agitated and nervous, especially before the apothecary could come and administer a calming draught. Despite the turmoil of the moment, you see, I took notice of his behavior. At the time, I confess, I believed him to be acting the concerned suitor. It has been his later actions that have made me wonder whether perhaps his behavior was more suspicious.”
    “Suspicious, sir?” Mr. Darcy was beginning to feel unwell.
    “He has not returned to our home once since the day of the accident — not when she was ill nor when the news of her death was generally known. Indeed, nobody has seen him in Meryton at all since the day of her fall. From what you know of the man, do you find this behavior odd?”
    Darcy pondered this discourse. Damn you, Wickham! He was beginning to worry that his old friend was involved beyond what was known. Hoping to shield Mr. Bennet from further grief, Darcy decided that, until he could discover more of Wickham’s motives and disappearance, he would not share his conjectures.
    “I cannot say for certain, sir. I understand what you are hinting at, and although I know Wickham capable of the worst kind of deceit, selfishness and mercenary behaviors, I cannot confirm your suspicions. Please do not allow his disappearance to distress you further. It would not surprise me if he simply left to avoid an uncomfortable situation.”
    “Do you know where he might have gone? I should like to ask him some questions. The accident occurred around a bend in the path, therefore Mr. Denny and Kitty did not see it happen as they were a few paces behind.” The frustration was evident in his voice.
    Darcy stood and returned his glass to the sideboard. “Unfortunately, I do not. I will see whether I might learn more. For now, if you will forgive my presumption, you should forget about Wickham and focus more on the needs of your family at this sad time.”
    Mr. Bennet nodded solemnly. “I appreciate your understanding regarding the altogether untoward manner of this conference. Although we were formally introduced last autumn, I do not believe we have had the pleasure of any kind of conversation before this. I recognize my familiarity in addressing you is rather unprecedented.”
    Darcy gave a wry, half smile as his own thoughts echoed those sentiments.
    “For whatever it is worth, I never believed Wickham’s stories of maltreatment at your hands. Other than being a rather boring, disagreeable fellow, I did not think you so dishonorable that you would go against your father’s wishes.”
    Darcy ignored the unflattering description of his person as not intentionally insulting and recognized Mr. Bennet’s words acquitting him of his cruelty towards Mr. Wickham. He did begin, however, to understand the manner of falsehood Wickham had blandished about regarding their past, but he was grateful to hear nothing about his sister.
    A moment or two passed in which both gentlemen were occupied with their own thoughts before Mr. Bennet recalled himself and suggested they join the ladies.
    * * *
    Elizabeth had not realized Mr. Darcy was still at Longbourn until he entered the parlor with her father. She mulled over their delay until Jane stood and said, “Mr. Darcy, thank you for returning our sister to us. It was very kind of you to go to so much trouble.” Her voice faltered only briefly, and Mr. Darcy saw the manifold effort it took for her to hide her feelings. Seeing her struggle for composure brought Elizabeth’s words forcibly to his mind once again. “Her emotions, though little displayed, are fervent and tender.” How could I have thought her heart untouched? He recognized they shared a character trait: neither of them