Free Unforgiving Temper by Gail Head

like you. From the moment I was informed of your
true character, I realized you have taken every advantage of our
hospitality and used us all very ill. The manner in which you
forced yourself upon me last night and again this morning has given
proof to the ungentleman-like sketch of your character. I have
nothing further to say. Good day, sir!”
    Wickham's smile flattened into an inflexible
line as he moved swiftly, reaching out and capturing her wrist in a
crushing grip.
    “I pray you stay one moment.” The tenor of
his words betrayed his impatience. “I had hoped to appeal to your
sense of independence; but I see you require additional persuasion
to fully comprehend the advantages of my offer.”
    Wickham's brutal intimidation gave rise to
Elizabeth's courage. His painful grasp warned her that any display
of weakness could prove disastrous.
    “You will release me, sir! There is nothing
you could possibly say that would tempt me to accept such an
offer!”
    “Ah, that is where you are greatly mistaken,”
he replied serenely. “You will recall our conversation last evening
and how much I have enjoyed your sister Lydia's company. Have you
not wondered why?”
    His leering words halted Elizabeth's attempts
to free herself, an ominous foreboding gripping her heart. Wickham
released his hold and she stood motionless, waiting for him to
continue.
    “I observe you are a most devoted sister. I
take it that you would not wish any disgrace to come to Miss
Lydia?”
    “Do not play games with me, sir. What is your
meaning?”
    “My meaning is this,” he responded lightly,
“Miss Lydia thinks herself in love with me. It must be the uniform.
Do you think? She does love a man in a red coat, you know. More
importantly, she has professed that love quite eloquently.”
    “You cannot be serious if you think to ruin
my sister's reputation! You cannot succeed. The word of our family
against yours would certainly prevail!”
    “It would not be my word at all, but your
sister's own words that will ruin her.” Smiling widely, he pulled a
thick packet of letters from his coat and held them up for
Elizabeth to see. “She has been very generous - and might I add
explicit - in her affection for me. Here, you may examine one for
yourself.”
    Elizabeth took the letter he offered and
immediately recognized Lydia's cramped hand. Reading the first few
lines, she blushed furiously at the words and knew he spoke the
truth. Her sister's obviously unbridled passion and boldness in
expressing it would be her own ruin. This was bad – very bad – for
Lydia, for Jane's hopes with Mr. Bingley, for their entire
family. She raised her eyes to Mr. Wickham.
    “Are you two engaged, sir?”
    “Oh, no! Nothing of the kind!” he laughed
scornfully.
    Elizabeth drew a shaky breath. “Have you…has
my sister been compromised?”
    Wickham paused, enjoying the moment as he
watched Elizabeth struggle with the reality of her sister's
reckless behavior.
    “Not yet; although I must say she is very
persuasive.”
    Wickham's amusement and lack of concern for
Lydia's reputation or that of her family was obvious. The feeling
of dread that had shadowed her since their conversation on the
terrace now threatened to engulf her. What had Lydia done? Stupid,
stupid girl!
    “But, do not distress yourself so, madam. I
offer hope for a brighter future. You see, I could be
persuaded to part with the letters and discourage Miss Lydia's
affection. It would only require your cooperation in the matter of
my friend's ward.”
    “I will not be blackmailed!” she replied
coldly, pushing down her rising panic.
    “Blackmail is such an ugly word. Let us call
it a friendly persuasion. Do you not think it unfortunate that your
sister would expose herself to ridicule, especially now that a
certain gentleman has returned to the neighborhood? If these
letters were to be made public, your whole family would most
assuredly partake of Lydia's shame. Very unfortunate,