Free Elizabeth Bennet's Deception: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Regina Jeffers Page B

wrapper and then go to the last room on the right. Miss Elizabeth awaits her there.”
    “Did you think to take up residence with Mr. Bennet’s second daughter?” Wickham smirked. “I can attest to…”
    Whatever Mr. Wickham meant to speak against Lydia Bennet’s character was cut short as Darcy pinned his former friend to the back of the door, a forearm across Wickham’s throat.
    “You will not speak unkindly of Miss Elizabeth or her sisters,” Darcy hissed. Without looking to the girl who acted so foolishly in giving her honor to a cad, he ordered, “Miss Lydia, you will join your sister immediately.”
    “But…”
    “Immediately,” Darcy barked. He waited until the girl grabbed a wrapper and scurried from the room before he released Wickham. “Have a seat,” Darcy commanded, shoving the scoundrel toward a chair.
    Wickham rubbed his neck.
    “No reason to act with violence.” Wickham straightened his shirt. “As I full y understand that this is not a pleasant reunion, what business do we have, Darcy? I thought you never wished to see me again.”
    Darcy attempted to control his anger, but Wickham long since learned how to incite Darcy’s response.
    “You understood correctly, but the Devil has a way of rearing his ugly head at the most inopportune times.”
    “Why you, Darcy? Is this because of Miss Elizabeth? I long suspected you favored the woman.”
    Darcy ignored the question. If Wickham recognized Darcy’s regard for Elizabeth, it would cost the Bennets more to claim Wickham’s cooperation.
    “In truth, Mr. Bingley asked for my intervention. A letter arrived in Derbyshire from Miss Bennet with hopes that Bingley could aid her family. Before Bingley rushed to Hertfordshire, he begged my assistance. Your own words told all of Meryton we held a contemptuous relationship. Bingley means to make Miss Bennet his wife, and her younger sister’s actions brought harm to the family’s reputation.”
    “And how did you connect with Miss Elizabeth?” Wickham studied Darcy searching for the holes in Darcy’s tale.
    What his friend did not realize was since their youthful days when Wickham easily read Darcy’s thoughts, Darcy learned the fine art of negotiation at his revered father’s knee: He schooled his features before answering. As partial truths served him well to this point, Darcy improvised his response.
    “Miss Elizabeth and I renewed our acquaintance in Kent. Before we parted, she told me of often spending time with her aunt and uncle in Cheapside. After learning of Miss Lydia’s flight to London, I assumed Mr. Bennet would call in at Gracechurch Street; therefore, I made the necessary contacts. I was not surprised Miss Elizabeth accompanied Mr. Bennet to London. This situation caused Mrs. Bennet much anguish and affected the health of both of the Bennets. Miss Elizabeth feared seeing Miss Lydia brought low would harm the family patriarch, and so she convinced her father to permit her to reason with Miss Lydia first.”
    Wickham shrugged his shoulders in indifference.
    “I hold no objections if Lydia wishes to return to Longbourn with her sister.”
    “Then you do not mean to act with honor?” Darcy forced his hands still: Other than personal satisfaction, it would prove pointless to beat Mr. Wickham senseless. The man possessed no scruples.
    Wickham snarled a laugh.
    “Why would I wish to marry Lydia? Even you would not wish me such a fate.”
    “You should have considered your options before you departed Brighton with the chit. The girl’s family expects a marriage.”
    Wickham traced circles on a dusty table.
    “I have expectations also, Darcy.”
    “Mr. Bennet is not a rich man, but he is willing to present you with the girl’s share of her mother’s portion.”
    Wickham did not look at him, which meant Wickham did not wish Darcy to note the scheming in his eyes.
    “The girl’s portion is not enough to cover my debts,” Wickham responded matter-of-factly.
    “That bad?”