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

my pride to rule my head. I came to the conclusion I could not attach our family name to the Bennets; therefore, I practiced a ruse to keep Bingley from Miss Bennet. I did not trust myself to be often in Miss Elizabeth’s company. I told my troubled heart if I did not act with perfidy, I would lose Bingley’s most excellent friendship forever.”
    While he thought on how to explain the remainder of his tale, Darcy permitted his servants to serve the fish course. Under Mrs. Annesley’s tutorage his sister had learned to act as hostess, and so Georgiana waited until Darcy’s footmen stepped into the servants’ hall before she continued their conversation.
    “Was this desire not to encounter the lady again the source of your reluctance at assisting Miss Elizabeth when she appeared upon Pemberley’s threshold?”
    “No, dearest one.” Darcy placed his utensils upon the table and turned to his sister. It was important for Georgiana to know the whole truth. “Miss Elizabeth learned that Mr. Wickham ran off with her younger sister.” He would not disclose to his sister his misplaced accusations regarding Elizabeth’s culpability. “Miss Elizabeth wished my assistance in locating Mr. Wickham.”
    Georgiana’s bottom lip trembled, but not from fear of encountering Wickham. Darcy found her courage remarkable.
    “How terrible for Miss Elizabeth’s family.” Darcy could read his sister’s thoughts: If he did not interrupt Wickham’s plans, Lydia Bennet’s fate would be hers. “I realize you held no desire to associate with Mr. Wickham, but please say you knew success.”
    Darcy squeezed the back of her hand.
    “It was not easy, but I possessed the direction for where I sent the last of Mrs. Younge’s wages. The woman knew of Mr. Wickham and Miss Lydia’s whereabouts. I am sorry to say Wickham held no intention of marrying Miss Lydia, but Mr. Gardiner and I threatened debtors’ prison if Wickham did not act with honor toward the lady. The marriage settlements were drawn, and I will return to Town to assure that Mr. Wickham speaks his vows.”
    “I am certain Miss Elizabeth is quite relieved,” Georgiana assured.
    “Before the papers were signed, the lady returned to Longbourn to assist in the care of her family, but I assume the Gardiners kept Miss Elizabeth informed.”
    Georgiana was very quiet for several minutes before she spoke again.
    “William, I possess a question.”
    “Then ask it. I am at your disposal.”
    “We assumed part of Mr. Wickham’s attentions to me were because he wished revenge upon the Darcy name. If that is true, and it is also true the Bennets are not so well placed, why did Mr. Wickham choose to run off with Miss Lydia? What was his motive?”
    Darcy added quickly, “Mr. Wickham’s debts caused him to flee Brighton, where he held residence with the Meryton militia.”
    “Meryton? Is that not the name of the village close to Netherfield? Was Mr. Wickham in Meryton when you visited with Mr. Bingley?”
    “Not at the outset,” Darcy explained. “He appeared in the village a few days after Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth returned to Longbourn, once Miss Bennet recovered from her illness. I did not wish to tell you because I feared it might upset you.”
    Georgiana paused for responding.
    “I would not welcome the news, and I understand your caution.” She cleared her throat. “Did Mr. Wickham recognize your interest in Miss Elizabeth?”
    “Mr. Wickham filled Miss Elizabeth’s head with his version of what occurred since our time at Cambridge.”
    Georgiana shook off his explanation.
    “That is not what I asked. I would expect nothing less from Mr. Wickham. However, do you think it possible Mr. Wickham chose to ruin Miss Lydia because of your attentions to Miss Elizabeth? Could our father’s godson think to best you by destroying your chances with Miss Elizabeth?”
    His sister’s analysis took Darcy’s breath away.
    “I thought of many possibilities, but not that