Darcy and Elizabeth What If? Collection 1 by Jennifer Lang Read Free Book Online Page B

then settled himself back in his chair. His noble profile was not as handsome as Darcy’s but there was still a family resemblance.
    Mr Darcy told him of the problem.
    ‘At what point do you think I am justified in interfering?’ asked Darcy. ‘Am I justified in saying something as soon as I return to Meryton? Or should I wait until it becomes clear that Wickham’s attentions are giving rise to expectations? Expectations that he cannot meet.’
    ‘It is difficult,’ admitted Colonel Fitzwillam with a frown.
    ‘And should I speak to Wickham or should I put the lady on her guard? If so, should I casually drop the information into conversation, as if it was common knowledge, or make a point of it?’
    Colonel Fitzwilliam gave the matter careful thought.
    ‘You have asked for my advice, and so I will give it. I think you should speak to Wickham and tell him you know of his marriage. Warn him that if he does not stop paying particular attention to certain ladies you will make his marriage known. Further, I think you should tell him that he should also reveal the fact of his marriage in a casual way, so that it seems like a commonplace thing and not something he ever intended to hide.’
    ‘Which I am sure he did,’ said Darcy.
    ‘I agree,’ said Colonel Fitzwilliam. ‘But by speaking to him quietly you will give him a chance to hang on to his reputation – and also allow the lady to keep hers. For it will expose her to unpleasant gossip if he wins her affections and it then becomes known that he was merely toying with her.’
    Darcy nodded. ‘Good advice. I am glad we had this chance to talk. I will give Wickham his opportunity to retire gracefully. After all, we were friends once, and he has not done anything so terrible that I would wish to disgrace him in public. He has led a wild youth, but so have many other men. And as for his present behaviour, although it is not befitting a gentleman, it is not a crime. So yes, I will give him a chance to set matters to right. And I will tell him he must let the lady know the truth when they are somewhere quiet, so that her initial reaction to the knowledge will not be seen by curious eyes and form the subject of gossip.’
    The problem having been satisfactorily discussed, Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam joined Bingley and Georgiana at the pianoforte.

Chapter Seven
     
    Elizabeth walked into town with her sisters. Jane was quieter than usual, and had been so since Mr Bingley left for London.
    Kitty and Lydia, the two youngest sisters, ran on ahead and looked at the bonnets in the milliner’s window, whilst Mary went into one of the neighbouring shops to buy some new music.
    ‘You miss him, don’t you?’ asked Elizabeth.
    ‘Yes,’ said Jane. ‘I do. He is the most agreeable man of my acquaintance. But Mama says he will be returning to Meryton tomorrow.’
    Elizabeth did not find it unusual that Mrs Bennet should know about the comings and goings at Netherfield Park. Servants talked, and any news of this kind swiftly travelled round the neighbourhood.
    ‘I think you will make a good match,’ said Elizabeth.
    ‘Oh, Lizzy, not you too! I have had Mama talking about a match between us ever since we met. It is far too soon to speak of such things.’
    ‘To speak of them, perhaps, but not to think of them. Confess, Jane, you have thought of it.’
    ‘Well, yes, if you press me dear Elizabeth, I must say that I have. But I am not foolish, I hope. I know that young men of his age do not always settle, and I have seen other young woman have their hearts broken, so I am not regarding his affection as a settled thing. But how about you, Lizzy. You are very fond of Mr Wickham, are you not?’
    ‘Yes, I confess I am. He is entertaining and charming and my idea of what a gentleman should be.’
    ‘I will say what you said to me only moments ago: I think you will make a good match.’
    ‘And I will echo your sentiments, Jane, and say that it is too soon to speak of such