Page 36 of I am Jael (Pride and Prejudice Variation)

“If you will sign here, Mr. Wickham,” Darcy’s lawyer, Mr. Wood, requested, pointing at the appropriate line on the document.

George Wickham did so with a flourish of the pen. When he straightened up, the lawyer glanced at Fitzwilliam Darcy, who nodded grimly.

The lawyer maintained an impassive facade, but Darcy’s face was stiff with hostility. Wickham cared not a whit; his childhood friend, now the haughty and uptight owner of Pemberley, had come through at last.

“Thank you very much,” Wickham said with a slight bow, accepting the bank draft.

He nodded indifferently at Darcy and turned on his heel, exiting the lawyer’s office where the legal transaction had been completed.

There was no time like the present to start enjoying the fruits of his labor.

What to do first? Gambling and drinking had their usual appeal, but perhaps he should purchase a new set of clothes first?

Look at houses to lease or buy? Visit a brothel?

There were a vast number of new possibilities now that he was flush with cash.

Somewhat to his surprise, and entirely to his irritation, Darcy followed him into the corridor.

“What do you want?” he demanded.

“I want nothing from you than to be left entirely alone, Wickham,” the taller man stated coldly. “I will pay you no more, is that clear? I will not clean up your debts, I will not give you any livings, and I have no desire to see you again. I am finished with you.”

George Wickham shrugged, “I assure you, Darcy, I would be delighted if we do not set eyes on each other in this lifetime. I am all too ready to live without the specter of the haughty and priggish Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley looming over me. Enjoy your life, Darcy, even as I completely intend to enjoy mine.”