Page 8 of Missing

"And your father, dear Georgiana?" Wickham asked, pretending ignorance of the situation. He knew very well that George Darcy was unwell and resting in his chamber. Wickham had come to seize the opportunity of being alone with Georgiana and begin weaving his web of intrigue and deceit.

"I am sorry, George, but my father has not been feeling well. The doctor has ordered rest," Georgiana replied sorrowfully. She could not bear to see her father so fragile and without energy.

"I am sorry to hear uncle George has been ill.

But do not trouble yourself, Georgiana; your father is a strong man, and I am certain he will recover in a few days.

Since I am here, may I stay to dine with you?

I do not wish you to feel lonely, and you know how much I delight in your lovely company. "

"Of course, George. It will be pleasant to have dinner with you. Also, please visit my father, for he always enjoys spending time with you."

Wickham seated himself beside Georgiana, took her hand, and added in a honeyed voice, "Georgiana, each time I see you, I perceive more clearly that you are no longer a girl. You are now a woman—a beautiful woman."

Georgiana grew very uneasy. For several months, Mr. Wickham had looked and spoken to her in a manner she did not like. She replied nervously, without meeting his gaze, "Thank you, George."

"Georgiana, dearest, I love the colour of your eyes. Pray allow me to see them," Wickham said, attempting to take her face in his hands.

"Good evening, Georgie! Your favourite cousin has come to dine with you," Colonel Fitzwilliam declared. He longed to strike Wickham upon seeing him so near his shy cousin, but he restrained his anger, unwilling to cause Georgiana distress.

"Richard, I am so happy to see you. You know how much I love dining with you. Please, remain with me a moment and tell me what you have done today," Georgiana said with pleading eyes. She dreaded being left alone with Wickham.

"Of course, dearest. But I would be obliged if you could do me a favour. Will you go to your father's room and see if uncle George is awake? I should like to speak with him before dinner."

"Certainly, dear cousin. I shall also see if my father requires anything," Georgiana replied, relieved to be spared another minute in Wickham's company.

As soon as she left the room, Richard turned to Wickham, speaking in a threatening tone. "I do not know what you are plotting, but I forbid you to trouble Georgiana again."

"I do not know what you mean, Fitzwilliam? I love Georgiana, and she enjoys my company as much as I enjoy hers," Wickham replied, feigning offence.

"You love only two things, Wickham: money and yourself. Do not waste your time denying the obvious. Georgie is the heiress to a great fortune, and I know too well your true intentions. Be assured, I shall be watching you. If ever I see you disturbing my cousin again, I will call you out."

"I am glad my poor godfather is not here, for he would be deeply grieved to hear such dreadful lies spoken of me. You know how much he esteems me," Wickham said with a smirk.

"He values you only out of loyalty to your parents. But I owe nothing to anyone, nor does my father. So make no mistake, you foolish scoundrel—we shall be watching you." Richard gave Wickham a hard shove and went in search of Georgiana.

Wickham was somewhat troubled, for he knew Richard hated him and would do everything in his power to thwart his designs upon Georgiana.

'I must contrive something to remove you from my path, Richard Fitzwilliam,' Wickham thought, pouring himself a glass of his godfather's excellent brandy.

◆◆◆

Elizabeth had spent a delightful evening at the Daltons' the day before. Aunt Violet had been most kind and treated her with such affection that she could not help but feel grateful for all her attentions. Yet what left her nervous, excited, and frightened was the memory of Mr. Dalton.

William Dalton was the very opposite of what she had always imagined her ideal man to be.

Though undeniably handsome, he was serious and observant, preferring to listen and offer his opinion only when he deemed it necessary.

Elizabeth had always been drawn to men of easy conversation, yet Mr. Dalton, with his enigmatic silence, had captivated her completely.

Elizabeth had little experience with the opposite sex, yet she felt almost certain that Mr. Dalton was attracted to her. What she could not comprehend was why he spoke so little to her, while at the same time never removing his eyes from her for most of the evening.

After breakfast, Elizabeth went to the small room overlooking the main street to write a letter to Charlotte.

She longed to share with her dear friend all she had done in London during the past few days.

Unfortunately, Jane was entirely occupied with her wedding preparations and had no leisure for her.

Elizabeth had scarcely written the first paragraph when she saw the Bingleys' carriage approach.

A few minutes later, Jane entered the house accompanied by Caroline. Elizabeth could not understand why they had come so early, and she immediately went to the parlour to greet them and learn the reason for their visit.

"But Jane, we still have many things to buy to complete your trousseau. Besides, the plan was for you to stay two more weeks with us," Mrs. Gardiner said with concern.

"Madam, my dear Jane already has everything she needs.

My modiste has her measurements, and once everything is ready, she will send it directly to Netherfield.

There is no need to waste more time here, especially since Charles must return to Netherfield tomorrow.

My brother is a gentleman, and he must attend to his estate.

Only merchants can remain in the city all year," Caroline explained, eager to emphasise that they did not belong to the same social class.

Louisa and Caroline had other motives for wishing to return to Hertfordshire. They were determined that Mrs. Bennet should not oversee the wedding arrangements, for they could not endure the thought of their brother's wedding being decorated with vulgar taste.

Jane disliked Caroline's manner of speaking to Mrs. Gardiner. It was arrogant and unnecessarily hurtful, for her aunt had shown the greatest consideration. Yet Jane, uncertain what to say, preferred to explain herself.

"Aunt, I am sorry I could not spend more time with you, and believe me, I truly value your kindness and your generous gifts," Jane said with a smile.

Elizabeth greeted her sister and Caroline, and then asked, vexed, "Jane, you should have told me in advance that we were to return to Longbourn tomorrow."

"Eliza, I am sorry, but there is no room for you in our carriage. I trust your aunt will not mind your staying here a few more days." Caroline and Louisa wished to keep Elizabeth as far away from Jane as possible, convinced that she was a terrible influence.

"Of course, Elizabeth is welcome and may stay with us as long as she pleases," Mrs. Gardiner replied. She was displeased with the arrangement, but as Jane was not her daughter, she could not oppose her decision.

"And you, Jane—what do you think of all this?" Elizabeth asked. She longed to know whether her sister herself had chosen this course.

"Lizzy, I think I ought to return to Longbourn, for I have much to organise at Netherfield, and besides—"

"That is quite right, Eliza. My dear Jane and I have a great deal to do at Netherfield, though we are not certain how much time we wish to spend there, for we must also introduce Jane into London society.

We cannot remain in a place with so little cultural and social variety," Caroline continued, speaking nearly five minutes of all she intended to do, while Jane nodded in approval.

"I know that many changes await me in my new life as Mrs. Bingley, and I hope you will understand and support me," Jane concluded.

"Of course, we shall support you in everything, dear niece," Mrs. Gardiner said, taking her hand.

Elizabeth also offered words of support, though not without hesitation. She had noticed how Caroline observed her sister's every word and action.

Jane's belongings were soon loaded into the carriage, and Jane and Caroline set off for the Hursts'.

Elizabeth was saddened, but Mrs. Gardiner comforted her, reminding her that Jane was under tremendous pressure and that once the wedding was over, she would likely return to her former self. Elizabeth, however, was not so sure.

◆◆◆

William had found it difficult to fall asleep the night before, his thoughts consumed by the beautiful Elizabeth Bennet.

He was not a man given to romance, yet he was almost certain he had fallen in love at first sight.

Still, he did not know what to do with the overwhelming sentiment that had taken possession of both his mind and his heart.

"Good morning, son. I am sorry you had to begin breakfast alone, but I retired late after such a delightful evening."

"Do not worry, Mother. Today I have an appointment with some men at the port, and that is why I rose so early," William replied, smiling at her.

Violet had not failed to observe the way her son had looked at the lovely Elizabeth throughout the evening.

She knew him too well not to perceive that he was attracted to her, though he likely did not yet know how to act upon such feelings.

She wished with all her heart that Elizabeth might grant her son a chance, and that she might see the excellent man he truly was beneath his reserve and shyness.

"Mother, I shall be away from home for most of the day. I am sorry to leave you so much alone; I promise I shall soon be able to conduct much of my work from here, so we may spend more time together."