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Darcy sipped from his drink, looking at the sealed letter. He had been hesitant to write it, but in the end, he had steeled his resolve. It needed to be sent.

He was still bewildered by everything that had occurred in the last three days.

He had left Kent heavy-hearted, angry, resentful, and amazed that he had impulsively proposed to Elizabeth Bennet, and shocked that she had rejected him with a harshness that nobody had ever spoken to him with before.

She had castigated him for separating Bingley from Jane Bennet and scolded him for his cruelty to Wickham.

He had explained his side of the story in the letter he had given her the following day, but as difficult as it was to accept, he had to admit that some of her accusations were just.

What bothered him the most were his actions in regard to Bingley.

He had convinced his friend that Miss Bennet did not return his affection, then agreed with Bingley’s sisters to conceal her presence in London.

Even if Jane Bennet had been the worst sort of woman from the worst sort of family, and even though he believed he had acted in his friend’s best interest, lying to Bingley was reprehensible, and plotting with Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst was embarrassing.

In an attempt to make amends, Darcy had decided to reveal the truth to his friend as soon as he arrived in town, but Bingley’s absence had delayed the confession.

As clear and painful as his memories were, Darcy had not expected to see Miss Elizabeth Bennet again, or at least not so soon. He had imagined that, if it had happened, such an encounter would have surely been by mere coincidence and awkward for both of them.

But before Bingley’s return, that coincidence had taken place in a way Darcy could never have imagined.

A gentleman had knocked on his door, introducing himself as Elizabeth’s uncle and delivering a letter from her.

Darcy had opened it hesitantly, fearfully, only to find a piece of paper that would save him from great distress.

He still wondered how the watch had ended up in Wickham’s hands.

The miniatures had been painted by Georgiana; of that, there was no doubt, and she had admitted as much herself.

His sister’s turmoil the moment he had told her about the pawnshop had been heart-breaking, and she had barely left her room since.

He had tried to comfort her but did not dare impose his presence upon her.

He needed to know who had stolen the watch — was it the scoundrel himself or that Younge woman?

It made little difference, but his anger needed release upon one or other of the miscreants.

There was a knock on the door, and his butler entered and announced Colonel Fitzwilliam’s arrival, so Darcy had to put away his musings for the present.

“Darcy, I came as soon as I received your note. What is so urgent and important? What happened?”

“Thank you for coming, Cousin. It is an important and urgent matter, but it is mostly resolved now. I would not have troubled you, but, as Georgiana’s guardian, you cannot remain ignorant of it.”

“Georgiana visited my mother two days ago, and all seemed well. What happened?” he repeated.

“Take a seat, and I shall pour you a drink. Even though it is very early, you will need it.”

“This sounds scary. I know you disapprove of the habit of early drinking.”

“Not scary but serious. I am not even sure how to begin. A few days ago, in a pawnshop near Cheapside, someone noticed a few miniatures painted by Georgiana, as well as my grandfather Darcy’s watch. They had been pawned by George Wickham.”

“What?”

“Yes. He left them there, received cash in return, and promised to retrieve them in two weeks. That was about two months ago. The pawnbroker was ready sell the watch for profit if he did not receive his money back soon.”

“This is madness! So you did not know he had the watch?”

“No. You can imagine my surprise when I received the news. I immediately went there and retrieved the objects. But what troubles me even more is that Georgiana did not mention the missing watch to me until I asked about it.”

“Wait, wait, slow down a bit, Darcy. What pawnshop? And who saw the watch? Who could have recognised it and informed you?”

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

“Miss Bennet? But how? When? Where is she? How could she know?”

“Miss Bennet is in London, visiting her uncle and aunt, Mr and Mrs Gardiner, who live in Gracechurch Street. It was a mere coincidence that she saw Wickham’s portrait, painted by Georgiana.

She enquired about it, and the owner, a Mr Backer, told her that the miniatures belonged with the watch and that the man who had left it had never returned.

Miss Bennet asked to examine the objects, read the inscription, and made the connection. ”

“But how could she know about Wickham? I do not understand.”

“Wickham told her his story, with all those pitiful complaints about the living left to him by his godfather. She accused me of unfair treatment, so I had to reveal part of the truth, including Wickham’s inclination for depravity and deception.”

“But, Darcy, how come I was unaware of you having such a discussion with Miss Bennet?”

“It was not something I was proud of. But since Miss Bennet had been warned, she made the connection when she saw the objects, then took it upon herself to inform me. Fortunately, I was able to correct the situation in only a few hours.”

Darcy bore the colonel’s curious scrutiny until the latter stood and began to pace the room, thoughtful, sipping from his glass.

“This is all so strange. So Georgiana gave Wickham the watch? And she said nothing to you?”

“Her exact words were, ‘it was not a gift for him to keep’. She seemed more hurt and tormented than appalled about the theft. What can you understand from that?”

“So he stole it? If he did, he should go to prison directly!”

“Her words were confusing. I am not sure whether she gave it to him or whether she knew he had taken it but wanted to let him keep it. I would rather have given that wretch some more money, because if he sold the watch, as he intended, he would receive far less than its true value.”

Darcy paused to sip from his drink.

“It pained me that she did not trust me enough to mention the watch was missing. If I had known, I would have dealt with it a long time ago. She deceived me, and the watch could easily have been lost for good, but imagine if someone had discovered the truth about it! You know Wickham will do anything when he is desperate for money.”

“What was Georgiana thinking? I cannot understand that girl. She is so clever, so wise, so prudent regarding everything else, except for that rogue.”

“She was prudent and wise when she told me about the elopement — we must grant her that. But I believe she is scared, perhaps ashamed to admit all the errors she made during her stay in Ramsgate. I refuse to think too much about what truly happened. I…”

He paused again, took another gulp of his drink, and continued reluctantly.

“For months, I wondered how much had happened… I feared she might be with child, at her young age…”

“Thank God that was not the case,” the colonel replied, emptying his glass in one large gulp. “So, what are your plans now? What will you do with Wickham?”

“I am not sure. As long as Georgiana is hesitant to reveal the whole truth, I cannot risk a scandal. I cannot insist, as she is already very upset. She has not left her room since. Mrs Annesley takes up her food, and I have heard her playing the small pianoforte in her chamber.”

“I understand your reluctance. All you can do is to hope for no other surprises of that sort.”

“I have written to Wickham. I told him I have retrieved the watch, and I mentioned that thieves belong in prison, or worse. I asked him to come and discuss the matter.”

“What is there to discuss? Wickham will never change as long as he can find easy prey. You should have let me shoot him last summer.”

Darcy laughed bitterly. “Brandy always induces you to wish to kill Wickham.”

“I have enough reason for it. At least find a way to send him to war. Or somewhere abroad.”

“Send him away and make him someone else’s problem? That is not very gentlemanlike.”

“Well, you cannot depend on Miss Bennet’s wit and perceptiveness to resolve every problem he creates, and you do not want to shoot him, so what other choice do you have?”

The colonel was speaking half in jest, and Darcy laughed again.

“You always cheer me, Cousin.”

“It is the least I can do. Speaking of Miss Bennet, I applaud her intervention, especially since you and she are more enemies than friends.”

“Her gesture was kind and considerate. But it is not true that we are enemies. We both misjudged certain situations and are now trying to make amends.”

“I am glad to hear that. She is one of the most charming women I know. If she is in London, do you think I could call on her?”

“Why not? She will probably be pleased to see you. And Mr and Mrs Gardiner are very pleasant people.”

“Have you met them?”

“Yes. Mr Gardiner brought me the letter from Miss Bennet informing me about the watch. And then I called to thank them, especially Miss Bennet.”

“Then I shall join you when you visit next. Will you call again soon?”

“I shall wait for Bingley to return to town. There is something of great importance I must discuss with him, then he may or may not wish to visit them.”

“Bingley? Oh, another mystery?”

“No mystery…Bingley was quite attached to Miss Jane Bennet — the eldest sister — when he was in Hertfordshire, and I was not convinced that she returned his feelings. Besides, there were some objections to her family as well. I convinced Bingley it was not a good match for him. But apparently, I was wrong.”

“Oh…”

“So, I must tell Bingley about my error and that Miss Bennet is in town. He is not aware of that. His sisters concealed her presence from him…and so did I.”

“That will be a difficult discussion.”

“Most likely. But it must be had.”

“Well, Cousin, there is another difficult discussion we must have,” the colonel said, puzzling Darcy.

“When we were in Kent, I escorted Miss Bennet on a walk…and we engaged in conversation…and I happened to mention that you congratulated yourself on separating one of your friends from a young lady unsuited to him. Now I understand it was Bingley and her sister. I am sure she guessed as much too.”

Darcy frowned while trying to remain calm. “Do you remember when you had that conversation?”

“Two or three days before we left Rosings. I think it was the day when she felt unwell and did not join the Collinses in taking tea at Rosings. You probably do not remember.”

Darcy held his breath. He did remember — only too well. It was a day he would never forget — the day of the dreadful proposal. No wonder Elizabeth had been so angry with him regarding Bingley since she had just had confirmation of his involvement.

“I remember. Miss Bennet and I had quite a quarrel about it.”

“I am sorry I did not mind my words and my business, Darcy.”

“I should have minded my own business about Bingley, too, Cousin. Perhaps it was for the best that you told Miss Bennet. That way, I had the opportunity to offer some explanations. Which were also wrong, of course.”

“Giving advice in matters of romance and affection is certainly not your strength, Darcy. What I find difficult to understand is why Bingley would listen to you. When I hold a lady in special regard, I certainly do not listen to anyone who purports to know my feelings — or hers.”

“You know too well that Bingley is a decent, honourable man but rather modest. He cannot confront his sisters, and he especially cannot dismiss my opinion. So he obeyed, which makes my error even more significant.”

“Upon my word, I do not envy you, Darcy. You have Georgiana, Wickham, and Bingley on your shoulders — three difficult situations you must settle properly. Let me know how I might help you. What can I do to ease your burden a little?”

“Nothing for now, Cousin. If I need help, I shall certainly ask.”

The colonel remained for a few hours, and the conversation continued without any reasonable conclusion. After he left, Darcy spent a few more hours reflecting on how to best proceed.

Georgiana sent word she would have dinner in her chamber with Mrs Annesley, and Darcy did not attempt to change her mind. He was ready to dine alone when Bingley was announced.

Darcy immediately welcomed his friend and invited him to join him.

“I did not expect you until tomorrow afternoon, Bingley.”

“I returned a day early. I am glad to see you, Darcy. I hope I am not bothering you. I know the hour is inappropriate.”

“You are certainly not bothering me. I am grateful for your company at dinner.”

“And Miss Darcy? Is she in good health?”

“Yes. She was a little indisposed and remained in her room tonight. And you, Bingley? How are you?”

“I am reasonably well,” Bingley replied, sitting down opposite Darcy. “A little confused as to why I spent so much time on someone else’s estate when I have a perfectly fine one that remains closed.”

“A fair question, I might say,” Darcy agreed. “Perhaps you should reconsider your plans, this time without asking for the opinions of others.”

At this, Bingley seemed bewildered, and a frown appeared on his face. Darcy continued with some uneasiness.

“There are a few important things we must discuss, and they might help you decide what to do. I owe you some explanations, and I am ashamed it has taken me so long.”

“What are you saying, Darcy?”

“Perhaps we should eat first. I do not want to ruin your appetite.”

“Well, it is a little late for that. What is wrong?”

“What is wrong was my arrogant presumption to advise you and to judge Miss Bennet’s feelings. I should not have interfered, especially since I am no expert on the subject.”

“Darcy, why are you telling me this now, after all these months?” Bingley asked, clearly dumbfounded.

“Because I have found out from a reliable source that my estimation was incorrect and that I might have induced you to act against your wishes.”

“May I ask what source?” Bingley asked, growing visibly uncomfortable.

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I met her in Kent, and we had quite a quarrel on this subject and several others.”

Bingley’s countenance immediately coloured, and he put down his fork.