Page 4 of Until My Last Breath

Darcy hated that Richard could read him so easily. Indeed, his cousin had been like a thorn in his flesh; and yet, to be honest, he would not change anything — though, perhaps he would change the long periods Richard had spent fighting on the continent. Thank God, with his new assignment, Richard would be allowed to stay in London for some time. Darcy had missed him. The respect and friendship they shared was one of the few things Darcy treasured in his life.

“I was thinking about going on a trip; perhaps to Scotland, or even Ireland,” said Darcy. “Somewhere far away. I think I need to… rest.” A pair of fine eyes invaded his mind, and he shook his head.

Bemused, Richard pursed his lips. “Fine. If you do not want to tell me, it is fine. But do not offend my intelligence. I know something is wrong — you keeping it from me or not.”

There was a long silence before Darcy spoke again. He cleared his throat. “I met a lady last October…” The words slipped quickly from Darcy’s mouth, as if he could change his mind about them.

Richard’s mouth fell opened. “Tell me. Everything.”

Despite himself, Darcy chuckled at his cousin’s childish behaviour. It did not matter how old he was, Richard would always be this playful character – especially regarding matters of the heart.

Darcy started his story with Bingley inviting him to visit a property his friend had planned to lease in Meryton, Hertfordshire, finishing with the disturbing dance at the Netherfield ball, his escape from the area on the following day, and Bingley’s decision not to return — without making any connections or mentioning any names. It would not do for Richard’s loose tongue to put Darcy in a delicate situation with his family. Richard was atrustworthy man, but could speak a bit too much, especially with pretty ladies were concerned.

“Are you in love with her?” Richard asked, amusement plastered on his smiling face. “Could it finally be that my fastidious cousin has at last succumbed to love?”

Darcy turned back to the window, remembering the ball at Netherfield. “Our interaction was somehow… disappointing. There were other inconvenient things to consider.”

There was silence again, and Richard arched his eyebrows.

“What?” Darcy whispered, glancing at his sleeping valet.

“You did not answer my question.”

“Well, perhaps this does, then. This lady questioned my honour about Wickham’s present situation, as if I was responsible for it. There, you see? How can I love, or even care for someone who thinks so ill of me?” He stopped, lowering his gaze to his joined hands. “I believe she has fallen prey to his deception.”

“And how on earth did she meet the miscreant?”

“You know he had joined the militia after... last summer. What you do not know is that they were camping close to Meryton at the same time I was there.” Darcy sighed. “It can only be a sign, can it not, Richard? Stay away from the lady. And that is what I am doing.”

“You said she was acting asifquestioning your honour regarding that reprobate. But you are not sure she was, are you? Perhaps she was just… curious. You know. The female mind. You know sometimes you can overreact—”

“It does not matter anymore. Her family is not what we would consider proper. They are… objectionable. Besides, I am never going to see her again,” Darcy retorted. “I was just concerned for her safety. That is all. Nothing else.”

“If your concern is for this lady’s safety, Darcy, then fear no more. I have been tracking Wickham since last summer. He sold his commission in the Militia and left the area of Meryton last February.”

Darcy looked back at Richard. This new information indeed brought some relief to him. At least she would…

A thought occurred to him. “Richard, you said he sold his commission and left the area. Do you know if he was alone?” A sudden trepidation took hold of his heart.

What if he had married Elizabeth?

“I am sorry, but I do not know. My informers in the Army did not add any other information. The truth is, after he left the Militia, I lost track of him. I do not know where he is now. What I do know is that he had debts of honour and was forced to sell his commission and use the money to repay his creditors.” Richard leant back. “You must know that some fellows are not as forgiving as you were.”

The carriage jolted, and Wilfred straightened up, apologising for having been asleep. Darcy accepted his apologies with a grace which quickly vanished.

Damned Wickham! The man was like a ghost haunting Darcy’s life. Firstly, attempting to elope with his younger sister, and then, shadowing over Miss Elizabeth, feeding her with his lies and cheap charm.

With Wilfred awake, they did not have another opportunity to resume the conversation.

Darcy closed his eyes and tapped his head against the carriage seat behind him. This was much worse than before. How could he have peace of mind not knowing what had happened to Miss Elizabeth?

~ ♥ ~

After arriving at Rosings Park and changing their clothes, Darcy and Richard headed for the drawing room, where they were greeted by their aunt and cousin. Refreshments were ordered and the usual conversation took place; Lady Catherine talking as if alone in the room, Richard smiling and gesticulating to Anne, and Darcy lost in his private thoughts.

It was not until Darcy heard that Mr Collins had recently married that he gave some attention to what his aunt was saying.

“Mr Collins, married? I mean, um… I met him last November in Hertfordshire…” Darcy said.

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