Page 78 of Mr. Darcy and the Mysterious "Miss B"
Darcy was quiet for a long moment, staring into his wine glass. “I never told her about Wickham. About what he did to Georgiana.”
“What?” Bingley’s expression shifted from anger to confusion. “But surely you mentioned—”
“I alluded to something that had made me feel like a poor guardian to my sister, but I gave her no details.” Darcy’s drummed his fingers on the table. “I could not bring myself to speak of that shameful episode again. I blamed myself enough for failing to protect Georgiana properly.”
“Darcy,” Bingley said. “You cannot blame yourself for Wickham’s manipulations. He fooled your father for years, fooled Georgiana completely. The man is a master of deception.”
“Nevertheless, I should have warned Elizabeth. If she had known Wickham’s true character, she would never have entertained his accusations for a moment.”
“Perhaps not, but—” Bingley paused, studying his friend’s face with growing understanding. “You are not truly angry with Elizabeth for doubting, are you? You are angry with yourself for not preparing her to face such lies.”
Darcy lifted his eyes to meet Bingley’s concerned gaze. “I am angry with myself for many things. But yes, I am also hurt that she did not trust me enough to dismiss such accusations immediately.”
“Have you spoken to her since the quarrel?”
“No. What would be the point? She has shown me exactly how much faith she has in my character.”
Bingley leaned back in his chair. “My friend, may I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Do you love her?”
The question hung in the air between them. Darcy’s chest loosened at finally hearing the words spoken aloud.
“Yes,” he said. “I love her more than I thought it possible to love anyone.”
“Then go to her.” Bingley’s voice was strong. “Pride is a cold bedfellow, Darcy. If you love Elizabeth Bennet, then fight for her. Explain about Wickham, help her understand why she was vulnerable to his lies. Do not throw away your chance at happiness over a misunderstanding.”
“It was more than a misunderstanding—”
“Was it?” Bingley interrupted. “She was approached by lies designed to wound her, delivered by your enemy in alliance with her family’s greatest threat. She had no knowledge of Wickham’s true character to protect her from his deceptions. And when confusion arose, she came to you rather than simply accepting the accusations. Does that not speak to some level of trust?”
Darcy considered this, turning the events over in his mind from a different angle. Elizabeth had not believed Wickham immediately—she had brought her doubts to him, seeking the truth. It was only his anger at learning Morton’s involvement that had prevented him from providing the explanations she sought.
“You may be right,” he admitted.
“I am right. Now finish your wine and go to her before you lose her to your own stubborn pride.”
***
An hour later, Darcy stood before the familiar entrance to Darcy House, his steps quickening as he approached. He would seek Elizabeth at the Gardiners’ immediately, armed with the full truth about Wickham and a thorough apology for his own poor handling of their quarrel.
Morrison met him at the door with obvious relief. “Mr Darcy, sir. You have a visitor in the morning room.”
“I cannot receive anyone at present—”
“It is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, sir. She arrived with Miss Georgiana an hour ago.”
Darcy’s heart stuttered. “Miss Bennet is here?”
“Yes, sir. Miss Georgiana took her to the morning room whilst they waited for your return.”
Darcy strode towards the morning room, his pulse quickening with each step. As he approached, he could hear the soft murmur of feminine voices through the partially open door.
“…should not blame yourself,” Georgiana was saying. “Wickham has always been extraordinarily skilled at deception. He convinced our father of his worth for years, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. Even I believed his lies completely.”
“But I should have seen through him immediately,” Elizabeth replied, her voice thick with regret. “Especially knowing that James Morton was involved. I should have trusted what I knew of Mr Darcy’s character.”
