"You would kill any regard she has for you. How you have convinced her to care for you is beyond me"
"Well I confess it would be nice to keep her thinking well of me a little longer. But desperate times call for desperate measures"
"What desperate times? Why can't you just walk away?"
"I'm running low on suitable wealthy prospects. The little chit Miss King, wouldn't entertain me at all as she knew I was courting Elizabeth. She was taken away anyway. Town know me too well. I can't very well just keep touring the country looking for a wealthy lady, now can I? Travel takes money and I have none."
"Surely you figured this out before asking Miss Elizabeth to marry you?"
"Well yes but I didn't figure on her father being so stubborn"
Darcy let out a humourless laugh, well aware of how stubborn Mr Bennet could be "really?"
"I am aware that she has over six thousand pounds, thanks to her investments. But Bennet has stipulated all sorts in the marriage contract and only a portion of her dowry comes to me. The rest is in bonds and the income is to be paid half to her for the running of the house and pin money, and half to me. Not quite what I had in mind. So, I am improvising."
Darcy was actually impressed with Mr Bennet's resolve. Who would have thought he could be sensible.
"So why not walk away? The militia will leave soon and I doubt Mr Bennet would seek compensation."
"I could, but I am still better off marrying her. And she is quite delicious. I would not mind having her in my bed. Even if someone was there first"
It took all of Mr Darcy's strength not to cross the room and hit the horrid man in front of him. How could he talk so about someone he professes to love?
"Which brings me to my next question of why would you think I would pay you for this?"
"Because you have a thing for the chit"
Darcy practically shouted "Don't refer to Miss Elizabeth like that"
Wickham smiled a satisfied smile "maybe more than just a thing for her. Which makes me think you will pay for her, if only to stop the likes of Lord Hervey getting hold of her"
Darcy knew not what to do "how much?" He asked in resignation
"Two thousand pounds"
"Don't be ridiculous"
"I could get a thousand from one of the low life's in town. This is a rare sale. Your price is more"
"What's to stop me just telling Mr or Miss Bennet about this talk?"
Wickham laughed "they wouldn't believe you"
Darcy cursed quietly, he was right, no one would believe this. He checked the clock, Bingley would be back soon.
"I'll give you my answer next week" Darcy was hoping to have more time to talk to the Bennet's, or to get advice from the colonel.
"Sorry Darce. My nuptials are in ten days and if your answer is no I need to be making other arrangements, it wouldn't do to keep the little lady waiting on her wedding night, I must have something ready by then."
"two days"