AN: I am surprised at how fast i finished this but know that this is not edited much. when i finished writing it i immediately posted it too worried that i would go through and change the whole thing. if anyone has any input or changes they want let me know and i will try to do it.

Elizabeth's POV

I took a deep breath and realized it would be best to start from the beginning. "When I was younger, about 16, Lydia was all excited because we heard that there would be a parade for people in the military and their families. Even as a preteen she had a thing for men in uniform. She made me promise to go with her because our dad wouldn't let her go without either me or Jane and Jane was on a class trip at the time. I agreed to go only after I talked to Richard about going with us. I had a gut feeling that we shouldn't go on our own. It turns out I should have listened to that feeling, but Lydia was very demanding about going. The day of the parade, Richard called and said that he would meet us there because something came up. I was very tempted to just wait for him to come get us, but Lydia was annoying me too much. We got in my car and drove to old town, where the parade was being held. I was surprised that we were able to find a spot so quickly, but pushed it aside when I saw a few of Lydia's friends nearby. When the parade began, I made sure that my phone was in my hand so that I could feel it go off when Richard arrived. Lydia had begun to talk to a guy in the group, who freaked me out a bit. I don't know how else to describe it." I shuddered as I thought about that first meeting with Wickham. I wish I had listened to my instincts but I didn't and, now Lydia and I are still dealing with the repercussions of that. I would never forgive myself for what Lydia went through.

"before I could think about it too much, Richard had texted me that he was not going to make it. I told him he would have to make it up to me later on and walked over to Lydia to let her know. As soon as I said Richard's name, the guy that Lydia was with seemed to devote all his attention to me and Lydia. I didn't think anything of at the time and just thought that he was trying to hook up with one of us. I made it clear that Lydia was only 12 and he should leave her alone, but Lydia wouldn't stop trying to get his attention. I learned that he was newly enlisted and that was all it took for Lydia to fall for him. I ignored Wickham for the most part and just watched the parade, but Lydia was another story. It seemed that the more Wickham tried to get my attention the more Lydia tried to get his. I hoped that Lydia would realize that he wasn't paying her any attention but it was in vain. By the end of the parade, she managed to slip him our home number and got him to talk to her while ignoring me. When we left, he tried to follow us to our car, but I managed to get Lydia to agree to go to a nearby restaurant for food. When we finally arrived at home, Jane told me that I had a message from someone named George and that he left his number for me to call him back. Lydia was furious and refused to acknowledge me for a few months. I decided not to call Wickham back, but I didn't take into consideration the fact that he could call again. He called the house the next day and my mom answered the phone." I was close to tears at this point. Lydia and I had never been close but George Wickham brought us closer through this incident. I knew in order for William to understand what happened next I needed to explain my mother's behavior a bit.

"One thing you should know about my mother is that she has made it obvious that I am her least favorite and that she would love it if I was not around. Even at the age of sixteen, she was trying to get me married and out of the house. When Jane gave me the message about Wickham, I told her and everyone else to just tell him I wasn't available because I had no intention of talking to him, but my mom ignored this. When he called the following day, she told him she would get me and she actually tracked me down in my father's study to answer the phone. She refused to tell me who was on the phone so I had no choice but to answer it. When I discovered it was Wickham, I was furious with my mother. I tried to get off the phone as quickly as possible, but nothing worked. I finally ended up just hanging up on him and then going back to my father to tell him what occurred. He was upset with my mother as well but he didn't know what to do. The same thing occurred for the rest of the week until I started to look forward to the calls. I realize now that was his plan. He was after me for two reasons, my connection to Richard and my lack of interest in him. Every conversation, he asked me out and eventually I gave in. at first he was the perfect gentleman. He seemed to want to spoil me, but this didn't last for long. After we had been seeing each other for about a month, he wanted to be exclusive. I wasn't ready for that and I told him so. He didn't like my response and grabbed my arm hard. He ended up twisting my wrist just short of breaking it. When I still wouldn't give in and I was in tears, he seemed to have realized what he did. He apologized and took me to get my wrist looked at. I thought it would be a onetime deal but I was wrong. For a month he continually asked me to be exclusive. I kept saying no, but he didn't like it. He wasn't physically abusive during that time and I was glad. After a month, he seemed to accept my answer and stopped asking. I didn't think anything of it and was just relieved that he stopped asking. I didn't realize that there was a different reason for his stopping and it had to do with Lydia. It seems that he took my refusals as a reason to pursue my 12 year old sister. She was overjoyed and knew to keep it from the family since he was 18. She didn't know that he was dating me while seeing her."

I had to stop at this point to gather myself together to tell the worst of it. I still can't believe that anyone would do what he did to a 12 year old and I didn't know that he was responsible until later.

"This is the really hard part. One day when Lydia had come home from what we all thought was a friend's house, she was beaten up and her clothes were ripped. I was the only one home and she still wasn't talking to me but I dragged her to the emergency room and called my parents on the way. Once we were there, and she was begin examined by the doctor I found out what happened. Her boyfriend had raped her. What I didn't know was that her boyfriend was Wickham and she refused to identify him so they took all the evidence and her statement. She was so scared of him that she didn't even tell the officers who it was, but she seemed to rely heavily on me. When we left the hospital and got home, she didn't say a word to anyone and refused to release my hand. When she went to sleep she would have nightmares and kept coming to my room when she woke up. Eventually I just let her sleep in my room all night. It seemed to help her and I saw my baby sister slowly start to return to herself. While I was helping her recover as much as I could, I was still seeing Wickham. When he asked me to be exclusive again, I told him no because I wasn't ready and my sister needed me. My response seemed to make him snap. He hit me repeatedly. I ended up with a broken arm, cracked rib, black eye, and a split lip. The only reason he stopped was that Lydia had happened to stop in and called the cops. She was in tears and screaming for me and finally threw herself at Wickham to get him off me. He just laughed and yelled 'you still haven't learned have you, you stupid girl' at her. That was when it clicked. He was the one to hurt my little sister. When the cops arrived, he tried to run away but I had managed to stop him. When Lydia and I were in the ambulance on the way to the hospital I managed to get her to promise to tell the cops what happened to her, everything including who was responsible. She agreed as long as I was with her as she did it. I promised to stay with her and made her promise not to leave my side at the hospital. The only time she did was when I went to get x-rays. The cops arrived and I told them what happened and they had Lydia tell what she witnessed. I noticed that one of the cops was the same as the cop who had questioned Lydia before so I asked her if she could stay so we could talk to her about another case she had. She smiled and agreed. When the others left, Lydia told her about Wickham being responsible for her rape a few months before. The cop took her statement and left. At that point, Jane and my mom had arrived. When they saw the condition I was in, Jane was in tears, but my mom was silent. I didn't realize then that Jane had stepped out of the room and called Richard. She knew that I was close to breaking down and I would need him. When he arrived, Jane led my mom from the room and I broke. I told him everything, with the help of Lydia. Richard then informed me that he knew Wickham and that Wickham had a grudge against him. I still have no clue what that was but I realized that my connection to Richard is what encouraged Wickham. After a few weeks, we hadn't heard from the cops and I noticed that Wickham kept popping up at places that Lydia and I frequented. I told Richard and he looked into it. After a week he told me that there didn't seem to be any record of either case involving me and Lydia. I was shocked and scared. I went to the station with my hospital records and Lydia's and pressed charges on Wickham. The police chief seemed shocked that nothing was done and that they had no record of the incidents. When I informed him of the name of the officer he was furious. Officer Younge was immediately called in and when confronted she was fired. It seems that she purposely lost the files and all the evidence collected was contaminated. After everything that both my sister and I went through, the man responsible wasn't convicted and began stalking and harassing me. Richard helped me get a restraining order against him and I had recently heard that is now in jail for harming another in the same manner. When it goes to trial Lydia and I are already planning on testifying on the victims behalf, but we don't know any details of it."

I was surprised when I looked at Georgiana and saw the fear and understanding in her eyes. William's hold on me seemed to tighten the more I told him, but he too was watching Georgiana more than me. When I looked around, I noticed that everyone was watching her. What shocked me the most was the look on Ellen's face, it was pure shock.

"Richard you never told us that it was Wickham that did it to Elizabeth. Now I understand your reaction a bit more." Said Ellen looking at Richard. This just confused me even more.

"What do you mean? Reaction to what?"

"Well Elizabeth I think it is my turn to tell you a bit more about what happened last summer." Darcy told me as he watched Georgiana. It was then that I remembered William telling me that Georgiana had been through a terrible time over the summer but he didn't tell me too many details. I was beginning to understand the look on everyone's face.

"No, don't tell me that the victim was Georgiana." I didn't want to believe it but the look I received from Georgiana and William told me that it was true. I immediately got up and went to Georgiana. I pulled her into a hug and pulled her to the couch that I was sharing with William. I knew that she needed her brother and so did I.

"Elizabeth, I didn't tell them who it was because I didn't want to totally betray your trust but they needed to know why I reacted the way I did. I will explain that after William tells you what happened." Richard explained to me and I had a feeling I knew how he reacted without him even telling me. I just nodded my head and turned to William.

"Elizabeth one thing that will explain everything about Wickham's reaction to you knowing Richard is my connection to him," began William. "Growing up, his father was a business associate and good friend with mine. George and I practically grew up together, but about ten years ago his father's business was failing because his dad was in and out of the hospital. Before he went completely bankrupt, Mr. Wickham died from cancer and my dad became George's guardian. George did not take his father's death well and ended up falling in with some bad people. He hid all this from my father and as a result my dad kept paying all his bills. I distanced myself from George and let Richard know what I was seeing. Richard confronted George and even told my dad what was going on. Since Richard had evidence, my dad began watching what George did more closely and wouldn't give him money as easily as before. When my parents died, George thought that my dad would have left him part of the company, which he did but under the condition that he abided by certain rules. Within a week he decided he would rather have money than have to follow rules laid out by a dead man, so he signed away his rights to the company and took five million dollars instead. He blamed Richard and myself for the fact that he couldn't do what he wanted. I knew that he had joined the military because he gambled the money away rather quickly but I didn't know anything other than that. I wish I kept tabs on him not only to have protected you but also Georgiana. The victim that you heard about is Georgiana but I saved her before he was able to rape her."

I was relieved to hear that but scared about what she did have happen to her.

"Last summer, Georgiana went to downtown San Diego on a school excursion with a teacher and some other graduates as their senior trip. What I just now confirmed was that the teacher had a prior acquaintance with Wickham. It was a Mrs. Younge. On the trip, Wickham managed to meet with Georgiana on multiple occasions. He convinced her to begin dating him and after a couple weeks, he got her to be exclusive. As soon as that occurred he changed, at least that is how Georgiana described it." At this I could feel Georgiana shaking.

"Will let me tell it, I need to be the one to tell her. Please?" I was shocked at the strength I heard in Georgiana's voice and proud of her.

"Ok Georgie but if it gets difficult I will help."

"Thank you Will. When we became exclusive, George became very possessive. If I so much as looked at another guy, even if it was a friend, he would get mad at me. He didn't hit me at first but eventually he got so mad that he hit me. The first time it occurred was because I refused to sleep with him and told him that I had to go out with my group. He said that I was cheating on him with one of the guys in the group and when I denied it he smacked me. He then grabbed my wrist and pulled me to him so hard that I had no choice but to do it. I was scared. The next day he apologized and I believed him. That was a mistake. A week later he tried to get me to stay at his hotel for the night. I told him no and he began to hit me. He also was trying to rip my clothes off me. At that time Will walked into the room and saved me. I was so happy to see Will that I didn't even realize that Richard was there as well. Richard took one look at me and at George and he tackled George and proceeded to beat him until Will pulled him off. When the police arrived, I gave them my statement and they took me to the hospital and George into custody. I ended up with a bruised rib, a broken arm and some other cuts and bruises." Georgiana told me her experience with tears running down her face but with such determination that I knew she had practiced many times, most likely for the trial. I hugged her and wiped her tears away.

"I am glad that your brother and Richard got to you before he could do anything more to you. Lydia is not totally recovered, but I am the only one that can tell. She is good at hiding it. I want you to know that when you have to face him again, you will not be alone. Not only will you have your family but Lydia and I will be there. I think that you should meet her soon. I will get her to stay with me and Jane in a few days."

"I would like that Elizabeth. I am glad to know that you will be there when I have to face him again. The lawyer told me that there were two previous victims that were going to testify against him and I am glad to know that it means you will be able to be with me when it happens."

I pulled her in for another hug and turned to Richard, "Your reaction doesn't surprise me. I remember how hard it was for you not to hunt him down after I told you what happened to me, but why didn't you tell me your history with him?"

"I didn't know the first part of your meeting with him. At the time it didn't occur to me that he went after you because of your connection to me. If I had known that I wouldn't have let anything stop me from hunting him down."

I just smiled and shook my head at his protectiveness. Richard truly was the big brother I never had. I looked up at William and saw that he was blaming himself for Georgiana's experience and it looked like for mine too.

"William, stop it right now. You are not responsible for what happened. Wickham is the only one at fault. I know that you feel guilty for what Georgiana went through and I can see that you feel the same way after hearing my story. I didn't tell you what happened for any reason other than to let you know what I went through and why I may seem a little off at times. I tend to be a bit paranoid and closed off at weird times. It is a protective instinct, and Richard pointed out to me that you needed to know so you wouldn't freak out."

"I am glad you told me Elizabeth, but I am still at fault for not dealing with him sooner and for not keeping tabs on him so he wouldn't be able to harm you in the first place."

I just shook my head and got up and sat on his lap. I knew that nothing I said would get through to him, but I needed him to see that I didn't blame him at all. I wrapped my hands around his neck and just rested my head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. I knew that Ellen, Matt, and Richard were watching us but I didn't care. After a bit, I looked up and saw Georgiana smiling at me and her brother so I took the opportunity to pull her into the hug and then stuck my tongue out at Richard. This managed to do exactly what I hoped, everyone began to laugh and the dreary mood evaporated. For the rest of the evening, I sat between William and Georgiana on the couch, and we just talked. Eventually I heard my phone beep and knew that it was a text message. I pulled it out and wasn't too surprised to see a message from Jane wondering where I was. It was only then I actually realized how late it was. I quickly sent back a response that I would be home in about an hour and I would explain everything then. I turned to William and smiled, "I hate to do this but we should go. Jane is worried."

"Of course. I didn't even realize how late it was till you got that message. We should head back, but," turning to Ellen and Matt William continued, "we will be back soon."

I got up and hugged Richard, Ellen and Matt before turning to Georgiana.

"Georgiana I know that you are staying here for a bit longer but know I am only a phone call away if you need me." I told her and made her promise to call me the next day. I then said good-bye and hugged her as I turned to William. He put his arm around my waist and walked me out to the car. I couldn't believe all that had occurred in on evening and I still had to tell Jane.

A/N: the next chapter will be telling Jane what occurred and will then skip ahead to lydia and Georgiana meeting.