Chapter 26
The next few days went by in a haze. The Bingleys took their leave and once again Jane failed to notice her distraction. Mr Wickham continued to visit her chamber at night but the interactions were perfunctory at best. Elizabeth had no knowledge as to what to do to make this better and Wickham seemed happy to enter do his business and leave. She cried herself to sleep once, just after that day in the villiage, but vowed not to again. She had chosen this life. Her father and Mr Darcy had tried to warn her and she had not listened. She would have to make the best of it.
That lasted for only a week before they argued. After that everything changed.
Wickham had once again stayed out all night. It had rained a little and that had been his excuse but Elizabeth knew better. He came home from work the next day, by way of the pub and was already half in his cups on arrival in the house. He drank more wine through dinner and she ate in silence.
After dinner Elizabeth made to pick up a book
"I wish to play cards"
"Well I wish to read"
"What? I said we should play cards"
"No sir, I would like to read. I am sure you played cards plenty last evening"
"Are you questioning how I spend my evenings? You are my wife, if I wish to play cards you should oblige me"
Elizabeth had had quite enough but kept her anger in check "I am reading, sir"
He snatched the book and flung it across the room, Elizabeth watched in dismay as the binding broke "sir, that was a borrowed book. We shall have to pay for it now"
"I said I wanted you to play cards."
Elizabeth stood up "I am not yours to command sir. There are plenty of card opportunities in the village, I suggest you find your pleasure there"
"Fine, if you do not wish for cards we shall to bed"
"Did you not have enough of that last night either?" The words were out before she could stop herself.
"So you know do you?" Elizabeth merely glared at him, Wickham smiled. It was not a nice smile "good. I was getting quite tired of this pretense; you are rather easy to fool Miss Elizabeth"
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at him "well I will no longer be your fool. Go and find your pleasures elsewhere, you will find none with me anymore"
Wickham smirked and Elizabeth caught her breath at the evil look and she took a step back. He advanced on her and she did not know what to do. The look in his eye was so disconcerting. He pushed her, none too gently, against the wall and started kissing her.
"Now the fun begins." He whispered menacingly in her ear
AN - I am so sorry I really tried to make this longer but I still have trouble uploading more words in one go. I think my computer is on the blink. Sorry I know it is annoying having such short chapters! :(