Chapter 30
Once Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet were out of sight, Elizabeth leaned against a tree to settle her heart. She felt mortified that her father had witnessed such intimacy, but she could not regret it. Smiling, she hoped that her father would not forbid her from all future walks with her betrothed. Feeling it was best to return home for the time being, she took a longer path home, climbing to the top of Oakham Mount to see if she could see her two favorite men riding in the distance.
Her future husband was very beautiful, and he rode with apparent ease. Her father kept ahead slightly, either as a guide or simply not ready to speak with ease yet. She knew enough of both their characters to know this silence would not last. Mr. Darcy would be eager to repair his relationship with Mr. Bennet, and Mr. Bennet was too intelligent to allow create a rift with his favorite daughter. She laughed as she pictured the two of them in a room discussing a settlement with any equanimity. Mr. Darcy would be giddy to be marrying, and her father nervous about losing his favorite daughter. Then again, her father knew this is the way of the world, and Mr. Darcy would doubtless hide most of his giddiness.
The thought carried her home in time to break her fast with her sisters who were planning on walking to Meryton as soon as Georgiana could be ready. They openly lamented having to wait so long for someone to rise, but Elizabeth had expressly forbidden her youngest sisters from disrupting Georgiana's sleep before eleven at least. There were some aspects to having sisters that Georgiana did not need to learn in such a rude manner.
The rest of the morning passed quietly, and when Georgiana was woken at precisely eleven by two girls jumping on her bed, the quiet ended abruptly, much to Georgiana's delight. A very frazzled Georgiana broke her fast with more giggling than eating. Lydia, it seemed, would be a very energetic influence on her.
On their way to Meryton, Georgiana and Elizabeth walked arm in arm as they tried to keep up with Lydia and Kitty who were very eager to see the new ribbons in the shop. As they walked, Elizabeth explained that, despite whatever her sisters may have said, it was not necessary to buy gifts for everyone. Georgiana laughed at how transparent Lydia and Kitty had been before seriously saying she would like to gift everyone some ribbons at the very least, to thank Elizabeth's family for being such wonderful hosts. Elizabeth wanted to share her news that Georgiana was about to become part of her family, but she knew it was not proper until Mr. Bennet had given his consent. Besides, she knew Mr. Darcy would prefer to at least be present for this discussion.
In Meryton, Elizabeth had to stop her younger sisters from entering a fabric shop and the bookstore where they hoped to buy new fashion plates. They had a mission to shop for ribbons, and they ought to at least finish that task first. As they made their way to the ribbons, Elizabeth noticed some soldiers a short distance away. She took a look to see if she knew any of the soldiers, and her heart leaped when she noticed Mr. Wickham not only had seen her but seemed to be coming to greet her.
Thinking quickly, Elizabeth declared she wished to check in with the baker before she shopped for her ribbons, and she ushered Georgiana into the store with her sisters. Relieved to see Georgiana immediately immerse herself in ribbons with Kitty and Lydia, Elizabeth stepped away from the store so that she would not be noticed by Georgiana.
Mr. Wickham greeted her warmly, but he barely let her return a greeting before he launched into his query about why the Darcys were staying at Longbourn. Elizabeth smiled as she explained the mishap about Mr. Bingley not opening Netherfield.
"I cannot imagine Mr. Darcy being a decent guest. His standards are so exacting."
"Not at all, Mr. and Miss Darcy have been a perfect inclusion to our family party."
"You did not seem to always believe so. I am glad to hear they are behaving fairly. My favorite person is residing at Longbourn currently."
"Oh, Miss King is not staying with us. Oh, pardon my outburst, I forgot the attachment was ended. You do not seem to mind having lost a betrothal so recently. One must wonder at how attached you really can be."
For the first time Elizabeth could remember ever seeing, Mr. Wickham's smile faltered. Not only did his smile fade, but he looked around as though he hoped they were alone. Moving closer and setting his hand over her arm, he said in a voice almost a whisper, "Miss Elizabeth, I know how this must appear, but every man must have something to live on. When one mode of happiness fails, human nature will find another." Thinking quickly, he added, "Miss Elizabeth, you know me too well. I should like to have a word with you, in private if you would give me that honor."
Elizabeth's heart fluttered as she wondered what he might say. Knowing how much Mr. Darcy would prefer she not ever speak to Mr. Wickham again, she wondered if she could take this time to make it clear that she was no longer a friend to him. Nodding slightly, she led the way around the corner. They were still in plain view of the street, so no one could hint at any impropriety so long as he kept his distance.