2 – The Duke
The two men in front led them down a small side street and behind two shops where an elaborate carriage stood flanked by two more men. The open door revealed an older gentleman, handsomely attired, sitting with a cane, scrutinizing the progress of the party coming toward him.
"Mr. Wickham," he called out in a civil, yet commanding voice as they drew nearer, "how nice to see you in this charming village," and with an unmistakable leer in his eye toward Elizabeth, "and in such lovely company." Her grip on Wickham's arm became vice-like immediately.
Trying to maintain the civility established by the Duke, Wickham responded with a slight bow, "I'm pleased Your Grace appreciates the beauty to be found in Meryton."
Elizabeth contemplated whether Wickham's comment was an intentional double entendre, in which case her unease was mounting. She could scarcely abide the politeness displayed by the two, in contrast to the menacing presence of the Duke's men that surrounded them, effectively cutting off any route of escape. Added to this was her confusion at what sort of business was taking place, causing her to expend all her energy in affecting any semblance of decorum.
She realized the Duke was addressing one of his men, as he asked, "What is the reason for this young woman's presence?"
"The lady was wanting to get help, Your Grace," answered the tall one whom she'd accidentally encountered first.
"Ah, I see," he responded. "Young lady," she realized the Duke was addressing her now, "I regret your being witness to the business we must attend, but I trust you will cooperate while we proceed, Miss …"
"Are names really necessary," she heard a familiar voice from behind her. To her amazement, Mr. Darcy was dismounting his horse, striding quickly toward them, followed by Mr. Bingley. She realized her mouth had dropped open as he approached, only to be barred by two of the Duke's men standing behind her.
"Do I know you, Sir" asked the Duke with quite the quizzical look on his face.
"I am Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberly, nephew of the Earl of Matlock. My friend here," at this he gestured toward Bingley, "is Charles Bingley." For the first time acknowledging Elizabeth and Wickham, he continued. "We noticed our friends as we entered the town and were making our way towards them when we noticed they detoured from the main road."
Had this situation not become as stressful as it was, Elizabeth would have burst out in laughter at his statement. He was making his way towards his 'friends'? Still, she found it odd that Mr. Darcy's presence provided a great comfort to her.
Elizabeth noted the Duke's countenance display some respect towards Mr. Darcy as he addressed the Duke.
"I believe I knew your father, Mr. Darcy. George Darcy, was it?"
"Yes, Your Grace," he replied, "I have the honour of being his son." By this time, Mr. Darcy had been close enough to see the crest on the carriage and ascertained the identity of the gentleman he addressed.
"Let them through," the Duke called to his men who had blocked their path. Darcy and Bingley came forward with Darcy trying to get as close to Elizabeth as he could, but Wickham came between them, a brief look of defiance directed at Darcy as he came to stand next to him.
'Fool!' thought Darcy. 'Even in a situation as dire as this, you would act such.'
"So," announced the Duke as though calling a meeting to order, "to the business at hand." He then addressed Wickham directly. "Mr. Wickham, it seems you have been remiss in settling your debts at my club." Elizabeth felt Wickham shift as the Duke continued. "In point of fact, it seems you have increased those debts instead of lessened them."
Wickham lowered his head and fidgeted more before straightening and addressing His Grace. "I have every intention of settling my account with you, Your Grace."
"And when do you plan to accomplish that, Sir," asked the Duke. "For this business has continued for many months."
With a slight dip of his head, Wickham replied, "I shall endeavour to accomplish this soon, Your Grace."
"I was given the impression that endeavour was to have taken place but two days past when you made your last appearance at my club, but your debt seemed to only increase."
As Wickham fidgeted further, Mr. Darcy took charge. "Sir, if I may inquire, what is the amount of the debt my friend has incurred?"
"His debt has now amounted to £1000, Sir. And the stress at its lack of diminution is a source of great concern to me, as you can imagine."
Though still frightened as she witnessed events unfolding, her grasp on Wickham's arm was lessening as she realized how misled she had been by him. Wickham's grasp on her hand, however, was becoming stronger, adding to her unease. She heard Mr. Darcy addressing Wickham directly.
"How are you planning to settle your debt to the Duke, Wickham," she heard him ask in a lowered voice.
Elizabeth glanced up to see Wickham hesitate before trying to form an answer. The self-assuredness he'd previously displayed had abandoned him and he seemed to cower before Mr. Darcy.
Raising a finger to briefly excuse himself, he turned to Bingley to confer quietly. Their journey into Meryton to close Bingley's account was to be their last task of the morning before departing for London with no immediate plans to return. The situation they encountered upon arriving to town, however, was significantly forcing their plans to be altered.
"Bingley, how much is in your account here," asked Darcy.
"It is sufficient to cover the amount the Duke is owed."
Clapping his friend on the shoulder, Darcy asked, "Will you provide the loan until I am able to repay you?"
Nodding, Bingley replied, "That will be no burden whatsoever."
Turning back to the assembled group, Darcy addressed the Duke. "Your Grace, if you will permit, my friend and I are able to cover Wickham's debt."
A noticeable sigh of relief seemed to emanate from the entire assemblage as the Duke pronounced his agreement to the transaction.
"Then, perhaps, Your Grace, the young lady may be permitted to accompany Mr. Bingley as he procures the amount. I, of course, shall remain until his return."
The Duke, with the barest of smiles, replied, "There is no need to deprive us of such lovely company, Darcy. She is not bothered by remaining here, are you my dear?"
After remaining silent for so long, Elizabeth found she barely had a voice as she replied, "I am fine. Thank you, Your Grace."
"There, you see, she is fine," said the Duke somehow seeking acknowledgement from the group. This was Bingley's cue.
"I shall return shortly," he said as he hastily made his way toward the bank.
"Sir," addressed Darcy, "while we wait for my friend's return, would you permit me to speak privately with the young lady."
It was Wickham who seemed most opposed to this, as though it was she who was affording him protection, for his grip on Elizabeth's hand increased and shifted his body slightly to further stand between her and Darcy.
"I see no reason not to allow it, unless," the Duke turned to Elizabeth, "the lady objects."
Again her voice seemed to be failing her; she was barely able to utter, "No, I have no objection, Your Grace," as she shook her head.
Still unwilling to let go of her hand, Wickham kept his hold on her right hand that rested on his arm. Unable to reach out to Darcy's extended hand, she was forced to use her left hand. As Darcy led her away, she glanced back at Wickham, whose eyes reflected barely restrained anger. When they had sufficient distance, Darcy brought her close and held her gently by her upper arms.
"Are you unharmed, Madame," he asked in a low voice, trying to make eye contact, but she kept her head down.
He barely heard her, "I am well, Sir, thank you," so quiet was her response.
The realization that Wickham's character was not as she had interpreted had greatly unsettled her. And, in observing Mr. Darcy's actions and obvious concern, she was coming to understand she had most likely misjudged his as well. This awareness filled her with such shame and remorse she was unwilling to lift her head to make eye contact.
He leaned in to whisper in her ear away from the others. "Miss Bennet, you need not be fearful. Bingley will return shortly and this will all be over."
She nodded, still looking down, while quietly saying, "I thank you Sir." She felt Darcy's hands leave her arms and then, with one hand, take her hands, while the other hand reached to her chin to gently raise it. Forced to look directly in his eyes, she was taken aback by the tenderness he expressed, such as she never thought the man capable. That, and her awareness of how he had stepped in to settle the potentially volatile situation, spirited her resolve and abated her fears.
"This unfortunate business will be completed soon; I promise you," he said as he released her chin.
With renewed strength, she smiled and said more firmly, "Thank you."
Realizing they were the focus of the others' unwanted attention, they turned with Darcy enfolding her hand in the crook of his arm and covering it with his other hand. Elizabeth tried not to notice the glare still directed at her from Mr. Wickham, but she could feel it regardless.
"Is the young lady alright, Mr. Darcy," the Duke asked. "Is she well?"
"Quite all right, your Grace," Darcy responded. "Thank you for your concern." Elizabeth provided her affirmation with a shy smile.
"Perhaps she would be more comfortable sitting in the carriage here," the Duke gesturing to the seat across from him as he said this.
Elizabeth's stiffening and renewed grip on Darcy's arm provided all the affirmation Darcy needed. "Your Grace is very generous, but it is not necessary."
"But I insist," he replied with a slight smile but a tone that would tolerate no opposition. His two men closest to them responded with a movement forward, but Darcy quickly responded, "No assistance is required, thank you gentlemen." And, holding firmly onto Elizabeth's hand, escorted her to the door of the Duke's carriage where he squeezed her hand before handing her up to her seat.
As she settled herself uneasily into the carriage under the Duke's lecherous gaze, Darcy stood at the steps and proceeded to divert his attention from Elizabeth. "I trust the affairs of your estate are well, Your Grace?"