The first thing Darcy noticed was that the couple were dining with their hands clasped on the table and that Mrs. Younge was not with them. He could tell by the expression on Georgiana's face that she was happy and clearly thought herself in love with Wickham.
He made his way surreptitiously to the couple's table; Wickham saw him first as Georgiana had her back to the door. Wickham greeted him warmly with a forced smile and pretended to be happy that Darcy had finally arrived, saying, "Darcy, I am delighted you are here on time for our wedding. Georgiana wrote you several letters, but since you did not reply to any of them, we thought you were too busy courting Lady Isabella and did not want to join us."
Darcy did not answer him and spoke quietly to his sister so as not to attract the attention of the surrounding people who were dining. "Georgiana, I must speak urgently with you alone."
Georgiana looked down and nodded.
Before Darcy's stunned eyes, Wickham rose from his chair and kissed Georgiana. He said aloud, Darcy, since I am your sister's fiancé, I want to be with her when you talk to her."
After a heated discussion between Darcy and Wickham, Wickham finally agreed. But first, he reminded Georgiana that he loved her and that they had fallen in love several times.
The siblings locked themselves in a room that Darcy rented for more privacy.
Georgiana was nervous, knowing she should not have allowed George to take liberties with her, nor should she have travelled alone with him. Everything she did was contrary to what she had been taught, but she loved George, and for the first time, she felt loved. She had her dowry, and they would be happy with that money added to George's. George was correct; the most important thing was that they were together.
After an awkward silence, Darcy finally spoke: "Georgiana, I am very disappointed in your behaviour. What were you thinking? Do you realize what you did?"
Pleadingly, Georgiana replied, "Brother, I am so sorry, but I love George, and he loves me."
Darcy shook his head and answered, "No, Georgiana. If he loved you, he would treat you with respect and care about your reputation and well-being."
Georgiana shook her head and said, "No, brother. George respects me. I know you are disappointed in me. I am very ashamed of my behaviour, but I would like your approval and blessing for my marriage. Please, brother."
Darcy shook his head again and said, "Georgiana, I will not allow you to marry him. You must return to Pemberley with me, and we will see how we can mitigate damage to your reputation."
Georgiana began to cry uncontrollably. After a few minutes of trying to comfort her, he decided it was best, to be honest with her. Otherwise, Georgiana might hold a grudge against him and never forgive him for what he was doing.
"Georgie, please do not cry, but you can't marry Wickham." He caressed her hair and, in a soft voice full of compassion, told her the story Lord Matlock had told him a few days earlier.
At first, Georgiana was in shock, then she refused to accept it and ultimately had several doubts. The possibility that George could be her brother after everything she had been through and how in love she was with him was an aberration.
"Georgie, that is why you cannot marry Wickham." He paused and added, "Since no one else should find out about this family secret, least of all Wickham, I ask that you not tell him about it."
"But I have to talk to him."
"I will talk to him. You can be with me when I talk to him, or you can stay in this room."
Georgiana decided to stay in the room. She just wanted to cry and did not know if she would be strong enough to see Wickham again and tell him that she did not want to marry him.
Minutes later, the former friends had a terrible argument and eventually parted ways with no desire to see each other again.
"Like it or not, we must marry. Georgiana's reputation is ruined; besides, she may be pregnant with my child."
Darcy shuddered briefly and determinedly replied, "She is not marrying you. Period. You can tell me all you want, but my answer is final. Do not ever come near my sister or Pemberley again."
"You are going to regret this. If you do not let me marry Georgiana, I will tell everyone I know in London that I was intimate with her. You know that I have acquaintances in the first circles."
"Everyone in London already knows. There is nothing you can do or say to change my mind. I repeat, stay away from my sister. You will regret it if I see you anywhere near her again." Saying this, Darcy turned and walked away, leaving Wickham alone and furious.
The return to Pemberley was slow and depressing. Georgiana alternated moments of weeping with deep reflection. She was deeply disappointed, melancholy, and confused. What she had done was horrible, and she would pay the consequences for the remainder of her life.