This scene belongs at the end of chapter 16. On a walk to Meryton with her sisters and Mr. Collins, Elizabeth witnesses the cold reunion of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham. The next day she has the opportunity to question Wickham about their connection. Wickham paints Darcy in an unfavorable light. He claims that Darcy has ruined him, encouraging her sympathy for him, and furthering her dislike of Darcy.

Nov. 19th, 1811

To Mr. George Wickham.

I had hoped, when I took leave of you in Ramsgate, that I would never have the misfortune of meeting you again. How dare you follow me here. I demand that you take leave of Herefordshire immediately. The daughters and shopkeepers of Meryton will be all the better for it. For I am, unfortunately, intimately familiar with the abominable tide of debt and ruin that you will no doubt leave in your wake.

Sincerely,

Fitzwilliam Darcy

—-

Nov. 21st, 1811

To Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

I was not surprised by your rude reception, but I must confess that even for you, this level of vanity is astonishing. Your whereabouts are not my concern. I was unaware you were residing in this county. You have no claim here and absolutely no right to demand my departure. If you wish to avoid me then I suggest you take your leave. I have purchased a commission in the militia under Colonel Forster, and therefore will remain as long as the regiment is quartered in Meryton. I find the society here much to my liking. I attended a delightful party just last evening, where I had the pleasure of conversing with some of the lovely young ladies I saw you speaking with in the lane a few days hence. I was gratified to learn that the good people of this town have accurately marked your character for what it is, pompous and filled with conceit. I dare say, not one will be sorry to see the back of you.

Do give my regards to your dear sister.

-Lieutenant George Wickham

Darcy's face turned pale with anger as he read Wickham's letter. He crumpled the paper in his fist and threw it across the room. The gall of the man! It was unbelievable! It vexed him that Wickham knew him so well. That with only a few lines he could still so thoroughly unnerve him. He was a thorn that it seemed Darcy would never be free of. Since their boyhood George Wickham had been a constant torment.

The injustice of it all enraged him. They were truly the product of their respective upbringings. In his father's eyes, Darcy was never good enough. While Wickham's father turned a blind eye to his son's misdeeds. Darcy had always aspired to be the perfect scholar, the perfect gentleman, the perfect son, ever seeking his father's approval. Wickham had idled and was indulged at every turn. If Darcy took one step out of line he bore the brunt of his father's displeasure. Yet any misconduct committed by Wickham was hastily covered over or explained away.

Wickham's allusion to Miss Elizabeth and her sisters cut Darcy to the quick. It was as it had always been. Wickham, ever the charmer, was quickly admired by those ignorant of his true nature. Darcy recalled a young scullery maid who had once attracted him in his youth. When Wickham had discovered his preference, he set upon the girl. He used her ill, for the sole purpose of humiliating Darcy. When Darcy senior discovered their rivalry, Fitzwilliam was harshly sanctioned. He was made to learn that such behavior was unbecoming of the future master of Pemberley. But when it was learned that Wickham had defiled the maid nothing was said. The girl was paid for her silence, and dismissed from service.

Unfortunately, she had not been the first, nor the last. Wickham had a propensity for boasting of his exploits. Darcy had endured Wickham's taunting, and his gloating, as Wickham regaled him with tales of every servant, and shop girl conquest.

When Wickham left Darbyshire to pursue his study of the law, Darcy had received a number of claims for outstanding bills, and unpaid debts of honor. Not to mention an angry tenant farmer, whose daughter was found to be high in the belly. Darcy reluctantly continued the practice of his late father. Rather than see Pemberley's reputation marred by Wickham's infamy, he paid them all.

Then the blaguard had set his sights on innocent Georgiana. It was only chance that had led Darcy to happen upon them the day before they were to set off for Gretna Green. He did not care to think what would have become of her had she fallen victim to his treachery. And yet again, Darcy was forced to cover up his rival's sins. He had to pay him off to ensure Georgiana's reputation would remain untarnished.

Did Wickham now have designs on Elizabeth? Could he have detected Darcy's preference for her from their brief encounter in the lane? Wickham would be in search of funds. His extravagance would soon outpace his earnings as an officer. Elizabeth's meager dowry alone would not be ample enough to supplement his income. Darcy thought it unlikely, but he was not secure enough in her safety to leave the matter alone. He resolved to question Elizabeth about him at their next meeting.

Elizabeth… he allowed the thought of her to calm him. He pictured her cheerful smile as he had seen her that day in Meryton. Her cheeks flushed with color, as the midday sun shone on her dark curls. Her expression was bright, filled with mirth as she encouraged Bingley's flirtation with her sister. She was the perfect combination of whit and beauty, possessing both elegance, and warmth.

If only circumstances were different than what they were, if he were free to offer for her. He would worship the very ground she walked on. She made him long to abandon everything. How he yearned to take her in his arms, to have her in his bed. He wanted to touch her, to taste her, to feel her body writhing beneath him. He would spread her legs and feast upon her. He wanted to hear her moan as he pleasured her. To hear her cries as he pushed himself into her. He would make her body sing, then rut her until he had taken his fill.

Darcy was reluctantly pulled from his reverie by the ringing of the bell, indicating that tea was prepared. What was he doing indulging in these absurd fantasies? He pushed Elizabeth from his mind, taking a few moments to compose himself. He splashed some water on his face, then went to join the party, to enjoy the refreshments set out for them in the drawing room.

As always comments and corrections are welcome and appreciated.