Elizabeth Bennet's Deception: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Regina Jeffers Page B

eliminate his debts. That will be a major point of negotiation for Mr. Gardiner.”
    “I understand,” Elizabeth assured. “Lydia is of the belief that Mr. Wickham means to marry her, but she says there is no urgency. I thought to demand her joining us, but I had the feeling Mr. Wickham would rejoice at Lydia’s leave taking.”
    Mr. Darcy spoke bluntly. Despite the situation in which they found themselves, Elizabeth gloried in how the man treated her as an equal. That truth made it more bittersweet never to claim his affections.
    “You have the right of it. If Miss Lydia leaves Wickham’s side before a marriage is negotiated, Mr. Wickham will attempt to escape his debtors. Your sister will be left in ruin.”
    “Anything else?”
    “I warned Mr. Wickham of the possibility of a long term in debtors’ prison if he does not act with honor.”
    Elizabeth smiled knowingly.
    “We are of a like mind, Sir. I said something similar to Lydia.” Her comment appeared to please the gentleman. “I was thinking of how we might assure Lydia of a future. Could Mr. Wickham take up a position in the Regulars? Having a husband in the British Army would please Lydia, as well as Mrs. Bennet, and the position would provide them a steady income. I can think of no other occupation for which the man is suited”
    Mr. Darcy appeared to mull over Elizabeth’s suggestion.
    “Resign his commission in the militia? You may have the right of it. Permit me to speak to Colonel Fitzwilliam regarding what may be available.”
    The carriage rolled to a halt before her uncle’s house.
    “Thank you, Mr. Darcy, for trusting me in this matter.” Elizabeth glanced to the busy street. “It is rare for a woman to be treated as an intelligent being.” She knew from Mr. Darcy’s expression he meant to profess his admiration again, but as the situation with Lydia held Elizabeth’s hopes captive, she reached for the latch. Immediately, Mr. Darcy’s footman set down the steps to assist Elizabeth from the carriage. Mr. Darcy followed her in the house.
    The Gardiner children’s appearance in the main hall surprised her. “You are back,” Elizabeth called as they rushed to her side.
    “You will play soldiers with us, Cousin Lizzy,” said the eldest as the others surrounded her, bestowing hugs about her waist.
    Elizabeth tousled the boy’s hair.
    “I have a guest at the moment, but when we are through, I will call in at the school room.”
    “Off with you,” Aunt Gardiner ordered as she approached. “I need to speak to your cousin and Mr. Darcy.”
    As quickly as the children were from earshot, Elizabeth asked, “How are Mama and Papa and dearest Jane?”
    Her aunt suggested. “Let us go into the sitting room.” Once Mr. Darcy seated her Aunt Margaret, Mrs. Gardiner explained, “Your mother has not left her quarters, and Mr. Bennet remains in his study. I never knew your father so agitated. He asked you to return to Longbourn; he will send his carriage for you tomorrow. Jane requires your assistance; she cannot deal with both of your parents alone.”
    Elizabeth knew her aunt correct, but she did not wish to leave Mr. Darcy behind. She might never possess another opportunity to spend time with him. Even if Mr. Wickham married Lydia, Mr. Darcy would be sore to claim Elizabeth to wife. How could Mr. Darcy accept Wickham as a brother?
    “If you think it is best, Aunt.”
    “Then it is settled.” Aunt Margaret turned to Mr. Darcy. “Would you care to join us for supper, Mr. Darcy. I am certain Mr. Gardiner will have questions regarding your outing today.”
    Mr. Darcy assumed his customary face of indifference, but Elizabeth learned to read the emotions behind the mask. He did not like the idea of her leaving any better than she did.
    “I fear I have another engagement this evening, but I will come early tomorrow to bring Mr. Gardiner up to snuff. Please tell Mr. Gardiner I will require his company when I meet with Mr. Wickham. Our time is