A Perilous Match

Chapter 23

“I think I shall explore the temple,” Elizabeth declared, later that morning as she and Jane rode out together. Her quarrel with Darcy pressed upon her and she found herself dreadful company, though also did not want to divulge the argument to her sister. “Would you care to join me?”

Jane smiled, though her expression was tinged with a trace of fatigue. “I think I will ride a little further along the path and take in the view of the lake. But do be careful, Lizzy.”

“I shall,” Elizabeth promised, grateful for her sister’s decision for she needed to be alone and think.

As she approached the temple—a folly built by one of Fitzwilliam’s predecessors—Elizabeth dismounted and tied her horse to a nearby tree. Her eyes traced the delicate carvings that adorned the columns and the frieze above. The Temple of Athena was even more beautiful up close, its design a perfect blend of grace and strength, much like the goddess it honoured.

Elizabeth stepped into the outer portico, the cool stone beneath her feet providing a welcome respite from the warmth of the sun. She let her fingers trail along the smooth surface of a column, lost in thought as she admired the craftsmanship of the structure. The air was still, the silence of the temple only broken by the distant call of a bird and the rustling of leaves in the breeze.

It was in this quiet moment that she heard the sound of footsteps behind her. Startled, Elizabeth turned to find herself face to face with George Wickham, his expression a curious blend of nonchalance and something more calculating.

“Lady Dorset,” he greeted her with a charming smile that once might have disarmed her, but now only served to set her on edge.

“Mr Wickham,” she replied coolly, her heart quickening at the unexpected encounter. She had hoped never to find herself alone with him again, and yet here he was, as if conjured by some dark twist of fate.

Mr Wickham took a step closer, his eyes lingering on her face with an unsettling intensity. “What a fortunate coincidence, to find you here in such a secluded spot.”

Elizabeth resisted the urge to retreat, instead lifting her chin with quiet resolve. “I did not expect to see you here, Mr Wickham, considering this secluded spot is on my husband’s property.”

“I must confess, I was hoping for a moment alone with you.”

Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed, and she felt a chill despite the warmth of the day. Had he been following her? And what of Phillip’s assurances to send him away? “I cannot imagine what you would have to say to me, sir, that could not be said in company.”

Mr Wickham’s smile faltered, and a flicker of something darker passed over his features. “There is much that can only be said in private, Lady Dorset.”

“I am aware of the sort of things you say to a lady in private, especially when such ladies are young and impressionable and from a wealthy home,” she said and Mr Wickham’s eyes sparkled with understanding.

“I understand you have heard certain things about me now, regarding my connection to Miss Darcy.”

“Yes, I have,” Elizabeth replied, her voice steady. “I know what you did to Georgiana Darcy, and I must tell you, Mr Wickham, I find your actions reprehensible.”

Mr Wickham’s expression hardened, but he quickly masked it with a look of wounded innocence. “Georgiana Darcy is a liar, just like her brother. They have both conspired against me, twisting the truth to suit their own ends.”

Elizabeth shook her head, her resolve unwavering. “I do not believe you. I know my husband, and though I once judged him harshly, I have come to see his true character and realise that what you told me in Meryton was untrue. And Georgiana is a gentle soul, incapable of the deceit you accuse her of.”

Mr Wickham’s eyes flashed with anger, but he swallowed it down, taking a step closer. “You must understand I told you those things about your husband because I was afraid—afraid that you would choose him over me.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened, she was quite taken aback by the sudden shift in his tone. “That makes no sense. I did not even like him then, and you knew it.”

“Ah, but I know the power of wealth and status,” Mr Wickham replied, his voice low and persuasive. “I knew that once you saw Darcy’s true worth—his estate, his fortune—you might be swayed. But know this, Elizabeth, I was in love with you then, and I am still in love with you now. I wanted to see you alone so I could finally confess this.”

Elizabeth felt as though the ground had been pulled out from beneath her. Mr Wickham’s words left her momentarily speechless, her mind reeling from the implications. But then she saw the calculation in his eyes, the way his gaze drifted to her lips, and she understood—this was not love, but a twisted form of manipulation.

“Mr Wickham,” she said firmly, taking a step back, “Your words are highly inappropriate and whatever you think you feel, it does not matter. My loyalty and affection belong to Lord Dorset, and no one else.”

Mr Wickham’s expression darkened, the mask of charm slipping away to reveal something far more menacing. “Are you so certain, Elizabeth? Have you never wondered what might have been between us?”

Elizabeth felt a rush of fear, but she stood her ground. “No. You may have fooled me once, but I see you for what you truly are now. And I will not betray the man I love.”

It occurred to her then that she had just admitted her true feelings for Fitzwilliam—both to herself and to Mr Wickham. What a peculiar way to come to this realization. At that moment, the sound of hoofbeats reached them, and both turned to see Jane approaching on horseback.

“Mr Wickham,” Jane called out, her voice steady but laced with warning. “You are trespassing. If Lord Dorset finds you here, it will not go well for you.”

Mr Wickham hesitated, his eyes flicking between the two sisters, but he saw the resolve in their faces and knew he had lost. With a bitter smile, he bowed slightly. “Very well. But remember, Elizabeth, I will always be near. Should you change your mind—and I am certain you will—come and find me.”

With that, he turned and strode away, leaving Elizabeth and Jane standing in the shadow of the Temple of Athena, the air thick with tension.

Jane dismounted quickly and rushed to her sister’s side, taking her hand in hers. “Are you all right, Lizzy? What did he say to you?”

Elizabeth took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “Nothing that matters, Jane. He tried to unsettle me, but he did not succeed. I am just glad you came when you did.”

Jane gave her a reassuring smile. “We should return to the house. Your husband will want to know what happened.”

Elizabeth nodded, but as they walked back to their horses, she couldn’t shake the lingering unease that Mr Wickham’s words had stirred in her heart. She knew she had to tell Fitzwilliam everything, but she also recalled the unpleasant quarrel from earlier. Should she burden him with this today? It might make their already fraught day worse, and they had just begun to grow closer. Besides, if he heard the truth, was it possible he would confront Mr Wickham and get into a fight? Yes, she could see it happening—and that would certainly be detrimental for a sitting member of the House of Lords.

She would have to consider how to approach the matter carefully, very carefully indeed.