A Perilous Match

Chapter 24

D arcy stood by the window, his gaze fixed upon the distant horizon, his thoughts wholly occupied with Elizabeth’s absence. The regret of their quarrel that morning weighed heavily upon him, and he could not help but reproach himself for having been so unreasonably harsh. Her evident dislike of Phillip—a sentiment he had noticed before but dismissed as mere misunderstanding—had irked him more than he was willing to admit. Phillip, along with Bingley and Richard, had been among his dearest friends since childhood. He fervently hoped that, in time, Elizabeth might come to appreciate their worth.

Yet it was not only Elizabeth who harboured antipathy towards Phillip. Darcy could not ignore that Phillip’s opinions regarding Elizabeth had always troubled him. Phillip had been vehemently opposed to their union, and this opposition gnawed at him. How could his life, his future wife—whom he was ardently endeavouring to win—and one of his closest friends be so irreconcilably at odds with one another?

In any case, he had resolved to apologise. The quarrel between them was horrid—a stark contrast to the previous week at Ashburn, when they had dined together each night, taken walks, and enjoyed one another’s company. Indeed, he had observed that she would, at times, cast a glance at him when she thought herself unobserved, or smile at him in those unguarded moments—in a manner he recognised only in women who held a man dear.

He could only hope that he had not ruined it all.

The sound of horses approaching on the gravel driveway caught his attention, and he rose, feeling a twinge in his back—still sore from the near-fall he had suffered on horseback. To his surprise, he saw his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, dismounting outside.

“Richard!” he called, stepping out. “What brings you to Ashburn?” he asked as his cousin approached with a smile.

“There are matters I must discuss with you concerning our cousin. Shall we go inside?” Darcy nodded, now bewildered. What could there be to discuss regarding Phillip?

“You look dreadful, Fitz. The circles beneath your eyes almost overtake your visage. Is married life keeping you up all night?” Richard chuckled.

Darcy felt his cheeks warm and shook his head. “No… not at all.”

“No progress with Lady Dorset?”

“There was, but we quarrelled, and I fear all hopes of further progress are now dashed. Richard, one of the reasons for our quarrel was Phillip. Elizabeth does not care for him, nor for his past connection to Wickham. And I am afraid Phillip does not care for her either.”

“Does he not?” Richard asked as they entered the parlour. “I thought he had abandoned his objections.”

“No. I believe he attempted to persuade me that she harbours feelings for Wickham. I am not entirely certain of the truth in that.”

“Well,” Richard said, “I have arrived just in time, for I have news concerning not only Phillip but also Wickham. First, I trust you are aware that Wickham is in town?”

“I am,” Darcy replied. “Elizabeth and Miss Bennet came upon him while out walking and he implied he was here to see Phillp, which he denied.”

“Ah, it all makes sense. I have made the acquaintance of a certain Mr Denny, who served in the militia with Wickham. They remain in contact, and he informed me that Wickham is here at the invitation of none other than Phillip. Darcy, they were as close as ever the last time this Denny chap spoke to Wickham, which was but a fortnight ago.”

“What?” Darcy exclaimed, unable to believe his cousin would maintain a friendship with such a man.

“Furthermore,” Richard continued, “Denny revealed that this friendship has only intensified in the past few months. He mentioned that Wickham was frequently collected by a carriage bearing the coat of arms of—well, yours.”

Darcy sank into a chair, unable to comprehend what he had just heard. “You mean to tell me that Phillip and Wickham were here at Ashburn together whilst our uncle was still alive?”

“It seems so. I impressed upon Denny the importance of providing accurate information, and he assured me of its truth. The two were close, not only here but in town as well. Denny spoke of Wickham as being close friends with Phillip, almost like family.”

Darcy could hardly believe his ears. How could this be so? Phillip and Wickham? Friends? All of Elizabeth’s concerned appeared the be validated now.

“I felt you needed to know, especially now that Phillip and Wickham are in town. Fitz, I cannot help but think there is something unpleasant brewing.”

Darcy nodded and stepped to the window where, to his great relief, he saw Elizabeth and Jane approaching.

“You are right. And so was Elizabeth. Come, you need to be with me when I speak to her so she can hear the news,” he said and together, the two stepped outside to greet the two young ladies.