Page 206 of A Question of Character

Silence fell again. It proved less uncomfortable than many they had shared over the years.

At length Wickham spoke once more. “She is not alone.”

“I know.”

“The door is locked.”

“I know.”

“The innkeeper has stationed his wife in the adjoining chamber.”

Darcy rested his elbows upon his knees. “I know all these things.”

Wickham regarded him for a moment before giving a small nod. “Very well.”

Neither man attempted conversation after that. There existed too much weariness between them, and too many years that could not be untangled in a single night.

Toward two o’clock a muffled sound reached them through the panels.

Not words.

Sobbing.

Darcy rose instantly and crossed the few paces separating him from the door.

“Georgie?”

The weeping ceased so abruptly that he wondered whether he had imagined it.

He laid one hand lightly against the wood.

“I am here.”

Nothing answered him.

“I shall remain here all night.”

Several heartbeats passed before her voice came, scarcely above a whisper.

“I know.”

He closed his eyes.

“Would you like me to come inside?”

“No.”

“Very well.”

“I cannot...” Her words faltered. “I cannot bear for you to see me.”

“There is nothing you could do that would make me unwilling to see you.”

Another silence followed.

“I have disappointed Papa.”

The words were so unexpected that Darcy’s throat tightened.