Page 139 of Near Pemberley

Darcy himself rose to leave.

“I shall leave you to your campaign,” he said. “I have one or two matters of business to attend to in town.”

Mr. Bennet looked up.

“In Meryton? I thought today was devoted to transporting daughters.”

“It shall be,” Darcy replied. “But Meryton offers certain opportunities which London does not.”

“What opportunities?”

Darcy sat back with deliberate care. “I intend to purchase Mr. Wickham’s outstanding debts.”

Silence descended with remarkable speed.

Mrs. Bennet stared. Mr. Bennet slowly lowered his newspaper. Elizabeth, halfway to the door, turned back. “You mean...”

“I mean every legitimate debt I can discover.”

Mr. Bennet regarded him curiously. “And when you have acquired them?”

“Then Mr. Wickham will owe me.”

No one spoke.

At last Mr. Bennet asked quietly, “May I enquire why?”

Darcy’s expression altered very little.

“Because Miss Elizabeth once remarked that several tradesmen in Meryton had been cheated.”

Elizabeth remembered the conversation immediately. “I did.”

“I have been thinking about it ever since.”

Lydia frowned. “Those poor people…”

“Not if I purchase the debts.”

Understanding dawned slowly across the room.

“Does that man cheat everyone?” Kitty surprised everyone with her question.

Darcy answered, “Not for long. I promise you.”

Mr. Bennet folded his newspaper completely.

“You do not expect him to repay you.”

“No.”

“You wish to ensure that when he is found…”

“… he discovers that disappearing has not solved his difficulties.”

Mr. Bennet studied him for several moments. Then the corners of his mouth lifted. “I begin to suspect, Mr. Darcy, that you are a mighty opponent.”

Darcy met his gaze.