Page 88 of Near Pemberley

The room fell silent once more.

“I do not say the matter is simple,” he continued. “Only that I cannot persuade myself that sacrificing Miss Lydia’s future to preserve appearances is an act of kindness.”

Gardiner leant back slowly. “You would rather see Wickham punished.”

“Yes.”

“But if there is no marriage, what becomes of her? And my sister’s family?”

The answer came without hesitation.

“It has been two months already, I believe.”

Mr. Gardiner nodded.

“The damage has been done already. I would rather see him prevented from ruining another girl… We will find another solution.” For the first time since Lydia had been mentioned, Darcy seemed uncertain. “When Miss Lydia returns, I do not know whether Longbourn is presently the best place for her.”

Neither Gardiner nor his wife answered immediately.

“I do not doubt her family’s affection,” Darcy continued. “But she has been frightened. She is ashamed. And the circumstances remain difficult.”

Mrs. Gardiner lowered her eyes.

“She fears returning?”

“I do not know.” Darcy paused. “But I think she fears facing the consequences.”

The room fell quiet.

At last Mrs. Gardiner spoke. “Poor child.”

Gardiner looked at his wife. “And what of the others?”

The question hung in the air.

“Jane. Elizabeth. Kitty.” His voice remained calm, but the strain beneath it was unmistakable. “I do not speak out of cruelty, Mr. Darcy. God knows I am thankful that Lydia is safe. But the consequences do not fall upon her alone.”

“No,” said Darcy quietly.

Mrs. Gardiner looked helplessly at Darcy.

“She cannot return home unmarried. What else is there?”

“I do not yet know,” said Darcy. For the first time, uncertainty was plainly visible. “But I cannot think one injustice is corrected by another.” He looked briefly towards the window. “We shall find some solution.”

Chapter XIX

Lydia sat very still as Darcy finished speaking. At length, she said quietly, “So they know?”

“Yes.”

She looked down at her hands. “They know where you found me?”

“No.”

Her head rose immediately. “No?”

“I declined to tell them.”