Page 45 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Richard read it. “Perfect.”

Lydia burst into fresh tears.

He looked alarmed. “What did I say?”

“Nothing! I hate him.”

Elizabeth put an arm around her.

Darcy watched from across the room, his face unreadable.

Later, when Lydia had gone upstairs with Jane, he said, “I would like him dead.”

Richard looked at him. “That may be arranged without your assistance if he steals military funds.”

Elizabeth’s head came up.

The room quieted.

Richard’s expression became grave. “Do not mistake what these men intend. A regimental pay chest is Crown money entrusted for soldiers’ wages. They plan theft, desertion, conspiracy, and likely violence if challenged. The court will not treat it as a youthful prank.”

Darcy said, “Wickham knows that.”

“Yes.”

“And still he involves Lydia.”

“Yes.”Elizabeth felt cold despite the fire.

Darcy looked at her. “Do not blame yourself.”

“I introduced nothing.”

“You exposed his debts.”

“I suggested merchants compare accounts.”

“And if you had not, he might have remained free to charm Lydia for months.”

Elizabeth looked down.

Darcy’s voice was quiet. “You cannot know whether a good action will force a bad man to reveal himself sooner. That does not make the good action wrong.”

She lifted her eyes. It was almost precisely what she had told him about Georgiana.

She smiled faintly. “You have been listening.”

“Occasionally.”

“Dangerous habit.”

“So I am discovering.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The Night of the Pay Chest

Thursday came raw and windless.