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“No doubt.”

“It is a sad situation, but I shall be glad to spend time with him. In Mr. Hill’s absence, Jesse may prove to be a diverting companion.”

The Charity House

After Wickham’s departure, Lydia made up her mind to confront Jane so that she could find out everything Lizzy had kept secret from her. She already suspected that Lizzy had told Jane and her husband everything, because Lord Morgan was helping sell Lizzy’s jewellery to pay for the bakery. Surely, he had known the shop was meant for her, too. Still, the fact that Lord Morgan had been killed and her sister had kept that a secret annoyed her.

Tomorrow, I intend to have answers to all my questions. Afterwards, I shall leave for Lambton to find Lizzy and inform her of Wickham’s claims.

Chapter 16

London

The next day

As Lydia packed up what few things she owned in the same small portmanteau she had eagerly filled for the trip that had changed her life so dramatically two years ago, Tillie kept apologising for bringing George Wickham back into her life.

“I am so very sorry, Fanny. I had no idea he was the one who abandoned you when you were injured. He told me he was your cousin.”

Lydia reached to pat Tillie’s hand in a comforting manner. “I do not blame you. George is very devious. He can charm any woman into believing his lies.”

“At least stay until you hear what Lady Clara has to say. If not for being occupied settling the women taken in yesterday, I know she would be here right now, pleading with you to stay.”

“Which is precisely why I wish to leave before she is.”

“But where will you go? How will you live? If something happens to you, I will feel responsible.”

“It is not your fault, and you have no reason to worry. I have enough saved from the sales of my embroidery to purchase a ticket to Lambton on the post coach, with a bit left over for food. Lambton is where Lizzy is, and once I am there, I will find her. She will know what to do; she always does.”

Watching Lydia slip a billowy, black gown over her head and don a large black bonnet with a veil attached, Tillie asked, “Why are you wearing widow’s weeds? That gown swallows you. I cannot determine whether you are a man or a woman, young or old.”

“Which is by design! I hope to be ignored by everyone I meet along the way … especially any men.”

“I cannot imagine where you found that gown and bonnet. I do not believe any of the women here are in mourning.”

“Lady Clara lent them to me when I asked her to accompany me to purchase some fabric to sew gowns for Emma.” Lydia picked up a small mirror lying on a nearby table and gazed into it whilst running a finger over the raised, jagged scar. “She felt it might be best if no one saw my scar.” Laying the mirror back down, she murmured quietly, “Lady Clara warned me that some people believe a scar such as mine is proof that God has marked me as evil, and she did not want me to be treated meanly.”

Not knowing what to say in reply, Tillie asked, “What about Emma? You cannot set out with her with no means of support.”

“I intend to leave Emma with my sister Jane until I can send for her. Jane has the servants and the means to support Emma, and if she does not, Mr. Darcy does. Supposedly, they are engaged, so that responsibility will fall to his lot.”

“I-I cannot believe you are truly leaving. Do you even know where your sister lives?”

“Besides Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire, Lord Morgan kept a townhouse in London. Lizzy once mentioned that she did not wish to stay at Jane’s townhouse whilst in town. Surely every driver for hire in Mayfair knows where it is.”

“But-but you could end up in dire straits if you find yourself alone with no funds.” Having said that, Tillie reached into a pocket of her gown and pulled out a small pouch. Holding it out, she said, “Here! Take this.”

Glancing inside the bag, Lydia spied several small coins as Tillie continued, “It is not much, but it is better than nothing at all.”

Touched, Lydia tried to hand it back, stammering, “I-I cannot take this.”

“You can and you will!” Tillie declared sternly, pushing Lydia’s hand away. “When you are able, you may repay me by helping someone else.”

Lydia crushed Tillie to her bosom before pulling back to say, “Thank you. I shall always remember your kindness.” Then, wiping the tears that had managed to escape, she said, “I must be away before Lady Clara sees me dressed like this.”

Glancing to Emma, who was asleep in the large basket which served as her bed, Lydia said, “Would you help me by carrying Emma across the street and down to the park whilst I carry my bag? Your coins will allow me to hire a ride to Mayfair from there.”

Tillie wiped her own tears on the sleeve of her gown. “If possible, let me know when you find your sister. I shall rest easier knowing you have.”