Page 163 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

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At Darcy House, Georgiana recognized Elizabeth's hand before she broke the seal.

She read the short letter twice.

A gentleman whose name will be familiar to you has arrived in Meryton. I met Mr. W. today. My youngest sister is already much taken with him, and I fear that Jane and I may not be equal to preventing what followed before.

Please share this with your brother.

E.B.

Georgiana found Darcy in the library with Mr. Kendall, reviewing another report from the investigators.

“Fitzwilliam, a letter has come from Elizabeth.”

Darcy immediately rose, and Mr. Kendall began gathering the papers before him.

“Stay, Kendall. If Miss Elizabeth has written to Georgiana, there must be a reason.”

Georgiana handed him the letter. “There is. Wickham is in Meryton.”

Darcy read what Elizabeth had written and passed the letter to Kendall.

“We have been searching for him in London,” Kendall said. “If he left before our inquiries reached his lodgings, that would explain why we have found so little.”

“Wickham is in Hertfordshire in a little town named Meryton.”

Darcy's eyes had narrowed. “We know where to find him now, and we must act quickly, before he brings harm upon another family.”

Darcy crossed to the map upon the library table. “Bingley has been considering an estate near Meryton.” He placed his finger on the map. “Kendall, it lies near Harpenden.”

He straightened. “Continue searching for something that can be used to have Wickham transported to Australia. I will speak to Bingley today. If he can be ready, we leave tomorrow.”

Georgiana came to him, and Darcy took her hand.

“Sweetling, I am afraid I cannot take you with me tomorrow.” Darcy drew Georgiana nearer and kissed the top of her head.

“There will be very little pleasure in this journey. Bingley and I must examine as much of the estate as we can on the first day, spend the night at the nearest inn, and finish our inspection the following morning.”

He kept her hand in his. “I must speak with the steward and some of the neighboring landowners to ask about problems with the property that would not be immediately apparent.”

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “You would be much happier and safer with Aunt Helen, my dear, and I would be happier knowing you are with her.”

“I shall be perfectly well with my aunt, and Richard is there. He makes me laugh.” Georgiana squeezed his hand. “Do you suppose you will see Elizabeth?”

“I shall find some reason to meet her. If her father's estate is near Netherfield, Mr. Bennet may be one of the neighboring landowners we can reasonably approach for information about the property.”

Georgiana smiled. “Then if you see her, give her my love.”

* * *

Bingley required very little persuasion.

When Darcy called upon him that afternoon and suggested they examine Netherfield sooner than planned, his friend readily agreed.

“I have been thinking of little else since the agent sent the particulars. If we leave early tomorrow, we can be there before noon.”

“Very good, Charles. Shall we plan to leave by seven tomorrow morning?”