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explanation, but Elizabeth interrupted.
    “Mr. Darcy understands our need, Aunt.” She stared at him numbly. A dozen different emotions coursed through her, from outrage to bewilderment.
    Mr. Darcy returned to his seat behind his desk.
    “What makes you believe I hold knowledge of Mr. Wickham, Miss Elizabeth?” His expression turned as black as his tone.
    “You know more of Mr. Wickham’s habits than anyone.” A painful tightness filled Elizabeth’s chest.
    “I thought him in Brighton.”
    Elizabeth kept the floor.
    “He left some days prior without Colonel Forster’s permission. The colonel traced Mr. Wickham to Clapham, but no farther. There, Mr. Wickham took a coach toward London. My father traveled to London; this morning my uncle left Lambton to join Mr. Bennet. My aunt and I will follow in the coach. I thought you could provide me direction where they might search.”
    Mr. Darcy spoke in bitterness.
    “Was this the purpose of your call upon Pemberley two days prior?”
    “Mr. Darcy,” her aunt declared, “I will have you speak to my niece in a civil tone.”
    “It is fine, Aunt. Mr. Darcy and I understand each other.”
    “We do, Miss Elizabeth.” He picked up his pen to sharpen it. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have estate affairs to which to attend.”
    Bingley sprang to his feet.
    “You call yourself a gentleman! I am ashamed to have called you friend. I should have realized you would take the high road and declare it benevolence.”
    Mr. Darcy placed the pen upon the well’s lip.
    “What would you have me do, Bingley? This is not my affair!”
    Bingley leaned across Mr. Darcy’s desk.
    “Not two hours prior you asked me to name a task which would earn my forgiveness. It is named, Sir. If your finding Mr. Wickham to save the Bennets more heartache, then you will do so or never cross my path again.”
    Elizabeth knew she should tell both men that it was Lydia’s shame, not hers, they defended, but she wished to know whether Mr. Darcy’s disgust or his regard was the strongest.
    Long moments where only the sound of both men taking the other’s measure passed. Finally, Mr. Darcy instructed Bingley.
    “I suggest you call at Longbourn. I am certain Miss Bennet would welcome your sensibility.”
    “And what of Elizabeth?” Aunt Margaret demanded.
    “If I find Mr. Wickham, it would be best if Miss Elizabeth were close at hand. I will escort the two of you to London.”
    “You have guests,” Elizabeth objected. “Simply provide me the direction, and my uncle will see to the rest.”
    Mr. Darcy smiled without humor.
    “Mr. Bingley sent his sisters on to Hursts’ estate, and Mrs. Annesley is with Georgiana.”
    “I will order my carriage,” Bingley declared as he started for the door.
    “If Mrs. Gardiner will accept my presence in her husband’s coach, I will travel with the ladies.”
    Aunt Margaret appeared disassembled, but she agreed.
    “Elizabeth and I will wait below, Mr. Darcy.”
    * * *
    “You should have told Mr. Darcy the truth,” her aunt chastised. “Mr. Bennet will be most displeased that the gentleman holds you in contempt.”
    Elizabeth frowned. Her emotions were beyond her control at the moment, and the thought of spending two days in a coach with Mr. Darcy had her trembling in dread.
    “Mr. Darcy never approved of me or my family.” Boldly, Elizabeth claimed, “I care not for the man’s opinions; all that is important is discovering Mr. Wickham. At least, we may save Jane’s connection to Mr. Bingley.” Elizabeth’s heart cried out in complete despair.
    “And what of you, Lizzy? Are there no prospects you would accept?”
    Elizabeth’s gaze returned to where she last saw Mr. Darcy.
    “No, Aunt. But there is the dream of someone.”
    * * *
    “You sent for me, William?” Darcy looked up to find Georgiana framed by the open door. He worked hard to keep his expression calm.
    “I wanted you to know I must return to London for a few days. I shan’t be longer