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than necessary.”
    Georgiana took a tentative step in his direction. Her expression spoke of worry.
    “Has this something to do with whatever upset Mr. Bingley last evening?”
    Darcy wrapped his shaving brush and soap in a clean cloth.
    “No. Mr. Bingley’s dudgeon was my fault. I interfered in his life, and I should have kept my own counsel.”
    “Is that the reason Miss Bingley and the Hursts departed so quickly? When you sent me from the room I thought they learned the story of Mr. Wickham and found me in contempt. Did not Miss Elizabeth know Mr. Wickham is Hertfordshire? I overheard you saying something to that effect to Fitzwilliam.” Her bottom lip trembled, but his sister stood tall: Another example of how Georgiana met her worst nightmare and emerged on the other side.
    Darcy caught her to him. Gently he stroked Georgiana’s back.
    “No, my dearest. I sent you from the room to salvage a bit of honor. I knew I must apologize for wronging Bingley, and I did not wish to humble myself before you.”
    Georgiana’s fingers caressed his cheek.
    “Was what you did truly horrid?”
    “Unforgivable,” Darcy confessed. “That is the reason for my quick withdrawal to London. As part of my penitence to Bingley, he asked that I aid Miss Elizabeth with a family problem. The lady and her aunt wait for me below.”
    Georgiana looked up at him with such admiration that Darcy’s pride ached.
    “I would imagine you would act in the lady’s behalf, even without Mr. Bingley’s insistence.”
    “Would I?” Darcy released his sister to return to his packing. The idea he would deliver Elizabeth Bennet into George Wickham’s arms ripped Darcy’s heart into rough pieces. He was not certain he could act so bravely.
    “Certainly, you would,” his sister declared. “You are the best of men.”
    “The best of men never question their decisions,” Darcy corrected, “and I cannot freely give myself up to this task.”
    * * *
    “Mr. Bingley,” Elizabeth cornered the gentleman while he waited for his carriage to be brought around. “I have something to confess to you.”
    He caught her hand with a tender caress.
    “There is no need for you to explain to me. I would never think poorly of you.”
    Elizabeth blushed, and she lowered her voice.
    “It is not I who has known Mr. Wickham.”
    Bingley’s frown lines deepened.
    “But you said…”
    “I did not correct Mr. Darcy’s assumption,” she insisted.
    Bingley shook his head in disbelief.
    “No, I suppose you did not. Then why would you permit Darcy to think otherwise?”
    “I do require Mr. Darcy’s assistance, and I thought it would be easier if he thought he acted for my benefit. In truth, it is Lydia who ran off with Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy cares little for my family, but in hindsight, I find the gentleman always acted kindly toward me. Even so, what you must understand is if we cannot make Mr. Wickham marry Lydia, your return to Longbourn will be for naught. Jane will not accept a renewal of your attentions if she thinks doing so will ruin your family name. My sister understands the need for the Bingleys to move within the tiers of Society.”
    Elizabeth’s declaration appeared to bring a serious notion to Mr. Bingley’s features.
    “Then I suppose it is best that you lead Darcy on a successful hunt for I plan to offer your eldest sister my hand, and I would prefer not to be denied.”
    Elizabeth’s eyes twinkled with delight.
    “But what of my omissions in seeking Mr. Darcy’s assistance?”
    Bingley shot a quick glance to Pemberley House.
    “I would say Darcy deserves a taste of interference in his most exacting plans. Play on, Miss Elizabeth, play on.”
    * * *
    Once they settled in Mr. Gardiner’s coach, Darcy asked, “Does Mr. Wickham know you are on holiday?”
    Realizing she opened a bee’s nest with her deceit, Elizabeth took her time in formulating a response. She would present Mr. Darcy with the truth, just not the complete truth. It would