happened today.”
“I do not think I can,” Georgiana protested.
Elizabeth moved to the mahogany desk. “Of course, you can, Georgiana,” she asserted as she took the chair behind it. “There is but one way to end this madness, and that is to consult together. I am more determined than ever to finish what we began.” She took out several sheets of paper from the drawer and prepared her pen. “I propose we organize what we know about George Wickham—what works and what does not work against the wretched fiend.”
“Please start with your thoughts, Elizabeth.” Darcy stood to pace. He thought best on his feet.“How did the two of you come
Elizabeth looked imploringly at Georgiana, and Darcy’s sister reluctantly began her tale of injuring her foot and of Wickham’s abduction.“I am sorry I did not react when he first appeared; I am helpless.”Tears formed in the girl’s eyes.
“You are not helpless!” Elizabeth declared vehemently.“You are young.And you did what was necessary to survive.”
“Your courage, Elizabeth, gave me hope.”
Elizabeth shot a furtive glance at Darcy.“That was not courage, Georgiana.That was faith in your brother’s protection.”
“How did you know Fitzwilliam was there?You could
“I knew,” Elizabeth said softly. “I knew your brother would come for us, and I sensed his presence.We have a deep connection. I have no other way of explaining it.”
Darcy cleared his throat self-consciously. “In the alleyway… what was that you chanted?” he asked.
“Georgiana and I visited the same bookstore that I was at the other day. We found several books dealing with spiritualism and with Celtic tales. One mentioned saying the vampire’s name backwards. I was desperate for ways to stall until you arrived, so I tried it. When I reversed the name George Wickham, nothing happened. Finally, I remembered that name was not his real name.” Elizabeth recorded something on the paper as she spoke.
“What are you writing?” Georgiana asked curiously.
Elizabeth looked up from her task. “I want to write down everything that seems pertinent to Wickham.We can add information found in the books.That way, maybe we can solve the puzzle of how to defeat him.”
“Then add the iron cross,” Georgiana said, brightening.
“The iron
Georgiana thought aloud, “Was that why you begged me to also believe in Fitzwilliam and in you?”
“I suspect the power of the crucifix lies mostly in our belief—
Stunned by his wife’s analysis, Darcy paused in his pacing. “If what you say is true, then we must discover what Wickham believes in.Your theory makes sense; two hundred years ago, Christian ideas readily mixed with tales of the supernatural.Why did I not see that before? Elizabeth, you are brilliant.”
Elizabeth’s eyes softened. “I do believe we previously approached this the wrong way.” Elizabeth’s voice held her anticipation. “If we discover what protects Wickham, we can use it against him.”
“Was there anything else in the books we should note?” Darcy leaned over the desk, as caught up in the possibility as she.
“I do not know,” Elizabeth confessed. “I sent the majority of them to Pemberley.We will have more time to study them there.”
“Fewer prying eyes.” Darcy recognized the sensibility of her action. “Right now, we should spend our time making lists of what we know of the ballad—of the curse—of Wickham’s habits. Then we can compare them with the folklore. Perhaps a pattern will appear.”
“Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth interrupted, “who was that woman today?” Although it pained her to recall her part in the woman’s demise, Elizabeth had to know why she had the sense that Darcy was acquainted with the woman.
He glanced quickly at his sister.“It was Mrs.Younge.”
“Mrs.Younge?” Georgiana was on her feet also. “Are you sure, Fitzwilliam?”
“Who is Mrs.Younge?” Elizabeth demanded.
“Yes, Georgiana, I am positive the woman I fought today was Mrs.Younge.”The girl gasped in disbelief and sank into the nearest chair. Darcy returned his attention to Elizabeth. “Mrs.Younge was once Georgiana’s governess. I believe it was through her that Wickham was able to exact his revenge on my sister.”
Georgiana’s head snapped up in attention.“You told her?”
“Elizabeth is my wife, Georgiana.” Darcy understood his sister’s embarrassment, but he had no time for such propriety. “If she knows of Wickham, how could I keep anything from her? I trust her with my secrets and with my life.”
“What do we know of Mrs.Younge since Wickham’s attack at Ramsgate?”
“She lets lodgings in a less-than-desirable area of London,” he impulsively blurted out, before adding quickly, “I had her investigated after Georgiana’s attack. I thought Wickham might follow the woman to London, so I hired some Bow Street runners to find her.Wickham never appeared, however.”
“Do you know where this Mrs. Younge lives?” Elizabeth needed to know every detail.
“I do not recall the exact address, but it is in the report,” Darcy assured her.“Do you think Wickham is
