William smiled as they walked back towards the mansion with the stallion following behind. “I know you are a good friend and anyone who gains your friendship gains a loyal friend for life. I encourage you to make friends but take care that you do not open your heart so freely. There are many who are out to get something from you and have ignoble intentions. The only way to know a person takes time and meeting their acquaintances. You are far too trusting and I do not wish for harm to come to you.”
Lizzy smiled as she wrapped her arm around his waist. “I would like to believe that I have some good sense of judgment but I have much to learn still. Thank you, Will. I appreciate that you protect me from harm.”
“I will always protect you where I am able.” William smiled. “Did you like the tree? It is my favourite and has a great view of the pond.” He handed Snowflake to one of the servants.
“Oh, yes! It is perfect for climbing. I am almost tempted to carve my name on it and claim it as mine.” Lizzy answered as the entered the house.
“It is mine and it has my initials on it already.” William laughed. “I will carve yours on it for you tomorrow. I will gladly share it with my little friend.”
Just then, they both heard shouting coming from Mr. Darcy’s study. “Come, Lizzy,” William ordered, “Georgie wants to practice the harp and you are to play the pianoforte. It is time for your music lessons.”
He guided her to the music room and after seeing to the girls at their lessons with Miss Carter, he returned to the study to be of assistance to his father should he need it.
~*~
“OF COURSE NOT!” Wickham shouted, “They are all LIES!”
William entered and sat down on a nearby seat.
“YOU! What did you say to your father? You snitched on me?” Wickham yelled. “How dare you taint my good name by spreading lies?”
“Did you truly believe that I would not tell my own father, Wickham?” William stood and faced his childhood friend. “I told him all; the women, the gambling, and your debt to me. He paid for your education and deserves to know the truth. The truth that you are spreading gossip of being a bastard to a great man, Wickham. The Darcy name was mentioned, I know it all.”
Wickham paled and plopped down onto a seat. “I... I was trying to impress my friends. I lost all respect as soon as they found out that I was the son of a steward and I had to make up a story so they would befriend me again. I never said whom! I only implied a connection. I swear I will study hard so I can make you proud, Mr. Darcy. I wish to study law and I know I will be an excellent barrister or a solicitor. I give you my word that I will work hard and am deserving of your generosity. I swear it on my father’s grave.”
Mr. Darcy had remained calm throughout his speech but grew bright red at the last statement. “Wickham, your father was a friend for five and twenty years and only in his memory will I not toss you into debtor’s prison for the £600 you owe my son. You besmirch your father’s legacy through your lies and I am now angrier because you chose to swear on your father’s grave. You are a liar and I do not trust you. You have two days to empty out your father’s cottage and you will never set foot on any of my properties again. In your father’s honour, you will be given £100 per annum for the next ten years from the Bank of England and then I wash my hands of you, George. I am giving you more than warranted but if you cause trouble, I will certainly ensure you get what you deserve. Get out of my house, Wickham. I will not see you again.”
Wickham huffed and stormed out in rage, opening the doors abruptly with a loud thump and pushing the footmen out of his way.
“Do you think it will be the end of this, father?” William asked as he watched the angry man walk across the lawn in a few minutes. “I fear he will attempt to take revenge.”
Mr. Darcy nodded at the footman who stood at the open doors and the servant departed after a bow. “I have already assigned Jacob to keep an eye on him. Until he is off my property completely, someone will always be monitoring his move. Once he departs, I plan on having him followed to see where he goes and then have my investigator check on him once in a while. I will keep my family safe and protect us, Fitzwilliam.”
“Good, I am glad to hear it, sir. But father,” William added, “Lizzy spoke with him before he came in here and she had inadvertently shared that she was from Hertfordshire and that her sister was beautiful. Lizzy wishes for Mr. Bennet to be aware of George Wickham, should the rascal attempt to go near Longbourn.”
Mr. Darcy sighed, “It is a good idea, son. I will write to him and warn our dear neighbour of Wickham’s character. It is a large country but I will not risk my friends because angry people are never wise and it is better to be prepared than to be caught unawares.” He walked to the window to look out with his son. “I am glad you told me, Fitzwilliam. George was unreasonable and he continued to spread lies after lies, even though he knew I was holding the truth. I fear he will not turn out well and will likely gamble his way to debtor’s prison or die from the French disease.”
“I hope he finds himself and makes something of his life. He has been given more than many others