Read Online Unforgiving Temper by Gail Head - Free Book Online

your meaning, sir; nor do I
care to. I believe this conversation is at an end!”
    “I had not reached my point; but perhaps you
are right. It is at an end for now. Shall we return to the
party?”
    He offered his arm, which she reluctantly
took, and led her back inside where he promptly released her when
Lydia called to him from across the room. Leaning close as he moved
away, he breathed a parting whisper into her ear, “Another time
then.”
    Elizabeth forced a smile to her lips and bent
her head to cover the shudder that shot through her body at the
intimate gesture.
    Wickham leisurely walked away in the
direction of Lydia's laughter, clearly unhappy that he had not
accomplished whatever his purpose had been. Joining the group of
officers now entertaining Lydia and Kitty, Elizabeth watched as
Lydia immediately pressed him for a dance. He willingly obliged and
took his place in the line, looking one last time at Elizabeth
before turning his full attentions to his partner.
    Across the room, Jane sent her sister an
enquiring gaze, looking quickly to Mr. Wickham and then back
again. Elizabeth promptly dismissed Wickham's unsavory gesture with
a roll of her eyes and an amused smile.
    On the inside, Elizabeth did not feel the
least bit like smiling. A cold dread began to settle in the pit of
her stomach, giving an urgency to the desire for her sweet Jane's
advice. She had to tell someone of Wickham's true character, and
Jane's calm, even-tempered opinion was just what she needed to sort
things out. Again she glanced at the happy couple who were still
deep in conversation. She could not disturb Jane now. There would
be time in the morning.
    “Lizzy, why are you standing there with such
a long face?” Lydia demanded as she poured herself a cup of punch.
“You should be dancing like the rest of us! I shall even let you
dance with Wickham if you promise not to take him off again.”
    “I thank you, Lydia, but I have no wish to
dance with Mr. Wickham or anyone else at the moment.”
    “Well, I wish you would just once. Then you
could answer all his silly questions.”
    “Questions?” Elizabeth stiffened in alarm.
“What sort of questions?”
    “Do I think you will be walking to Meryton
tomorrow…do you often accompany Kitty and me…that sort of thing.
Really, Lizzy, you had your chance with him; now it is my turn. It
is unfair of you spoil it for me.”
    “I can promise you, Lydia, that I have not
the slightest interest in Mr. Wickham. I do my best to avoid
his company, and I think you would do well to follow suit.”
    “La! You are just jealous!” Lydia quipped,
finishing her punch with alacrity before flashing her sister a coy
smile. “Just you wait and see, I shall hold on to him much better
than you ever did! I must go now. He is waiting for me!”
    Elizabeth frowned at her sister's departing
figure. Something had to be done to separate Lydia from Wickham. It
was obvious she would not willingly give him up, but his
dishonorable nature was becoming more apparent and it would not be
long before any family connected with him would be censured and
despised. It would not do to ruin Jane's chances again.
    She had to find a way to convince her father
of the danger to them all brought on by Lydia's unguarded and
imprudent manner. It was crucial that he check her exuberant
behavior now or she would soon be beyond the reach of amendment. A
fresh outburst of raucous laughter erupted from the group of
officers surrounding Lydia and Kitty, underscoring Elizabeth's
thoughts.
    I will speak to Father as soon as I return
from my walk in the morning. Lydia's behavior must be checked at
once before it destroys Jane's happiness forever!
     

Chapter 4
    The morning sunlight filtered through the
small window of the officers' quarters, bringing George Wickham
awake with a jolt. What time is it? Peering at the ebony
mantel clock, he scrambled from his bed. I've got to hurry! Fortunately his companions were still deep in slumber,