Chapter 322: Chapter 322
Like an exceptionally swift gale, though Rosings Manor basked in brilliant sunlight with gentle breezes, Darcy felt as if he were plunged into an icy blizzard.
It was as if a dense fog had been lifted.
Amidst the overwhelming worries about Miss Bennet that had consumed his journey, he finally remembered his own sister, Georgiana.
That pitiful girl who still instinctively shrank with timidity upon meeting strangers, particularly unfamiliar men. That twelve-year-old child who had tossed and turned through countless nights, tormented by guilt and self-blame for nearly becoming a family disgrace, to the point of nearly losing her voice and withdrawing into herself.
And before this, he had even contemplated, even considered giving that scoundrel Wickham a sum of money to settle the matter, thereby preserving the Bennet family's reputation, especially Miss Elizabeth's.
Perhaps in the near future, he would even become brothers-in-law with such a rogue, allowing them opportunities to set foot in Pemberley Estate, even becoming honored guests there once more...
And his sister Georgiana...
At this thought, Darcy's originally handsome face suddenly turned deathly pale. Especially when meeting those all-too-familiar deep blue eyes before him.
Spring at Rosings Manor remained radiant, the wind occasionally carrying faint fragrances of flowers and plants.
Time passed minute by minute. Just as An Ning had deduced several possible hiding places based on previously gathered clues and Wickham's character habits, Darcy, who had been standing silently to one side, finally spoke:
"My apologies, but Anne, I swear upon the Darcy honor that nothing which could harm Georgiana will ever come to pass!"
As if having resolved himself decisively, it must be said Mr. Darcy's expression was extremely solemn at this moment.
Hearing this, An Ning merely smiled faintly and silently handed over the map marked with several locations.
Thanks to earlier detective novels and years of dedicated popular science from her pen pal Sherlock, An Ning was somewhat familiar with these London streets and their surrounding characteristics.
Deducing a few locations wasn't particularly difficult for her now.
However, seeing these spots marked in red, especially the nearby underground gambling dens, Darcy's face grew even darker, his already sharp thin lips pressed tightly together:
After a moment, he finally spoke in a heavy voice:
"According to the captain of the militia where he previously served, even before choosing to 'elope,' Wickham had already accumulated gambling debts amounting to at least a thousand pounds!"
Fully aware of his cousin Anne's intelligence, Darcy didn't question her findings, though he still seemed somewhat incredulous...
Hearing this, Anne simply lowered her head and took a sip of black tea:
"Indeed, cousin, you said it yourself - he's a gambler. A gambler, and a habitual one at that, who has nearly bankrupted himself and lost everything. Why would you think mere debts of a thousand pounds would be enough to make such a man reform his ways?"
If such addictions were so easily broken, there wouldn't be so many bankrupt souls in this world.
Besides, London's underground gambling establishments were numerous if not increasing, with various factions flourishing everywhere. If one option disappeared, naturally others remained available.
"With so much debt already, what difference does a little more or less make?"
Especially when there might be a wealthy patron available to exploit.
Understanding his cousin's implication, Darcy's expression grew even more troubled. After sincerely thanking An Ning, he took the marked map and hurried away.
Only after his figure had completely disappeared did Georgiana, pale-faced, slowly emerge from beneath a large tree nearby.
"Sister Anne, did I... did I make things difficult for brother again?"
Though she had become much more outgoing over the years, the mere mention of that name she'd just overheard made Georgiana tremble uncontrollably.
This soul-deep trembling drained all color from the young girl's face.
Especially when considering that because of her situation, her brother's future marriage prospects might be compromised. Georgiana grew increasingly distressed...
She resembled an ostrich, trying desperately to tuck her small head into her neck.
Finally, An Ning firmly pulled her out:
"Enough now, didn't we agree earlier that matter is long past? Besides, Georgiana bravely resisted temptation and didn't bring shame upon the Darcy family - isn't that the mark of a clever and courageous young lady?"
"The fault lies with the despicable Wickham and the scheming household servants - what does any of that have to do with you, Anna?"
An Ning said dismissively:
In her view, a girl barely over ten years old, facing her childhood friend and a conspiring governess - both collaborating in daily psychological manipulation - yet still refusing to be swayed into that disgraceful "elopement" they desired,
And even boldly exposing the scheme -
How could she not be considered a clever and brave girl!
Especially having lost both parents young, with her only brother constantly busy and somewhat clueless about a young girl's heart and worries.
Pretending not to notice her excessively pale complexion, An Ning skillfully pressed a paintbrush into Georgiana's hand, cheerfully blinking at her:
"Well then, the other half of this painting shall be entrusted to our clever and adorable Miss Anna!"
Meeting the girl's bewildered expression, An Ning coughed lightly and deliberately adopted a serious tone:
"I intend to hang this spring landscape in Rosings Manor's gallery as our sisterly masterpiece! So I must request, dear cousin, that you absolutely... absolutely don't take this lightly!"
"And it will bear our signatures!"
Staring flustered at the nearly completed painting before her, Georgiana immediately forgot all those chaotic thoughts.
The mere idea of her cousin's name appearing alongside an ugly painting made her instinctively shake her head vigorously.
Oh, heavens, that would be too dreadful!