The Guest | F. Darcy

Chapter 3: Affections New and Old

As soon as Elizabeth had Adele alone, she wasted not a moment before launching her questions.

"Tell me now, dear sister," she began eagerly, "how do you know Colonel Fitzwilliam?"

Adele sighed, though a small smile played upon her lips.

"Let me tell you something, Elizabeth, something that no one knows except Papa and myself," she said. "When Adelina and I were taken in by Uncle and Aunt Gardiner, Aunt's sister, Lady Marshall, decided she would take one of us to raise as her own. The one she chose was me. Aunt Gardiner was pleased, for she believed it would grant me greater opportunities, and I did not object, as I was already familiar with Lady Marshall."

Elizabeth listened intently as Adele continued.

"Lady Marshall resides in Derbyshire," she explained. "Just as it is said that one half of Derbyshire belongs to the Darcys, the other half is owned by the Marshalls. She had no children of her own, but she raised me as if I were her own daughter. The Darcys and Marshalls, being close friends, often spent time together, so I found myself in frequent company of both the late and the current Mr. Darcy."

Elizabeth gasped. "But why did you never tell us?"

Adele chuckled. "I am telling you now, am I not?"

Elizabeth huffed but could not suppress her curiosity. "And Mr. Darcy? Why did he say nothing of it?"

Adele's smile grew wistful. "He did not recall me," she admitted. "Everyone there called me 'Ady,' and he never knew me as anything else." She sighed before continuing. "Fitzwilliam—Mr. Darcy, that is—and I were the best of friends, as we were only a few years apart. Georgiana was much younger, but she and I still share correspondence. Along the way, another joined our company—Mr. Wickham, as I am sure he has told you."

Elizabeth nodded, her expression darkening.

"From the very beginning, George Wickham and I were at odds. The late Mr. Wickham was a kind man, but none of his goodness was inherited by his son. He resented my friendship with Fitzwilliam and did everything in his power to drive a wedge between us. Being the only other gentleman of Fitzwilliam's age, he quickly became a close companion to him and used that influence to his advantage. One day, Wickham came to the Marshall estate to threaten me—to warn me to stay away from Fitzwilliam."

Elizabeth's eyes widened. "He did not!"

"Oh, he did," Adele said with a smirk. "But I was never one to be intimidated. I was no lady then, Elizabeth—believe me, I broke his nose."

Elizabeth gasped, while Adele merely laughed.

"Unfortunately," Adele continued, "I had no idea that Fitzwilliam had arrived at that very moment, and he chose that precise instance to witness the aftermath. George Wickham, being the wicked liar he has always been, twisted the truth. He claimed that I had threatened him to stay away from Fitzwilliam, and when he refused, I lashed out in anger. Fitzwilliam, blinded by his newfound friendship, believed him and vowed never to speak to me again."

"That was most unkind of Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth remarked indignantly.

"It was also most devious of Wickham," Adele countered.

"And Colonel Fitzwilliam?" Elizabeth prompted, eager to learn more.

Adele's expression softened. "He is like a brother to me," she admitted. "Whenever he visited the Darcys, he always sought me out, and we were nearly inseparable. During my debut season, he remained by my side, introducing me to society and ensuring my comfort. Even Adelina was fond of him."

Before Elizabeth could press further, Adele excused herself, claiming the need for a walk, leaving her sister standing in thoughtful silence.