A Peculiar Connection by Jan Hahn Read Free Book Online Page B

remind me of that time, Mr. Darcy. I am quite ashamed of how I abused you.”
    “I shall never forget the turn of your countenance when you said I could not have acted in a more ungentlemanlike manner.”
    “My words were harsh and uncalled for. I pray you do not hold them against me.”
    “What did you say that I did not deserve? The manner of my declaration was abominable. When I think back on it, I cannot imagine myself uttering those insults toward your family and yourself. Make no mistake in thinking I still harbour those sentiments.”
    My stomach lurched at his declaration, but was it true? I knew him to be a man who abhorred deceit, but was I so in error? Of what sentiments did he speak—his disapproval of my connections or his declaration of love? Had I misunderstood his attentions at Pemberley or his kindness at Lambton when he discovered me grieving over Lydia?
    I took a deep breath. “Then, sir, may I ask why Lady Catherine travelled to Longbourn with such haste in fear that you and I were soon to be engaged? What led her to reveal my true parentage if not in dread that an attachment between us loomed imminent?”
    The hat twirling in his hand ceased as suddenly as it had begun.
    “I cannot speak for my aunt or for her malice. Although directed at you, her anger was meant for me. She had called at my townhouse in London the day before and confronted me once again concerning a proposal for her daughter. I told her for the last time that I was not to marry Anne, and that my affections lay elsewhere. For whatever reason, she presumed you were the object. That is when she produced a copy of the note written by Sir Lewis. As I told you earlier, I went directly to her solicitor’s office and examined the original. Unknown to me, the following day, she travelled to Longbourn. I returned to Netherfield where she found me after her visit with you. She appeared delighted with her Machiavellian efforts but became affronted when I informed her that I would share my inheritance with you.”
    His affections lay elsewhere. What does that mean?
    “Elizabeth, ours is a peculiar connection, but a connection I will endure. You must not doubt me, for I possess the strongest of wills. When I set my mind to a task, it is accomplished. The moment I learned you were my sister, I determined to think of you in that manner. The past is now dead.”
    “As simply as that?” I whispered.
    I saw the nerve in his cheek tighten as he pressed his lips together. “Since that day, you have been naught but my sister. You have my highest respect and regard. You need have no fear of me.”
    ][
    Within a fortnight, I left for Pemberley with Georgiana and Mr. Darcy. Even though I assured my father I was going for only a short visit, he still clung to my hand until the door closed on Mr. Darcy’s carriage. My mother and sisters were breathless with excitement. Mamá had calculated how many men of fortune I might meet. I stressed that I did not go in quest of a husband, but she would not have it. At last, I gave up my attempts to convince her and left her to indulge her fancies.
    One may well ask why I agreed at last to the Darcys’ invitation after I had insisted I would not go. One might think it because of Mr. Darcy’s renunciation of any feeling for me, other than that of a brother. Or one might consider the attraction of solving the mystery of my mother’s identity compelling enough to alter my decision.
    In truth, I grew bored and lonely at Longbourn without Jane. She had asked that I accompany her and Charles on their wedding trip, but I declined. I feared that being a daily witness to their devotion would simply reinforce my own loneliness. Within days, I wished with all my heart that I had accepted. Restricted to the house because of inclement weather, I quickly tired of my mother and younger sisters’ company while Papá locked himself in his library with increasing regularity. A spirit of tedium and impatience began to plague me