Darcy and Elizabeth What If? Collection 3 by Jennifer Lang Read Free Book Online Page A

the clarity of the colours. He knew that water painting was difficult, for any mistake could easily result in a muddying of the colours. But Georgiana’s clear blue on the sky, expertly mixed green on the lawns and accurate rendering of the perspective had created a painting he could honestly admire.
    ‘You are becoming quite an artist,’ he said.
    She glowed under his praise.
    Mrs Annesley, her companion, who was sitting quietly at the side of the room, sewing, suggested she show her most recent sampler to her brother.
    Georgiana fetched it and Mr Darcy admired the stitches and told her, with perfect truth, that she was becoming a very accomplished young woman.
    They talked until her dancing master arrived, and then Georgiana went through into the ballroom with him whilst Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam went through into the library where they could talk undisturbed.
    After they had discussed the war, Mr Darcy said, ‘I would like to ask a favour.’
    ‘Oh?’ asked Colonel Fitzwilliam.
    ‘I would like you to use your influence to obtain a commission for George Wickham in the army.’
    Colonel Fitzwilliam looked at him in astonishment.
    ‘Darcy! Have you taken leave of your senses? Why would you help Wickham, after everything he has done to you?’
    Mr Darcy hesitated, but he could not explain it to his cousin without telling him about the bizarre things which kept happening.
    He could not reveal that Elizabeth disliked him because she thought he had been unfair to George Wickham, and he could not say that his actions were now due to his wish to win her good will. Once Wickham had a secure living, then Elizabeth would no longer feel sorry for him and she would no longer resent Mr Darcy.
    Or so he hoped.
    And so he said instead, ‘He seems to have changed his ways. He has joined the militia and I hear that he is paying attention to a respectable heiress named Miss King. I would like to see him well settled as then he will be less likely to slip back into his old ways. And I am sure you will agree with me that none of us want him to do that.’
    ‘Very well,’ said Colonel Fitzwilliam. ‘As it happens, I know of something that will suit him. It is available at once, in Northumberland.’
    ‘I would have liked something farther away. In fact, I would have liked somewhere abroad for him. But Northumberland will do,’ said Mr Darcy with satisfaction.
    ‘If you are serious, we can go and tell him about it,’ said Colonel Fitzwilliam. ‘I saw him in London only yesterday and I know where he is staying.’
    ‘Let us do it at once,’ said Mr Darcy. ‘Before I change my mind.’
    As he strode round to Wickham’s favourite inn with Colonel Fitzwilliam, he hoped that his gesture would relieve Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s animosity towards him on Wickham’s account. Once she learnt what he had done, she would not be able to accuse him of having blighted Wickham’s life.
    Wickham was playing billiards in his shirt sleeves when they found him. He had a large glass of brandy at his elbow, despite the fact it was early in the morning, and he had a woman of low morals hanging on his arm.
    And Elizabeth cares about a man like this! thought Mr Darcy in disgust.
    But, of course, Elizabeth did not know what Wickham was really like. She had only ever seen him in drawing-rooms, or in respectable places such as the Meryton circulating library, and Wickham was very good at hiding his true nature when he wanted to. He had hidden it from Mr Darcy’s father very successfully. He was also good at charming people, so Elizabeth could not be blamed.
    Wickham did not look up until he had taken his shot. The brightly coloured balls clattered around the table before dropping into the pockets at the side and everyone around the table cheered. Money changed hands and Wickham put on his coat. Then he noticed the two newcomers.
    ‘Darcy! This is a surprise,’ he said. He gestured towards the billiard table. ‘Care for a