Darcy's Temptation by Regina Jeffers Read Free Book Online Page B

discuss what you envision, and then we will decide what we can or cannot support.”
    â€œThank you, Mr. Darcy. We appreciate the opportunity to speak to you on this matter.”Ashford played the humble card.
    Kitty started to say something, but the look both Bingley and Ashford shot her told Kitty this was not the time. Darcy would decide without encouragement from her, but Kitty thought if she got the chance she would ply Elizabeth on Mr. Ashford’s behalf.
    As conversations resumed, Edward turned again to Darcy. “When shall you arrive at my parents’ estate?”

    â€œElizabeth, Georgiana, Kitty, and I will travel to Nottingham and stay with Lord and Lady Pennington for a few days prior to arriving at Matlock.We will come a day or two before the party, depending on Pennington’s availability.”
    â€œI have not seen Lady Pennington in some time,”Anne added.
    â€œElizabeth and I met them by accident when we were in London. Her Ladyship took quite a liking to my wife. Plus, it will do Georgiana and Kitty well to socialize with other young people at the Penningtons’ and at Matlock.”
    Edward confirmed,“I will convey your plans to my mother and father.”
    â€œI wrote to Lord Pennington earlier today to request the honor of joining them prior to the party. I should hear from him before you and Anne leave us.” Despite his early protest to the contrary, Darcy liked playing host to those he loved.
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    When the men rejoined the women after dinner, Georgiana and Anne played numerous songs to the delight of everyone. Elizabeth gifted them with two vocals before returning to her seat beside Darcy.
    â€œThat was beautiful, Elizabeth,” he whispered to her as he kissed the back of her hand.
    â€œYou are prejudiced on my side, I believe, Sir.” Elizabeth touched his cheek tenderly.
    â€œThe first time I heard you sing at Lucas Lodge, the clarity of your voice sliced through me. I stood with my eyes closed, taking in your joy for life. I was deeply disappointed when you chose not to continue.”
    â€œThen you offered to dance with me.”
    â€œWhich you promptly refused,” Darcy reminded her.
    Elizabeth took his hand in hers. “I do sorely wish we were more reasonable in those days.”

    â€œAs long as we are never apart again.” Darcy massaged the inside of her wrist with his fingertips, an action she always found to be exceedingly erotic.
    â€œI plan to grow old with you, my Love.” Elizabeth squeezed his knee and slid her fingertips up the inside of his thigh when no one looked on. His quick intake of air brought a sly smile to her face.

CHAPTER 3
    â€œFrom politics, it was an easy step to silence.”
    Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey , 1817

    Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Gardiner joined Elizabeth in what would become the baby’s nursery. “This room has not been used since Miss Georgiana was born,” Mrs. Reynolds said, touching some of the delicate items found there.
    â€œMuch of it is dated and not usable,” Mrs. Gardiner added. “Some items are rotting, unfortunately.”
    â€œI do not mind the fact some items are dated, but I would prefer quality to quantity. My tastes tend to be less ornate than what I see here.” Elizabeth walked around the room, lightly touching the items, very much as she did that first day back in London at Kensington Place.
    â€œSo, where do we start, Elizabeth?” her aunt asked.“Do you have a vision for the nursery?”
    â€œI really have no idea; this is not an area in which I excel.” Elizabeth sat down in frustration. “However, I cannot just ignore the need to have things as I would like them to be. It will be the place where my child will spend a great deal of its time.”
    Hearing their voices, Kitty came through the open door. “What a lovely room,” she gushed.“Will this be the nursery?”
    â€œThat is what we planned,