Darkness Falls Upon Pemberley by Susan Adriani Read Free Book Online Page A

never would have wanted you to know it.”
    He shook his head emphatically. “But I do know it. I knew it before through Georgiana, and now, because of you. As you can see, there’s little point in trying to protect me, my dear. It’s far too late for that.”
    An affectionate smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he imagined the two women he loved most in the world—Elizabeth and Georgiana—together at Pemberley. The prospect of the two someday becoming sisters pleased Darcy beyond measure, and he was suddenly impatient, not only to give voice to his fantasy, but to make that fantasy a reality.
    “You will do her a world of good, you know. Your friendship, along with your inherent kindness and affectionate nature, will bring Georgiana unparalleled joy.” He brought her hands to his lips and kissed them reverently. “You can offer her so much, Elizabeth, and I have no doubt it will be your guidance and perseverance that will enable my sister to forge her own path to happiness and contentment. She’ll admire and love you straight away; in time, perhaps even as much as I do.”
    Elizabeth tugged her hands from his grasp and rose from the bed. Darcy stared at her, startled and disconcerted by her sudden withdrawal.
    “I would be honoured to be a friend to Miss Darcy, sir, as I am honoured to be yours, but to more than that I cannot consent.”
    Darcy felt the colour drain from his face.  “I was under the impression that our fellowship had transcended the bonds of mere friendship some time ago. Surely, after everything we confided in each other tonight—after the astounding intimacy we’ve shared—you can be in no doubt of my intentions toward you.”
    “Mr. Darcy, pray do not—”
    “No, Miss Bennet,” he said thickly. “I must, indeed I must. I love you, most ardently, and I beg you to end my suffering and consent to be my wife.”
    Elizabeth shut her eyes tightly and covered her mouth with her hand.
    “Elizabeth,” he said gently, and extended his hand to her. “Come here, dear heart.” But Elizabeth remained where she was, silent and still as she struggled to keep her composure.
    When she finally found her voice, it was solemn and subdued, rather than emotive and warm, and Darcy’s heart sank as he listened to her say, “As flattered and moved as I am by your declaration, Mr. Darcy, and, despite the fervency of my own feelings regarding the matter, I must ask you to never speak such words to me again. Y ou must surely know, dear sir, no matter how much I desire it, that I can never consent to become your wife.”

 
     
     
     
     
     
    E ight
     
    In shock he stared at her, unable to completely credit what he’d heard. “Why ever not?” he demanded, his voice harsher than he’d intended.
    Elizabeth blinked back tears. “ You know very well why not.”
    “ No. I possess no such answer. I see nothing wrong with wanting to have a life with you; nothing wrong with wanting to make you my wife. I’m in love with you for God’s sake, and judging by your actions throughout the entirety of our acquaintance, I’m certain you care deeply for me as well. Does that count for nothing?”
    “ It’s true,” she conceded. “I do love you, but what you’re asking of me is not only unrealistic, but dangerous! You are a man, I am a monster,” she said fiercely, swiping at the moisture upon her cheeks, “and that makes any connection between us not only reprehensible, but unspeakable. A union between us would be considered an abomination in every respect, so pray do not make this any more difficult than it already is by speaking of impossibilities.”
    “ But it need not be so,” he countered. “No one beyond you and I would ever know. My household staff is loyal and trustworthy, the very soul of discretion. Your secret will be as well guarded at Pemberley as it is at Longbourn.”
    “ My father will know. Miss Darcy and Jane will know, and I daresay none of them would approve, and rightly