Elizabeth Bennet's Deception: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Regina Jeffers Read Free Book Online

acceptable marriage with Mr. Collins and with him . Surely she cannot love believe Mr. Wickham holds her with deep regard. He proved time and time again he seeks only enough funds to line his empty pockets. So why would Miss Elizabeth accept Mr. Wickham’s professions of love. Furthermore, my former friend customarily directs his practiced pleasantries to naïve innocents, such as my sister.
    “Such as my sister.” Darcy rolled the phrase over in his mind. “My fifteen year old sister.” Darcy’s eyes returned to the sleeping countenance of the woman he loved . As I would do anything in my power to protect Georgiana so would Miss Elizabeth act to protect her family. The woman would accept rumors of ruination to permit her sisters an opportunity to know happiness . Darcy smiled for the first time since hearing Elizabeth’s plea for him to assist her in finding Mr. Wickham . If the lady wishes to locate the scoundrel, so be it. I am anxious to prove my theory viable. Yet, if she thinks our relationship is at an end, Miss Elizabeth erred. What exists between us is not finished until I say it is.
    * * *
    “Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy waited for her in the upper storey of the inn in which they sought shelter for the evening. Having a late start from Derbyshire, the day passed quickly, but during their journey, Darcy came to several conclusions regarding Elizabeth Bennet: The most important of which was the complete impossibility of her having known George Wickham intimately. “May I have a moment of your time?”
    She diverted her eyes, an action Darcy expected, but still found vexing. In the coach, he knew Elizabeth studied him, as he did her. With slitted eyes, he observed her looks of longing and of regret: The lady was not as immune to him as she once was.
    “Can this not wait, Mr. Darcy? My aunt is below and desiring my company.” Elizabeth’s words were meant to chastise, but Darcy recognized the hint of desperation, which colored her speech throughout the day.
    “Mrs. Gardiner is comfortably settled in the private parlor below. I tended to your aunt personally,” Darcy assured.
    With a deep sigh of the inevitable, Elizabeth squared her shoulders.
    “You are most kind, Mr. Darcy. I apologize for my impertinence.”
    Darcy shortened the distance between them.
    “It is I who should apologize, Miss Elizabeth. I once again permitted my pride to choose my path. My disdain for Mr. Wickham colored my initial response. You are blameless.”
    A grimace crossed her lips, and Darcy noted the expression of guilt that momentarily claimed Miss Elizabeth’s features.
    “A woman is capable of making choices, Mr. Darcy. She does not require a man to tutor her.”
    Darcy kept the smile from his lips.
    “I believe you capable of many things, Miss Elizabeth, but even you would require lessons in intimacies.” Darcy edged closer and dropped his voice to a raspy whisper. “In such matters, you are an innocent.” He permitted his breath to caress her cheek.
    A streak of red rushed up Elizabeth’s neck, and Darcy knew the warmth of her body’s closeness.
    “We should not speak so familiarly, Mr. Darcy. It is unseemly.”
    Darcy ignored her protest. He planned to disassemble Elizabeth’s resolve.
    “I mean no offense, Miss Elizabeth.” His lips brushed her hair, and her color deepened. “I confessed my feelings previously.”
    “Mr. Darcy,” she murmured. “I must insist you…”
    “Insist I what, Miss Elizabeth?’
    With a great effort she took a step back.
    “Your apology…is accepted, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth stammered. “I realize my news was disconcerting. You must know I would not plead for your assistance if I possessed another alternative.”
    Darcy swallowed the desire present only seconds prior.
    “But another choice exists,” he said in sincerity.
    Elizabeth’s features crunched up in confusion.
    “Even if I would choose to go off to Scotland or America, my actions would not change the fact my father