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

required a quick exit from Brighton so the gentleman’s creditors could not find him. Papa said Colonel Forster reported debts in Brighton and Meryton.”
    “And Lydia had a few coins Mrs. Bennet gave her before she left for Brighton.” Her uncle quickly came to the same conclusion as Elizabeth.
    “Yes. Mama always found coins for Lydia’s whims, often at the detriment of her other daughters.”
    Elizabeth’s bald declaration did not seem to surprise her uncle, who knew well his youngest sister’s insensibility.
    “Have you considered what will become of you r relationshi p with Mr. Darcy when he discovers it is Lydia we seek.”
    Elizabeth closed her eyes to the pain of finality.
    “At Netherfield, Mr. Darcy spoke of his temper being too little yielding for the convenience of the world and how he could not forget the follies and vices of others. The gentleman once his good opinion once lost to be lost forever. I hold no doubt Mr. Darcy will look upon me with disgust if I should ever hold his acquaintance again.”
    * * *
    “Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy bowed to her. “I apologize for the interruption. I asked the servant if I might speak to Mr. Gardiner or Mr. Bennet.”
    Elizabeth waved off his apology.
    “I gave the instructions to see you through. My father escorted Aunt Gardiner to Longbourn, and my uncle is from home. He received a lead on Mr. Wickham. Uncle Edward seeks the truth behind the information.”
    Darcy considered Elizabeth’s explanation before saying, “I see. In that cause, I will not keep you.” He bowed to take his leave.
    Elizabeth’s expression held her astonishment.
    “Do you have some news you wish me to convey to my uncle, Mr. Darcy?”
    “No.” Darcy experienced the customary flare of pleasure coursing through his body when he looked upon Elizabeth Bennet. Would he ever know this woman as his? “I intended to speak to your father.” He shifted his weight to appear more casual than he felt. “I am surprised Mr. Bennet returned to Hertfordshire.”
    “You mean the fact my father does not plan to defend my honor surprises you.” Elizabeth’s tone spoke of a challenge, but she diverted her eyes from Darcy’s gaze. “Papa has not the knowledge of London, as does my uncle, and we decided among us that if reputations cannot be saved, it would prove foolish for Mr. Bennet to sacrifice Longbourn. My mother and sisters depend upon him.” Although Darcy knew Elizabeth’s reasons logical, he could not think upon Mr. Bennet’s actions with any degree of equanimity. A gentleman should never leave such business to others, especially not to his daughter. “Moreover,” Elizabeth said with an attempt at a tease, “I have you and Uncle Gardiner.”
    “Yes,” Darcy said quietly. “You have me…” He hesitated before adding, “and Mr. Gardiner.”
    Her eyes sparkled as if she found the notion most pleasing. Even so, Elizabeth kept a stiff smile upon her lips.
    “I shall ask again: Do you possess information you would share with my uncle?”
    Darcy heaved a weary sigh.
    “I asked Colonel Fitzwilliam to speak to members of Mr. Wickham’s militia regiment to determine if they can shed light on Mr. Wickham’s activities.”
    Elizabeth’s hazel eyes flashed with what appeared to be annoyance.
    “I pray Colonel Fitzwilliam does not know the reason for your inquiries.”
    As if a moth to a flame, Darcy edged closer to her.
    “I would never betray your confidences. You must know that. I told my cousin news of Mr. Wickham’s creditors came to my attention, and I simply wished to make certain my former friend did not mean to bring more shame to Pemberley’s door.”
    Tears misted Elizabeth’s eyes, and her reaction warmed Darcy’s heart.
    “I do know your honor, Mr. Darcy.” A hint of chagrin slid over Elizabeth’s features. “It is nearly ten of the clock. I would imagine you busied yourself with this task since early on.”
    Darcy chuckled at her accurate evaluation.
    “I began