His Uncle's Favorite by Lory Lilian Read Free Book Online Page A

affection for his sister was beyond any doubt, and his attitude towards her was protective and warm. He would surely be careful regarding news he shared with her and people he introduced to her—even through letters.
    And another intriguing thing: He left the gentlemen in the library and came into the drawing room to join their conversation for a few minutes. That was uncommon behaviour, and she certainly would not expect it from Mr. Darcy. Or perhaps he just wanted to see whether his young and painfully shy sister was comfortable amid so many new acquaintances. Yes, that was a logical explanation—and one that gave him much credit as a brother.
    Such puzzling information about that gentleman; it almost made her dizzy.
    She remembered their conversation from the ball when he asked her not to sketch his character. That night she had said she might not have another opportunity. Well, she seemed to have been wrong about that as there obviously would be many other opportunities after that evening unless he took his sister—as he took his friend—and left London immediately to avoid further encounters. Perhaps that would not be so bad, after all, because she had little interest in discovering his character. No, that was not entirely true; she was interested in knowing him better, so she could understand his reasons for ruining Jane’s chances of happiness and challenge them. Yes, that was what she would do!
    Her eyes met Mrs. Gardiner’s worried gaze, and she smiled at her aunt. She did not miss the reproach and silent scolding on her aunt’s face, and once more, she wondered how Mrs. Gardiner seemed to read her mind.
    Suddenly, her own thoughts seemed unreasonable as she remembered a previous talk with Mrs. Gardiner. How was it that her anger and reproach for Jane’s situation turned on Mr. Darcy alone? Where was Bingley, after all, and why could he find no other way of securing his happiness than amusing Miss Darcy with pleasant stories of Hertfordshire? Surely, a man should do a great deal more to protect his desires and future happiness. Unless I misjudged his true wishes and desires as Mr. Wickham misjudged Miss Darcy’s character. Or perhaps Jane misjudged his worthiness and gave him more credit than he deserved.
    A moment later, the earl’s voice startled her from her musings. She tried to answer but could not remember the question, so she took her seat and tried to smile as she drank some cold water; she was suddenly very warm. She was about to refill her glass when she noticed on her left the presence of the very person whose character she was so desirous to sketch.
    “Mr. Darcy…”
    “Miss Elizabeth… Please allow me to pour you a glass of water.”
    “I… Thank you, sir,” she said, taking the glass hesitantly and avoiding his eyes.
    Situated next to Elizabeth at his uncle’s right, it was not difficult for Darcy to notice the earl’s friendly care for Mrs. Gardiner and consequently for her nieces if for no other reason than the gratitude and respect he had for the late Mr. Gardiner.
    He also knew that the earl disapproved of his intervention in Bingley’s situation. He could remember every moment of his conversation with the earl from the previous day, and now he understood why the earl’s tone and expression changed the instant he mentioned the name Bennet. Yes, his uncle was displeased, and he would continue to show his displeasure for a while, one way or another.
    Still, Darcy was certain that his judgement of the Bennet family’s lack of proper behaviour was correct, and surely, the earl would agree with him if he met them. And he was certain that, despite the earl’s mocking declaration, he would not allow either of his sons to join a family whose situation was so beneath them.
    He stared at Elizabeth’s face, and he could see that she was deep in thought. Her eyebrow was arched, and she was biting her lower lip—two sure signs of her preoccupation. He had spent uncounted minutes in