Imperative: Volume 1, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice by Linda Wells Read Free Book Online

all occurred.”
    “They will claim that Georgiana failed because there is no mentoring influence at Pemberley.  That you and I are incapable of raising a young girl, and our judgement in hiring a companion was clouded by our instincts to have a conveniently attractive female in the house for our own pleasure.”
    Richard’s brows rose. “Actually I never really thought of that, Mrs. Younge is quite attractive.” 
    “I believe that your father bedded your governess for years.”  Darcy said quietly.
    “Pardon?”
    “Father told me.”  Darcy said simply.  “So it would be quite reasonable for Uncle to suspect me of the same, and of course for sharing with you.”
    “Yes, he would think that.”  Richard sighed.  “So, they would demand that you marry Cathy to become a responsible gentleman, Georgiana likely saddled with an army of companions if Mother does not demand that she take her in hand herself . . . and the child?”
    “God knows what would become of it.  I can see your mother ordering it sent to a foundling home within hours of birth.”
    “Yes, so could I.  Aunt Catherine would undoubtedly have a similar reaction regarding Anne.”
    “Undoubtedly.”  Darcy grimaced at the thought of marrying that cousin. “I will therefore delay announcing this news as long as possible, agreed?”
    “Very well, I can bear the screaming if you will offer me bed and board when I am summarily disinherited.”  Richard smirked.
    “I pray it does not come to that.”  He sighed and looked at the liquid swirling in his glass.  “This child is my blood, even if it shares Wickham’s as its father, it is still a Darcy.  If the pregnancy goes to term; if Georgiana survives . . .” Darcy’s voice died away, and he saw Richard’s question.  “She is so young, Mother lost six children, and she died with Georgiana.  It is not an unreasonable supposition that something may not go well.”
    Richard closed his eyes and acknowledged the truth that this would be a very dangerous experience for Georgiana.  “What have you decided to do?”
    “I have decided to take a spectacular step, one that will infuriate our relatives, and hopefully distract them from Georgiana for a time.”  He paused and dove in to the news.   “I am engaged to be married.  My wife and I will raise the child as our own; we will behave as if my wife gave birth to it.”  Darcy looked up to see the astonishment in Richard’s face. 
    “ When did this happen?  Have you been courting anyone?  I have heard nothing of it.”
    “No.”  He sighed and looked down.  “She is a lovely, intelligent, and kind young woman.  I like her.”  He laughed without mirth.  “She is quite tolerable.”
    “Who is she?”
    “Her name is Elizabeth Bennet.  I . . . I compromised her this morning and proposed.”
    “Good Lord.”  Richard stared.   “May I ask how your compromising this girl is any different from Wickham’s actions towards Georgiana?”
    Darcy flushed.  “I kissed her and proposed before Bingley and his sisters!”
    “You and Wickham both had the goal of marrying in mind!”   Richard pointed out.
    “She has nothing, Richard.  A horrible family, save one sister, no heir to the estate, connections to trade, a practically non-existent dowry . . . I am not Wickham.  I came to London to prepare a generous settlement for her and purchase a special license.”
    “And you only like her?”  Richard stared.
    “I . . .”
    “Do not try to tell me that your goals were noble and therefore excusable.”  He saw Darcy’s head hang.  “If Georgiana’s child is male and you carry through with this ill-formed charade, it would be your heir!  You have not thought this through!”
    “It would have Darcy blood . . .”
    “NOT YOURS!”
    “Darcy blood would be in Pemberley.  If I died without a child, Georgiana’s son would be the heir anyway.  Father and I rewrote the conditions of the entailment when I came of