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

age.”  He looked up to see Richard’s astonishment.  “Father felt that Georgiana’s sex should not stop her from inheriting, I admired his forward thinking and supported it absolutely.”
    “But you are marrying this lowly gentlewoman, she is a gentlewoman, at least?”  Seeing his nod he drove on relentlessly.  “And one day when your first son is born, he would be denied his rights.  I am a second son, Darcy.  Granted, being the second son of an Earl is no hardship, but it is not being Viscount either.  You have effectively disinherited your own flesh and blood before he is conceived!  And speaking of conception, you will have to remain celibate for . . . what, nine months or more?  Until your false child is christened and your virgin wife is churched!”
    “I understand the requirements and I pray for a girl.”  Darcy stared at his hands, feeling his heart break for his nonexistent son.  “I cannot abandon blood; I cannot refuse my father’s grandchild a home.”
    Richard shook his head at his cousin’s obstinacy.  “This girl, this person you dug up to marry.  Why?  Why not at least someone from our circle?”
    “What woman do you know who would agree to marry nearly instantly and with the knowledge that she must put on a sham pregnancy and not see her own child as the possible heir?”  Darcy looked up at him.  “I want a woman with compassion, who would be Georgiana’s friend.  Elizabeth Bennet has displayed her loyalty and care for family admirably.”
    “A companion could do for that.  This is your entire life; your choice of wife is an incredibly important decision.  You, Pemberley, needs her dowry.  You need a woman of quality at your side to survive the scandal that will ensue if this becomes public knowledge.  Damn it, Darcy, this is the mother of your heir!  Georgiana will not remain with you forever, and you will be left to raise her child.  This is foolishness, idiocy!  I cannot allow you to do this!”
    “It is done, Richard.  Her father has agreed.”
    “Of course he has agreed!  End this now, you should not have to pay for Georgiana’s mistakes.  Marry her off to your cousin; send her away to give birth, anything but this, Darcy.  You cannot protect Georgiana from her mistakes.”
    “I failed her as a parent, whatever I did that left her susceptible to Wickham . . .”
    “If you blame yourself again, Darcy, I swear to God I will draw my blade and cut out your tongue!”  Richard growled.  The two cousins glared at each other and Richard, recognizing the stubborn set of his jaw, let out an exasperated breath.  “So this girl has agreed to these terms?  She must assuredly be a fortune hunter to agree to this!”
    “She is no fortune hunter!”  Darcy said heatedly.  Richard watched his reaction with surprise.  Darcy’s face flushed with the insult.  “Besides . . . she does not know.”
    “She does not know?” 
    “No.”  Darcy sighed.  “I have not told her.”
    “I am sure that she will be thrilled with the news, however, the riches she will achieve as Mistress of Pemberley are undoubtedly compensation enough.”
    Instantly he snarled.  “If you insult Elizabeth again, Richard, I will call you out!  This will be my wife, I expect you to treat her with the respect she deserves, regardless of her origins or the circumstances of our marriage.” 
    Raising his hand, Richard asked for calm.  He studied Darcy’s expression and twisting hands curiously, and reduced the derogatory tone in his voice.  “You could have simply proposed, and kissed her in celebration afterwards.  There is no doubt that she would have accepted you.” 
    “Apparently not.”  He laughed hollowly.  “She disliked me with good reason it seems, and mistook my clumsy attention for insult rather than admiration.”
    “You had to convince her to accept you?”  Richard was incredulous and Darcy nodded.  “And she knows nothing of your plans?”
    “No, I