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

begged her to trust me, and she . . . hesitantly agreed, and demands honesty sooner than later, but she did accept me.”  He thought of how she leaned into his arms and allowed his kiss when they said goodbye, and felt the tension leaving his body.  “She also does not know that her father was on the verge of marrying her off to a cousin, or that . . .” He realized that Richard would not be impressed with Elizabeth’s troubles.  “I took advantage of Mr. Bennet’s desperation.”
    “Did you think she would refuse you?  Did you suspect her willingness, hence your action?”
    “No, I . . . refusal was the last thing on my mind, but . . . I just did not wish to give her much choice.”
    “And why is that?”  Richard pressed.  He examined his cousin carefully.  “You care for her.  You actually wanted her before you received this news of Georgiana.  You were considering her!”
    Darcy’s face coloured.  “I . . . I felt the danger of my admiration.” 
    “Danger.”  Richard snorted.  “You felt the danger of our elders’ displeasure, not to mention the reaction of our society.  Good Lord, Darcy.  You let infatuation get the best of you.  And now you are tied to her.” 
    “I tell you for the last time, do not dare to speak against her.”  His voice took on a dangerous edge.
    “I did not.  But I pity the woman.  She is in for a hellish introduction to society.  If you cared for her, you would have left her alone.”
    “No . . . I think that I saved her from far worse.”  Darcy’s shoulders slumped as he hoped he was correct.  “I like her.  She is the most impressive woman of my acquaintance.”
    “You like her.  Live with your delusion if it makes you feel better.  But she would probably like to know what your reasons are for selecting her.”
    “I promised to tell her all . . . after we are married.”  Hearing Richard’s laugh he hung his head again.
    “So she cannot run away from being mother to your sister’s child?  I do not see her appreciating this.”
    “I have no doubt that she will not hesitate to express her opinion.”  Darcy said softly and Richard’s brow creased as he saw a small smile appear. 
    “What of our family?”
    Darcy’s eyes closed.   “I will send notices to the papers immediately.  I will write to your parents and Lady Catherine as well.  Uncle Darcy . . .”
    “Is in Town, court is in session.”  Richard’s head tilted.  “What will he say?  He loves Pemberley.”
    “He lives there, of course he does.  He holds it dearly, just as I do.”  Darcy looked up to a portrait of his father.  “Uncle will understand.  I marry Elizabeth to save my sister.”
    “From his son?”  Richard laughed.  “That is not a convincing argument.  I suggest that you do better before facing him or you will be down to one relative who supports you.”  He stood and clasped Darcy’s shoulder.  “I will accept this Elizabeth because you have asked me to do so.  I am unsure of this course you have taken, Darcy, but I will fight to the death your right to be a fool.”  Darcy rose to his feet and the men embraced. 
    “Thank you, Richard.  I hope that she wins your good opinion.”  He laughed softly.  “I pray that I do not lose hers.”
    Richard clapped his back.  “I was under the impression that you have yet to earn it!”
     
    “THANK YOU, MR. BINGLEY.”  Jane smiled as he led her to a seat in the dining room.
    “It is my pleasure, Miss Bennet.”  He smiled just as brightly and looked up to see Elizabeth hesitating at the door.  “Miss Elizabeth, please, take this seat beside me.”  He held the chair opposite Jane and waited for her to be seated, and then stood behind his chair.  “I am rather enjoying playing host.  I will be very sorry to see you leave this morning.  Is there any way that I might persuade you both to stay?”
    “Really, Charles.”  Caroline sniffed.  “Miss Bennet is clearly well, and surely