Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Memory: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice) by Linda Wells Read Free Book Online

you to help me fend them off.”
    Bingley’s smile grew and he was about to reply when he caught sight of Elizabeth and sobered.  “I will be happy to help you, sir. But all of these women are ladies, and I am certain that their behaviour will undoubtedly be impeccable.  You are in no danger.”
    “Mr. Bingley.”  Elizabeth’s hands were on her hips.  “ Are you well?”
    “Yes, Mrs. Darcy.”  He would not meet her eye, and startled when she took his hand.  “Mrs. Darcy . . .”
    “You will partner me, Mr. Bingley.  We are teaching the captain how to dance, and it is better done in a group.”  She led him to stand next to de Bourgh.  “And perhaps you will relax.”  He said nothing and she waited for Georgiana to play.  “When did we last dance together?”
    “I can hardly recall, madam.”  He said soberly and moved automatically, but gracefully.  He could sense her watching him carefully.
    “I believe that it was New Year.”  She held out her hands to him and he took them, but avoided her eyes.  “I believe that you and my Fitzwilliam were suffering a case of the giggles.  I could not decide if the Hursts were laughing along with or at the scene.”
    “Mrs. Darcy . . .”
    “Oh no, sir.  You were well in your cups; and Fitzwilliam, well, I have no idea what came over my staid husband, but he undoubtedly had taken to hiding his face in my shoulder and laughing.  At you.  That is quite a feat if you consider our rather obvious difference in height.”  She smiled warmly at him.  “I will never forget him being so lost in mirth.  I love that you could bring out such silliness in him.  We were grateful to bid last year farewell, and so grateful to share that celebratory day with such a dear friend.”
    Bingley smiled, then laughed softly.  “Darcy was a laughing fool that night.”
    “He was.” 
    “So were you.”  He smiled, and saw her blush.  “You were playing and singing some love song to him, and Darcy was mooning over you like a lovesick youth.  It was delightful to watch both of you.”
    “How could you see with your eyes so bleary?”
    “Oh . . . I suppose that handling my drink is something that I can do well.”  Her warm smile heartened him, but then his face fell.  “Perhaps that and making people laugh are my only talents.  And laughter, I understand, is frowned upon.”
    “Who told you that?”
    “Caroline . . .”  Elizabeth’s brows rose.  “Oh Mrs. Darcy, how many times were you chastised for displaying wit?”
    “Has someone told you that you are too witty?”  Elizabeth asked as she turned and then took de Bourgh’s awkwardly extended hand.  She smiled up at the bumbling captain.  “You are doing very well.”
    “I am tripping and turning wrong.  These balls were a mistake.”  He muttered.  “She will think her suitor is a fool.”
    “Mary is delighted with everything of you.  Now stop this self-pity and pay attention to your steps!”  She smiled as this time, he cleanly handed her back to Bingley, who had resumed his sombre smile while dancing with Mary.  “As we were saying . . .”
    “Mrs. Darcy.”
    “Mr. Bingley, all I can see so far is that someone has told you that your willingness to bring joy to your friends is to be frowned upon, and frankly whoever told you that is someone I would not care to meet.”
    “But you have met her.”  He said softly as he passed by and looked at his boots.
    “Who?”  Elizabeth demanded as the song ended.  “If you do not answer, I will be forced to name every lady I have ever known you to meet, and that could take quite some time.  Please name her so that I might help you.”
    “I do not deserve help, I . . .” Elizabeth glared at him and his lips involuntarily twitched.  “Miss Martin.”
    “I knew it!” 
    “Knew what?”  Georgiana called.
    “Nothing that concerns you.  Now play something else, Captain de Bourgh needs more practice.”  Elizabeth looked at the