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 Page B

Darcy’s hand.
    “Do you remember our conversation about Mr. Bingley?”  Bingley stared between them.  “The one when we discussed our care for him and gratitude for his bringing us together.”
    “Yes.”  Darcy said slowly. 
    “Mr. Bingley has come to understand that his forwardness is noticeable to others.  I understand that my response was no better, for allowing it to become this way.”
    “I see.”  Darcy nodded and squeezed her hand.  “What happened?”
    “You spoke of my behaviour?”  Bingley reddened.  “I wish that you had told me that it was off-putting.”
    “I did, if you recall.  It was only displayed in the privacy of our homes; although when any other man has spoken to my wife as you sometimes do, I admit that I have not tolerated it nearly as well.  I recognized it for what it was.  Tell me, who has said something differently?”
    “Miss Martin.”  He noted the exchange of glances.  “I spoke to her father last week after I visited Mr. Gardiner’s office, and he revealed to me that she liked me, but wondered at my fondness for Mrs. Darcy.  It felt like a slap in the face and I am afraid then when I later saw her and demanded an explanation, she, well honestly I barely heard what she said, I was so mortified.  I . . . I said some cruel things to her and her father, I stormed out of their shop, I am ashamed of my behaviour.  I suppose at the time I was defending myself over behaviour that I always knew was wrong.”
    “I should have stopped you before you found yourself so embarrassed.  It is my fault for encouraging you; and giving you license to continue.”  She looked up at Darcy.  “I am so sorry, Will.”
    “No love, I indulged the banter between you.  We discussed it enough times and I never put my foot down.”  His eyes were soft.  “I love your teases, but I admit that I will be glad to see an end to certain ones.”  He leaned down to her ear and whispered.  “Only for me.”
    “Oh Will, I feel terrible.”  Elizabeth’s eyes welled up when he kissed her cheek.
    Bingley grew alarmed with the scene.  “No, do not blame each other!  I should have known better not to be such an arse.  Oh, forgive me!” 
    Darcy wiped the tear running down Elizabeth’s cheek and taking a seat beside her, kissed her hand.  “I am not angry, Bingley.  I have married a beautiful, happy woman who naturally brings out the happiness in others.  I love that.  Shall we say that equal blame is to be had by us all?  Now it is clearly in the open and hopefully addressed.” 
    “It is Darcy, I assure you.  It was pointed out to me most effectively by Miss Martin.”  He sighed and looked at them sadly.  “I am only now realizing how much you must have hated me.”
    “If you continue to apologize I will have to become angry with you.”  Elizabeth said softly as Darcy nodded, supporting her with another squeeze to her hand.  “Forgiveness is granted by us both, and we still love you.  Now, it seems to me that Miss Martin’s explanation to you was not quite heard correctly in the midst of your absolute mortification.  Is that possible?”
    “Quite.”  He said quietly.  “I have never been so shamed.  I have never had a woman, well besides you, stand up and talk to me that way.  I . . . Lord forgive me, I rather enjoyed it.”  He blushed and looked to his boots.  “It was exhilarating to . . . not to fight, but to . . . oh to talk with a woman!”
    “Not an angel?”  Elizabeth suggested.
    “Angel?”  Bingley stopped and stared.  “Miss Martin?  No . . . I . . . I have never thought of her as an angel.”
    “How have you thought of her, then?”   Darcy asked softly.
    “A woman.”  His breathing hitched and he licked his lips.  “A beautiful woman.”  His eyes grew wide as Elizabeth’s sparkled at him.  “I have never spoken of any girl I first met as anything other than an angel before, even you.”  His face coloured when he