Mr and Mrs Darcy 02 Suspense & Sensibility by Carrie Bebris Read Free Book Online Page A

his parents. Now that his father's death has granted him complete independence,
he spends all his time gadding about town with his friends. When not otherwise
engaged, he can be found lounging on Bond Street from one to four o'clock,
riding in Hyde Park at five, then off to some social affair or the theatre."
    "So, he wants seriousness and meaningful occupation. But then, so
do most of his peers. Dissipation is an epidemic among gentlemen in town. Have
you heard any real ill of him? Is he a drunkard? Does he have debts? Does he
treat ladies as a gentleman should?"
    "By all reports, his reputation is sound in those respects."
    She sighed and rose to prepare for bed. "Then I think we ought not
interfere with any courtship between Mr. Dashwood and Kitty."
    He caught her by the hand to stop her as she passed. "You would see
her marry a man of so little substance?"
    "I'd hardly consider six thousand a year 'little substance.'"
    "His material circumstances are, of course, beyond objection. I was
speaking of his character."
    "He comes from a respectable family. He seems to have few real vices
and the ability to regulate them himself. More important, he has already
engaged Kitty's affections, and I believe his regard for her is sincere. Add to
that his generous income, and a young woman of Kitty's iortune cannot
realistically hope to do better, nor, at this point, do I expect she wishes to."
    "But his idleness! Could you be happy with a man whose idea of an afternoon
well spent is selecting the perfect fob chain?"
    "No. But I am not Kitty, and what makes me happy would not satisfy
her." Still holding his hand, she came round to settle on his knee. "Indeed,
that I found happiness with such a serious man continues to baffle most of my
family."
    "I promised you that I would protect Kitty's interests as if she
were my own sister. Your father is relying on my judgment."
    "Then let that judgment derive from a better observation of Mr. Dashwood
himself. He returns to town tomorrow. Why don't you call upon him? Invite him
to dine with us."
    It was a sound idea. Darcy would not have wanted his future with Elizabeth
decided upon the basis of public impressions and reports in general circulation
about him when they had first met.
    "I will," he agreed. "Perhaps I will also suggest that a
young man wishing to pay addresses to Miss Bennet would do well to conduct
himself in a more useful manner."
    "Now Darcy, don't go scaring him."

Five

    "My protege, as you call him, is a sensible man,
    and sense will always have
attractions for me."

    - Elinor
Dashwood to Mr. Willoughby,
    Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 10

    Harry
Dashwood possessed an address as fashionable as the rest of his accoutrements.
Upon coming into his inheritance, he had taken a townhouse in Pall Mall from
which he could enjoy his new independence free from his mother's watchful eye.
From what Darcy had heard of Mrs. John Dashwood, Harry need not have bothered.
By all accounts, Fanny was an indulgent mother unlikely to curb any pleasure of
her only son, so long as he did nothing to seriously jeopardize his own or the
family's reputation.
    Darcy handed his card to the servant and waited patiently at the door
while it was determined whether the master was at home. Mr. Dashwood's voice
emanating from the hall indicated that he had indeed completed his journey back
to London, but that didn't necessarily mean he was receiving visitors. A few
moments, however, brought the servant back with an invitation to step inside.
    "Mr. Darcy!" Dashwood exclaimed upon sighting him. "You
honor me with this visit." He paused to direct three footmen who carried a large looking glass. "Put
it in my dressing room."
    The servants ascended the stairs with the mirror. Darcy noticed a pair
of trunks also awaiting relocation.
    "Forgive me," Mr. Dashwood said, gesturing toward the baggage.
"I've just arrived home."
    "Perhaps I should return at a later time."
    "No - do stay! You must, however, allow me to change my