Pride, Prejudice & Secrets by C.P. Odom Read Free Book Online Page A

has, even if she is not yet aware of it,” Richard said.
    “And now she has.” Darcy frowned as he wrote quickly. “It is unfortunate that the manners of Elizabeth’s mother and younger daughters are so deficient. In fact, when they are merely acting silly, it is an improvement on their other behaviours. Her father is not quite as objectionable, though he does exhibit a certain lack of propriety at times. But I shall not complain overmuch; one can pick one’s own friends, but as it is said, our family are bequeathed by God.”
    A knock sounded from the dressing room door, and a tall, spare, middle-aged man entered on Darcy’s command.
    “Jennings, I am sorry to have to inform you so late, but unexpected events require us to leave rather early in the morning. Accordingly…”

Chapter 3
    “The only thing that should surprise us is that there are still some things that can surprise us.”
    — François de La Rochefoucauld, French author
    Friday, April 10, 1812: Kent
    The glow of the rising sun was just visible as the Darcy coach departed Rosings. Darcy looked back at the dark house and sighed deeply.
    “Having second thoughts?” asked Colonel Fitzwilliam.
    “Not about my engagement — not at all. But I do wonder whether I might have acted differently so as to not be at loggerheads with Aunt Catherine.”
    “From what you said, you would have had to prevent Mrs. Collins from learning of your proposal to Miss Bennet. She is a traditional wife, and it is expected she would inform her husband. It is just as expected he would inform the person responsible for his position. Of course, it did not help that you remained at the Parsonage all afternoon and thus confirmed what Mr. Collins told Aunt Catherine.”
    “I suppose I might have said I had to wait for my physician to arrive.” Darcy leaned back and closed his eyes. “In truth, I did not think of anything other than remaining. I was quite concerned for Elizabeth.”
    “I trust you remember what Bacon said about wives and children and hostages to fortune, Darce,” Richard said, his voice sympathetic. “Look at me; I have only to worry about myself — well, about myself and my parents and siblings, of course. But you, on the other hand, will likely find yourself more concerned about your wife and children than about yourself.”
    “As usual, you have more insight than one would expect from your appearance,” Darcy said, never opening his eyes. “You really must find a suitable wife and preserve that quality in sons and daughters.”
    “You also might remember about sticks and stones and insults, old stick. In actuality, I have voluntarily taken on the task of keeping your head from swelling, and your continued aspersions against my sterling character only add to the accumulated evidence of my success. Except that Miss Elizabeth may have just forced me to relinquish my role in that regard.”
    Darcy only smiled and settled back against the cushions. He looked at the Parsonage as his coach passed, but it also was dark. Despite the fact no one was yet up and about the daily tasks, he felt the pull of the place. Inside rested the person who now had claim on his very soul, and only the tasks he had set himself allowed him to continue his journey. He would have much preferred to sit by the bedside of she who held his heart.
    Soon, he told himself. Patience. It shall all be completed as soon as may be.
    Darcy was not halfway to London when Charlotte Collins quietly peeked into Elizabeth’s bedchamber. However, despite her attempt at silence, the door made the faintest of scuffing sounds, and Elizabeth looked toward the door. Seeing that her friend was awake, Charlotte opened the door and entered, while Elizabeth’s head collapsed onto the pillow.
    “How are you feeling this morning, Eliza?” Charlotte asked, as she sat beside the bed and sat the pitcher of lemonade on the small table.
    “I feel terrible,” Elizabeth replied, her voice low.
    “That is what