The Darcys of Pemberley by Shannon Winslow Read Free Book Online Page A

set for January.
And, with their guest gone, Georgiana reverted to her pattern of
spending a good portion of each day engaged in musical pursuits.
Whenever weather permitted, the three took to the outdoors for
daily walks and rides.
    Rather sooner than expected, a subdued
Colonel Fitzwilliam returned. He smiled and greeted them warmly
enough, but his eyes seemed clouded rather than glinting with their
usual merriment. In answer to the inquiries his uncharacteristic
demeanor produced, he denied that anything ailed him other than
weariness from travel. After dinner, however, he asked Darcy and
Elizabeth for a private audience.
    Behind the closed doors of the library, Darcy
demanded, “What is it, Fitzwilliam? You are plainly not yourself.
What on earth has happened?” He and Elizabeth took seats beside
each other, but Fitzwilliam kept to his feet, walking up and down
as he spoke.
    “Oh, nothing so very dreadful. Please do not
be alarmed. However, I do have a delicate and perplexing matter to
discuss with you both. No need to trouble Georgiana over it,
though, at least not at present.”
    “Of course,” said Elizabeth. “Whatever you
think best. Now, how can we help you?”
    “I beg your indulgence. I must go back and
start at the beginning.” After a deep breath and one more turn
about the room, the colonel drew up a chair and commenced his
story. “As you know, Lady Catherine has been demanding more of my
time and attention in recent months. Although I may complain, I can
tolerate the visits well enough. I had no reason to expect anything
out of the ordinary on this trip, except hopefully more liveliness
from Anne with her improving health.
    “All began agreeably enough. Her ladyship was
on her best behavior – by her standards, that is – and Anne seemed
at least as strong as when I saw her three months ago. In fair
weather, she and I even took extended walks round the park,
something that would have been unthinkable in the past.
    “Just as we discussed, Darcy, I was on the
watch for an opportunity to take our cousin out into society when
the very thing presented itself – an invitation to a dinner party.
Rather than objecting, Lady Catherine nearly insisted I escort her
daughter on the outing, declaring that, since it was nearby, it
would not tire Anne excessively. Of course, neither Anne nor I
objected to the relief of a little variety, so we went.
    “About a dozen ladies and gentlemen of Anne’s
acquaintance were there; all very pleasant and congenial. I knew
nary a soul, but that is no hardship for me. The evening started
well enough. Then I became conscious of what struck me as some very
odd looks and peculiar remarks. It was clear that these people
thought of us – Anne and myself – as a couple. Well, I could hardly
stand up and announce to the whole company that I cared nothing for
the young lady beyond family affection, so I let it pass.
    “When we returned to Rosings, Anne retired,
leaving me alone with Lady Catherine. She asked how the evening had
gone off, and, in describing the party, I mentioned what I took to
be the misapprehension of some there present concerning the nature
of the relationship between her daughter and myself. Now we come to
the point. Our aunt then explained that her friends had been given
good reason to regard us as a couple. Apparently, Lady Catherine
and my father have got it all worked out; they have agreed between
them that Anne and I are to be married.”
    “No, surely there must be some mistake!”
cried Elizabeth. “Is it not at least possible that you
misunderstood, Fitzwilliam?”
    Fitzwilliam returned to his feet and resumed
his pacing. “If only it were a mistake,” he answered. “Her
ladyship was perfectly clear about her expectation that I shall
marry her daughter. Since she could not get you for her son-in-law,
Darcy, I suppose she has settled on me as the best substitute
available.”
    Darcy rose abruptly. “But this is
preposterous! She has no more