The Houseguest A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Elizabeth Adams Read Free Book Online Page A

suited! He
could overlook the lack of dowry; Lord knew he didn't need any more money; he
wasn't using half the money he had! He could well survive not having a
well-dowered wife. But in order to fully take his place in society, he must be
with someone who knew how society worked. He must have his social equal, and
unfortunately, Elizabeth was too far beneath him. There was nothing to be done
for it. She had relations in trade and an attorney for an uncle! She had a
vulgar mother and three completely inappropriate younger sisters. There was
nothing for it; she would not do. And yet… 

He got up and paced the room a few times before taking the seat behind his
large mahogany desk. He knew it couldn’t possibly happen, it
wouldn’t
happen, he wouldn’t allow it, but
there he sat, at his imposing desk, in his lavish study, daydreaming about a
lass from Herfordshire, and how her eyes shone, wishing it was all for him.

He sighed.

On reflection, her father really wasn't so bad, certainly not worse than Lady
Catherine, and Jane was quite perfect actually; beautiful, serene, gracious,
and kind. Everything you could want in a sister-in-law. And Elizabeth herself,
she was everything he had ever hoped for: a bright mind, a fearless spirit, and
that perfect certain something that was just bordering on impertinence, but
still maintained enough grace to be sweet. And she was beautiful. Her skin was
radiant, her eyes sparkled, her hair shone in the sunlight.

Yes, if she was judged on her own merit alone, Elizabeth would be quite
suitable. She had handled Caroline Bingley and her ungracious comments
magnificently. Never stooping to her level, but responding with grace and
kindness. And the ton was full of Caroline Bingleys; yes, she would handle
herself among them rather well. And with people who were amiable, such as
Bingley, she got on famously. Derbyshire was rather far from Longbourn; they
need not see Mrs. Bennet very frequently at all, and the younger sisters would
likely marry
someone
, though it
was doubtful it would be to anyone in the same sphere. Could they not just keep
her family in the dark? Was there really any need to introduce anyone beyond
Jane and occasionally Mr. Bennet? No! It would not do to think like this,
making plans that would never come to be. There was nothing for it; it was not
possible. He must forget her and move on.

Both Darcy and Georgiana sat staring into the fire, quietly contemplating what
life would be like with Elizabeth Bennet by their sides when the sound of the
carriage was heard outside the window.

"She's back!" Georgiana ran to the window and peered outside.
"There she is! Come Fitzwilliam, let us greet her!" 

Darcy knew he should tell her that such exuberance was uncalled for and that
you did not run to the front door to greet someone who was merely returning
from an afternoon call. After all, had they not spent the entire morning in
company with Miss Bennet? Had they not breakfasted together, attended church
together, returned home in the carriage together? Would she not be having
dinner with them? Would they not all go to sleep in the same house this evening
and wake up to have breakfast together again the next morning? There was no
need to become so excited over her return after so short an absence. Yet, he
could not quiet the excitement in his breast, and so he rose and followed
Georgiana to the door.

     
     
    Chapter
3
     
     
    That
evening, Elizabeth dressed in a pale pink dress and let Hannah fix her hair in
what she said was a subdued version of the ‘latest’ fashion. She had to admit,
she did look quite fetching. Georgiana had again chosen her dress and chattered
away happily as Elizabeth’s hair was done. She decided to let her neck go bare
as there was a small lace trimming around the square-necked collar. Hannah
allowed a few of her dark curls to hang over her shoulder, contrasting
perfectly with the pale dress and her light skin. 

“Thank you, Hannah. You truly are