Darkness Falls Upon Pemberley Read Online Free

servants could have betrayed them, but Darcy sincerely doubted that was the case, as the servants who lived at Pemberley were f iercely loyal to his family, not to mention their families had proved trustworthy to the Darcys for generations. But perhaps his sister’s current proclivities no longer transcended that loyalty. It was a prospect that terrified him, and Darcy suddenly felt a chill in his bones that had nothing at all to do with the weather.
     
    †
    The view from the drawing room window was wretched, the surrounding land and everything upon it mired by drizzle and fog as far as the eye could see. It had been this way for days, and by mid-morning Darcy had reached his wits end. He’d no patience left to extend to Bingley’s sisters—Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst—who sought to engage him in insipid conversation, inquiring in cloying tones after dear Georgiana ; nor did he desire to remain any longer where he'd absolutely no chance of meeting with Elizabeth Bennet.
    No doubt sensing his guest’s restlessness, Bingley challenged Darcy to a game of billiards, but Darcy declined and called for his greatcoat and hat instead, intent on riding out despite the miserable weather.
    “Are you completely mad?” Netherfield’s master cried, rising from his chair by the fire to gape incredulously at his friend. “The fog is thicker than Cook’s pea soup. You’ll lose your way within ten minutes and take a chill. Besides, we are to dine with the officers this afternoon, or have you forgotten? Whatever shall I tell Colonel Forster should you fail to attend?”
    “You may tell the good colonel that if I’d remained any longer in this house without the benefit of fresh air and exercise, I could not have been held accountable for my actions.”
    Bingley frowned. “Honestly, Darcy, it’s dreadful out there, not to mention cold. Do be sensible and stay at home. There can be nothing out there to hold your interest in such weather as this.”
    Darcy adjusted his leather riding gloves and claimed his crop from Bingley’s butler, slicing the stale air of the drawing room with several quick flicks of his wrist. “I appreciate your concern, Bingley, but my mood is beastly. Trust me when I say that you and Colonel Forster would do well to be rid of me today.”
    “And I cannot help but disagree. However appalling your mood may be, I wish you’d reconsider and stay at home. At the risk of sounding like a woman, I won’t be easy until you return.”
    Even as Darcy’s lips twitched his resolve held firm. He tucked his crop neatly beneath his arm and donned his hat. “I’ve ridden out in far worse weather than this at Pemberley. You need not worry yourself over me. I’m quite used to a bit of rain.”
     
    †
    By the time his horse was saddled and ready the rain had grown heavier, but Darcy mounted without giving the rapidly worsening weather a second thought. He flicked his reins and set off at a slow trot until he reached the crest of a nearby hill, where he took several deep, cleansing breaths. The air there was crisp and cold and helped clear some of the fog in his head, just as his journey to higher ground had led him above the fog below. With renewed focus he dug his heels into his horse’s sides, urging him onward at a punishing pace, intent on exorcising his demons, or at the very least resolved to give them a good, hard run for their money.
    He knew not how long he rode, nor how far, when his mount became spooked by some unseen apparition and reared. Darcy held fast to the reins, determined to keep his seat, and after some effort managed to get the stallion under control.
    His exhalation as he dismounted was harsh. After cinching the reins tightly, Darcy stroked the animal’s thick neck, murmuring words of assuagement. They did little to soothe man or beast, however, and Darcy squinted into the pouring rain, wondering whether there was real danger afoot. For the most part he was on open road, but the road was