Darkness Falls Upon Pemberley Read Online Free Page B

cleared his throat.
    “I cannot deny that the youngest girls lack decorum as well as restraint,” he said, “but whether they ought to be held accountable for their poor comportment when their father takes little interest in their education and upbringing, I cannot say.
    “As for Miss Elizabeth Bennet, perhaps there are some amongst our general acquaintance who would consider it unconventional for a young lady to spend so much time out-of-doors, but I fail to see the harm in it; quite the opposite. I daresay her eyes are often brightened by the exercise.”
    An insincere smile graced Miss Bingley’s countenance. “You will no doubt be interested to hear then, that Mr. Bennet has finally seen fit to exert his authority in some respect, although, regrettably, it doesn’t appear to extend so far as his youngest daughters, who, in my opinion, would benefit from a healthy dose of high-handedness. But that, I suppose, is of little matter.”
    Darcy pursed his lips. “And you perceived such information to be of interest to me in what way, madam?”
    “Come, Mr. Darcy. All of Hertfordshire has surely noticed the blatant manner in which Miss Eliza has all but thrown herself in your way. It’s no wonder Mr. Bennet has forbidden her to appear before company of late. Her comportment is shameful, and rumor has it that until she is capable of conducting herself in a manner befitting a proper lady her father is to keep her locked away at home. Apparently,” she sniffed, “her continued absence from society speaks for itself.”
    The beginning of a headache w as making his temples throb. Darcy took another sip of tea, growing impatient and annoyed. Blatantly throwing herself in my way, he growled inwardly. Not only was such an accusation untrue, but entirely laughable, especially considering the source. Miss Bingley had been trying to ingratiate herself with him for years with the hope of gaining his interest, and failing spectacularly with each attempt. Good Lord. How much longer must I endure Caroline Bingley’s cattiness? Darcy wondered exasperatedly. Would that I was above stairs in the comfort of my own apartment and free from such pettiness and vitriol—or, better yet, at Pemberley.
    When he failed to comment, Miss Bingley continued in the same vein. “What say you, Mr. Darcy? Surely, you must have an opinion on the subject. I daresay you wouldn’t approve of your sister behaving in such a manner as would require her to be confined to Pemberley House, hidden away like a pariah from visitors and acquaintances whenever they came to call.”
    Darcy’s annoyance turned to anger then as he thought of Georgiana, who was indeed at that moment in a very similar situation, residing alone in their ancestral home with no one but Colonel Fitzwilliam and the servants for company.
    “Certainly, not,” he replied curtly.
    “Poor Eliza Bennet,” Miss Bingley lamented. “But with such a mother, not to mention relations in Cheapside who no doubt live within sight of their warehouses, I can hardly say I’m surprised she turned out so headstrong and wild. I wonder if we shall ever see her again? Do you think, Louisa, she will be let out before Christmas? I daresay it will hardly matter at that point, as we will more than likely be safely removed to Grosvenor Street by then.”
    While both sisters cackled delightedly, Darcy stewed in silence until their unconscionable tittering became too much and he found he could no longer hold his temper in check.
    “I wouldn’t put much stock in second-hand gossip, madam, if I were you, for there is rarely much truth to be found in blind assumptions. Should you assume wrongly, your misfortunes would be heavy indeed.”
    A frown appeared on Miss Bingely’s face. “Oh? How so, sir?”
    With pursed lips, Darcy placed his cup and saucer on a nearby table with more force than he’d intended and rose from his chair, crossing the room in several long strides to stand before her. “To assume