If Only In His Dreams Read Online Free Page A

any women they wished, marriages did not matter.  If fact, most marriages of the Ton were marriages of convenience and other than producing heirs, the men, and even the ladies, were commonly known to have affairs.  Darcy detested this behavior.  He had been taught from an early age what it was to respect himself as well as his family.  His father had been in love with his mother, and because of that love and devotion, he refused to ever stray outside their marriage.  It surprised Darcy to learn from his father that he had never entered into relations with any lady before his wedding night, and that if Dar cy were wise, he would save himself for the woman he would one day marry.
     
    But this woman, this vision which seemed to have exploded from his dreams, had stolen his ability to think properly.  In his dreams, they had been a couple for what seemed to be an eternity.  And they had made love many times in that world, a world that had shown him such delight and pleasure.  It was difficult now to think of this as reality, not the exotic world inside his mind.
     
    “Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth.  You have reminded me of a dream I had, one which the young lady looked and sounded just as you do.  I must remember that I am no longer dreaming, but in the presence of a young lady.”
     
    The heat rising inside E lizabeth was making her blush deeper .  Darcy noticed that her color had heightened, leading him to imagine how far the flush of color extended.  ‘Stop’ he said inside his mind. ‘She is a lady, flesh and blood.  I will not disrespect her.’
     
    Fortunately, the dance came to an end, and Darcy escorted his goddess to where her brother stood.  After releasing Darcy’s arm, Elizabeth walked to where Charlotte was seated behind Alex.  Darcy leaned in to speak quietly with Alex, praying for the answers he desired.
    “Forgive me, Mr Bennet, for being so direct, but I wish to speak to you of your sister, Miss Elizabeth.”
     
    Alex took a deep breath.  Could this be the answer to his prayer?  He knew that it was essential that Elizabeth and Jane both find good matches and be settled well in their own homes.  This was a responsibility he took seriously. Even though Elizabeth had told him of her desire to only marry for love, Alex knew that the chance of that was rare.  She would do as he told her, or Alex would have to set his foot down with his sister.
     
    “And what would you wish to speak to me of in regards to Elizabeth?” Alex attempted to appear every bit the guardian and gentleman that was expected to conduct business on his sister’s behalf.
     
    “Would you mind if we were to step from the room for a moment?  With the noise in here, I would prefer to speak somewhere a little quieter.” Darcy stated.
     
    Motioning to Darcy to follow him, Alex moved towards the side of the room.  He noticed that Elizabeth had been collected for the next dance by Samuel Long, the son of one of their neighbors. 
     
     
     
    Chapter 3
    Stepping into one of the side rooms where men were known to gather to speak or play card games, Alex made certain that they were alone by closing the door.  “You said you wished to speak in regards to my sister.  Of what would you wish to speak?”
     
    Darcy attempted to gather his thoughts.  “Is Miss Elizabeth spoken for?  Is she engaged or in a courtship at this time, promised to anyone?”
     
    Inwardly Alex smiled.  From what he had heard of Mr Darcy of Derbyshire, the man’s fortune was extensive.  This could be the perfect situation for Lizzy.  “No, Mr Darcy, she is not attached to anyone yet.  Though, as I am certain you will agree, I doubt it will be long before there will be a great many young men wishing to claim Elizabeth’s hand.  I have been concerned for several years, since the death of our parents, of finding a man who was worthy of marrying each of my sisters.  I will not allow them to be treated poorly or misused.”
     
    “Of course