If Only In His Dreams Read Online Free Page B

you would be protective.  I have a younger sister I am responsible for as well.  Fortunately, my sister is a great deal younger and is not out in society as of yet.”
     
    “Then I am certain that you are awa re of how difficult it is to do right by a sister.  Is there more you would wish to speak of in regards to Elizabeth?”
     
    Darcy stepped closer to the window.  Looking out, he gathered his wits about him to continue.  “Forgive me, Mr Bennet, but I have never dealt with such a situation before.  I have long felt as if I were a prime steer or stallion, the way I have been treated by the matchmaking mammas and their young daughters.  Due to my estate and my wealth, I am regarded as a spectacular catch by the Ton.”
    “Indeed, I believe I have seen your family name in the papers over the years.  And is this to impress me, your wealth?”
     
    Smiling, Darcy turned back towards the young man before him.  He was impressed that Alex was not on his knees begging for Darcy to marry his sister immediately after he had danced with Elizabeth.  “Sir, I am not attempting to impress with my wealth.  I am simply explaining that I have had my share of avoiding the young women of the Ton, and, yet, find myself taken by a country miss.  I must begin with telling you that I have dreamed of meeting a woman just as wonderful as your sister.  The young lady I dreamed of looked and sounded just like Miss Elizabeth.  If I am not mistaken, your sister is well read, sometimes impertinent, as well as very intelligent and not afraid to share her opinion.”
     
    Surprise was apparent on Alex’s face.  “How did you know?  Have you been watching my sister secretly?”  Concern was rising in his voice.
     
    “No Mr Bennet, I have never seen or spoken with your sister before in my life.  As I said, I have seen this lady in my dreams.  Very specifically, in my dreams, I have found myself falling in love with and marrying a lady who I met tonight.  I know in my heart that the woman from my dreams is in fact your sister.”
     
    “This is quite interesting, Mr Darcy.  Have you ever spoken with anyone in regards to this woman of your dreams?” Alex was growing quite concerned.
     
    “My mother and I spoke of it last year.  The dream has been with me off and on for three years, growing stronger of late.  When I met your sister, I knew that she was the one.”
     
    “After one set of dancing and less than two hours since you met for the first time, and you are certain that Elizabeth is the woman of your dreams.  I find that quite difficult to believe, Mr Darcy.”
     
    “And if someone had come to me with the same story, believe me; I would be questioning his sanity as well. Believe me; I am well aware of how ridiculous I sound.”  Darcy began to pace, moving towards the window and back to where Alex stood. “I am not a lunatic, Mr Bennet, even though I know I sound as if I belong in Bedlam.  The truth is that I know that Miss Elizabeth is the lady of my dreams and that she is the one I am to marry.  I wish to ask you for an arrangement to be formalized as soon as possible for me to marry your sister.”
     
    This is what he had hoped for, though not quite what he would have wished for his sisters.  Here was an eligible young man, wealthy and with his own estate, claiming to be in love with Elizabeth.  If only he had not spoken of his falling in love with Elizabeth in a reoccurring dream.  And Alex would have preferred for Mr Darcy to have spent a few weeks getting to know Lizzy before making the claims that he was in love with her.
     
    “Mr Darcy, I believe that you are a decent man, and from the sounds of it, I am inclined to believe you are able to provide for my sister.  I am also inclined to believe you feel you are in love with my sister.  If I am to agree with you to an understanding between you and Elizabeth, I will insist in a long engagement, perhaps six months or a year, to allow my sister to