Mr. Darcy's Promise Read Online Free

wishes for her to leave only made him suspicious that Mr. Darcy was the real reason for the quiet mood. Could his Elizabeth have developed feelings for Mr. Darcy? He could not imagine that such a fancy would go far, and regretted again the entail that had so reduced his daughter’s dowries. But, Mr. Bennet reasoned, he could be wrong. So once again, humor was far easier than asking her feelings for the man outright.
    “Well, I hope the old Mr. Darcy was not too hard on you. Knowing you, your impertinence only made him curious about you. After all, not all women speak to gentlemen the way you do, my dear, and I am guessing Mr. Darcy appreciates your opinions as opposed to silly conversations about dresses and bonnets. Do not worry; Mr. Darcy is sure to be an intelligent man who likes intelligent conversation. And I have no doubt you gave him that!” 
    Elizabeth looked up at her father. Was he teasing her about Mr. Darcy? Sudden memories engulfed her of the warmth of his hands as they danced and that warm welcome she witnessed with his sister, and that smile . . . the smile that changed his features into something quite handsome. She had been shocked with her father teasing her, but more shocked that she was examining his handsome smile in her mind. Where were these foreign feelings coming from? She colored slightly and became further embarrassed when she saw the grin on her father’s face. It will not do to have two parents scheming to be matchmakers ! “Perhaps I best be off on my walk, Papa,” she said abruptly while she curtsied and hurriedly exited the room. But she had not exited soon enough to avoid hearing her father chuckle and mumble something about his dear Lizzy’s heart.
    It was this departing experience that sent her mind into turmoil. What did it matter that Mr. Darcy had a side of him that can be charming and pleasant? She certainly did not care! She rehearsed in her mind all the looks of disdain and haughty pride that she was more used to seeing and that provided much-needed comfort. She thought about everything he had said and done that was proof that he only looked down on her. It felt less foreign to think of Mr. Darcy as he had always been, and not someone she could admire. She tried to convince herself of this thought but it only frustrated her. Why would she blush when her father asked about him? By the time she returned from her walk she had worked herself up into quite a frenzy and was not looking forward to Georgiana’s visit, let alone Caroline Bingley’s!
    Lydia came down the stairs at that time and grabbed Elizabeth by the shoulders, “Lizzy! You should not have gone out walking! Kitty and I are going to walk to Meryton to see all the officers that are sure to be in town! Oh, please come! Those red coats make any man so handsome!”
    “I am sorry Lydia, but I am expecting guests this morning.” She shrugged her shoulders free and went to get a scone for breakfast. She could tolerate her younger sisters most days with good spirit and affection, but not in the mood she was currently experiencing. She heard her youngest sisters shout their goodbyes as they left for Meryton. For a moment, Elizabeth thought, the silence of any Darcy is preferable to the silliness of my sisters.
    *****
    “Miss Darcy and Miss Bingley,” Mrs. Hill announced. Elizabeth and Jane stood and welcomed their guests into the sitting room.
    Jane coughed delicately into her handkerchief. “Welcome Miss Darcy, Miss Bingley.” Jane said.
    Georgiana took her seat, “Please call me Georgiana, after spending three days with the two of you I feel like we are almost sisters! I would not know though, as I have no sisters, only one brother.” Georgiana was nervous and knew she was not being the most refined guest. She was perhaps even being a little awkward.
    Elizabeth smiled at her, “Well Georgiana, then you shall call me Elizabeth. And although having sisters can be wonderful, quarrels over whose bonnet looks best on