The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy Read Online Free Page B

even a game of whist.
    “Anne, play something on the pianoforte,” her cousin pleaded. “Even if you play badly, at least we will have something to laugh at.”
    “Richard, as you know very well, the pianoforte is here exclusively for the use of our visitors as no one in the house has ever learned.”
    “But as your mother has stated on several occasions, if she had learned to play, she would have been a great proficient.”
    “And if my health had allowed for me to learn, as Mama has frequently stated, I would have performed delightfully. So much untapped talent in one house. It truly is a shame,” Anne said with a chuckle. “But I thought Miss Elizabeth played quite well. Although she insisted she has little talent, I think she displayed a degree of competence that made listening to her quite pleasant. I am sure Will enjoyed her playing as he went over to the piano as soon as she had begun. What do you think?”
    “What do I think? What I think is where in the deuce is Darcy? He said he had business letters to write, but he cannot still be at it. When I went to his room to plead with him to come to dinner so I would not have to bear the burden of your mother’s undivided attention, he waved me off. Then he called me back to tell me to be ready to leave for London no later than noon tomorrow, implying that I was responsible for our delayed return to town. My bags have been packed and ready for the last three days. It is he who keeps putting it off. Mercer must be beside himself with all of the contradictory instructions he has been given. His behavior has been odd since our arrival. I have never seen him so unsettled.”
    It was not unusual for Will to be out of sorts when confined indoors, and confinement was the very definition of a visit to Rosings. He hated to be cooped up for any length of time, and idle chatter drove him to distraction. The dearth of truly good society had Darcy on edge, and his annoyance usually generated biting comments. “If I hear one more time about the condition of the roads between here and Bath, I shall pay for the repairs myself.”
    “Anne, I can wait no longer as I am committed to joining the Aldens in Hampshire. I shall have precious little time for shooting, as I must return to my regiment within a fortnight. Blast it all! I am sure all the best coveys are already gone,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said, pounding the mantle in frustration. “Having said that, for some reason, I do think Darcy means it this time. He only has so much patience for your mother, and if he is keeping to his room, then he has obviously used it all up.”
    Anne agreed that her cousin’s behavior was unusual. To begin with, Darcy’s visits never lasted more than a week. He felt obligated, as the son of Lady Catherine’s only sister, to visit his aunt, and insisted that Colonel Fitzwilliam, as the son of her only brother, come with him. But ten days? Rarely had he stayed this long. Anne was pretty sure she knew why he had extended his visit, and she intended to ask him about it when they were alone.
    As if on cue, Darcy entered the room, and it was immediately apparent his mood had not improved.
    “There you are, Darcy. Will you play cards as Anne is thoroughly bored with my conversation?”
    “No, I have come down to say good-bye to Anne.”
    “Then we truly are leaving in the morning?”
    “Fitzwilliam, is it your habit to ask the same questions over and over again? It must be very tiresome for your staff.”
    Colonel Fitzwilliam rose. “Still the bear, Darcy?” and walking over to Anne, he kissed her on her cheek. “Be careful, Anne. Although I do not think he will attack, he is still dangerous, so be on your guard or you may find yourself suffering lacerations from his sharp tongue.” Bowing from the waist, he added, “I bid you both a good night, and my dearest cousin, I shall see you sometime in December,” and looking at Darcy, “if not before.”
    Once Fitzwilliam left the room, Anne got