Darcy's Temptation Read Online Free Page B

under your influence, Elizabeth.”
    â€œAnd what of me, Sir? How may you consider me to be progressive ?” Her challenge offered him a warning of choosing
the right words. “Do you see your wife as too forward-moving and too liberal ?”
    â€œNot at all, Madam.” Darcy found an interest in the curls that draped down from her hair.“Your progressive nature means you are dynamic and spirited .You consume my mind.”
    Elizabeth laughed with a cackle, which began deep within her. “Fitzwilliam, I admit you handled that quite well. I always took delight in your ability to twist the English language to prove your point.”
    A full smile overspread Darcy’s face. “Truthfully, my Love, our verbal swordplay was one of the first things that attracted me to you. I used to say things to provoke a response just to hear you address me directly.”
    â€œFitzwilliam Darcy, you did not!” She seemed shocked by this disclosure.
    â€œI am afraid, my Dear, I did.” His eyes twinkled, realizing her reaction to his words.
    Elizabeth relished his early attempts to win her attention. “Tell me, Sir, when did you so manipulate me?”
    â€œDo you recall Miss Bingley’s litany of qualities of an accomplished woman?”
    â€œOf course, how could I forget? She wished to let me know I could be found wanting.” Elizabeth shifted her weight, indicating she still felt limited when she recalled the words.
    â€œOh, my Love, do not even begin,” he cautioned. “I know how you think.You want for nothing. It is Miss Bingley who lacks any real worth.” Darcy saw her shoot him an incredulous stare.“Do you not recall to Miss Bingley’s list I added extensive reading to improve one’s mind? Caroline never reads unless forced to do so. I knew you were a voracious reader. I assumed you would understand my reference.”
    â€œYou forget—I thought you hated me then.”
    â€œThat still amazes me, Elizabeth; I could not take my eyes from you.You played havoc with my emotions that evening,
my Love. You stood beside Mr. Bingley as we played cards. When you offered your attentions to Charles, I said something to provoke you to draw your attention to me—to force you to look in my eyes.” Darcy caressed her jaw line with the back of his hand.
    â€œIt could not be so.Why did I not see your desires?” Elizabeth shook her head in disbelief.
    Darcy chuckled; how often they misunderstood each other in those early days of their relationship took on comic effects in hindsight, although his misery at the time nearly destroyed him.“Do you remember my comment of knowing only a half dozen women who were truly accomplished? I knew you would never let that comment go by.”
    â€œIt seems, Sir, you knew me better than even I did.” Elizabeth kissed him tenderly.
    â€œIf I knew you as well as I should have, it would not have taken us so long to find each other.” Elizabeth saw the remorse drift into his eyes.
    â€œNone of that, Mr. Darcy.” She massaged the frown lines in his forehead.“We agreed we went through all we did so we could be happy now. Do not remember the bad; it never existed.”
    Darcy drew Elizabeth near where he could feel the contours of her body next to his; her warmth brought him comfort. “As long as you never consider leaving me alone again, Elizabeth.”
    â€œHow could I ever leave you, Fitzwilliam? You possess my heart.” Her kiss this time made him want her, and Darcy’s hand searched the neckline of her dress, running his finger along the top of her breast. She finally broke the embrace.“My goodness, Sir, you are dynamic , or is that progressive , today?”
    He began to laugh. “We will continue this later, Madam, in our room.”
    â€œI am anticipating the pleasure, Sir. Let us rejoin our guests now.” She took his proffered arm to leave the room.

    â€œI said