Imperative: Volume 1, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice Read Free

contemplation of his eyes. “Oh yes, she must be wondering over the voices in the hall.”  She knocked on the door and peeked inside.  “Jane?  Are you awake?”
    “Yes Lizzy, what is happening out there?”
    Elizabeth saw Jane was sitting up, and that she was wearing a bed jacket over her nightdress.  “May I bring Mr. Darcy in with me?  We have some news.”
    “Mr. Darcy?”  Her surprise was very clear. “Oh, yes of course, Lizzy.”  
    Elizabeth turned to smile bravely at him, and he followed her into the room, closing the door behind him.  “You look much better, Jane.”
    “Yes, Miss Bennet, I hope that you are feeling well.”  Darcy said quietly.
    “I am, sir.  Thank you.”  Jane looked expressively at her sister and Elizabeth cleared her throat. 
    “Jane, Mr. Darcy has . . . proposed to me and I have accepted.”
    “Pardon?  I mean; congratulations.”  She stared from one to the other.   Darcy stood straight and stiff, but his hands were at work furiously twisting a signet ring.  Elizabeth was trying hard to appear relaxed but Darcy’s unceasing movement was driving her to distraction.  At last she reached over and clasped his hand, and instantly he calmed.  Meeting his gaze she saw the corners of his mouth lift and felt his grip tighten. Jane watched the interaction with a growing smile.  “Oh, I knew that you were a good man!”
    “You did?”  He tore his eyes away to see Jane.
    “Charlotte and I have talked about it between ourselves.  We were sure that you would recognize how lovely Lizzy is, and now we are proved correct!  Oh Lizzy!”  She held out her arms to her and Elizabeth let go of Darcy to embrace her.  His hand was suddenly cold and he immediately returned to twisting his ring.  “When did this happen?”  She smiled at them both.  “Lizzy, why did you not tell me Mr. Darcy was courting you here?”
    “It was a surprise to both of us, I believe.”  Elizabeth looked to him.
    “Tell her the truth, Elizabeth.”
    “You are one to talk, sir.”
    “As are you.”  The slight twinkle was back in his eyes, and she smiled, and drew courage in seeing his grow in response.
    She turned back to Jane.  “Mr. Darcy compromised me in the library in front of Mr. Bingley and his sisters.  He . . . kissed me and then proposed.  We are on our way to see Papa.”
    Jane stared at them then looked at Darcy.  “You compromised her?”
    “I did, Miss Bennet.”
    “You could not simply court her, or speak to her of your intentions?”
    “No.”
    “Why?”
    “That is what I would like to know but he will not tell me.”  She raised her brows and he shook his head.
    “Because I wish to marry as soon as possible.”
    “When precisely did you plan on this wedding taking place?”
    “Within the next fortnight.”  He said softly, then reached out to take her hand when her eyes widened.  “We must not wait longer.”
    “Why?”  She demanded.
    “You were compromised.”
    “I was kissed, sir.  I am not with . . .” She saw Jane’s shocked expression.  “We need to know each other better.  Is that not what the engagement period is for?  There is no true need to rush.”
    “There is.”  He said steadfastly.  “There truly is.” 
    “Well.”  She tried to gather her thoughts and found that it was impossible.  “I suppose that we should go to Longbourn.” 
    “Yes, perhaps you would like a moment of privacy with your sister.  I will be in the hall.”   He looked to Jane.  “Miss Bennet it is entirely possible that your father will not allow your sister to return here, given our situation.  If that is the case, would you prefer another sister to come, or would you like to have the coach return you to Longbourn?”
    “Oh, well, Mr. Bingley has agreed to allow us to use his coach to return home after church tomorrow, has he not, Lizzy?”
    “Yes, we . . . we were planning to depart, in any case.  We have been enough of an imposition