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

admired the challenge you presented.  I have never before experienced a man treating me with such equal footing in a debate.  And I enjoyed how skilfully we shut out Miss Bingley during our conversations.”  Darcy sat forward and listened, clearly eager to hear more.  “I . . . did not understand what you were about, engaging me so, and clearly it made Mr. Bingley uncomfortable to think that we were arguing.”
    “But we were not.”  Darcy leaned closer.  “At least, I did not believe that we were. I thought that we were . . . becoming closer.”  He sat back and contemplated her.  “You were not flirting with me.”
    Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide.  “No!”
    He sighed.  “You are the most intriguing woman I have ever known.  You are the only young woman I have met who was not actively trying to court my attention, and you won it without trying.  And you liked me without knowing it.  If I had not kissed you in the library today, and left Hertfordshire to address my concerns, would you have come to regret me?”
    “Would you have regretted not kissing me?”
    Again the pair sat in silent contemplation of each other and hardly noticed when the coach stopped.  The door was opened and Darcy looked at the house, then to Elizabeth.  “I would.”  He stepped down then turned to offer his hand.  “I hope that you will not regret accepting me.” He tucked her hand onto his arm and walked unflinchingly through Longbourn’s front door. 
    “Lizzy!  What are you doing . . . Mr. Darcy!”  Mrs. Bennet’s exclamations ceased when she spotted Elizabeth’s hand held on the gentleman’s arm.  “Sir, what an unexpected surprise!”
    Letting go of Elizabeth, he bowed.  “Indeed, madam.   Most unexpected.  May I speak to Mr. Bennet, please?”
    Mrs. Bennet’s eyes darted between him and Elizabeth, clearly trying to determine what was happening and failing, sought to send the potential suitor in to her husband before he changed his mind.  “Yes, yes, right this way.  He is in the bookroom.”  She looked back at Elizabeth.  “Take off those muddy things, Lizzy!”  She smiled up at Darcy.  “It was so good of you to escort Lizzy home, sir, but you have left Jane behind?”
    “Miss Bennet expects to return tomorrow, madam.”  He said stiffly.
    “Oh, she is too ill for that!  She is surely not ready to return.  I am sure that you are in no hurry for her to leave?”  Darcy’s brow creased as he realized that she was assuming his visit was regarding Jane.
    “I will leave it to your husband to decide if Miss Bennet should return, however Miss Elizabeth assures me that she is doing very well.”
    “Lizzy would have had her home two days ago.”  Mrs. Bennet sniffed, and squeezed his arm.  “But that was not necessary, was it, sir?”
    “Mrs. Bennet, I am here to see your husband?”  Darcy said uncomfortably.
    “Oh, of course!”  She knocked.  “Mr. Bennet!  Mr. Darcy is here to visit!”  She gave him a simpering smile and closed the door.  Darcy found himself alone with Elizabeth’s father, who had risen to his feet and was looking at him with unhidden surprise. 
    “Mr. Darcy?”
    “Sir, I am here today to have a very serious conversation.”
    “Well you have my attention, sir.  Please be seated.”  Mr. Bennet settled into his chair and watched the young man sitting stiffly across from him. 
    “Mr. Bennet, I will go straight to the point.  This morning I compromised Miss Elizabeth before witnesses in the Netherfield library, I offered her my hand in marriage, and she has accepted me.  Due to constraints of my schedule, I will require us to be married within the next fortnight.  That would mean the 30 th of November.”
    “Pardon?”  He said when he had recovered his senses.
    “I have proposed to Miss Elizabeth and she has agreed, sir.  My terms are to marry quickly.  I have heard the rumours of my worth in the gossip of the neighbourhood, and assure you