Netherfield Park Quarantined Read Free

shop.”
    “Believe what you wish, my dear friend. I for one will not be surprised to
one day learn of his asking for your hand, if you are careful and do not scare him
away.” With that, Charlotte turned and walked to where Jane and Bingley were
conversing with Sir William Lucas.
    Across the room, Caroline Bingley had moved quietly until she had arrived
beside Darcy. “Mr Darcy, I am sure that you are finding this evening to be utterly
lacking in any social graces and trying to determine how best to escape such a
gathering.”
“On the contrary, Miss Bingley, I was just thinking of the joy that can be
found in a pair of fine eyes.”
    Smiling at his words, and believing that they were meant for her, Miss
Bingley decided to pretend no notion of whom he spoke. “And just whose fine
eyes have drawn you attention?”
Without thinking of the consequences, Darcy spoke. “Those of Miss
Elizabeth Bennet.”
     
This was not the news that she had desired. “Miss Bennet, well, I had not
heard. When am I to wish you joy?”
     
“I have not spoken to the lady of such matters. I would hope that you are
polite enough not to speak of it to her either.”
    “Of course, Mr Darcy, you may be assured of my silence in this matter.”
Caroline said as she thought to herself of the situation. I shall keep this
information secret and pray that I can convince both Mr Darcy and my brother of
the unworthiness of the Bennet sisters.”
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~~
     
Chapter 2
    Elizabeth took her time walking to Oakham Mount the following morning.
She was not sure how she felt about meeting the Master of Pemberley there,
though she planned to only speak with him for a moment as she passed him the
address he had requested. Finally reaching the top of the hill, she was surprised
to find Mr Darcy already there and waiting for her.
    “You must have been up before the rooster even thought of waking this
morning, Mr Darcy. Or did you go to sleep at all since the last we saw of each
other?”
    Darcy smiled. It amazed Elizabeth to see the man before her smile, and she
thought he should do so more often. When he smiled, a pair of handsome
dimples showed on his face which made him even more attractive than before.
“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. I hope that you slept well last night.”
    “I did, Sir, and am ready for another wonderful day. My sisters and I are
finishing our harvest of flowers and herbs today, so that they can be prepared for
the coming winter. Jane makes the most enjoyable rosewater and a cream with
lavender and chamomile.”
“You have quite a day laid out for you, it appears. I believe that my friend
will be calling later on your sister.”
    Elizabeth smiled. “Jane will be pleased. She has come to have a very deep
regard for Mr Bingley.” After the words escaped her lips, Elizabeth was
dumbstruck as to why she would be so open with this man. Something about him
drew the information from her lips.
    Darcy was curious. He had wondered about his friend’s relationship with
Miss Jane Bennet. In his way of thinking, it was not easy to determine the young
lady’s feelings for Bingley. As his friend was in and out of love often, Darcy
warned him of being careful. Mrs Bennet was quite determined to marry off her
daughters and it would not surprise Darcy if he were to learn that Jane was only
doing her duty to her family rather than truly caring for Bingley. But here, before
him, was a way to determine the truth.
“Might I be bold enough to ask you a question, Miss Elizabeth?”
     
Looking at him with her eyebrow arched, Elizabeth nodded.
    “I am unable to determine your sister’s feelings towards my friend. She
appears to enjoy his company, but I cannot decide if her heart has truly been
touched by Mr Bingley. I was prepared to believe that she would follow your
mother’s dictates and secure a marriage, whether she loved my friend or not. But
it just dawned on me that you are close to your sister and would know