Netherfield Park Quarantined Read Free Page A

her
feelings. If she has truly attached her heart to him, I will do what I can to
encourage my friend into declaring his intentions.”
    For a moment, Elizabeth’s anger boiled up inside her. Then she accepted
Mr Darcy’s explanation as to why he believed as he did. Jane was demure and
kept her feelings close to her, not allowing many people to become too close to
her. Though she was a loving and caring person, Jane was also guarded in
granting others the privilege of accessing her feelings. With their mother, it was
not unfathomable for others to mistake Jane’s intentions and feelings.
    “Jane has a difficult time sharing her feelings openly, and I am one of the
few in her life with which she is open with. As to her feelings towards your friend,
she cares a great deal for him. Her heart is attached, as I believe Mr Bingley’s is.”
Darcy nodded his head. “Then I will do what I can to encourage Bingley’s
relationship with Miss Bennet. They are very much alike in personality.”
    Elizabeth laughed. “As kind and good natured as they are, if they were to
marry, all of their staff will take advantage of them, for neither would think bad of
anyone.”
    “So very true, Miss Elizabeth. As I said, they are very much alike in
personality. I am pleased to know that my suspicions were for naught. I thank
you for allowing me to learn the truth. If I had acted on the assumptions, I would
have been most displeased with myself.”
    “Thank you for not causing my sister harm. Jane is dear to me and I would
not wish her to be heartbroken.” Elizabeth said as she turned towards the sunrise. Why am I feeling nervous in front of this man? I do not like him, yet I wish to know
more about him. Why would I wish to know more when I know what he thinks of
me? Did he not make himself well understood when he declared me not
handsome enough to tempt him to dance?
    Darcy could see that the young lady before him was struggling with
something. “Miss Elizabeth, might I inquire as to how you are doing this
morning? You seem uncomfortable. Have I done something to disturb you?”
    He is being so kind, and yet, most times he is so dark and harsh in his
manners. Who is this man before me, for he most definitely cannot be the Mr
Darcy I met at the assembly? “I was just thinking that the difficulty that you have
in determining Jane’s feelings can also be said about you, Mr Darcy. You seem
quite different from the man that I have witnessed at gatherings since your arrival
in the neighborhood.”
“Ah, yes, you have found me arrogant and proud, if I am not mistaken. A
common perception, I can assure you. May I speak freely?”
     
“We have been speaking openly, Mr Darcy, I see no reason to stop now.”
Elizabeth teased.
    Again, Elizabeth was delighted with the sight of his dimples. “I must admit
to you that I am not comfortable in settings that are new to me, especially in large
groups of people. It is difficult for me to converse with others; I become tongue
tied and sound like a fool. My sister and I are both extremely shy, and she is even
worse than I. Only when I am comfortable in speaking with someone can I be
open and intelligent.”
“That is why you are able to speak with me so freely; you have become
comfortable in my presence?”
    “I find you to be extremely intelligent, Miss Elizabeth. I feel an easiness
that is rare with someone of such a short acquaintance. You are a strange young
lady, for you do not hold to the ways of most in society. It is refreshing, to say the
least, and I am pleased that you have allowed me to speak openly with you. I only
pray that you will allow me to continue speaking with you so, for I have come to
enjoy our banter.”
“Well, I must admit to you that I am surprised. I believed you disliked me,
especially after the assembly.”
     
Darcy’s expression saddened. “Why would you think so after the
assembly?”
    Elizabeth tried desperately to think of the proper