The Secrets of Darcy and Elizabeth: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Read Free

be engaged the next time he saw her.
    He had often entertained the uncharitable hope that that Elizabeth was languishing at Longbourn regretting Wickham’s perfidy. But, what if she never read my letter? What if she did not believe it? Or, worse yet, maybe she still cared for Wickham despite everything. One horrible night it occurred to Darcy that if she had not read his letter she might marry Wickham. But, he consoled himself, she had no fortune, so Wickham would not pursue her. I hope .
    This thought led inevitably to the recollection of her words when she refused him and the expression of her countenance. Before the day of the proposal, he had seen her teasing, happy, even offended, but he had never before experienced her white-hot anger. From the very beginning of my acquaintance with you, your manners impressed me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others. He grimaced, musing that he seemed to have a special talent for calling forth rage from an otherwise amiable woman.
    Not for the first time he wondered what had possessed him to propose to her in such an offensive way. Although in the past week he had achieved some small measure of understanding. I occupied my time thinking about my own attachment to her and devoted no time wondering about her regard for me. He had assumed she would be honored and pleased by his offer. If he were honest with himself, he would have to admit that he had expected her to accept him because of his fortune. Any hesitancy she might experience about his character would be overcome by the honor of his addresses and the material benefits he could bestow on her and her family. The irony was not lost on him. After shunning fortune hunters for years, he had presumed that his fortune would win him the woman he loved. Has it so warped my very soul? Had he actually begun to believe he was irresistible after experiencing years of women fawning over him?
    He had believed Elizabeth liked him. All those teasing conversations…Now he realized she employed humor to cope with uncomfortable circumstances. But he had never considered her emotions at any great length. This had been, he realized, only one of many miscalculations. I wanted her to love me, but I never stopped to wonder if she did .
    He shook his head to clear away a vision of Elizabeth welcoming him with a warm smile; such love would never come to pass. Before the proposal he could never escape thoughts of her and such musings had been a guilty pleasure, but now these visions caused nothing but pain.
    He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, drawing his cousin’s attention as he glanced across the carriage with concern. It was a mark of how distressed Darcy must appear that his cousin had been more anxious than teasing with him over the past few days. Darcy managed a wan smile for his cousin, but knew that it had not reassured Richard; the concern did not leave his eyes.
    Darcy returned his gaze to the passing scenery. France was truly a lovely country and the early June weather meant that the passing scenery was green and lush. They were nearing Paris, where they would join two of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s friends, Major Broadmoor and Colonel Wilkins, whom Darcy had met previously and knew would be good traveling companions.
    “So, what shall we do tomorrow?” Richard asked conversationally.
    “My first object is a visit to the Louvre. What are your plans?” Throughout the trip, Richard had complained about Darcy’s silence, so he found it easier to pretend an interest in conversation.
    “I suppose I could accompany you to a museum. But, my first stop is a patisserie.” He rubbed his stomach in appreciation
    “I should have known! You came all this way just for the French pastries.”
    “Mais, oui ,” Richard responded with a grin. “Is there any superior reason?” Darcy gave him the ghost of a smile. “I received a letter from my mother’s friend Mrs. Radnor. She is