A Peculiar Connection Read Online Free PDF

anything, nor do you. I did what I did for…because…well, because it was my fault entirely. If I had warned Mr. Bennet of Wickham’s character, the elopement would never have occurred. The fault was mine; thus, the remedy was mine to make.”
    “I cannot agree with that.”
    “Whether you agree or not, let us speak no further on the matter. What is of concern now is your future, Elizabeth. I cannot allow you to remain hidden away in this country burg when the fortune and society you deserve are yours for the taking. With the settlement I propose, you shall have whatever you wish.”
    I raised my eyes to his. “I shall never have what I wish.”
    He immediately turned away, but not before I heard his quick intake of breath.
    ][
    Mr. Darcy left Netherfield the next day, and once more, I assumed I would not see him again.
    Life went on; somehow, it does, no matter what. The story of my birth, subsequent fostering by the Bennets, and distant relation to the Darcys soon spread throughout the county. With servants at Netherfield and Longbourn knowledgeable of the circumstances, one could hardly expect to keep it quiet. Although surprised and curious, of course, our friends and neighbours rallied around my family. They continued to treat me with warmth and friendship; however, I could not help but detect a slight difference in their manners. I was not a lady of substance, but they knew full well I had been born to parents connected to a wealthy family. I was not Miss Darcy, but in their minds, I would never again be just Lizzy Bennet.
    Within our own abode, the shock of my birth eventually faded. Jane’s wedding took precedence, for which I was thankful. Mamá gradually overcame her pique that I had refused to better my situation by accepting a settlement from Mr. Darcy when preparations for the long-awaited event between Jane and Mr. Bingley began to consume her.
    The wedding date was set for early January. With the holiday season and the Gardiners arriving from Town to stay through Christmas and until after the wedding, our house was a beehive of activity. Jane and I took every opportunity to perform our tasks together. I rejoiced that she was to marry a man she loved, but I felt our looming separation most acutely. I treasured every moment I spent with her and particularly those when we were alone.
    “Lizzy,” she said one night before bed, “do you ever regret your decision to forego taking advantage of your kinship with the Darcys?”
    “Why do you ask me that, Jane?”
    “At times, I detect an expression about your eyes, as though you yearn for something you do not have.”
    I rose from the dressing table and smoothed back the coverlet on the bed although the maid had already turned it down. “I do not know what you mean.”
    “I think you do. Lizzy, be honest. You would like to visit Pemberley again, would you not?”
    “Visit?” I nodded. “Perhaps a short visit would be nice, but you know I do not wear the mantle of poor relation well.”
    “I do not believe Mr. Darcy or his sister would treat you shabbily. Besides, what is there to keep you here?”
    “For one thing, you will live nearby. I can tramp through the fields to Netherfield whenever I like.”
    She smiled. “Yes, you may, but you know that Charles and I shall travel to London with the start of the Season. That will not be long after we return from our marriage tour. I am afraid I will not be here for some months.”
    I shrugged my shoulders. “Perhaps I shall visit Charlotte and our cousin again. Rosings Park is lovely at Easter…” My voice trailed off with those last words as I recalled the Easter before when Mr. Darcy had proposed.
    “Would you truly entertain the idea of abiding Lady Catherine’s presence on a daily basis? Surely not, Lizzy.”
    I pulled a face. “You are right. I do not care ever to see her again. Oh, do not worry about me, dearest Jane. I shall find ample activities with which to occupy my time until you