Apprehension and Desire: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice Read Online Free PDF

Elizabeth’s hands into hers, she spoke in a firm voice. “Elizabeth Bennet, look at me.” She waited till Elizabeth met her eyes. “Accepting Mr. Darcy’s proposal of marriage was the wisest thing that you have done in all your life. Do not dare to try to deny him now.”
    “I do not love him,” Elizabeth pleaded miserably, her face a picture of anguish. “I thought I could do it. I was remembering what you said about Jane, and what we learned about the Parker girls…. I was telling myself that I could do this, that I could accept him, and I said yes.”
    Charlotte squeezed her hands and looked straight into her eyes with determination. “It was a very good decision,” she said evenly, stressing every word.
    “But…,” Elizabeth started again, but her friend interrupted her decidedly. “No doubts, no hesitations, please. It is done. Think about your family; what opportunities it creates for your younger sisters; think about Jane.  Mr. Bingley, as Mr. Darcy’s best friend, will surely be asked to attend your wedding. He and Jane will meet again. Perhaps even both of them will stand for you and Mr. Darcy at the ceremony. Can you imagine a better opportunity to unite them? Moreover, your marriage to Mr. Darcy will ensure security for your entire family.”
    Elizabeth shook her head, her hands coming to her face. “I know, Charlotte. I am aware of all these circumstances, but something inside me is telling me that I should not have accepted him, that it is wrong to accept a man who thinks to love me, when I do not feel the same for him.”
    Charlotte took a deep breath and spoke gently. “You cannot know that you will not come to love him in time.”
    “But he is such an arrogant, selfish, haughty man; and when I think about poor Mr. Wickham and my…” Elizabeth started, but was again abruptly interrupted by her friend.
    “Elizabeth, listen to me carefully. George Wickham is nobody! Do you hear me?” Mrs. Collins placed her hands on Elizabeth’s shoulders, shaking her. “He is no one of consequence to you, and you must forget about him and about his tales. As for Mr. Darcy and his unfavourable qualities, I am sure that they can be diminished if you will influence him. Clearly, he is ready to do a lot for you, to sacrifice a lot for you. You can change him for the better. It is in your power. I am sure he will be willing to please you in any respect. Remember, as well, about his intelligence, his education and knowledge of the world. I think we can safely state that he is the only man of your acquaintance apart from your father who is your intellectual equal.”
    Elizabeth did not contradict these words, but she did not look convinced at all by her friend’s arguments. Charlotte continued more calmly. “Did he ask you for a meeting tomorrow?”
    Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, he did. He wants to meet me early in the morning in the grove. I am to bring a letter to my father, informing him of our attachment. He is to deliver it to Longbourn yet the same day, and ask for my father’s consent.”
    “Have you written the letter?”
    “No.” Elizabeth shook her head. “How can I lie to my father, trying to convince him that I suddenly like Mr. Darcy!” Elizabeth cried fiercely. “Papa knows how I hate him.”
    “You do not hate your betrothed,” Charlotte scolded her sharply. “You talked yourself into hating him, because he once said you were not attractive enough for him to dance with. Now, what time are you to meet him tomorrow?”
    “Seven o’clock,” Elizabeth murmured.
    “I will get up earlier tomorrow and help you with your dress and hair. You must look your best. It would be best to write the letter now.” Charlotte, seeing that Elizabeth was standing in place, without the slightest intention of moving,   took her by the hand and sat her by the small desk. “Come. I shall help you to write a convincing letter to Mr. Bennet. He should not have any suspicions about your