Elizabeth Bennet's Deception: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary Read Online Free PDF Page B

concern.
    “Yes.” A smile of satisfaction tugged at Elizabeth’s lips. She turned to join her aunt, and with each step, her resolve grew equally as strong. “I may know a source who would assist us.”
    * * *
    “Elizabeth, neither your uncle or your father would approve of your involving another,” her aunt whispered as the door opened to reveal a familiar countenance.
    “Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner to speak to Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth announced to the stone-faced butler.
    “Was the master expecting you, Miss?”
    “No,” she said baldly. “Just tell Mr. Darcy we are here. If he chooses to send us away, I will understand.”
    The butler opened the door wider, and Elizabeth stepped into the grand hall o f hi s estate for a second time.
    “Wait here, Miss.”
    When the servant walked away, her aunt whispered, “This is a mistake.”
    Elizabeth had not completely thought through how she would explain everything to Mr. Darcy, but she knew in her heart he was her family’s only hope.
    She looked up when she heard Mr. Bingley’s voice.
    “Miss Elizabeth? What is amiss?” The gentleman rushed down the steps to greet her. “You appear quite pale.”
    Elizabeth grimaced. Mr. Bingley was one facet of the equation she had not considered in her plan.
    “I…I…” she stammered.
    Before Elizabeth could form a response, as if from thin air, Mr. Darcy appeared upon the landing.
    “Miss Elizabeth and her aunt are here at my request, Bingley. Perhaps you would be so kind to escort them to my study.”
    Mr. Bingley nodded curtly, but Elizabeth heard the strain in Mr. Darcy’s voice.
    “Perhaps this is not the best time,” Elizabeth offered. “Mrs. Gardiner and I can wait for a more opportune time.”
    Bingley glared at Darcy.
    “Do not permit my presence from keeping you from your business with Mr. Darcy,” Bingley said  through tight lips.
    Elizabeth shot a glance to her aunt, who nodded her head in silent agreement.
    “You should hear what I must say to Mr. Darcy. Please join us.”
    Mr. Darcy’s expression flared with annoyance, but he quickly recaptured his mask of indifference. Turning on his heels, he strode off to the left. Bingley extended his arm in Mrs. Gardiner’s direction, and Elizabeth followed her aunt and the man her eldest sister loved. The room spoke of masculinity: dark mahogany floor, covered by a Turkish rug, a bank of windows with drapes the color of blood, an ebony desk, free of clutter, as well as books lining the shelves. Elizabeth’s heart sighed with the thought of Mr. Darcy spending time in the room.
    Mr. Darcy stood before the desk, appearing as formidable as ever. A scowl marked his lips, but a familiar look of what Elizabeth now interpreted as fondness rested upon her. She would give anything to turn back the clock, but once Mr. Darcy learned of Lydia’s elopement, any regard he held for her would dissipate.
    Once Bingley comfortably seated her and her aunt, Elizabeth spoke.
    “Thank you for agreeing to speak with us, Mr. Darcy.”
    “Mr. Nathan indicated you appeared agitated. How may I be of assistance?” His words were clipped and laced with apprehension. Judging from his expression, Mr. Darcy was not happy to see her again. 
    Elizabeth cleared her throat. Her eyes fixed wide upon his features.
    “I hoped you might tell us where Mr. Wickham could be found. I…I mea n w e must discover him quickly.”
    The expression of pain, which crossed Mr. Darcy’s features, ripped at Elizabeth’s heart. Even without his saying so, it was obvious Mr. Darcy made a logical jump: He thought Mr. Wickham seduced her. Although it grieved Elizabeth to realize Mr. Darcy thought so little of her, for once she permitted the gentleman his misconstruction. She would tolerate Mr. Darcy’s disdain if it would bring her family closer to discovering something of Mr. Wickham.
    “The Bennet family must learn of Mr. Wickham’s whereabouts in a timely manner,” her aunt began an