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

“that I would agree to save your reputation with a second offering of my hand.”
    “It sounds so sorted when said as such,” Elizabeth insisted.
    “A marriage of convenience is often sorted,” the gentleman observed.
    “Of convenience?” Elizabeth whispered.
    Shrouded in what felt of despair, her eyes looked up into Mr. Darcy’s expressionless countenance.
    “You do not affect me,” Mr. Darcy said baldly.
    “No,” she murmured. “But perhaps.”
    His frown deepened, not that Elizabeth could blame him. Cynicism colored his response.
    “I hoped for more than convenience,” he explained, “but I will not desert you, Elizabeth, if you will agree to accept my hand in marriage.”
    Shockingly, Elizabeth wished to hear him repeat the sentiments his letter held, but she supposed her earlier refusal hardened Mr. Darcy’s ardor.
    Noting Bingley’s return, Mr. Darcy whispered in rushed tones, “If you will permit me to escort you tomorrow, we will settled things between us then. Until that time, let us keep our counsels private.”
    * * *
    Claiming a prior engagement with is man of business, Darcy departed before Bingley. It stung Darcy’s pride to recognize the quick return of Miss Bennet’s regard for Bingley. Certainly he held culpability in Bingley’s withdrawal from the eldest Bennet daughter; yet, Darcy ached with the irony of the situation: He never deserted Elizabeth Bennet. Nothing or no one could convince him to do so, but although both he and Bingley would claim the women they adored, only Bingley would know his lady’s affections.
    “Unfair,” he grumbled as he dismounted before Darcy House. Darcy tossed the reins to a waiting groom and glanced up to his Town residence.
    Could he make Elizabeth Bennet the mistress of this property and of Pemberley? Could he spend a lifetime with the woman at his side and never know the perfection of her heart? Could he enjoy the lilt of Elizabeth’s laugh, the sharpness of her wit, and the pleasure of her body beneath his without the love he coveted?
    “Better than the alternative of taking another to wife,” Darcy told his foolish heart. “Even a marriage of convenience to Elizabeth Bennet is infinitely preferable to a lifetime of wondering if she is well and happy with another. You will not possess all for which you wish, but a bit of heaven trumps the hell out of a lonely heart.”

Chapter Three
     
    Darcy steeled himself against the necessity of the conversation.
    “You considered our situation thoroughly, and it is your wish we join our lives?”
    They strolled through one of the more private parks. Darcy left his curricle with his groom while he and Elizabeth sought the anonymity found among the tree-lined paths.
    “I have,” she said solemnly.
    They walked in silence for several minutes, each lost in his thoughts.
    “Although it is far from propriety’s rules, I must speak honestly, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy spoke of his greatest fear in their union. “Even if ours is a marriage of necessity, I will expect you to remain loyal to our vows. I desire you by my side and in my bed. I do not wish you to think ‘convenience’ means we will travel separate paths.”
    He noted a blush claimed Elizabeth’s cheeks, but she did not withdraw her hand from his arm.
    “I understand.”
    Elizabeth’s eyes remained downcast, and Darcy wondered if she held hopes of accepting his name without her wifely duties.
    “You have yet to accept my proposal, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy said without the emotional upheaval streaming through his veins. “If you choose not to join our lives, I will still attempt to protect you. At a minimum a settlement to your father to secure your future to another would be in order. It was my pride which created this predicament.”
    This time, the lady did react to his bold assertion: Elizabeth pulled him to a halt.
    “You would tempt my father with a settlement, Mr. Darcy?” she snapped. “You mean to make my claims on you