His Uncle's Favorite Read Online Free PDF

understand perfectly well that your only concern was your friend’s well-being. Despite Miss Bennet’s many accomplishments, we must not forget their family’s lack of manners—and most likely fortune as well.”
    “True! But, Uncle, I have the strange feeling that you are mocking me, and I cannot understand why. You know I dislike it when you take my words lightly”
    “Have no fear, Nephew; this time I take your words seriously indeed. Well, well—that was an entertaining conversation. Let us return to our plans for tomorrow evening. I can hardly wait to see my dear niece again. That sweet girl is like an angel who always succeeds in lightening my old heart.”
    “We are looking forward to tomorrow night, too, Uncle. I hope we will have a lovely, peaceful family dinner.”
    “You may rest assured, Nephew—it will be a lovely dinner, indeed!”
    After his guest left, the earl remained near the window, staring at the white streets.
    The mischievous smile on his face caused a frown on his son’s, and he demanded an explanation that never came. The younger gentleman continued to insist, with little success, until the earl became weary of his inquiries and dismissed him for the rest of the afternoon.
    ***
    Lord Matlock’s house was everything Elizabeth expected: grand, impressive, lit by hundreds of candles, and crowded with servants preoccupied with accomplishing their duties perfectly. Lady Selina, on the arm of her husband, Lord Brightmore, hurried forward to greet them.
    Immediately behind her were two young gentlemen, one of them maintaining a serious—even stern—countenance, the other smiling openly as his eyes instantly met those of Elizabeth. She smiled back at him. Lady Selina performed the introductions to her husband and brothers, the viscount Lord Fitzwilliam and Colonel Fitzwilliam, and for the first time in his life, the colonel was speechless. He vividly remembered his father’s mischievous smile from the previous day and felt deeply sorry for his cousin. Indeed, there would be little peace for him that evening.
    The gentlemen’s dispositions allowed the Bennet sisters to recognise which son was which. However, with no little surprise, Elizabeth saw the colonel’s smile vanish from his face when the introductions were made. She had no time to wonder about it as a moment later both gentlemen greeted them in a friendly manner.
    “My Lord, Colonel Fitzwilliam, I am so delighted to see you again,” said Mrs. Gardiner.
    “The pleasure is all ours, I assure you,” shouted the earl from the doorway.
    He offered his arm to Mrs. Gardiner while the colonel accompanied the younger ladies, already bewitched by both of them. The expected shock and distress his cousin would likely suffer in a short time suddenly became of very little importance to the colonel.
    ***
    Elizabeth was pleased with the visit so far. The colonel was delightful company, his easy manners and conversational skills putting even Jane at ease. From the first moment, he declared both the Miss Bennets were more beautiful than his father reported. Since he could not choose between them, he decided to court both, at least for the time being. Elizabeth laughed; Jane smiled and blushed.
    Half an hour passed in pleasant conversation. Then the opening of a door and the sound of a well-known voice startled Elizabeth. She turned to her sister and saw her face pale; she feared Jane might faint. The earl left their little group to greet the newly arrived guests, and a moment later from the doorway, he declared with unconcealed amusement:
    “Dear ladies, please allow me to introduce to you my favourite nephew and niece.”
    Elizabeth silently considered that, if Jane should faint, at least she would not faint alone; the gentleman whom the earl introduced was considerably paler. He remained motionless in the doorway, staring at their party, and his gaze turned to Elizabeth. She breathed deeply, instantly recognising the disapproving glare that