His Uncle's Favorite Read Online Free PDF Page B

always made her uncomfortable, and allowed a satisfied smile to twist her lips.
    Holding his gaze, she stepped forward until she was close enough to see his eyes, even darker than usual. Only then did she greet him with perfect politeness.
    “Mr. Darcy, such a wonderful surprise to meet again. I never would have imagined how small London is, after all.”
    ***
    Lady Selina embraced her cousins with great affection. Both Mr. and Miss Darcy expressed their pleasure in meeting Mrs. Gardiner, and the lady replied with genuine warmth.
    With the Miss Bennets, however, the Darcy siblings showed considerably more restraint, which credited the memories Elizabeth had of Mr. Darcy’s behaviour. Surely, his sister was no different!
    Jane appeared unable to look at either of the Darcys, and Elizabeth sensed her distress. How horrible for Jane to be introduced to the girl who was her rival for Mr. Bingley’s affections!
    With a small voice and a furtive glance, Miss Darcy finally managed to express her delight in making their acquaintance.
    “Miss Bennet…Miss Elizabeth?”
    Both ladies turned to face Mr. Darcy; startled by his voice. Jane’s eyes lowered while Elizabeth’s eyebrow arched in expectation.
    Darcy stared at them in complete silence for a moment. Lady Selina laughed, but he eventually found his voice. “I wanted to ask whether you have been in London long. It is a lovely surprise to meet you both again.”
    “We just arrived three days ago, sir,” whispered Jane.
    “I see… Well, this is indeed a lovely surprise,” he repeated, but neither his voice nor his countenance showed any pleasure.
    “My sister Jane sent a letter to Miss Bingley, informing her of our arrival. And the day before yesterday, Jane called on Miss Bingley with my aunt. Did they not mention it to you?”
    “No… No… In fact, I have rarely seen Miss Bingley or Mrs. Hurst. I visited my estate after we returned from Hertfordshire; I had some urgent business…”
    “Oh, I see. It is fortunate you left Hertfordshire in time to attend to your urgent business,” Elizabeth concluded with a smile while Darcy remained silent, his eyes searching the fire with great interest.
    Once they entered the drawing room, most separated into two groups: the silent and the talkative. Jane remained a little apart on a settee, her eyes travelling shyly from Mr. Darcy to his sister and then to Elizabeth.
    Though heavyhearted from Jane’s distress, Elizabeth remained equally intrigued and amused by the situation, wondering about the strange coincidence and Mrs. Gardiner’s duplicity. Surely, her aunt was aware that Lord Matlock was a close relative of the Darcys. How could she not say a word, even when Elizabeth complained about Mr. Darcy’s character and faults? Such a mischievous scheme was unlike Mrs. Gardiner. And certainly, Lady Selina was not oblivious to the situation. What was the purpose of those arrangements? Was it only a plan to allow Jane to meet Mr. Bingley again as Mrs. Gardiner suggested the day before? And why would the daughter of an earl agree to engage in such matchmaking?
    “So, Miss Elizabeth, what is your opinion of my sons? Which of them is more to your liking?” the earl loudly whispered to be heard by the entire room.
    “Papa!” cried Lady Selina.
    Elizabeth blushed as she tried to answer discretely. “Surely, your lordship cannot expect me to answer such a question. Besides, even if I were tempted to answer—which I am not—I would not dare express an opinion about someone I have barely met.”
    “Fair enough” The earl laughed. “We shall postpone this conversation until after dinner.”
    Elizabeth easily noticed that neither Mr. Darcy nor the viscount appreciated the unseemly exchange. Once again, she felt Mr. Darcy’s disapproving stare. He might be upset by the situation, but she cared little for his opinion. She daringly smiled at him and then turned towards her other companions, ignoring the gentleman’s insistent