Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman Read Online Free PDF Page A

difficult not having a close female relative to rely upon. Given her general timidity, it was probably natural that she was somewhat unsure of herself in this regard. And while he had never thought about it before, having the funds available to buy the latest fashions was clearly not all that was required; Caroline Bingley and his aunt were prime examples of expense taking precedence over good taste. He shuddered when he thought of how many times Miss Bingley had offered to take Georgiana shopping. As he contemplated such an excursion, an idea suddenly struck him. He offered in reply, “Well, Mrs. Bennet, what would you suggest?”
    â€œIf you have previously admired your sister in a particular gown or color, buy her something to go with it. Your notice will encourage her in that direction.”
    â€œThank you, Mrs. Bennet, that seems a wise course of action. I think I will walk into Meryton directly. But, given my inexperience in this area, I am still unsure what I should actually purchase. I think I need another perspective. Perhaps some of your daughters would be willing to help me?”
    It was not under many minutes that Mrs. Bennet could comprehend what she had heard; though not in general backward to credit what was for the advantage of her family, she understood that a man of superior connections and a fortune of ten thousand pounds a year was seeking the company of one of her daughters. Mrs. Bennet smiled broadly and purred, “Of course, Mr. Darcy.”
    Elizabeth sat in dread. So, this was what he was after. Her anger rose as she anticipated being asked to join him. She tried quickly to think of a response. She vowed that, if necessary, she would refuse him outright. Screwing up her courage, Elizabeth waited in defiance for Darcy to request her company. To her astonishment, she heard Mr. Darcy reply, “If Miss Bennet is not otherwise engaged, perhaps she and her sisters could accompany me.”
    With a gleam in her eye, Mrs. Bennet answered in the affirmative for Jane, who had looked up at the unexpected mention of her name. Mrs. Bennet then added, “I am sure Kitty can also accompany you, but I am afraid my other daughters are needed at home. Kitty, did you not say you wanted to visit with Miss Lucas today? You can stop on the way.”
    Kitty began to say that she had not said any such thing, but was hushed by her mother into silence and directed with Jane to immediately fetch their bonnets. Mr. Darcy rose to take his leave, proposing to meet the ladies in the garden after he had seen that his horse was taken care of. As he rose, he caught Elizabeth’s eye. She looked at him in astonishment. Unable to think of any other response, Darcy gave her a curt bow filled with contrition. He hoped that she understood his motivation, knowing that she most likely did not.
    Elizabeth stared in disbelief, her head reeling. She was filled with determination to get to the bottom of what was happening and told her mother privately that she was going to Meryton too. Her mother exclaimed sharply that she would do no such thing. “It is clear that Mr. Darcy prefers the company of your sister Jane. They do not need any further chaperone than Kitty. The fewer people the better. Oh, Lizzy, I do not know why I did not see it before. Mr. Darcy must always have favored Jane’s company. That is why he was always so sullen whenever we saw him. He resented Mr. Bingley’s interference, and he must be the reason that Mr. Bingley abruptly withdrew his attentions toward her. Now that Bingley is out of the way, Mr. Darcy has returned for Jane. Oh, it all makes sense now. I was sure Jane could not be so beautiful for nothing! Oh my, think how rich and how great Jane will be! What pin-money, what jewels, what carriages. I am so pleased—so happy. Such a charming man!—so handsome! so tall!—Oh, my dear Lizzy! I must make it up to him for my having disliked him so much