The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy Read Online Free PDF Page B

aristocratic families deeply in debt, people like Charles Bingley can no longer be ignored no matter whom he has chosen as his wife.”
    Darcy had no response because he knew of at least a dozen individuals, including Lord Fitzwilliam, who relied on loans from families like the Bingleys to help them pay down their debts.
    Anne understood Darcy’s silence was a validation that what she had said about Bingley was correct. “Other than your concerns regarding the family, did you have any objections to the lady?”
    “Absolutely! A most important objection. I do not think she loves Bingley. There certainly was nothing in her attitude or manner that indicated a deeper regard for him than for any other man with whom she had conversed. Her expressions showed interest, but to my mind, no real affection.”
    “I see. So it was you who interpreted Miss Bennet’s actions for Charles. And it was you who decided that Charles’s rank in society was more important than securing the love of a woman whom he had found to be delightful. And it was you who convinced Charles to return to town and sever any relations with the young lady because you know what is best for your friend.”
    Darcy avoided Anne’s gaze. His relationship with his cousin was closer than even that which he had with his sister. Following the death of their parents and because of the ten-year age difference, Darcy had emerged as a father figure to Georgiana. But that was not the case with Anne. He loved her as dearly as a sister and hated to disappoint her, but with Elizabeth’s rebuke still fresh in his mind, he continued to defend his actions.
    “I acted in the best interest of my friend, and for that, I make no apology, and I have nothing more to say on the matter. However, according to Miss Elizabeth that was not my most grievous sin. I fell short in her eyes because of a perceived transgression against George Wickham.”
    Darcy spat out Wickham’s name as if it was a malignancy. Anne was aware that Wickham had attempted to arrange an elopement with Georgiana a year earlier. The very thought that Wickham might have succeeded caused a fire in his belly.
    “In my letters, you will recall I mentioned Wickham had received a commission in a militia regiment encamped near Meryton,” Darcy continued. “I believed he would not reveal his connection with my family for fear that the true story would become known. But I was wrong. Apparently, he convinced Miss Elizabeth that I am a villain and that I denied him the living promised to him by my father.”
    “Did you tell her the true story?”
    “Certainly not. I would not risk exposing Georgiana.”
    “You must not hold Miss Elizabeth in very high regard if you are concerned she would repeat a story shared in confidence.”
    “Of course, you are right there,” he responded, staring off into the distance. “Miss Elizabeth would recognize the importance of secrecy, so no additional harm might be done to Georgiana. I will give you that.”
    “Then you should immediately acquaint Miss Elizabeth with the truth of the matter, so she might know of Wickham’s villainy. Once she knows what actually happened, she will see you in a different light.”
    “I have done exactly that. The reason I did not come to supper was because I was writing a letter exposing Wickham for the liar and moral bankrupt that he is. I have written truthfully and fully of my role in Bingley’s decision to quit Hertfordshire as well, and in the morning, I will put it all in a letter, which I will deliver to Miss Elizabeth when she walks in the grove. I know her favorite spot.”
    “Will, let me caution you. You should not give Elizabeth a letter that you wrote while you were still so angry. Wait until you get to London. Once you place the facts before her, they will speak to the justice of your argument. You do not wish to give offense when none is necessary.”
    “Give offense? Me? If you heard the things she said, you would not concern