Free B00CO8L910 EBOK by KaraLynne Mackrory

truly give value to his statement.
    “Sir, you said that you would not object to my correspondence with your sister?”
    Unbelievably, Mr. Darcy leaned even closer to her. She found herself leaning forward as well to catch his whispered words.
    “Miss Elizabeth, I have long thought you would be exactly the type of friend I would want for my sister. Indeed, I wish you might be more.” He looked down as he said this and traced his finger lightly across the back of her hand, “I would be more than happy to have you correspond with my sister if it is your wish to do so.”
    Elizabeth gently moved her hands out from under the exquisite pressure of his fingers and simply nodded as she sat back and turned her face towards the window. Certainly, he could not have meant what he said! Surely, he does not know what his words imply, she thought repeatedly. She had much to think on. However, she could not consider his words now, not with her homecoming just minutes away. The news of her new friend’s painful experience last year still pressed upon her as well. She sensed there was much to the story that he had not shared and that the event had affected them exceedingly.
    It was fortunate that Elizabeth could not find the words to respond to his speech as Maria chose that moment to stir. Upon noticing their location, Maria declared with evident relief, “How glad I shall be to be home.” Neither of the other two occupants said anything in response as they were both locked in their own thoughts until the carriage rolled to a stop.

Chapter 6
    Mr. Darcy assisted Maria from the coach and was conscious of the surprised, questioning glances from her family when he took Elizabeth’s hand. His eyes darted to her face as he felt her hand give his a gentle squeeze before he released it. Did I just imagine that? The idea was highly agreeable to him, but as her face betrayed nothing, he wondered whether it was his imagination after all.
    He felt acutely out of place as he witnessed her family gather around the two ladies and embrace through murmured words and tears. He had thought to stay for a short visit, as was only polite, before venturing to the inn in Meryton to stay until the funeral. He had not spoken to Elizabeth about his intentions. He was fully aware that, although being perfectly fitting as he was an acquaintance of Miss Lydia, it might still be considered presumptuous on his part to assume more intimacy with the family. After beholding the raw emotion upon her reunion with her family, he wondered whether he ought to just take his leave quietly and go directly to the inn.
    He had nearly decided to depart when Mr. Bennet approached him. The older man was stoic, but Darcy saw the strain in his eyes. He held his posture rigid in anticipation of the greeting.
    “Mr. Darcy, please allow me to thank you for delivering my dear Lizzy back to us. We are greatly in your debt, sir.”
    Mr. Darcy bowed to the older man, uncomfortable that this was the first conversation he had ever shared with Elizabeth’s father, despite living in the same neighborhood for nearly two months.
    “Think nothing of it, sir. I could do no less under the circumstances.” Darcy discretely cleared his throat before he continued, “Please allow me to offer my sincere condolences for your loss, sir.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
    The two gentlemen stood quietly, watching the ladies cease their embraces and begin to enter the house. Mr. Darcy reached into his coat pocket to retrieve Bingley’s missive and take his leave when the older gentleman surprised him by addressing him once more.
    “Mr. Darcy, I recognize this request may cause some confusion on your part, but would you please join me in my study? I have a matter I wish to discuss with you.”
    “Of course, sir.” Darcy was exceedingly thankful for the few extra moments to collect himself as he gave instructions to his coachman for acquiring accommodations in the village. It allowed him the