Free His Uncle's Favorite by Lory Lilian

information about the Bennet family and dismissed it instantly. Yet, only one evening in the Bennets’ company—as at the Netherfield ball—would surely change the earl’s intentions immediately.
    In any case, such a union was not possible. If Miss Bennet was attached to Bingley, she could not possibly accept the courtship of another man—even a viscount—so easily. If she did, that would mean that he—Darcy—had been correct in his judgement all along, and he would have every reason to congratulate himself on saving his friend from such a disastrous relation.
    As for Miss Elizabeth, she appeared to enjoy the colonel’s company, and it was obvious that he was smitten with her. Robert was easily taken with any beautiful woman, but he also made no secret of his intention to pursue an advantageous marriage as he had long declared his disbelief in lasting love.
    Oh, for heaven’s sake, I am being ridiculous! This is not about my uncle or my cousins! What should I do tomorrow?
    Yet, he knew there was only one thing to do.
    Just before sleep took hold, he remembered Georgiana’s lively chat on their way home: how pleased she had been to meet the Bennet sisters and how she and Selina planned to call on them the next day. He knew he should be alarmed by the recollection, but he was too tired to think about it.
    ***
    “You must admit that you owe us an explanation, dear Aunt. What happened last evening could not have been a mere coincidence.”
    Elizabeth had purposely wakened early to spend time alone with Mrs. Gardiner. The latter smiled.
    “What sort of explanation do you wish? On what subject?”
    “Hmm… Let me consider… Perhaps on Mr. Darcy’s connection with the earl’s family? Or Mr. and Miss Darcy’s unexpected presence at the dinner where we were also invited? And a few words about why you allowed my severe criticism of Mr. Darcy without even mentioning that you are well connected with his relatives?”
    “Not so hasty, my dear. The only blame I take upon myself is that I kept Mr. Darcy’s presence at dinner a secret. I could easily see that both you and Jane were surprised to see him so suddenly. I should not have trifled with your feelings.”
    “No, you should not. I imagine you planned this little charade together with Lady Selina. Was the earl part of the scheme, too?”
    “No, indeed. And it was not a charade; as Lady Selena informed me, it is a family custom to have dinner together on Christmas evening ”
    “I imagine so, but that was no excuse for your secrecy. Indeed, you are culpable—not on my account but for poor Jane.”
    “You are right. However, I trust Jane’s time was not entirely unpleasant. She seemed to have formed a friendly acquaintance with everybody, including Miss Darcy. And even Mr. Darcy was more amiable than I would have expected considering your stories about his many faults and his evil character.”
    Mrs. Gardiner’s irony did not escape Elizabeth.
    “I never believed that Mr. Darcy had an evil character, Aunt! And I never declared he had many faults…only pride, haughtiness, an uncivil attitude, and disdain for everybody around him—oh, yes, and his unfortunate influence over his friend Mr Bingley.”
    Mrs. Gardiner laughed. “Not many faults, indeed…”
    “However, I truly liked Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth declared seriously. “Making her acquaintance was one of the good things to come from the evening. And speaking of Miss Darcy, I cannot be more certain that there is no attachment of any kind between her and Mr. Bingley. She has a good opinion of him but nothing more. I am convinced that Caroline Bingley tried to deceive Jane—and us—regarding Miss Darcy’s attachment to Mr. Bingley. Hateful woman!”
    “In this, I completely agree with you, my dear. And what other good things?”
    “What do you mean ‘other good things’?”
    Mrs. Gardiner smiled again. “You said Miss Darcy’s presence was one of the good things to come from our gathering. What