Free A Pemberley Medley (A Pride & Prejudice Variation) by Abigail Reynolds Page B

toward him and said in a whisper, “I cannot tell you how he proposed to his wife, but he proposed to me only three days earlier. On bended knee.”
     
    “To you? That man proposed to you?” He sounded horrified.
     
    “Yes, and was extraordinarily reluctant to accept no for an answer! Fortunately, he found consolation quickly.” She could not believe she was sharing this story with Mr. Darcy, of all people.
     
    He seemed to recover enough to see the humor in the situation. “Extraordinarily quickly, I should say.”
     
    Elizabeth wished she had known this side of Mr. Darcy months ago. Perhaps if she had, she might have welcomed his interest in her, instead of putting him off. She could see that it had been there all along, in some of his teasing at Netherfield, but she had been so blinded by his remark at the assembly that she never saw it.
     
    She would have been flattered had Mr. Darcy shown interest in her at their first meeting. Were it not for his pride, there would have been nothing for her to dislike, and she would never have spoken so warmly of her dislike of him to Mr. Wickham. Instead, how quick she had been to believe Mr. Wickham’s stories about him, assuming him to be ill-tempered and missing all of his attractive aspects! She rarely had the opportunity to encounter a gentleman with Mr. Darcy’s education and knowledge of the world. She glanced up at him, only to discover him regarding her warmly. It was difficult to pull her eyes away, and her pulses began to flutter.
     
    They had almost reached the parsonage when Mr. Darcy stopped and turned to her, a serious look on his face. “There is something I must ask you while we are still in private.”
     
    Elizabeth bit her lip. There was only one question which gentlemen sought to ask ladies in private, but she had not expected this after their quarrels. She did not even know what she would answer. She was still too confused about his character, and it was only in the last few days she had been willing to admit he had any redeeming features at all. How could she consider a proposal of marriage?
     
    He appeared not to notice the heat in her cheeks. “It concerns your sister. I observed her closely at the Netherfield ball, but I saw no signs of particular regard for Mr. Bingley. She appeared to enjoy his company, but no more nor less than that of any other gentleman in attendance. I was certain her heart was not touched.”
     
    If Elizabeth had been embarrassed before, it was nothing compared to what she felt now, after misapprising his intentions yet again, especially when she realized she was oddly disappointed to have been wrong. She took a deep breath, attempting to restore her composure, and reminded herself that Mr. Darcy, however much he might admire her, was unlikely to ever act upon such feelings, especially given his objections to a match between Mr. Bingley and Jane. Her sister’s last letter had been full of sadness which Jane had struggled unsuccessfully to hide. And Mr. Darcy had as much as admitted to his part in her unhappiness. How had Elizabeth allowed herself to ever conceive that such a man might be attractive to her, or to forget his abominable pride?
     
    She spoke carefully. “Jane’s feelings, though deep, are little expressed. She is very private in matters of the heart.”
     
    “Is it your belief, then, that she cared for my friend?”
     
    Elizabeth suddenly wished for nothing more than to be out of his company. She folded her hands behind her back and began to walk again. She heard him fall into step beside her, but she kept her eyes on the path. “I will not violate my sister’s confidence, but I assure you I am aware of her heart, and she is not mercenary.”
     
    He paused. “I did not mean to suggest she was. Your sister herself is beyond criticism. But a dutiful daughter of ambitious parents might accept a man whom she had no particular affection. Your mother’s wishes in the matter were quite clear to anyone