Free Elizabeth Bennet's Deception: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Regina Jeffers

when Elizabeth attempted to shrug off his touch. Darcy bent to speak to her ear. “I admit to permitting my worst fears to claim my tongue. I meant to lash out at you for the thought of you–of the most magnificent woman of my acquaintance–choosing the man I abhor above all others drove me to Bedlam.” He nuzzled Elizabeth’s cheek. “Yet, by the time I settled into your uncle’s carriage, my heart knew your tale impossible. You are too clever to succumb to the likes of Mr. Wickham.”
    “To whom should I succumb?” Elizabeth asked on a hiccup. Beneath his fingertips, he felt her anger fall away. Darcy wrapped his arms about her to line her back with his front. “You deserve a man who would cherish you above all others–one who would cater to your whims–one who values your intelligence as much as he does your beauty–one who wants you as his life partner and not simply the mother of a required heir. My revered father would often catalog things he loved about my mother. The way Lady Anne would straighten his collar before they entered a room full of guests. The odd manner in which she held a pair of scissors. The elegant style in which she snipped flowers for a bouquet. That is the type of man you deserve.”
    A shudder of regret shook Elizabeth frame.
    “Your portrait is enticing, Mr. Darcy, but it is as futile as my attempt at deception. Lydia’s flight from Brighton colors the future of all her sisters. The most I can hope is we save part of her reputation, but I ask myself why would any man choose a foolish wife with only a share of her mother’s portion as dowry? Even if Mr. Wickham performs his duty to Lydia, a stain will follow the family.”
    “And you believe I cannot overlook this stain?”
    “When I consider,” Elizabeth lamented, “that I might have prevented this madness? I, who knew what he was. Had I but explained some part of what I learned to my family–had Mr. Wickham’s character been known, this could not happen. But it is all, all too late now!” Her sobs intensified. “You opened my eyes to Mr. Wickham’s real character, but I held my tongue. Oh, had I known what I ought, what I dared to do! But I knew not–I was afraid of doing too much. Wretched, wretched mistake!”
    “This business is not your fault to claim. It was I who begged your silence. I should have made Mr. Wickham’s true nature known to those he meant to deceive.”
    “The truth cannot be denied: We both agree Mr. Wickham would not marry a girl whose lack of a substantial dowry would make it impossible for him to better his situation. How Lydia could ever attached him is incomprehensible.” Darcy had his opinions, but he kept silent. “Although it grieves me to say so, for such an attachment as this Lydia might suffer charms. I do not suppose Lydia deliberately engaged in an elopement without the intention of marriage, but I hold no delusions that either my sister’s virtue or her understanding would preserve her from falling an easy prey. Wishes are vain, and I possess no hopes of the connection you and I have claimed to remain after this matter knows a conclusion.” Elizabeth sighed in acceptance of her words. “Gwenie has waited long enough for our return. Let us see the end to this farce. I am anxious for Mr. and Mrs. Bennet to know relief.”
    Darcy held different ideas, but Elizabeth was too upset to accept reason. Now that Elizabeth admitted she considered becoming his wife, Darcy was not inclined to permit her to walk away from his life.
    “Then let us be about it,” Darcy declared as he placed Elizabeth’s hand upon his arm. He meant to grow old with Elizabeth Bennet by his side, and damn any obstacle placed in his way.

Chapter Six
     
    “You are to remain close,” Darcy whispered as he escorted Elizabeth into a bustling inner city tavern. Their appearance brought a hush to a busy room.
    The beefy-built innkeeper hustled forward.
    “Yes, Sir.” The man attempted a bow, but his girth kept