Page 4 of Rumours & Recklessness (Sweet Escapes Collection #1)

Chapter 3

A fter making a few hasty arrangements, the two men mounted their horses directly and covered the three miles to Longbourn at a brisk pace. They said little, except to note Caroline’s extreme disappointment with the change in travel plans. They had told her as little as possible, but she had still managed to make one or two uncivil remarks regarding the selfishness of a neighbour who would get himself injured at such an inconvenient time.

As they approached, they noted a bundle of blankets tossed carelessly by the front walk. Darcy regarded it quizzically. Could they have been used to assist with Mr Bennet’s removal to the house? He shook his head, wondering at the incompetence of the staff who would leave them as they lay.

They dismounted and handed their reins to a stable boy who ran out to meet them. Bingley was first through the door, scarcely waiting for it to be opened to them. They were met by the greasy, smiling face of Mr Collins as the man bowed profusely. “Ah, Mr Darcy, and Mr Bingley, so good of you to call with your condolences on our dear Mr Bennet! I assure you, every detail has been attended to in his care, and I have personally seen to him myself. I flatter myself, I can guarantee that he is in the best of hands.

“Why I spoke with the apothecary myself, and he assured me, ‘Mr Collins’ he said, ‘Our dear Mr Bennet will recover very soon.’ Those were his very words, and so during his convalescence, I feel it incumbent upon myself, as the nearest relation, to see to all of the family’s concerns. My dear young cousins have no cause for worry, thanks to Providence—and dare I say it, the great foresight of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, which guided me here at such a time when I might be of most use to my dearest cousins.”

He had not stopped his insistent bobbing during the entire speech, and it was evident he would have gone on but for the arrival of Miss Elizabeth. The lady greeted them in a more dignified manner. She looked somewhat harried but had composed herself rather well under the circumstances.

Darcy helplessly admired the curls falling loosely around her temples. She had apparently taken little care for her toilette this day, but her native beauty had always held him entranced. He imagined the stubborn ringlets to be the remains of her elaborate coiffure from the previous evening, and the notion of seeing her hair tousled after sleep held him spellbound. His lips parted unconsciously as mute admiration seized him—just as it always did when she was around. Idiotic wretch! he chastised himself.

She curtseyed very properly to her guests, and Bingley at least returned the compliments with proper decorum. Then she whirled and eyed Collins archly, her lips pursed into the most delicate bow. Darcy found his eyes riveted on them. What would it be like to kiss those lips until she smiled that bewitching smile at me? He shook his head to clear the unbidden thoughts. Get hold of yourself, man! This cannot continue without consequence!

Elizabeth glared at her cousin. Her irritated look silenced the obsequious little man, but he did not manage to refrain from smiling ingratiatingly at her. Darcy felt a pang. Whether it was pity for her forced proximity to this eel, or jealousy at Collins’ ready access to her, he did not give himself the trouble to discern.

“Miss Elizabeth, how is your father?” Bingley inquired most graciously.

“He is resting. Thank you, Mr Bingley. My sister Mary and I have been taking turns sitting with him.” Her eyes shifted unhappily to Mr Collins. It was apparent that she did not want to reveal more of her father’s condition or her true concerns in his company.

Bingley was astute enough to take the hint. “And may I ask how Miss Bennet does this morning?” he asked politely, intentionally addressing himself directly to Miss Elizabeth so Mr Collins could not reply for her.

“She is with our mother, sir. Mama finds herself unwell this morning, I am afraid. I was about to take them both some tea, sir… if you care to wait, I may sit with Mama in her stead. May I offer you...”

“Of course, by all means, my dear sirs!” Mr Collins interrupted her. With an expansive wave, he ushered his unwilling guests into the sitting room. “Come, make yourselves easy! The entryway here, I flatter myself, is eminently serviceable, but I daresay you will find the sitting room more comfortable! The furniture, while not as fine as that of Rosings Park, of course, is perfectly suitable for an estate of this station….”

Arching a brow, Elizabeth saw an opportunity to make good her escape. Mr Collins’s queer mixture of pomposity and subservience grated on everyone. She was sorry Mr Bingley would be exposed to the man’s ridiculous fawning until Jane came down. While she could not likewise pity Mr Darcy for leaving him thus, she did feel the sting of shame for her relations every time he looked at her.

What could he have meant by just staring without saying a word? He never comes near but to find a fault! He always makes people uneasy in company. Why could he not have simply remained at Netherfield? I am sure Miss Bingley would have kept him well entertained! At that last thought, a mischievous smile curved her lips. She clattered up the stairs, entirely forgetting her mother’s tea in her haste to escape Mr Collins. Wickedly, she felt herself almost enjoying Mr Darcy’s imagined discomfiture at being left with such an irritating companion.

Below, the two guests settled uneasily in the sitting room. Mr Collins seemed to feel no compunctions against playing host in a home which was not yet lawfully his own. Darcy schooled his expression carefully into his typical stoic mask. Bingley, not as practised at hiding his disdain, found his eyes widening in shock at the man’s brazen attitude. Mr Bennet was merely unconscious, not deceased, but Collins could scarcely contain his exuberance. Magnanimously, he sought to entertain his distinguished guests with his fancied wit and charm.

“Mr Darcy, have I told you what Lady Catherine de Bourgh advised me before I departed?” Darcy groaned inwardly. He hated how people courted him for his connections and his wealth. Some were well-mannered enough to try to hide it, but subtlety was lost on this fool.

Collins smiled broadly, bursting with desire to share his glad tidings. “She said to me, ‘Mr Collins, you must marry! Choose properly,’ she said. ‘Choose a gentlewoman for my sake, but for your own, let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up too high, nor too low. Find such a wife, and bring her to Rosings, and I will visit her !’ There, you see how kind and affable she is! Nothing is beneath her notice. Why, she is all condescension. I myself have dined at Rosings twice, and Lady Catherine promises to show the highest consideration for my wife!”

Darcy made no reply but a simple nod, hoping it would be sufficient to encourage Collins to move on to another topic. He could not pity enough the woman who would find herself bound to this ridiculous man. He wondered distantly who the unfortunate woman was.

“I hope you gentlemen are warm enough. This fireplace is quite adequate, I daresay, but not nearly so fine as the fireplaces at Rosings Park. I have it on all authority that the chimney-piece alone cost….” Darcy stood abruptly, striding to the window. He was abandoning Bingley and he knew it, but he could bear no more of Mr Collins’ worship of Lady Catherine.

He blocked out the droning noise of the sycophant’s voice as he gazed out the window. He saw the housemaid, obviously recently chastised, hurrying to the front of the house to collect the pile of bedding. She gazed up at the window above for a moment in wonder, then scurried away with her burden.

“J ane, Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy are here.” Elizabeth’s voice was soft, hoping she would not wake her sleeping mother. She eased herself into the chair opposite Jane’s.

Mrs Bennet was not sleeping, however. At the mention of Mr Bingley’s name, her eyes snapped open. “Oh, Jane, he has come! He has come! Oh, I knew it, we are saved! I knew you could not be so beautiful for nothing! Oh, my dearest Jane! And you are so sly, not to tell me he was coming!”

Jane was horrified. “Mama! I am sure he has only come to inquire after Papa!”

Mrs Bennet was out of bed now, hurrying to put on her things. “Nonsense, girl!” she waved airily. “Hill! Oh, where is Hill! I must go meet our guest! Jane, do you go down and see to him. That’s a good girl. But promise me you will not say anything important until I come down! Lizzy! Help me with my gown!”

Mrs Bennet trembled and fluttered, so excited she made Elizabeth’s task doubly complicated as she tried to secure her mother’s gown. Primping her unruly curls beneath her lace cap, Mrs Bennet flew out of her room, her second daughter following reluctantly behind. Elizabeth prayed her mother would do nothing to embarrass Jane or Mr Bingley… especially in front of Mr Darcy.

“M r Bingley! We are so glad you have come to see us today!” Mrs Bennet was all smiles as she greeted her favourite guest. She cast a dark look in Mr Darcy’s direction, but he did not notice. Mr Collins was busily regaling his esteemed one-man audience with his patronizing concerns at the Parsonage at Rosings Park.

Darcy’s head came up finally when Elizabeth entered the room again behind her mother. He stared in mute concern when he saw her downcast visage, her eyes devoid of her usual impish sparkle. She was biting her lower lip, her gaze meeting his and sliding away with a humiliated blush. He was beginning to feel it would be worth enduring Mr Collins’ company all day just to see her smile at him. The mother, on the other hand….

Bingley had seated himself next to Jane, but he rose to greet Mrs Bennet. “Madam, I am very sorry to hear of Mr Bennet’s accident. Is there any assistance we could offer during his convalescence?”

“Oh, my dear, dear Mr Bingley! It is so good of you to call! Why, we are all so distressed by Mr Bennet’s mishap. I have warned him again and again against the dangers of riding, but he would not listen to me! No one ever does, you know. Oh, my poor nerves, he cannot know what I suffer! And now here we are, with Mr Bennet on his death bed and five girls without a roof over their heads! But they are the most beautiful girls, are they not, Mr Bingley?” She batted her eyelashes at the hapless Bingley, who had shrunk somewhat closer to Jane during her speech.

Elizabeth’s cheeks were burning. When she finally dared to raise her eyes, she found Mr Darcy’s gaze on her with an expression she could not read. She groaned, her every sensibility cringing. She could not let him see any more of her family’s humiliation than necessary! Steeling her courage, she tried to undo the damage from her mother’s callousness. “Mama, you know Papa is not on his death bed! He will recover very well, Mr Jones said so.”

“Oh, that Lizzy, she thinks nothing for the future! What does Mr Jones know, I ask you? Never any thought for what I must suffer. Mark my words, young lady, you’ll be starving in the hedgerows by the end of the month!” Mrs Bennet waved her handkerchief flamboyantly for emphasis.

“Ah, on that point, Mrs Bennet, allow me to set your mind at ease.” Collins stepped dramatically to the centre of the room. A chill of foreboding swept through Elizabeth.

“Mrs Bennet, you know it was my intention to try to remedy the wrong that I unwittingly inflict upon your amiable daughters by the iniquitous crime of inheriting Longbourn estate. To that end, I have had it in my mind to seek an acceptable means of securing your daughters’ future well-being. I came here because I had heard much of the beauty of your daughters, and I wished to see for myself. I am now quite certain, and I know you will sanction my excellent intentions to make… a suitable arrangement.”

He grinned broadly. “I have, at long last, selected the lovely Miss Elizabeth as the companion of my future life. Cousin Elizabeth, you have made me the happiest of men!” He drew near the astonished young lady and familiarly put out his hand to touch her forearm.

The room erupted. Mrs Bennet leapt up in immediate joy, coming to embrace her future son-in-law with the favoured Bingley now quite forgotten. Jane and Mr Bingley immediately turned to each other with scandalized whispers.

A burst of uproarious giggling behind Mr Collins alerted everyone to the presence of Lydia and Kitty. They, along with Maria Lucas, had been passing by the open door of the room on their way out to Meryton. They would not leave now; this was too juicy to pass up! The three girls huddled near the doorway, hiding peals of laughter behind their gloved hands.

Only Elizabeth and Mr Darcy were silent. The faces of both were a startling white, two pairs of dark eyes glittering dangerously. Elizabeth’s mouth fell open in outraged consternation, while Darcy’s welded shut in barely suppressed rage. Elizabeth, my Elizabeth, married to that arrogant toad? Impossible!

His eyes fixed on her as her face turned from white to flaming scarlet. The cretin is touching her! Fury began to blind his eyes and quiver through his limbs. He lunged at the shoddy parson, grasping his little parochial collar and throttling his empty head back and forth until Collins’ teeth rattled and his feet left the floor, then listened as the man’s lumpy shape made a satisfying plop as he slithered to the carpet.

Darcy blinked when he found himself still seated. Gratifying as that particular fantasy was, he yet continued in his task of holding the cushions down to the sofa—civilized and detached, just as a gentleman ought to be… doing absolutely nothing about any of it. His hands clenched as his mind cursed and stormed in a flurry of verbiage not fit for mixed company.

Elizabeth balled her fists. She was not constrained by any such ingrained notions of propriety. She shot to her feet, causing Collins to jump backwards in preservation of his toes. Stunned silent no longer, Elizabeth stalked closer to the supercilious oaf who would dare to announce an engagement without even asking her permission.

“You forget, Mr Collins, I have made no answer!” she hissed. Had he addressed her privately, she could have found it within her to attempt to spare his feelings. Instead, he had humiliated her and tried to manipulate her publicly. She could not bring herself to show a speck of remorse, and in fact, felt it imperative to dismiss the notion with all the more vehemence. “It is impossible for me to accept your proposal. My feelings in every respect forbid it!”

“What are you talking about, Lizzy? Of course, you will marry him!” Mrs Bennet turned from the object of her salvation only long enough to chide her daughter. “Miss Lizzy will be very honoured, Mr Collins! And I must say, you are very sly to have waited until now to surprise us all!”

“Out of the question, Mama! I cannot marry him, and I will not!” she cried. “You cannot make me Mama!” Elizabeth began to feel a sense of panic. She felt reasonably certain that her father would have supported her, but here, in this moment, she had no one to defend her. Even loyal Jane had felt it best to remain silent. Elizabeth glared at her sister, but Jane only covered her face with white fingers.

If this went too far… if word got out in Meryton that Collins had proposed before so many witnesses and her mother insisted upon her acceptance, while her father was bedridden, his fate uncertain…. She began to feel sick. With her father ill, anyone of sense would consider it her duty to secure the family’s future! A vision of herself bonded for life to this perspiring, hateful clod made her shudder visibly. Better to sully her reputation and become an unmarriageable spinster, endangering her entire family, than be stuck forever with him! Forced to tolerate his attentions! She commenced trembling all over, her palms cramping and beginning to sweat.

Darcy was having similar thoughts. Everything he admired about Elizabeth Bennet would be squelched and crushed under the bonds of the snivelling Collins. Her independent spirit would wilt, her fire and wit would crumble with no one but this simpleton to pass her life. A complete and utter waste of such a brilliant treasure! Collins, buffoon that he was, could not even fathom how far above him she was! What hideous twist of fate would have placed her, his beautiful Elizabeth, beneath his own notice and within reach of the likes of Collins?

Darcy’s mind was suddenly filled with the worst idea, the most unimaginable…. Collins would demand everything of her, owning all her days and even her midnight hours. Elizabeth to bear his children? Unthinkable! He would never escape the haunting agony either; the humiliated shell of the former Miss Elizabeth Bennet would greet him every spring at his aunt’s estate. A nauseating image of his precious Elizabeth, diminished by her husband’s insipid banality and beleaguered by hordes of homely, red-faced children came to mind. Bile surged into his throat.

“Elizabeth Bennet!” her mother snapped. “You will marry Mr Collins, or I shall never speak to you again! Now, come right over here this instant and say you will marry him!”

Elizabeth lifted her chin, tears beginning to glisten in her eyes. “I cannot !” she declared heatedly.

Without a thought, Darcy was by her side, clasping her nearest hand in his own. “No, indeed, Miss Elizabeth cannot agree to marry you, Mr Collins,” he agreed.

Elizabeth flicked her eyes gratefully to his. She had no idea what objection he intended to raise, but for once, she was thankful for his presence. No one else seemed inclined to defend her.

Collins tilted his head in confusion. “Ah, of course, Mr Darcy, I understand I must speak with her father. Not to worry, if... when he wakes, I will petition him directly. You can see that Mrs Bennet is quite delighted with the match, and I am certain my eminently wise and far-seeing cousin would be more than honoured to sanction such a suitable alliance. I have within my power to offer intimacy at Rosings Park, and I flatter myself, that is something any father would be delighted to welcome! That is, of course, providing he does wake.”

Collins beamed hugely, letting the implied warning behind his reasoning linger. He was not a vicious man, but he had no qualms about making certain his intended knew her place and that she owed him everything.

Darcy felt Elizabeth shiver again, and he squeezed her hand reassuringly. I will protect you, my Elizabeth! The thought flashed through his mind before he could stop it. Where his next words came from, he would never know, but he found himself uttering, “Miss Elizabeth cannot agree to marry you, Mr Collins, for the simple reason that she has already done me that honour.” He could only hope she would forgive his impulsive presumption.

Elizabeth’s gasp of horror was lost in the general upheaval. She jerked her hand away from him and glared furiously. He offered her an apologetic shrug, but there was no time for explanations. Everyone was speaking at once. Kitty, Lydia and Maria burst into gales of laughter and ran for the door, no doubt to share the news with anyone they could find in Meryton.

Mrs Bennet nearly fainted. “Oh, my, Mr Darcy! Oh, my sweetest Lizzy! Only think! Ten thousand a year! A house in Town, everything charming! Oh, what jewels, what pin money you will have! Oh, Mr Darcy, please forgive me for my mistake. Oh, Jane! My smelling salts! Oh!”

Jane’s expression was utterly stupefied. She knew very well that Elizabeth had not, and probably never would have, agreed to marry Mr Darcy. What, then, had made him say so? Was he trying to protect her from Collins? Of course, that must be it. But why? Whatever his reasons, she decided that her esteem for him had just risen.

Lizzy would be justifiably angry, but Jane knew her sister well. If forced into a choice between a fool and a snob, Lizzy should take the latter. Lizzy’s playful ways might soften Mr Darcy, but Jane doubted anything could be done to make Mr Collins a more pleasing partner. With a commiserating glance at her sister, she strove to propel her effusive mother from the room. The continued presence of the hysterical Mrs Bennet could do nothing to improve matters.

Mr Collins’ mouth was moving, but no words were coming out. Elizabeth gave Darcy one final scowl, then crossed her arms to glower at Collins. Men! How had she found herself in this position? She was too angry to cry, too furious for scornful barbs. She merely stood silently fuming, her teeth set, her eyes burning holes into each man by turn.

Collins finally found his voice. “Mr Darcy! Of course, forgive me, sir, but I had no idea you were so humorous! I know it is the usual manner of elegant females to at first reject the man they secretly intend to accept. Still, I did not expect such jollity from our guests! Now, quite seriously, my dear Cousin Elizabeth,” he smiled patronizingly and approached, tugging free Elizabeth’s unwilling hand and kneeling before her. “I wait on you; simply say the word, and we will set the date that will make me the happiest of men!”

She snatched her hand away in contempt and nearly shouted, “I was perfectly serious in my refusal! You could not make me happy, and I am convinced I am the last woman who could make you so!” She could not resist the urge which compelled her to wipe her defiled hand on her skirts. With a stinging backward glance at the second object of her ire, she stalked out of the room. The three remaining occupants jumped at the two succeeding door slams announcing her incensed departure from the house.

With an embarrassed smile, Collins rose and bowed to Mr Darcy. “Forgive my fiancée, sir, I beg you. I am afraid she is a bit out of sorts this morning. You find us at a very unsettled time. I do hope you will return tomorrow to wish us joy!”

His jaw clenched grimly, Darcy took an intimidating step toward Collins, towering over his aunt’s parson. “Mr Collins, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is engaged to me ! She will not marry you. I will thank you to refrain from distressing my fiancée at such a time, with her father injured and in need of her care.”

Mr Collins’ eyes bulged. “But… but Miss Anne de Bourgh! You are engaged to marry the daughter of Lady Catherine! Surely, Mr Darcy, Miss Elizabeth is charming, but you have the honour of an alliance with one of the noblest families in the land! Lady Catherine.…”

“Is my concern, Mr Collins. I insist you leave off meddling in my affairs at once!” Darcy’s face was darkened with anger, his eyes narrowed and glittering.

Collins gulped and gasped. “Lady Catherine will be most seriously displeased!” He fled the room, and they could hear his ponderous weight taking the stairs above the outer hall perhaps more quickly than he had ever moved.

Bingley had sat frozen during the entire scene. His bright blue eyes were rounded in awe, and his mouth hung open. Finally, he rose and clapped a hesitant hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Congratulations, old boy! I had no idea, but Miss Elizabeth is a lovely girl! A fine choice, I daresay.”

Darcy sank down heavily with a sigh and buried his face in his hands. What had he done? “Bingley, I am not engaged to Miss Elizabeth. I was only trying to make that dolt leave her alone.”

Bingley laughed outright. “I say, you could have found another way, old chap! And yes, you are engaged to her.” With a jerk of his head, he gestured to the doorway. “By now, half of Meryton will already know about it. You had a fair number of witnesses, you know. You have no choice, my friend, unless you wish to ruin the lady’s reputation.”

Darcy groaned. Bingley was right. He had acted impulsively and now would pay the price. “What do I do now?” The novelty of himself, Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, asking Charles Bingley for advice was not lost on him.

“Well,” mused Bingley, “you will have to talk to her, I suppose. And the sooner, the better, I say.”

Darcy gave a bitter laugh. To Bingley’s uncomplicated soul, everything could be solved with a simple apology. Shrug and move on. That was Bingley’s style. He doubted the unpredictable Elizabeth Bennet would see things the same way. He had not been able to forget the look of betrayal in her eyes before she stormed out of the house. And how could he accept the current state of affairs? Had he not just assiduously resolved not to seek such an alliance because of her situation, so decidedly beneath his own?

Jane Bennet chose that moment to step serenely back into the drawing-room. Bingley’s eyes went immediately to her, and he smiled warmly. “Miss Bennet, Darcy and I were admiring that little wilderness garden. Could I persuade you to take a turn with me?” She willingly took his extended arm, and the couple stepped outside.

Darcy remained a moment longer. For perhaps the hundredth time in the last five minutes, he wondered, What was I thinking? In truth, he barely knew the woman. After so many years of thwarting the most carefully laid plans of the best-connected daughters of the ton, what impetuousness had seized him to make him speak for a virtual stranger?

What he did know of her was in parts beguiling and other parts perfectly shocking. Her family, he had already settled with himself, was abominably mortifying. What of the woman herself? Any prospective groom’s thoughts naturally dwelt less on the family and first on the woman who would be the mother of his children.

A very private man, Darcy had long dreaded such a level of intimacy and partnership with any woman of his acquaintance. To invite such a woman as any of the others he had known into his home, into his thoughts—into his bed? To join with one of those shallow, mindless puppets in raising his heir? The very notion was insupportable. He had never been able even to imagine such closeness with any woman… until Elizabeth Bennet flashed him those marvellous eyes and that glorious smile.

After such a short acquaintance, he knew little enough of Elizabeth Bennet’s tastes and habits… oh, who was he kidding? Had he not hungrily devoured every morsel of information he could glean about her ways during her stay at Netherfield? Was not her name the only one he listened for when visiting the town of Meryton? He had memorized her favourite dishes, knew what time she habitually arose for the day, and deliberately marked each book that caught her interest. And her birthday—the twenty-second of May. He had overheard Caroline’s coarse inquiry of when Elizabeth should reach her majority. Not that the subject had been one to interest him at the time, of course. He simply had an outstanding memory… especially for anything concerning her .

He also knew for a certain fact that she could boast a sterling character . There was goodness in the way she had cared so diligently for her sister. There was honour in her bearing and comportment, so thoroughly graceful even in unpleasant circumstances. He had witnessed her compassion and spirit, and he knew her to be intelligent and well informed.

Already with those few superlative qualities, she stood out as the most remarkable woman he had ever known. To all of these, she added a striking—if unconventional—beauty and an enchanting impertinence which, despite himself, utterly captivated him. For the first time in his life, he had found himself wishing to know more of a woman. It would be far from a burden , he decided, to take Elizabeth Bennet to my home and heart .

The lady might perhaps take a little more convincing. She had been righteously infuriated by his presumption. Though he fully expected she would extract a contrite apology for his lack of discretion, as was her due, in little time, she would feel the full honour he had bestowed. He, the scion of one of England’s greatest families, direct descendant of William the Conqueror and at the moment one of the most sought-after bachelors in the country, was delivering up his hand and heart to none but her.

Surely, there was no other option at this point. No doubt the younger Bennet girls, silly Miss Lucas and that ridiculous matron of the family were already gleefully spreading the report abroad that he had engaged himself to Miss Elizabeth.

Though he did not relish furthering his acquaintance with them , he could find joy in at last giving in to his heart’s desire. Elizabeth will be mine! No longer would he be alone! No longer would he have to fend off the grasping, pretentious ambitions of hopeful debutantes and their manipulative mothers. He would be armed with Elizabeth’s charm and wit wherever he went with her. He would have her brilliant mind to partner with him in all things—surely an intelligent, lively woman such as she would take an active role as mistress of his sprawling estate.

His expression warmed when he realized that Georgiana would, at last, have a generous, loving sister. He felt certain that the entire staff of Pemberley and all his tenants would adore her, just as everyone in Meryton, Longbourn, and even Netherfield seemed to. Bestowed with his tender care and ample worldly blessings, he comforted himself that Elizabeth would blossom into her full potential as a captivating, graceful woman of means.

With her sparkling, vivacious personality to keep him company, the grey of his days would at last vanish. And the nights! What passion lurked behind those sparkling eyes? Darcy trembled with delight at the very idea, then harshly chided himself. There would be time enough for such thoughts.

With a bracing deep breath, Darcy rose and left the house to find his fiancée.