Read Online Darcy's Passions by Regina Jeffers - Free Book Online

convinced that one good sonnet will starve it entirely away.”

    A broad smile of contentment spread over Darcy’s face; he cared not that everyone’s attention was now directed at him and Elizabeth. The connection between them resurfaced. After a few moments, he saw Elizabeth shudder as if she feared her mother would be exposing herself again. Instead, Mrs. Bennet took the more appropriate route of thanking Mr. Bingley for his diligence in caring for Jane and for his acceptance of Lizzy in the household as well. Bingley accepted her “thanks” with unaffected civility and even forced Caroline to respond in the same manner. Darcy stood to the side engrossed in the folly of the scene.The Bennet family circus seemed to be coming to a close; yet, before their departure, he witnessed another social faux pas, brought on this time by the youngest sister.
    â€œMr. Bingley, we do hope you will keep your promise of having a ball at Netherfield,” Lydia Bennet abruptly reminded him.
    â€œA ball at Netherfield would be the most pleasant of evenings,” Kitty Bennet added to her sister’s outrageous demand.
    â€œAnd invite the militia,” Lydia said dreamily.“They make excellent company.”
    â€œI am perfectly ready, I assure you, to keep my engagement; and when your sister is recovered, you shall, if you please, name the very day of the ball. But you would not wish to be dancing while she is ill,” Bingley offered a diplomatic answer.
    When Mrs. Bennet and her daughters finally left, Elizabeth returned to Jane’s care. Instantly, the Bingley sisters took up their usual censure of the Bennet family, often calling upon Darcy to join them in their mirthful display; he could not engage in their suit even with all of Miss Bingley’s quips on fine eyes. He was a man in turmoil, but Darcy would not befoul Elizabeth Bennet with disparaging remarks. Nothing, including his contempt for her relations, would allow him to do so.

CHAPTER 4
    â€œYou take delight in vexing me.”

    Leaving the others to their own entertainment, Darcy left the room, closing the door solidly behind him. He turned to ascend the stairs leading to his chambers; he found his ears still ringing with the witty remarks slung at Elizabeth Bennet. Standing perfectly still, closing his eyes, and breathing deeply, he hoped to rid himself of what he witnessed. Literally, sucking in air one last time, Darcy opened his eyes to find himself face-to-face with the image, which haunted his every private moment. Recovering quickly, he said, “Miss Elizabeth, I did not expect to see you here.” He made the appropriate bow as an acknowledgment of her presence.
    Returning a small curtsy, she replied only with his name and moved to go past him. It dawned on him Elizabeth carried a tray with an ewer of water and a large bowl. A bit taken aback, he stammered, “Miss Elizabeth, should not one of the maids be doing that?”
    â€œIt is true, such should be, but my sister needed fresh water to drink, and I must also bathe her feverish brow. I wished not to bother Mr. Bingley’s staff; they have so much to do already. I fear my family a terrible imposition on his household.”
    â€œNonsense,” he began, and then he realized it might seem like a reprimand, so Darcy softened both his tone and his words. “Mr. Bingley would expect nothing else from his staff. It is the neighborly thing to do.Allow me to call someone to help you.”
    â€œNo,” she pleaded. “I would not want to embarrass myself or my family further in Mr. Bingley’s estimation. Please, Sir, allow me to do this without his knowledge.”

    â€œVery well, then,” he relented.“Would you allow my help? The pitcher is heavy, and the stairs are both narrow and steep.”
    He watched intently as Elizabeth dropped her eyes in assent. He stepped forward and took the water pitcher from the tray. Elizabeth paused