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

briefly, not expecting such gallantry. They ascended the steps side by side. Darcy found he could not remove his eyes from her face encased in the auburn curls.At her sister’s room, Elizabeth entered first to place the tray and bowl; Darcy waited at the door’s threshold. Seconds later, she returned to retrieve the water pitcher from his hands.“Mr. Darcy, your kindness was most generous.”
    Her eyes did not meet his as much as Darcy prayed they would. “It is my pleasure to be of service to you, Miss Elizabeth.” As she took the pitcher, her fingers touched his in the exchange; the sensation recoiled through his body, Darcy momentarily stumbling back from the shock. Automatically, he forced himself to bow while Elizabeth left him.
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    He hurried to his room—his mind racing—the brief warmth of her skin against his spreading throughout his body. He must find a way to clear his mind of thoughts of Elizabeth Bennet; he needed a distraction. He retrieved his sister’s last letter from the desk in his bedchamber. Elizabeth’s touch aroused him; he needed to read Georgiana’s letter to refocus and calm his nerves. Of everyone, only Georgiana had that effect on him.
    10 November
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    My dearest Fitzwilliam,
    Your letters give me such great pleasure.The accounts of your activities in Hertfordshire are quite amusing. I do not mean to laugh at you my darling brother; I would never think of doing such an unattractive thing; yet, I do find it amusing how your affection for Mr. Bingley placed you in a position to be an observer of sundry activities; I delight at your retellings.

    Sir William Lucas may be pompous, but I am sure he possesses a compassionate heart. His joy at giving pleasure to his neighbors showed through even your narration. Not all can be exposed to fine society; I admire Sir William for raising himself to the recognition he has been afforded at St. James. However, I was a bit surprised at your censure of Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst at the assembly. It must be poor behavior, indeed, for you to take such notice. I was happy you, at least, acted with decorum and gave credit to your dear friend. Bingley is much favored by having you as his commendable model.Your recollection of Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s musical interlude at least brought you some pleasure that particular evening. From your description, Miss Bennet must possess true talent; I am sure such qualities make her all the more attractive to gentlemen. Being accomplished in music is a virtue to which many women strive.
    Mrs.Annesley says my needlework needs a purpose. She has, of late, tried to convince me to help the poor in Derbyshire by creating pieces to be given to the children by the local vicar. He, when we attended church there last, preached about the need of the rich to help the poor.The lesson included the rewarding of such actions ten times over. I know my reward is having you as my brother; I am blessed those ten times. Last week in our lessons, I was introduced to the phrase “noblesse oblige,” which you understand to be translated into the “likewise obligation.” I took it to be as a mantra of what I should do. Although I am, admittedly, a bit shy about seeing my needlework given away to others, I hope I have your blessing in this endeavor. Dearest Brother, please give Mr. Bingley and his family my deepest regards and respect.
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    Your loving sister,
Georgiana
    Darcy closed the letter and replaced it in the desk drawer; the missive brought him a sense of repose. He never felt as he did the past few weeks; he was a man of position—of control. It seemed of late he possessed no control; a pair of fine eyes and a wry smile sent
him into turmoil. He wished for someone in whom he could confide and from whom he could seek advice. For now, he resolved he would answer his sister this very evening. If she found his narrative of the assembly and the dinner at Sir William’s