Read Online Imperative: Volume 2, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice by Linda Wells - Free Book Online Page A

own.”  He noted her concern.
    “No travelling companions?  You had friends . . .”
    “Of course, and I travelled around England and Ireland with a group of them from school, but there came a point when I had had enough of them and I . . . I was close enough to Sommerwald that I came here.  Father was not leasing out the house then.  He wanted to come whenever he wished, and of course that is not possible when you have a tenant.”  He bit his lip and looked down.  “It was a relief to not be involved in their amusement any longer.”
    “What did they like to do?”
    “Gambling, drinking to excess . . . other things.”  He cleared his throat and looked ahead. “I was glad to part ways.  I . . . they were different when we were in school.  I suppose that the strict atmosphere held them in check and once graduated, they . . . were ready to sow their wild oats.”
    “That sounds like your cousin Albert.  I wonder, have you maintained friendships with these men since?” 
    “Casual, but nothing more.  I have been occupied with Pemberley.”  Their eyes met. 
    “Was Mr. Manning one of them?”
    “Yes.”  Darcy smiled with her ‘ah.’  “You were not impressed?  He is not a bad egg.  That was some time ago, I think that his oats are very thoroughly sown now.  We spent some of last summer together.” 
    “So you preferred the solitude of Sommerwald to the companionship of others?”
    “Being largely an only child, I suppose that is not unusual?  I am quite adept at entertaining myself.  I remember travelling with my parents and staying quiet so I would not disturb Mother.”
    “Did she object to noise?
    “No . . . I remember Father saying that she was delicate and needed to rest.  It occurs to me now that she was likely pregnant all of those times.”  He looked to her.  “The things you understand when you are all grown up.” 
    “Yes, I . . . I am always having moments where I seem to have epiphanies.  Now I understand Papa’s jokes.”  Her smile faded and she looked ahead.  “Where else have you been?”
    “Oh, all over.  Of course I lived in Eton and Cambridge.”
    “What is Cambridge like?”  Elizabeth asked curiously. 
    “I shall take you there.  I am afraid that my descriptions will leave you yawning.”  He chuckled as she squeezed his arm.  “You know I have no gift for speech, certainly not of flowery praise.”
    “I was not seeking that, and you are doing just fine.”
    “Thank you.”  He said softly and nodded to her horse, “You are as well.” 
    “Thank you.” 
    He lifted his chin.  “Castle Douglas.”
    “Where?”
    “Right before you, love, the village?  Many coaches go through there.  It is quite a hub in the area.”  He smiled.  “What did you think it was?”
    “I was expecting a castle!”  Elizabeth laughed and he chuckled.  “Well, they are all over here!” 
    He glanced around, remembering the location of several ruins, “True.  Would you care to see one?  Or shall we go into the village?” 
    “Oh, the village, please.  It is a little chilly, perhaps some warm cider by the fire in one of the inns?”  Elizabeth’s head tilted and Darcy reached out for her hand.  “A good idea?”
    “An excellent one, love.”  He gave her hand a squeeze and letting go, cleared his throat.  “Now, lessons.”
    “I had hoped you forgot . . .”
    “Never.”  His eyes twinkled.  “Now then, my dear, back straight, eyes forward . . .”
    “You are one to talk about that . . .”
    “ I am giving the lesson . . .”
    “I think that I am better off not having had a governess or schooling, I never would have paid any heed . . .”
    “If you do not stop talking you will not learn anything.”
    “My mind would be wandering down more pleasant paths . . .” She giggled at his glare.  “Would you care to know where my mind is wandering now?”
    “No.”
    “Yes, you would.”  She teased and gasped when her horse startled