Read Online The Houseguest A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Elizabeth Adams - Free Book Online

likes to walk as far as I do.
Thus, I walk alone,” she stated clearly.

“I will accompany you,” he declared.

Elizabeth started and looked up at him quizzically. Why would he want to
accompany her? She knew very well he didn’t like her. Could he possibly take
his role as protector that seriously? 

“Mr. Darcy, that is quite unnecessary. As you well know, I am accustomed to
walking alone and am not afraid of being on my own. I do not require an
escort.” She was becoming seriously annoyed now, and Darcy could tell by the
look in her eyes that she meant what she said.

“Miss Bennet, I am entirely aware of your walking prowess. However, I would
feel much more at ease if I accompanied you. Besides, I have been inside all
day and could use a little fresh air and exercise.” He gave her a small smile,
intending to put her at ease, but only confused her as to his purpose.

“Are you sure you can spare your business that long, Mr. Darcy? I do not intend
to take a short walk.”

Is she always this stubborn?
 He
looked directly into her eyes, causing her resolve to retreat slightly, and
said, “I never thought you would, Miss Bennet. Shall we?”

In a moment he had slipped on his great coat, gloves, and hat and collected a
rather ostentatious brass-topped walking stick from a footman. He saw Elizabeth
eying it and holding back a smirk, and quickly handed it back to the footman.
“I won’t be needing this today, Causer.” 

He turned to Elizabeth and saw the mirth dancing in her eyes.
 At least she does not stay angry long
,
he thought. 

“Something amusing, Miss Bennet?”

“No, Mr. Darcy, not at all. I must say I am rather surprised at your going out
without a walking stick, though,” she replied with mock solemnity as they
headed out the door. Why could she not resist an opportunity to tease him?

“Yes, well, I thought I wouldn’t really need it today.” Her teasing tone was
putting him on edge, but he found that he liked the feeling of anticipation it
gave him.

“What if you should lose your footing sir? Would such a fine cane not help you
to right yourself?” She looked completely innocent, but he could see a hint of
mirth behind her staid gaze.

“Possibly, Miss Bennet. I guess now I shall have to hold on to you.” He smiled
a little devilishly at her and she started in surprise. 
Two can play this game, Elizabeth.
 

Was Mr. Darcy teasing her? And so wickedly? She hadn’t thought him capable.
What had Colonel Fitzwilliam said? That he had played a practical joke on his
brother with Darcy as his accomplice? She would have to find out the
particulars of that. But how?

As Mr. Darcy held out his arm to her outside the front door, she eyed him
carefully and said, “Mr. Darcy, if I am to lend my arm for your support, then I
wish to receive something in return.” His brow shot up at her statement.

“And what is your request Miss Bennet?” he asked in mock seriousness. 

“I wish to be entertained, Mr. Darcy.”

“Entertained?” 

“Yes, I was thinking you could tell me a story, about a joke you played on a
certain cousin of yours?” As his eyes grew wider and his brow shot up, she
added, “Or you could sing to me.” An impish smirk played on her lips as she
awaited his answer. 

“Miss Bennet, you drive a hard bargain.”

“Yes, sir.”

She clearly was not backing down. Darcy looked into her determined eyes and
smiled. If he was going to be humiliated, better to take his cousins with him.

“Very well, Miss Bennet. But I warn you, you may not like what you hear. I am
afraid it’s not fit for the ears of a lady, and I will have to ask you not to
tell Georgiana.”

“Of course, sir. You have my word.” She offered a charming smile in reward for
his surrender. 
See Aunt, I’m being
nice.

As they entered the park gates, Darcy began his story. “Several years ago, when
we were all just boys together, my cousins and I used to indulge in racing.”

Elizabeth couldn’t