An (Un)believably Artful Theft: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (Love's Little Helpers) by Jennifer Joy

Author:Jennifer Joy [Joy, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-11-29T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 21

Darcy tugged his hands through his hair. “She feels that I have betrayed her.”

Richard stopped polishing Constance. Her blade gleamed. “It is Wickham’s death that has brought this on. She might have hoped still.”

That did not appease Darcy. “I have to retrieve the painting.” Thank goodness the Rembrandt was safe with a gentleman to whom he was pleased to make a generous offer. Darcy could return with Georgiana to Pemberley at the end of the month, and the Bennets would benefit from the proceeds of a mutually beneficial arrangement. The painting was as good as his. Perhaps Georgiana would wish to invite the eldest Misses Bennet for a visit…

Richard resumed polishing. “Never fear, Darcy, I shall keep watch here. Go keep your promise.”

Darcy needed no further incitement. By the time he rode back to Longbourn’s courtyard, the rest of the household had returned from Meryton. They received him warmly, though no one was as enthusiastic as Mrs. Bennet. Darcy enjoyed how her direct comments made Miss Elizabeth blush. Had he not called for a specific purpose, he would have enjoyed their conversation more.

He hoped Mr. Bennet might make an appearance—it would certainly make Darcy’s request easier—but ten minutes of mundane chitchat failed to produce the gentleman. He began to fear the gentleman was not in.

Those ten minutes of conversation revealed another difficulty that Darcy would have considered sooner had his mind not been so singly focused on recovering Georgiana’s inheritance. How could Darcy request a private audience with Mr. Bennet without raising certain expectations?

He found himself only half attending to Mrs. Bennet’s chatter until she stopped speaking and looked at him expectantly. Having no clue what she had just said but knowing better than to nod in agreement to anything a matron with unmarried daughters could say, he looked to Miss Elizabeth for help.

She smiled knowingly and replied for him. “I fear you have overwhelmed Mr. Darcy with so many details, but I believe it is safe to surmise that he would agree that Uncle Philips’s decision to increase Mr. Goode’s salary based on his years of faithful service and his efficiency as a clerk was a good decision with an honorable motive.”

Darcy was happy to agree, though he could not fathom how the conversation had taken such a turn. Before Mrs. Bennet could begin down another confounding trail, he spoke. “Is Mr. Bennet in?”

The lady was all attention. “You wish to speak with Mr. Bennet?”

“I had hoped to, yes.”

“Mary, be a dear and go get your father.”

That did not suit Darcy at all, nor did the likely consequences of what he must say next. “There is no need. I wish to speak with him privately.”

“A private word with Mr. Bennet?” Mrs. Bennet repeated, her complexion pink with pleasure. Before Darcy could disabuse her of her obvious assumption, she grabbed his hand and pulled him down the hall. “How wonderful! Of course, you will have it immediately. Mr. Bennet is quite at his leisure and will be happy to receive you.

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