Darcy and Elizabeth: Nights at Netherfield by Stevens Ginny

Author:Stevens, Ginny
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General Fiction
Publisher: Ginny Stevens
Published: 2017-05-28T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

The following morning, Elizabeth rose early to check on Jane. The night before the door had again been locked. In ordinary circumstances, Elizabeth would question her sister about the matter, but a far more pressing concern was her growing attraction to Darcy. An attraction that despite his shockingly pretty words, she doubted could go anywhere honorable. And yet...she had no strength to resist what they both desired.

After breakfast, in which Elizabeth studiously avoided Darcy’s eyes, she chose to go on a long walk. Using the time to reflect she wondered what madness had possessed her since she first met the gentleman. He had always excited her notice and rose passionate feelings in her. She had never supposed he found her attractive or admired her. She had been confident he despised her. After their first encounter, she continued to have reservations about the sincerity of his affections. She expected that he meant to mock her. Powerful men like him trifled with ladies.

Last night, however, he appeared far too genuine to be such a rogue. She all but begged for him to take her virtue and he honorably resisted. Darcy was not the sort of man a lady could come to know well in chaperoned drawing rooms. Having observed Darcy now without others around, she believed something about company made him nervous which manifested in coldness and a taciturn demeanor.

Elizabeth supposed other ladies might learn a gentleman’s character and honor through conversation confined to the weather and their neighbors. She would ask insipid questions, and the man would have equally meaningless but charmingly phrased answers. Those ladies would never know the heat of their lovers’ touch or the taste of their mouth. They would never feel as though their body were aflame. They would also never have the curiosity to extend such pleasure in return. No, on the whole, Elizabeth would not wish to have that sort of tedious courtship. Of course, she did not know that exchanging kisses in a dark drawing room was considered courtship or what Darcy’s intentions were. Nor did she know what her intentions were.

As Elizabeth rounded the corner in the shrubbery, she collided with Darcy.

“Elizabeth!” he exclaimed as he caught her by the elbows. “Have I hurt you?”

“No, no. I am well,” she said laughingly.

“Shhh. Not too loud!” He ducked and glanced over his shoulder then tugged Elizabeth further into the shrubbery.

“Are you hiding from someone?” Elizabeth asked and covered her mouth to muffle further laughter.

“That woman will not take a hint.”

Elizabeth eyed him dubiously. “Just when do you believe you made your position so clear? Last night when you requested she entertain you on the pianoforte?”

Darcy gaped at her. “I desired to speak with you privately. It could only be done if she was occupied.”

“That will not do,” she shook her head. “How long have you known Mr. Bingley?”

“We met at Eton in Bingley’s first year.”

“So you have been friends for over ten years. Has she had her cap set at you during all that time?”

Darcy shrugged.

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