Falling for Mr. Darcy by Mackrory Karalynne

Author:Mackrory, Karalynne [Mackrory, KaraLynne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Meryton Press
Published: 2012-04-24T14:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Mr. Bennet stood up from his desk as Mr. Bingley’s jubilant stride propelled him into the room. He studied the young man and suspected the nature of the interview he was now about to have. It did not surprise him that, so soon after granting his permission for Bingley to court Jane, the man would return with another request of a more permanent nature. He had observed the two of them together when Bingley visited, most particularly the evening when he joined the family for dinner, and it was clear that his shy, eldest daughter did fancy Mr. Bingley. He perched his mouth in a crooked smile of amusement and felt a smug satisfaction that he had judged Bingley’s character well enough to know that his impulsiveness would not allow a long courtship.

“Mr. Bingley, good morning, sir. What can I do for you this morning?” Mr. Bennet asked, motioning Bingley to sit across from his desk. He tried to hide his humor at watching Mr. Bingley’s radiant face change to apprehension in reflection of the memory of their previous interview when he had mercilessly teased the young man.

“Good morning, sir.” Mr. Bingley cleared his throat and felt all the discomfort associated with the task he was about to perform. It was not often that he was uncomfortable in any social setting, but he could not forget the stern countenance of Jane’s father when he had asked for permission to court her. The thought occurred to him that Mr. Bennet might not be happy about this new request coming so soon after the last. The sooner I finish this, the sooner I can return to Jane.

Thinking of Jane brought back his feelings of joy at her acceptance of his proposal and allowed him to speak more confidently. “Sir, I realize that my business with you today may seem rather precipitous after our previous meeting, but if I may be frank, sir . . . ?” He paused and waited for Mr. Bennet to nod his permission before continuing. “You see, sir, I rather think I have already waited for this occasion far too long. I found I could think of no good reason to delay this next step and thus, when given the opportunity today, I could not help myself.”

Mr. Bennet leaned back in his chair and rubbed his jaw in mock seriousness. He could see Mr. Bingley’s nervousness and knew what he was trying to communicate. However, Jane was his daughter, and he did not want to give up his residency in her heart so easily. So he continued to bait the young man.

“Mr. Bingley, I apologize, but I do not have the privilege of knowing what it is that you are speaking about.”

Mr. Bingley colored as he realized that, in his haste, he had assumed Mr. Bennet would know why he sought his company that morning. His embarrassment soon faded as his thoughts briefly drifted to Jane and the joy she must be experiencing sharing their news with her favorite sister.

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