Forever, Darcy by Georgina Peel & Harriet Knowles

Author:Georgina Peel & Harriet Knowles
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2018-09-02T04:00:00+00:00

13

Darcy reluctantly crossed the hall towards the drawing room. He didn’t want to go in there and admit that Miss Bennet had not accepted his offer immediately.

He stopped outside the door. Why had she not agreed at once? Might she refuse? If so, what would he do? He tried to think what might help her make the decision he wished her to, and recalled his family all saying that he must be kind to her and not so distant.

Perhaps she would like to talk to her aunt, gain her advice? That might help her, and he opened the door and went in, seeing all their faces turning hopefully toward him, and looking disappointed as they realised he was alone.

He crossed the room to the card table. “Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet has asked for a few moments to think. I wondered if she might appreciate the chance to speak to you quietly while she considers her answer?”

“Oh, of course!” She looked a little flustered, and then at those around the table. “Would you excuse me?”

Darcy beckoned a footman. “Please show Mrs. Gardiner to her niece in the gallery and then leave them alone.”

He turned, and Richard was beside him. “Come to the library and have a whisky, Darcy. You look as if you need it.”

Darcy followed him willingly, giving a small smile to Georgiana, who was looking anxious. He couldn’t reassure her just yet. Perhaps Aunt Alice would keep her close.

He dropped into the leather chair, while Richard spoke to the footman outside the door, then entered and closed it.

“He will tell us as soon as Mrs. Gardiner comes back downstairs.” Richard crossed the room and poured whisky into two tumblers.

He handed one to Darcy and dropped into the chair opposite. “Well, what was it like?”

Darcy groaned. “I thought it was all right until she said she needed a few moments to think. Now — I don’t know.”

“So what do you think of her? Will you be happy marrying her?”

“She might yet refuse,” he shrugged, not willing to admit that his heart had fallen at the thought.

“And will that disappoint you?” Richard persisted.

He frowned, he would have to admit it now. “Yes, I think it will,” Darcy said slowly. “We have put so much into the plan, I cannot imagine what I will do if she refuses.”

“Darcy! That is not what I meant and you know it!” Richard sounded irate. “Do you think you can have a satisfying, happy marriage with her?”

Darcy looked levelly at him. “She seems to be as your father has said, a pleasant, dutiful young lady who gained Georgiana’s confidence very quickly. Whether affection can come from it, I do not yet know, although I hope so.”

“Well, I don’t suppose I can ask for more than that from you.” Richard stared at his glass thoughtfully.

At that moment there was a knock on the door, and the footman entered. “Mrs. Gardiner is coming downstairs, sir.”

Darcy jumped to his feet and hurried to the hall. He bowed at her, looking to see if Miss Bennet was with her.

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