The Colonel's Cousin: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Melissa Halcomb

Author:Melissa Halcomb [Halcomb, Melissa]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2022-06-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Riding away from Longbourn, neither cousin spoke, each lost in their thoughts as they were. Sending away to Darcy House for the journals had been done with very little forethought. When he had done so, Darcy rationalised that he desired them for himself. Speaking to Elizabeth on the subject had merely renewed his interest and he wished only to review what he had learnt all those years ago. Upon their arrival, however, he knew he had been lying to himself. The moment the books were laid in his hands, he could not help but imagine the bright smile that would grace her lovely lips when he presented them to her. He had foreseen with great clarity the very same spark of interest in her magnificent eyes which had become reality not half an hour ago.

Knowing the pleasure he would be bestowing and the effect it would have on himself, he had hesitated. What might be the consequence to his heart to give such joy to this woman knowing it would not be his privilege to do so for the rest of his life? If he did wish her to have it, he ought to have given it to Richard to present to Elizabeth; such would have been proper. In the end, a strong desire for her happiness had won out—along with the selfish wish to be the one to bring it about, if just this once.

“The book you gave Miss Elizabeth,” Richard’s voice cut into his thoughts, almost as if he had read them. “You have made her very happy.”

Darcy shifted uncomfortably atop his mount. “’Tis a loan. And it was only a book.”

“Ah, but it was much more than that. It shows that you value her mind. That is very important to Miss Elizabeth.”

“I do not value her at all, except as your future wife and my future cousin.”

At this, Richard chuckled and Darcy turned his face away so as not to betray the blatant falsehood he has just uttered.

“Well, I am glad you like her. And I am excessively glad you can keep up with her. She has such an exquisite mind, keener than any woman I have ever met. I am no simpleton, yet I often find myself at a loss in our conversations. You shall have to be with us often so that she has someone with whom to debate!”

“When will you propose,” Darcy asked mostly to avoid making any commitments he would not be able to keep. Already he was beginning to fear he might have to give up his cousin’s company altogether. How was he ever to bear meeting with Elizabeth once she became Mrs Fitzwilliam? It was near enough devastating meeting with her now knowing that had it not been for his damnable pride, it might be him granted the pleasure of courting her.

“As to that, I could not say. Miss Elizabeth will not marry where she does not love, and I do not think she is there.”

To this Darcy made no reply.

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