The Indomitable Miss Elizabeth by Jennifer Joy

Author:Jennifer Joy [Joy, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-03-14T05:00:00+00:00

Darcy did not notice how heavily the rain fell until a shiver coursed through him, bringing him to his senses. Had he been foolish to reveal Anne's condition on the day of Mrs. Bennet's burial? What had been meant as an explanation had only complicated matters further. Never in his wildest nightmare would he have imagined Elizabeth to side with Aunt Catherine. Their assumption that he placed his happiness before Anne's life angered him. It was so entirely opposite to the reality. But he could not give false hopes where they were not warranted. He himself ran the risk of disappointment if his inquiries led to a dead end. And yet, both Anne's determination to remain unmarried and the possibility of finding a doctor with a modern view of medicine willing to help her without locking her up in a mental institution fueled his optimism.

All the negative emotions Elizabeth provoked within him were tempered by his admiration for her loyalty. Her loyalty extended beyond her own family to include his. Though he exposed himself to the worst pain, he would not give up on her until all hope was lost. Her heart was worth the struggle of winning. He had never been more certain of anything else in his life. Nor would he ever find her equal should he live a thousand years.

Returning to Netherfield Park, he sent for Lawrence to draw a hot bath. Nobody in the house would bother him if he was bathing and it would take the chill out of his skin.

The door to the music room was open, but he had a plan should he be called.

"Darcy!" the shrill voice of his aunt called out to him. "Darcy!" she repeated when he did not appear in the doorway a moment after she expected him.

Miss Bingley brought her piece to a dramatic end, no doubt pleased with her performance and that he should have heard a portion of it.

"Where have you been? You are soaking wet," criticized Aunt Catherine.

"I have been out of doors until recently. There are some matters requiring attention before Lord Harvisham comes to call on the morrow."

Aunt Catherine froze and her face blanched. "Lord Harvisham?" she said in a whisper.

Darcy saw the moment she realized how frightened she appeared. Puffing out her chest and raising her chin, she said, "I was unaware he meant to call on the morrow."

"Yes, your threats against Mrs. Bennet were poorly timed. While Richard and I are certain of your innocence, you will have to convince Lord Harvisham of it."

Her shoulders stiffened. "The truth will set me free. He is not a fool."

"Who is this Lord Harvisham?" asked Miss Bingley, drawing a glare from Aunt Catherine.

"If you have friends in the first circles, you ought to know who he is," Aunt Catherine hissed, causing Miss Bingley's face to burn scarlet red.

Seeing his opportunity, Darcy departed. Tomorrow would be an event, but at that moment, all he wanted was a scalding hot bath. Nothing warm and comforting to remind him of Elizabeth.

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