How Darcy Saved Christmas by Rose Fairbanks

Author:Rose Fairbanks [Fairbanks, Rose]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rose Fairbanks
Published: 2018-12-04T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

Elizabeth returned to the inn and pleaded a headache when her aunt and uncle asked why Mr. Darcy did not join her. She did not lie. This time, however, her tears and the subsequent pain in her head was not because of him as much as what she had said and felt.

She had badgered Mr. Darcy and forced him to confess everything to her, but she barely gave him a moment to breathe. Did she not feel anger at the man who seduced her sister and brought about her death? She might have blamed herself for setting Lydia off, but in her heart of hearts, Elizabeth knew that Lydia had always been flighty. She had remained unchecked by her parents. Eloping while on holiday was perhaps a natural consequence.

She had never voiced her concern to anyone save Darcy, and no one had ever laid it at her feet. He had understood in a way that only someone who also blamed themselves could. How could she say something so cruel and thoughtless to him? He had offered the one thing she had searched for her whole life—someone to understand her. And she used that against him.

It did not sound as though Georgiana or George had asked for her dowry. If they had married in a church, Darcy would have been bound by law to give the money. As a solicitor, George would know that more than herself. Why would they not request Georgiana’s income? Elizabeth fell asleep determined to find out more from George on the morrow.

The following day, she coerced her relatives to walk with her and visit the Wickhams. Once they were duly engrossed in conversation with the older man, she turned her attention to George.

“I am sorry Mr. Darcy arrived during your call. You seemed most uncomfortable to have him present. I suppose it must be many years since you have last seen him, despite your close proximity.”

George sighed. “Yes.” He took a sip of his tea then shook his head. “No. With you, I must always be truthful.” He searched her eyes. “Something about you compels me to explain my woes, Miss Bennet.”

Elizabeth steeled herself to be as attentive as she ever could be. She hoped he would reveal the information she desired without requiring her to ask leading questions. “I can hardly credit that,” she said.

“It is quite true. It is though you have bewitched me and I can deny you nothing.”

Elizabeth thought he was being charming, but then he dropped his eyes.

“I had not thought to feel that again. I had not expected to fall under the spell of another woman. Although, I feel friendship for you whereas it was so much more for my love.”

“I am sorry to hear you have suffered at the hands of another. Do you now mean to tell me a story of a woman’s inconstancy?”

“No,” George whispered. “No, my wife was loyal and devoted. I never wondered about her fidelity or love for me.”

“You must have been fortunate, indeed.

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