Pemberley Ranch by Jack Caldwell

Author:Jack Caldwell
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Fiction
ISBN: 9781402241284
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Published: 2010-01-02T00:00:00+00:00

Darcy and Gaby stood outside the Baptist church until they finally spied their quarry. Gaby gave her brother’s hand a squeeze before waving at the two ladies approaching.

“Miss Caroline! I’m so glad you came today. There’s something I’d like to get your advice on.”

Miss Bingley, who heretofore had simply been walking to the meeting of the Musical Society with Miss Bennet and had been concentrating on following Charles’s unexpectedly harsh command to be polite to the woman, looked up in surprise. “Of course, Miss Darcy. How may I help you?”

Gaby threaded her arm through Caroline’s. “I, uhh, wanted to discuss my musical selection with you. I need your help to pick the right piece. Your taste is so fine; I know you can choose the proper one.”

Caroline looked between Darcy and the girl. Her desire to spend time with the handsome rancher was overcome by the combination of the appeal to her vanity and the opportunity to prove useful to Darcy’s sister, thereby impressing the man. “Certainly, Miss Darcy.”

Gaby practically dragged her into the church. “My music is inside.” Caroline looked back helplessly as the doors closed behind her.

Darcy’s thoughts changed from the reward Gaby was sure to demand for this piece of theater—perhaps a new saddle for her horse, Buckskin—to the half-confused, half-amused lady before him. Just as she began to follow the others, Darcy stopped her.

“Miss Bennet, may I have a moment of your time?”

Beth turned to him warily, an unfamiliar expression on her face. “Yes?”

Darcy removed his hat and steeled himself. “I’m sorry for the unease our meeting must give you. I’m very aware that my presence is a trial to you. But I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to apologize for my reprehensible behavior during our last meeting. I’m heartily ashamed of myself, and I offer no excuse. I don’t ask for your forgiveness—indeed, I don’t deserve it. This charade,” he waved his hand, “wouldn’t be necessary and I’d never presume to disturb you again if not for the sake of my sister and cousin. I beg you—do not end your friendship with them because of me.”

He watched with anxious eyes as Beth stood before him, blinking. She seemed astonished, but Darcy would not trust his observations. Too many times in their acquaintance had his instincts been very wrong about this girl.

“Mr. Darcy, I… I thank you. I would never throw off Miss Darcy or Miss Burroughs, even though we’ve had our… disagreements.”

“Then, may I tell them that you still welcome their company?”

“Oh, yes, indeed! I’m… I’m only surprised.”

“Surprised about what?”

She glanced away. “Surprised that you still think me a suitable companion for your sister and cousin, given my mistaken opinions about you.”

“Miss Bennet, I can think of few people I would entrust my sister to, other than you.” Beth blushed, and Darcy cursed himself for being too forward.

“I’ll accept your apology only if you’ll accept mine. I’ve been blind and ignorant about many things, especially about you—”

“Misled, I would say!”

Beth allowed a small smile. “Perhaps, but I thought myself to be a good judge of character.

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