Unequal Affections by Lara S. Ormiston

Author:Lara S. Ormiston
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781628735598
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Published: 2012-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Darcy had been deeply alarmed when he had ridden to Longbourn only to find his aunt’s carriage waiting out front. Approaching it in some trepidation, he found his cousin ensconced inside with her companion. “Anne!” he exclaimed, forgetting his manners in surprise. “What is the meaning of this?”

Anne started and colored as much as her pale cheeks would allow. “My mother,” she murmured, not looking at him.

“Yes?” he asked grimly. “Where is your mother?”

“Inside.”

“Why did she not take you inside with her, and Mrs. Jenkinson? What is her purpose in coming here?” Only two days ago he had finally written his aunt to tell her of his engagement; she could not have both received the letter and made the journey in that time.

“Miss Bennet,” she said in a colorless voice.

“She came to see Miss Bennet? But . . . ,” he trailed off as he observed the expressions on both their faces. “She knows, doesn’t she?”

Anne nodded, not looking at him.

“How?”

“Mr. Collins.”

“Of course.” He shut his eyes. He had been a fool not to think of that—or not to anticipate her coming. Without further ado—with hardly even a civil good-bye—he hurried up the steps and rang the bell. When Dobbs opened the door, he demanded to know immediately where Lady Catherine was. That good man, who had never learned to be as expressionless as city butlers, pointed with an eloquent look towards the breakfast parlor, behind whose shut door they could hear voices. Darcy walked to it, hesitated, and opened it.

The sight that greeted him was of two livid women in a deadlock of wills. His aunt, by far the larger of the two, was not more commanding than his diminutive betrothed, who stood with cheeks flushed and eyes flashing in the most magnificent fashion, her entire body shouting defiance. He was in time to hear almost the entirety of Lady Catherine’s last biting harangue and went rather pale himself at it. “Enough!” he cried. The women started and looked at him wild-eyed.

Lady Catherine seemed to realize immediately that she had made a fatal error, but she refused to cower or retreat. Elizabeth could not at first tell what she felt—or whose defense he would come to. She was overwrought and trembling.

Darcy left little doubt of his allegiance though, crossing immediately to take her hand. “Will you leave us, please?” he asked softly. She nodded mutely, and he led her to the doorway, pressing her hand before letting it go and shutting the door behind her. Feeling suddenly weak, she walked to the stairs and sat down.

Inside the room, Darcy turned to his aunt. “I must ask you to never speak of Miss Bennet in those terms again, Aunt,” he said coldly. “She is soon to be my wife.”

“What?” she cried. “Are you as determined as she to pursue ruin? I thought you a man of sense, Darcy, but I see I have been sadly mistaken. How could you allow a girl like that to make you forget your obligation to your family—to Anne?”

“I have no obligation to Anne,” he said sharply.

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