Apprehension and Desire: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice by Ola Wegner Page B

so poorly,” she cried in frustration, lathering her hands with energy.
    “I have already told you that we know only one side of the story,” Jane reminded her. “I think that you should ask Mr. Darcy about this matter. He should have an opportunity to defend himself, explain what happened from his perspective.”
    Before Elizabeth could answer, the voice of their mother was heard, speaking loudly.
    “After me, Mr. Darcy! She will be a most excellent wife to you! She knows everything about running a house. I taught her myself!”
    Mrs. Bennet hurried into the room with a very sober looking Mr. Darcy behind her.
    “Here she is, Mr. Darcy.” Mrs. Bennet made a wide gesture in the direction of Elizabeth, who was drying her hands with a clean cloth. “As you see, sir, she is making the baskets for the tenants.”
    “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy bowed.
    The girls curtseyed in response, Elizabeth's face turning beetroot red at her mother’s crassness.
    Mrs. Bennet, standing next to her second daughter, winked at her. “Mr. Darcy wants to take you for a walk again, Lizzy,” she announced in a theatrical whisper.
    “Mama,...” Elizabeth murmured, not knowing where to hide her eyes.
    Seeing her sister’s discomposure, Jane spoke. “Mama, we were to distribute the baskets today.”
    “Lydia and Mary will go with you, Jane.” Mrs. Bennet dismissed her worry, untying Elizabeth’s apron. “Kitty will accompany Mr. Darcy and Lizzy on their walk. Now, Lizzy, run upstairs to prepare yourself, and do remember to wear the shawl Mr. Darcy was so kind to give you.”
    The matron walked to Darcy. “I think that the walk to Oakham Mount is an excellent idea, do you not think so, sir? A nice, long walk.”
    Darcy nodded. “I agree, madam. I have heard that the view from that spot is spectacular, and I have not yet had the opportunity to admire it.”
    “Excellent, excellent!” Mrs. Bennet smiled widely at the man, receiving only a severe frown in return.
    Elizabeth came to the conclusion that it was a high time to separate her mother from her intended.
    “Mr. Darcy.” She approached him with smile. “Let us go to the foyer. I will call Kitty and go upstairs to change into more appropriate attire.”
    Darcy smiled down at her, bowed in front of Mrs. Bennet and Jane, and turned to the entrance.
    Mrs. Bennet gave Elizabeth a worried look, whispering, “Is he displeased with something?”
    “I do not think so, Mama.” Elizabeth whispered back. She felt sorry of her mother, who, she knew, had tried hard to please the man. Mrs. Bennet’s intentions were the best, and despite her faults, she did not deserve such rude, cold treatment from Darcy.
    She glanced at Darcy, who was waiting for her in the doorway. Taking a deep breath, she walked to him with a polite smile.
    Darcy let her go first as they walked through the narrow, darkened hall leading from the kitchens area to the main part of the house. At one moment, she felt his hand on her hip, later her waist, and his mouth at the back of her neck.
    She stopped and, in semi darkness, turned her head to look up into his face. She did not manage to say anything, because his mouth captured hers, as he pushed her against the wall.
    At first she did not know how to react, astonished with his unexpected act. His kisses were gentle and tentative, so after a moment she responded in kind, tilting her face to give him better access.
    “Lizzy,” she heard him groan her name, and he pushed his body against hers more aggressively.
    Her eyes popped open as he pushed his tongue inside her mouth. It happened so quickly, without warning, that she was not prepared for the invasion and broke the kiss, turning her face away to the side.
    “Sweet,” he murmured, as his face dipped into her throat, sucking there.
    Elizabeth began to take deep breaths, not a bit concerned that he was losing his control, and she could do little to stop him. She was torn, what he did to her gave her