Darcy & Elizabeth: A Season of Courtship (Darcy Saga Prequel Duo) by Sharon Lathan Page B

lush figure in graceful movement.
    Then, as predictable as the sun
rising, she shaped her face into what most men would agree was a beguiling
expression and curved her mouth into a winsome smile. Brushing her fingertips
lightly over his forearm, almost as if by accident, she murmured her thanks.
After a precision-timed pause to allot him the opportunity to glance downward
at her bosom, but not be caught in an ungentlemanly stare, she swiveled and sat
into the chair.
    The maneuver had less effect on him
now than it ever had before, which was remarkable considering he had never been
remotely attracted to her.
    Darcy was a man, and thus not
immune to a beautiful face, fine figure, and endowed breasts. Over time, he had
done his fair share of oblique visual inspection and enjoyed the activity.
Caroline Bingley’s bosom was as fetching as other ladies within the ton, he
could honestly admit, but beyond the standard recognition that any red-blooded
man would have, his interest went no further.
    So he kept his gaze level at a
point over her left shoulder, pushed the chair in as expected, and returned to
his seat. In his peripheral vision, he detected a flash of disappointment cross
her face, although why she continued to play such games with him, or anticipate
a different reaction, was incomprehensible. All attempts on her part to entice
him—and there were many, constantly—had been rebuffed as pointedly
and forcefully as he could manage while remaining a gentleman. Why she
persisted he could not fathom. Another positive to his engagement would be
relief from Caroline’s uncomfortable advances.
    He did not dislike Caroline. In
fact, he thought her amusing, her gossip diverting and talents at the
pianoforte entertaining. She was the sister to his best friend, and as such
they were frequently in close company. At times, this was annoying, primarily when she was fawning over him or being
gossipy and catty . Yet strangely enough, she was an excellent hostess,
cultured, well spoken, and charming when she wished to be. Most of all, Darcy
knew that she loved her brother. That love was often hidden behind
self-absorption but revealed itself in small ways.
    Taken altogether, Darcy rarely
remained irritated toward Caroline for long. If only she would stop her vain
efforts to ensnare him.
    “I shall forgive your lapse, Mr.
Darcy. After all, an evening spent in the uncivil company of the Bennets is
sure to addle the brains of any man, especially one as cultured and intelligent
as you.”
    “I do wish you would cease your
harassment of the Bennets, Caroline. It is most unbecoming and unwelcome.”
    “Oh, come now! There is no need to
pretend. Charles is not in the room—probably lying abed with unwholesome
dreams of Jane Bennet lying with him.”
    She muttered the last statement
while chewing a bite of scone. Darcy barely heard her and was momentarily stunned
that she would hint at such a private topic. Unfortunately, his delay gave her
a chance to swallow and resume.
    “I admit to being flummoxed by your
speech last evening, Mr. Darcy. You worried me greatly and almost had me
convinced by your arguments. Upon reflection, I concluded that you must have a
secret plan for saving poor Charles and salvaging the damage. You are too dear
a friend of my brother to allow him to make such a mistake. I am unable to
decipher your strategy, and as a mere female may never comprehend all the
intricacies, but I want you to know that I am willing, most willing, to aid
your endeavor.”
    Darcy’s cold stare and pressed lips
startled her into silence. Or maybe she thought he was agreeing with her.
Whichever the case, it was past time to set the record straight.
    “Miss Bingley, you insult me with
your insinuations. I am not, nor ever have been, a man who would lie to a
friend or, worse yet, plot against him while pretending kindness. I would act
in such a manner to no one, friend or foe. Above all, I am a gentleman with
honor.”
    “I meant no