Darcy's Passions by Regina Jeffers Page A

different direction. “Do you and your sisters often walk to Meryton?”
    â€œYes, we do,” she added.“When you met us there the other day, we had just been forming a new acquaintance.”
    Darcy’s heart stopped; she was speaking of Wickham. He knew Elizabeth saw the exchange between the two of them. Wickham had, most likely, spoken of their relationship to Elizabeth; of course, he would not tell her the truth of their dealings. Darcy discovered jealousy at Wickham’s intimacy with Elizabeth after only a few days’ acquaintance. He could barely control his feelings when he next responded to her. “Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may insure his making friends—whether he may be equally capable of retaining them, is less certain.”
    â€œHe has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship,” replied Elizabeth with emphasis, “and in a manner which he is likely to suffer from all his life.”
    Darcy made no response. His anger came close to taking control of his tongue as well as of his mind; he searched for another subject. He did not want to spend his precious time with Elizabeth speaking of his worst enemy.
    At that moment, Sir William Lucas cut through the set. “Mr. Darcy, may I compliment you on both your dancing and your
choice of partner. It will be my pleasure to see you repeat your choice in the near future.” Sir William gestured toward Bingley and Jane Bennet. Obviously, the Netherfield neighbors already spoke of the likelihood of upcoming nuptials. Sir William insinuated Darcy and Elizabeth would often, therefore, be thrown together.
    Darcy barely heard what Sir William said, his attention drawn to Bingley and Miss Bennet. A force hit with the seriousness of the situation. Darcy realized he was so enamored with Elizabeth he did not try to stunt Bingley’s growing attraction for Jane Bennet. He planned to leave Hertfordshire soon, but Bingley took up residence here. He could not allow Bingley to be so foolish; Bingley would quickly learn to regret Jane Bennet’s bad connections.
    The second dance approached; his time with Elizabeth grew short, and he still did not make his excuses to her. Recovering himself, he turned back to his partner and tried to reestablish some sense of dialogue. Elizabeth resisted his suggestions, decrying each hint of civility. Her thoughts wandered to their earlier conversation, and she exclaimed, “I remember hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unappeasable.” She did not wait for the reply.“Would it not behoove a person to then be accurate in his judgments if there is no room to change one’s mind?”
    When she repeated his earlier contentions, they took on a coarser tone than Darcy intended.“May I ask if you have a particular situation to which you refer?”
    â€œMerely to the illustration of your character,” she sallied; “I am trying to make it out.”
    Their parley took an unexpected turn. “And what is your success?” Darcy heard himself challenging her.
    Elizabeth shook her head as if confused.“I do not get on at all. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly.”
    Darcy wanted her to know the real him, but he had no way of changing the opinions she formed at the assembly hall; it was too late for that. Nor could he acquit her of the lies she heard without putting his sister’s honor on the line too. Darcy would never betray
Georgiana.“I can readily believe that reports may vary greatly with respect to me; and I could wish, Miss Bennet, that you were not to sketch my character at the present moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance would reflect no credit on either.”
    â€œUnfortunately, Mr. Darcy, if I do not take your likeness now, I may never have another opportunity.”
    â€œI would by no means suspend any pleasure of