Page 34 of Fitzwilliam Darcy Undone
You can count on me. What is it?
There was no other way to break the news than in a direct manner.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet is here with me in my bedchamber.
Minutes dragged by. Finally, Richard returned.
Your library. Five minutes
Very well.
Oh, and Darcy. Make sure you are fully dressed.
What was that all about? He quickly pulled on his breeches and shirt, tucking it in after pulling on his boots. There was no time to worry about a cravat or jacket, so he rolled the sleeves up. After all, he was in his own home and not expecting to entertain anyone other than his cousin. With seconds to spare, he strode into the library, pulled out two glasses and waited for Richard to appear. He turned to greet his cousin but shock rooted him to the floor. Beside his cousin stood Mr. Bennet, his face full of worry and anger at the same time.
“Mr. Bennet! Richard, why did you not tell me you were with Mr. Bennet when I was speaking with you?”
“There was no time. Mr. Bennet had sent a messenger to the inn where I’d been staying because he knew my father.”
“Yes, yes. It’s fine to discuss all the minute details.” Bennet interrupted, advancing further in the room. “Where is my daughter?”
“She’s upstairs, sleeping.”
“She is unharmed?”
Darcy drew himself to his full height. “Your daughter is safe with me, sir.”
“I’ll be the judge of that. Have her come down, now. We leave immediately.”
“Sir, she is unable to transport as we do.”
“Ha! If you believe that, then youarean arrogant fool.” Darcy couldn’t be sure, but he thought he heard him mutter, “Much like your father.”
“No, truly. I believe that somehow, in my desire for her, I somehow called her forth.”
“Desire! You desire my daughter!” Mr. Bennet drew back his hand and began to mumble. Thankfully, Richard realized what the older man intended and grabbed his arm and pulled it down to his side.
“Before you turn my cousin to whatever cursed beast you had in mind, you may want to hear his side of the story. Heisan honorable man and if he said your daughter is safe, then he speaks truth. Is that not so, Darcy.” Richard held his gaze, almost willing him to agree with his words.
“I would never lie to the father of my most beloved.”
“Beloved. We’ve gone from desire to beloved in one swell swoop. Next you’ll be telling me you are soul mates.” At Darcy’s startled movement and unconscious covering of his wrist, Mr. Bennet closed his eyes and dropped his head. “Dear Lord in heaven. Youaresoul mates.”
Darcy glanced toward his cousin and surprised a look of what could only be called longing cross his face. His cousin wished to find his soul mate? He thought for sure Richard would never marry as he never dallied with any young lady other than light flirtations that guaranteed him numerous dance partners. Although it was possible for a Miatharan’s soul mate to be human, the chances were highly improbable.
“How are we going to get Miss Elizabeth home without alerting everyone to the fact she was not at Longbourn this evening?”
Bennet began to pace. He’d start to say something, then shake his head and pace some more. After a few minutes of this he stopped and sat in one of the chairs situated by the fireplace.
“This is a fine library. I look forward to searching through your books and losing myself here for a couple of hours.”
Darcy slipped into the chair opposite Elizabeth’s father while Richard stayed positioned by the door.
“Does this mean you are willing to become my father by marriage and in turn gain a library as well as a son?”
Bennet laughed. “Aye. Both are fine additions.”
“Wait until he sees Pemberley,” Richard added from where he stood. “He might throw in another daughter.”
