Read Darcy's Passions for Free Online

try to discredit Elizabeth in Darcy’s opinion, concentrating her attack on Elizabeth’s lack of suitable family connections, he never changed his focus.
    Â 
    The next morning as the Bingley party slept, Darcy decided to partake of the grounds on foot rather than on horseback. He spent an uneasy night; whenever he sought rest, a pair of fine eyes and an enigmatic smile haunted his dreams. Determined this morning to clear his mind of the thoughts of Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy hoped the pleasure in the walk would arise not from solitary thoughts of the woman but from being outdoors and from repeating some of the many poems that extol the beauty of autumn. Although he at first occupied his mind with thoughts of the weather, of the exercise, and of the beauty of the season, unfortunately, in no time, Darcy’s mind drifted elsewhere: Elizabeth Bennet.
    He wondered now, how were her sentiments to be read. Elizabeth’s flirtations of late increased in their intensity and duration.
Before she forgave him, clearly, though, he should apologize for the assembly. He knew her to be a responsive person, one who would excuse his folly in not choosing to dance when they first met.Yet, on the other hand, a most disagreeable manner formed Darcy’s opinion of the Bennets. Only the two eldest Bennets possessed any sense of propriety, and though he took an apparent liking for Elizabeth, his determination not to fall for her remained important. She would not make him a suitable wife; she did not fit his criteria of what a mistress of Pemberley should possess. He understood he should not encourage her interest; it would not be honorable to lead Elizabeth on. Therefore, did he then wish to avoid her? He thought all these things as he traversed the grounds. The chaos of his mind had him hating himself for the turmoil such thoughts created. Why did he question his motives? He knew what he should do in regards to his growing interest in Elizabeth Bennet, but what his mind told him to do and what his heart bade him do became two different things.

CHAPTER 3
    â€œ . . . to be really in love without encouragement . . .”

    Darcy’s thoughts fought each other as such for several days whenever he was alone and too often when he was not. Little of notice distracted him within the area except the arrival of the —shire in Meryton, and eventually, he and Bingley dined with the officers. Much to his friend’s dismay, on the same evening, his sisters chose to engage Miss Bennet to Netherfield. He had not enjoyed Jane Bennet’s company for several days, and Bingley’s countenance showed the irony of the situation.“That beautiful angel dines here at my own table this evening, while you and I, Darcy, have the pleasure of dining with the local militia.”
    For Darcy’s part, being away from Elizabeth Bennet the past few days solidified his newfound resolve to ignore her and to squash any aspirations she might have. Therefore, his response did little to allay Bingley’s desire to cancel their engagement with the officers. After the dinner, the smooth brandy and the interesting conversation entertained Darcy. His interest in military history served him well during the evening, and several who originally found him proud had second thoughts about his congeniality. A continual downpour dampened his spirits some, but not enough to ruin the evening, while the rain and the travesty of the situation dramatically increased Bingley’s discomposure.
    Descending from their carriage upon their return to Netherfield, the gentlemen learned Miss Bennet took ill during dinner. She, evidently, rode the family horse to Netherfield from her home at Longbourn three miles away, and the downpour soaked her
clothes. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst insisted she stay the night. “Caroline, how is Miss Bennet?” Bingley pleaded with his sister when she exited the lady’s room.
    â€œThe apothecary has come and gone,