Read Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Memory: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice) for Free Online Page B

her place at the pianoforte.
    “Yes sir, please observe the niceties with my sister!”  Kitty laughed and sat up to see over the instrument.  “Lizzy, give him a tongue lashing!”
    “Well if he does not let go of Mary’s hands very quickly, I will have to call Fitzwilliam to come and thrash him.”  Elizabeth crossed her arms and looked at him threateningly.
    “This is so wrong.  I am a grown man being bullied by a roomful of women.”  He reluctantly let go of Mary’s hands.  “Darcy should be here.”
    “Fitzwilliam will be here soon.  He has work to do.”
    “He always has work to do.” 
    Elizabeth laughed at his whine.  “We have not been in town for many months, too many people want his ear, and they seem to want it right away in case we suddenly disappear back to Pemberley.  Apparently our reputation precedes us.”
    “I know.”  De Bourgh smiled at Mary.  “I know.  At least we will not have to dance in public until we return from Rosings.”
    “I will look after you, sir.”  Mary said softly.  “I am not at all afraid of taking on my sisters.”
    “I have seen you take on Lord and Lady Matlock.  I am not in the least afraid when you are nearby, Mary.”  De Bourgh’s gentle voice caressed her name.  “Forgive me, Miss Mary.”
    “When you whisper, nobody else may hear your error, Captain.”  She peeked at him.
    “When you whisper, nobody may hear you say Peter.”  He laughed out loud when her eyes grew wide, and his voice resumed its usual volume.  “Am I improving?”
    Recovering her composure, Mary lifted her chin a little.  “Well, you did not step on my foot the last time!”
    “Was that not part of the pattern?”  He grinned when she rolled her eyes.
    Clapping her hands, Elizabeth nodded to Georgiana.  “Come, begin again.”  The music began just as Foster appeared at the ballroom door. 
    “Mrs. Darcy, Mr. Bingley is here to see Mr. Darcy, but he is still in his meeting . . .”
    “Mr. Bingley!”  Georgiana cried and Kitty started giggling when she blushed and received a pointed stare from Elizabeth.  “Oh, how nice that he would visit us.”  She said softly and elbowed Kitty.
    “Please send him in.”  Elizabeth smiled at Foster and looked at de Bourgh.  “There Captain, you have reinforcements.”
    “Thank heaven.”  He turned expectantly to the door and Bingley appeared, hesitantly, and bowed formally.  “Good afternoon, Mrs. Darcy, ladies, de Bourgh.” 
    “Good afternoon, Mr. Bingley.”  Georgiana whispered. 
    Kitty looked at him and sighed.  “Oh, my.”
    “Mr. Bingley, have you met my sister, Catherine?”  Everyone stared at Elizabeth as she extended her arm towards Kitty, who blushed and curtseyed.  Bingley smiled and bowed.  “We call her Kitty at home.”
    “It is a pleasure Miss . . .” He paused and studied her for a moment.  “Catherine.”
    “Oh!”  She giggled nervously.  “I suddenly feel quite grown up.”
    Elizabeth caught his eye and gave him an approving smile.  “I was wondering when you might visit, we have been here a week!”  She stepped forward to kiss his cheek, but he looked down and shook his head.  “What is wrong?”
    “Forgive me.”  He looked at her with sad eyes.  “Please.” 
    “Forgive you?” She tried to read his face and he bowed his head.  Elizabeth’s brow creased and she stepped closer to him.  Bingley stepped back.  “Are you well?”
    “Yes, of course, I am quite well.”  He smiled a little and looked around at the others, and noticing their attention, he drew himself up.  “I seem to have interrupted something.  Captain, you are undoubtedly cursing my presence after enjoying the attention of so many lovely ladies.” 
    “No, I welcome your company.”  De Bourgh smiled.  “I have not been this outnumbered since my sisters were still at home.  I am afraid that my skills in preserving myself from the fair sex are rather underused.  I will rely on