Read Suspense and Sensibility Or, First Impressions Revisited: A Mr. & Mrs. Darcy Mystery for Free Online Page A

his gaze from Kitty to afford the archaeologist something that passed for polite interest. "Do you dig up old bones? Mummies? That sort of thing?"
    "I prefer to leave the dead at rest. My interest lies primarily in art and ritual objects."
    "Why, then, I should have you out to Norland sometime to have a look through my attics. There are all sorts of musty old items gathering cobwebs up there."
    "I think his studies tend toward more ancient artifacts," Elizabeth said. "Do they not, Professor?"
    "Actually, some astonishing treasures turn up in the attics and cellars of old houses."
    "I think an ancestor or two of ours did a good deal of collecting. Lots of sculptures and such. An old looking glass, some Chinese vases. Mother doesn’t care for any of it, so it’s never left the attics since we took possession of the house. Huh! I haven’t thought about that stuff in years. I used to explore up there when I was a boy – it was a good place to hide from my nurse."
    "I should very much enjoy the opportunity to see your collection," Randolph said.
    "As would I," Kitty echoed.
    Mr. Dashwood laughed. "You would like to traipse through my dusty attics, Miss Bennet?"
    "I would love to see all of Norland."
    Elizabeth winced at Kitty’s boldness but, not wishing to correct her before the gentlemen, let it go unchecked.
    Mr. Dashwood seemed surprised and flattered by her interest. "I confess, the house never held much appeal for me. I’m hardly ever there, and when I am I soon grow bored."
    "The country can be tiresome," Kitty agreed, expressing an opinion Elizabeth had never before heard her utter. "But any place can be made more pleasant by pleasant company."
    "Miss Bennet, I believe your company could make even a month in the country tolerable."
    Kitty ducked her head, unused to receiving compliments from handsome gentlemen.
    "Fortunately" Mr. Dashwood continued, "I shan’t be gone that long this time."
    His statement brought Kitty’s head up sharply. "What did you say, Mr. Dashwood?"
    "I’m afraid I must leave town tomorrow. My mother is of the opinion that I have delayed for too long some duties of estate since my father’s death. That is what she wanted to speak to me about today. She insists I take care of matters at once."
    Kitty’s countenance held the look of a girl who’d been given a new ball gown, only to have it taken away before she could wear it. "How long will you be away?"
    "I hope to conclude my business within a week."
    "A whole week?" Kitty said the word as if it had been a twelvemonth.
    "Sooner, if I can." He rose and held out his hand to draw her up. "Might I call upon you when I return?"
    "Most certainly – the minute you arrive in town."
    "Kitty," Elizabeth gently admonished.
    "I shall. I promise." He seemed about to say more, but then became conscious that others observed them. And that he still held Kitty’s hand. With obvious reluctance, he released it.
    Professor Randolph stood. "I’ll take my leave, as well. It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dashwood."
    "Likewise. While I’m at Norland, I shall have a look about the attics to see if I spot anything worth your notice."
    "I’d be honored to examine whatever you find."
    The ladies escorted their callers to the door, where they collected their greatcoats and walking sticks. Kitty sighed heavily as the gentlemen departed.
    "A whole week," she repeated. "How shall I ever survive?"
    "Kitty, a se’nnight ago – no, a mere two nights ago – you did not even know Mr. Dashwood. I’m sure that in all of London you can find something to occupy yourself."

Four
     
     
     
"Nothing in the way of pleasure can
ever be given up by the young men of this age."

 – Mrs. Jennings to Elinor,
Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 30

    "Good match." The Earl of Chatfield removed his fencing mask to reveal damp, dark blond locks pressed against his forehead. He offered his hand, which Darcy grasped heartily.
    "Indeed," Darcy agreed. Their bout had proven an intense