Uncertain Endeavor - Audiobook

Excerpt:

Darcy stood to get a drink from the table at the back of the room, and once everyone was focused on Miss Bingley’s performance, he slipped outside to join Elizabeth.

“Are you well?” he asked. She stood leaning against the railing, looking out over the dark estate.

“Yes, quite well.”

“I am glad to hear it.”

His relief was obvious, so she turned to him and said, “Why did you think I would not be?”

“I thought perhaps I was too open for you, too strong in my preference.”

She held in her laugh, but it was a near thing. “I doubt I will ever accuse you of being too open, Mr. Darcy.”

He smiled wryly then, the moonlight making his eyes shine.

“Honestly, it is a relief to finally know what you are thinking,” she said matter-of-factly.

He looked surprised. “Truly? Have you never known before?”

“Never.” He looked chagrined and she placed a hand on his arm where it rested on the balustrade. “I do not mean to distress you.”

He placed his hand over hers. “You do not. I am merely in awe once again over my own hubris.” At her confused look, he explained, “I thought I paid you too much attention at Netherfield and was worried I had raised expectations.”

Her brows shot to her hairline and he grimaced.

“Is that why you spent a half hour in the library with me and did not say a word? To quash any expectations I might have?” she asked.

“Yes. And because I was afraid I would make an utter fool of myself if I opened my mouth.”

She had to smile at that. “I had no expectations whatsoever.”

“I know. If you had, the events at Hunsford would likely have gone differently.”

She thought his choice of words interesting. Why did he say differently instead of better?

“I can see I have made you curious,” he said.

“Clearly you are better at reading me than I am at reading you.”

“It is a new skill I am practicing. One I am afraid I will bumble dreadfully before I get it right.”

“I appreciate that you are trying.”

He smiled, and tentatively raised a hand to touch her cheek. She caught her breath. “I would do anything for you, Elizabeth. Anything.”

Tropes & Themes in this book:

✔️ Second chance at love

✔️ Wealthy meets penniless

✔️ Determined Suitor