50 First Impressions: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Speck

Author:Kate Speck
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Not in Amazon Library, Amnesia, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
Published: 2019-08-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Lady Catherine lifted her hand to silence the rambling man who was making introductions, “That will do, Mr. Collins. I met Mr. Bennet last evening and he is perfectly capable of introducing his own family.” Taking her seat in the Longbourn parlour, she continued, “This is a pleasant room, as the windows face full west. I suspect it must be a most convenient sitting room for the evenings in winter.” She observed the young lady who was sitting next to Darcy with a sparkle in her eyes and then returned her inspection to Mrs. Bennet. “If I may be so forthright, what is your maiden name, Mrs. Bennet? You look familiar to me and I never forget a face.”

“I was Frances Gardiner, milady,” Mrs. Bennet replied, “I have been married for the past three and twenty years and rarely visit town, as Mr. Bennet detests going there. I cannot imagine how you would know me, Lady Catherine.”

“Gardiner, ah,” Lady Catherine responded, “Your father was a solicitor in London at one time, was he not? I recall my husband meeting your father several times when we spent our early marriage in town before he inherited Rosings Park. I saw you when you were a little girl and your brother... Edward... I believe he is still living in London... near Cheapside, I recall. He is in the tea business? I have all of my teas delivered from Gardiner Imports and he is a good, honest businessman.”

Mrs. Bennet shined with the attention, “He is a very good brother, milady, and I thank you for your kind words. I will certainly write to him and tell him of your compliments. Edward and his wife Madeline are a favourite of Lizzy’s and they host her yearly in their home. Next time she...” Mrs. Bennet closed her lips, realising that Lizzy would no longer be able to travel outside of Hertfordshire due to her condition.

Lady Catherine turned and spoke kindly to the young lady, “Next time you go to London, Miss Elizabeth, you shall have my nephew to escort you anywhere you wish and I am certain he will be more than happy to show you off in town. Perhaps I will be convinced to join you and be seen together, as it has been too long since I have visited London myself.” She stood up, “I saw a prettish sort of a garden on the side of the manor. Would you walk with me, Miss Elizabeth? I require some fresh air.”

Elizabeth immediately stood and nodded, not understanding what this grand lady was about. Darcy had assured her that his aunt approved of their courtship even after knowing of her condition and that he was determined to marry her no matter what, but she was still anxious that she would disappoint Mr. Darcy in front of his family.

Lady Catherine started as soon as they were alone, “You are a very fortunate young lady, Miss Elizabeth. Some have injuries to their head and do not live to tell their story but you live and start with a fresh mind every morning.

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