A Duel in Meryton by Renata McMann & Summer Hanford

Author:Renata McMann & Summer Hanford [McMann, Renata & Hanford, Summer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-08-18T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Darcy mulled over his sister’s prospects as Longbourn came into sight in the distance. Elizabeth, hand resting lightly on his arm, did not intrude on his silence. He continued to dwell on what Georgiana had done as he and Elizabeth finally turned up the drive toward the manor.

“In keeping with the standards of Miss Bingley, I invite you in,” Elizabeth said as they walked up the drive, tone forcedly light. “She stipulated that a half hour is appropriate for walking a person home.” Elizabeth cast him a quick glance. “Not that I shall attempt to persuade you to comply against your wishes.”

Darcy forced a smile. Elizabeth had been nothing but convivial on their walk, and supportive. For once, she’d conversed with him normally, as he’d observed her do with Richard. Despite their uncomfortable topic, talking with her proved every bit as enjoyable as Darcy had anticipated.

He required a mind like hers to help him deal with Georgiana. His sister had become too complicated of late. She was no longer a young girl who skipped about Pemberley and played on the pianoforte all afternoon. Perhaps, if he encouraged Georgiana to spend more time with Elizabeth… But no, there were still her mother and younger sisters to think about.

Would their influence truly be so awful?

“I would not want to give Miss Bingley cause to think me derelict in my social duties,” Darcy said as they neared the front door to Longbourn. If nothing else, a visit would remind him of why Elizabeth Bennet was not an acceptable companion for Georgiana…or for him.

As if to reinforce his thoughts, the youngest Bennet sister, Miss Lydia, came flying from the house. She ran toward them, then skidded to a stop before Elizabeth, halting their progress. The slightest blush touched Elizabeth’s cheeks as she cast Darcy another sideling look. It gratified him to realize she, too, didn’t approve of Miss Lydia’s behavior.

“Lizzy, you will never guess what has happened,” Miss Lydia gasped out as she tried to catch her breath.

“Is Papa well?”

Darcy cast Elizabeth a sharp glance. Real concern filled her voice. Was Mr. Bennet ill?

“I don’t know, but Mama visited him and decided he is dying and she said one of us has to marry Mr. Collins immediately so he won’t throw us all out, but she told him he can’t have Jane because she is for Mr. Bingley, and I said right away that I wouldn’t marry him, because he’s not an officer. Mama said he surely won’t take Mary with her looks, so that leaves Kitty or you.”

The blush in Elizabeth’s cheeks deepened during Miss Lydia’s babbled reply. Elizabeth held up a hand. “Lydia, slower, please, and keep in mind that we have a guest.”

Miss Lydia glanced at Darcy. “Hello, Mr. Darcy,” she said. He offered a nod, but she was already turning back to Elizabeth. “Mama suggested you because Kitty coughs, but before Mr. Collins could answer there was a knock at the door, and you’ll never guess who showed up, but Mr.

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