A More Agreeable Man: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Jan Ashton

Author:Jan Ashton [Ashton, Jan]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Quills & Quartos Publishing
Published: 2023-12-10T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

N ot only did dancing with Mr Darcy leave Elizabeth dissatisfied with learning more about Mr Wickham, it gained her angry words from her mother in the carriage home.

“Lizzy,” she cried, “how could you dance with the man who has been so cruel to Jane’s Mr Wickham? Lady Lucas was shocked you would subject your family to such a spectacle!”

“Mama, only days ago when you first hated Mr Darcy, you spoke of Lizzy diverting him from Jane and marrying him for his fortune!”

Mary’s comment flustered her mother; Elizabeth threw her a grateful smile she hoped her sister could see across the dark carriage.

“Lizzy was talking up a storm with Mr Darcy as they danced,” supplied a helpful Lydia. “Were you telling him how awful he is, and how we all hate him?”

Before Elizabeth could respond, Jane spoke up. “Lizzy did as all of us should. Mr Darcy is here as a friend to Mr Bingley and his sisters, and he wished to dance with the lady Sir William calls ‘the brightest jewel of the county’.”

Lydia and Kitty snorted, but Jane’s words seemed to inspire new worries in their mother.

“Well, of course such a man would want to boast of dancing with her,” cried Mrs Bennet. “But mind you, he is up to no good, flirting with Lizzy for his own aims. You are a good girl, Jane, to keep your distance.” In a lower voice, she added, “Your aunt Philips suspects Mr Darcy may wish to separate you from Mr Wickham through Lizzy!”

Elizabeth could scarcely contain her annoyance. Yet another mad theory for his presence!

Mary, who had danced but once and refused the punch, was more rested than the others and more sensible of easing the tension within the carriage. “Mama, if Mr Darcy remains at Netherfield when Mr Wickham returns to Meryton, perhaps they can again forge a friendship through Mr Bingley.”

Jane agreed with alacrity. “Yes, all are such good men at heart.”

Elizabeth swallowed a sigh, grateful for the darkness shielding her amazed expression. Such optimism! I shall never fall in love and lose all sense.

A few minutes later, as they bid each other good night in the hall, Jane bent her head close and—ever mindful of her younger sisters—whispered, “Mr Bingley says Mr Darcy never dances if he can help it. You and he made a fine pair, but I hope all was well between you? I witnessed smiles and conversation, but neither of you appeared pleased afterwards.”

Kitty’s emergence from the chamber she shared with Lydia provided Elizabeth with an excuse to escape to her room. Her thoughts were a mix of anger and regret as she undressed, but Jane’s observation teased its way to the forefront. Every time she had the opportunity to talk to Mr Darcy about the single subject that united them, one of them persisted with questions and the other became taciturn or angry. I doubt his honesty, he doubts Jane’s virtue. We are both of us at fault. Now he leaves me with more questions—more fears—than answers.

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