A Much Later Meeting by Zoe Burton

Author:Zoe Burton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JAFF
Publisher: Zoe Burton
Published: 2020-07-20T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

To Darcy’s frustration, he was unable to speak again to Elizabeth, beyond his farewell bow. He retained his stoic demeanor, climbing into the carriage behind his nephew.

As the equipage pulled away, the viscount turned to his uncle. “I say, that Mrs. Collins paid you particular attention, did she not?”

Darcy rolled his eyes. “She did, indeed.”

Neville chuckled. “I would lay a pound she wants you for her next husband.”

This time, Darcy shook his head but said nothing.

“She certainly appears to have set her cap at you.” Hucknall smirked. “I have had the same experience; I recognize the behavior.” He nudged Darcy’s boot with his foot. “What do you say?”

“What I say is that I am not interested. Not in Mrs. Collins, at any rate.” Darcy sighed. “I do recognize her actions for what they are. It has been many years since I was chased so boldly but I have not forgotten. I simply did not expect it.”

Hucknall examined Darcy closely. “Your interest lies elsewhere, it seems. I recall our conversation a few days ago at breakfast. I suppose I still may not tell Mother about it?”

Darcy glared at his nephew. “No, you may not. When there is something to tell her, I will do so.”

“Well, I intend to host a ball soon and have asked her to be my hostess, so she will be able to see for herself.” Hucknall examined his fingernails. “I will not have to say a word, for it is all in your looks.”

Darcy grunted and turned toward the window, saying nothing. In the reflection of the glass, he could see his nephew nudge Neville and then the pair of them laughing. He rolled his eyes, then fell into contemplation of a pair of fine eyes in a pretty face.

~~~***~~~

A week later, Darcy stomped into Netherfield, fuming. He had been to Longbourn every day and every single visit with the lovely Elizabeth had been interrupted by her friend. Not only that, at every dinner and card party – and there had been an abundance of them – Charlotte Collins had inserted herself between him and the object of his affection. Darcy had long ago learned to treat others less meanly than he had been raised to do, but Mrs. Collins was enough to make him forget himself and fall back into old habits. If only I was certain of Elizabeth’s feelings. Heaving a great sigh, he marched up the stairs to his chambers, intent on refreshing himself and changing his clothes.

An hour later, his ablutions completed and his temper somewhat regulated, Darcy joined his nephew in the billiards room.

“Good afternoon. How was your visit?” The viscount stood from where he had been bent over the table, lining up a shot.

Darcy rolled his eyes. “It was fine. Too short.” He walked to the long case in the corner and chose a cue stick.

Hucknall stood his stick on end, his hands wrapped around it just under the tip. He tilted his head. “You were gone quite a while. What happened?”

Darcy’s lips flattened.

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