A Peculiar Engagement by Kara Louise

Author:Kara Louise [Louise, Kara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Not in Amazon Library
ISBN: 9781537538686
Google: xUwZvgAACAAJ
Amazon: B01LYXRKJO
Goodreads: 32194380
Publisher: Heartworks Publications
Published: 2016-09-24T04:00:00+00:00

*~*~*

Spring, 1798

Anne sat at her desk in her room. Her journal was opened in front of her, but the pages were blank. Even a full year after the death of her father, she still found it difficult to write. She could barely bring herself to pick up the quill. Her life had taken such a cruel turn that it took almost all her energy to get out of bed in the morning. The loss of her father had grievously affected her, and she knew not when any sort of normalcy might return.

Her thoughts had become dark and foreboding, and she knew if she were to pen such ominous words, she would fall deeper into the depths of despair.

Her father had been her one ally. He had encouraged her, enjoyed spending time with her, and assured her of his love. It was not so with her mother.

After her father’s death, Lady Catherine allowed Anne a few days of mourning. He was her father, after all, but she would not allow the young girl to express her grief – at least, not in her presence. The woman insisted Anne face her father’s death as an adult woman. It was a part of life, to be put behind her as one might a broken vase, and she expected her daughter to move ahead as if nothing of significance had occurred.

Anne felt unable to comply with her mother’s expectations – and she had no wish to do so. She felt enclosed in darkness and incapable of carrying on even the most basic conversation. Her studies had ceased for the moment, and Mrs. Raymond, although most sympathetic, was at a loss to know how to help her. Nothing she tried lifted her spirits.

No longer having a source of love and encouragement, Anne grew increasingly despondent, never able to please her mother no matter how hard she strove. Her respiratory ailment grew in intensity, causing her great fatigue following those increasingly frequent bouts of struggling to breathe.

While Lady Catherine had always exhibited a commanding presence, she became even more so. Anne’s mother seemed determined to mould her into something – or someone – she was not.

“I have hired another music master from London,” Lady Catherine announced one day as she marched into the drawing room, her hands braced on her hips. “You shall take lessons again in voice and learn to play the pianoforte.” She pointed her finger at her daughter. “This time you shall become proficient! I will accept no less!” She turned to walk out without waiting for a response. When she reached the door, she stopped and looked back. “You are old enough now to be more responsible in your lessons and apply yourself more than you did as a child. I remind you once again that Fitzwilliam will insist the Mistress of Pemberley be highly accomplished. You begin your music lessons on Monday. I have also arranged for a master of drawing and painting to begin your instruction anew. He will arrive

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.