A Splendidly (Un)suitable Match: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Jennifer Joy

Author:Jennifer Joy [Joy, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-07-14T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 20

Darcy no longer felt himself safe in Miss Elizabeth's company. He lived in dread the following day with the likelihood that the Bennets would either call at Netherfield Park or he would be expected to accompany Georgiana to Longbourn should she wish to call. He could not see Miss Elizabeth. Not until he was confident in his ability to hide the emotions she stirred within him.

While his attempts to maintain his distance proved triumphant, he had not counted on Miss Elizabeth's constant presence in his thoughts.

By the end of the day following Sir William's dinner party, Darcy knew he must take drastic action. It was time to return to London.

Leaving was an easy conclusion when he considered the matter at further length. Richard seemed more himself, and Bingley was proving himself perfectly capable of managing his estate without any interference from Darcy. He had accomplished his purpose as much as he could regarding them.

The arrival of more soldiers from London added more incentive to Darcy's desire to depart. Georgiana's heartbreak was too recent and too thorough to risk exposing her to Wickham.

Yes, it was time to retire to London. A week there, then they could journey to Pemberley before travel became more cumbersome. Muddy roads were one thing, but snow and ice were quite another. If they departed soon, they might arrive before the first snowfall.

The more Darcy considered the advantages of leaving over the risks of staying, the more convinced he became of the wisdom of this course.

Following the audible trail, he found Georgiana in the music room, playing the newest sheets he had given to her. He settled into a chair to listen, but she sensed his presence and stopped playing before he had crossed one foot over the other.

Swiveling around on the bench to face him, her hands grasping either side of her seat as though she might spring off of the cushion if she did not hold herself down, she asked, "Do you think we might call at Longbourn today?"

Darcy stifled a groan. Not a promising beginning.

She continued before he could reply. "I found the perfect piece for Miss Elizabeth. She insists she does not play well, and I cannot believe it. It would be like her to minimize her own talent when she is so capable." Having said all of that in one breath, Georgiana now inhaled deeply and exhaled contentedly. "I am so happy we came, William. Thank you for agreeing to stay."

Darcy gawked open-mouthed at his sister, unable to say what he had intended to suggest.

"In fact," she continued, picking at her thumb and looking at him hopefully, "I had hoped to discuss the possibility of inviting the Bennets and the Misses Lucas to Darcy House. We could go to the bookshops and the theater. And to Gunter's." She clapped her hands together. "Or Asterley's Amphitheater! Oh, they would love that!"

His shock must have shown on his face, for she quickly amended, "That is, if you approve. Miss Lucas thinks that if

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