A Turn in Their Dance by Linda C. Thompson

Author:Linda C. Thompson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Darcy and Elizabeth, Pemberley, Jane Austen Fan Fiction, British Classics, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance
Publisher: Linda C. Thompson
Published: 2019-06-26T16:00:00+00:00

Lizzy in Disguise

Mrs. Bennet’s jaw dropped when she saw her second daughter enter the sitting room. Initially, her mouth flopped open and closed as she gaped at her daughter. “Lizzy,” she began, an expression of irritation on her face, as she had hoped to turn their cousin’s interest to her second daughter. As Mr. Collins stared at the new additions to the party, Jane and Elizabeth held their breaths, hoping their mother would not say anything to ruin their plans. Fortunately, Lydia, who was seated next to her mother, leaned in quickly and whispered to her. What Mrs. Bennet learned caused her to pause. Her mouth flapped again, but she said nothing, as she realized it did not matter which of her daughters became the next mistress of Longbourn. In fact, she might more easily dominate Mary than Elizabeth and would not need to give up her position as the estate’s mistress until her death.

Finally, Mrs. Bennet spoke. “Mr. Collins, allow me to introduce my eldest daughter, Miss Jane Bennet, and my second daughter, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

Mr. Collins practically salivated at the sight of Jane. He attempted to take Jane’s hand, intending to kiss the back of it, but Elizabeth linked her arm through her sister’s to prevent this as Jane hurriedly bent her other arm behind her waist. Not to be thwarted in showing his adoration to Jane, the gentleman bowed deeply, though his eyes went no lower than her bosom. “My dear cousin Jane, I am overwhelmed by your beauty. I knew that I should find the perfect companion for my future life here amongst my cousins. Now I know I need look no further.”

“Mr. Collins,” said Mrs. Bennet with asperity, “I explained to you already that our neighbor, Mr. Bingley, is courting our Jane.”

“A courtship is not an engagement, madam. Surely, my lovely cousin must be swayed by the opportunity to become the mistress of her childhood home upon the unfortunate demise of her dear father. What sensible woman would not desire such good fortune as I can offer?”

Elizabeth scowled at the way the clergyman stared at Jane’s chest. At his ridiculous words, she looked at Jane and rolled her eyes, then squeezed Jane’s hand encouragingly.

“I am sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Collins, but I willingly entered this courtship with my affections engaged. I could never break my word. I am afraid you will need to find your future companion from among my sisters.” In spite of her gentle nature, Jane was not unintelligent. Obviously, Mr. Collins expected to ask for and receive whichever of his cousins he desired. It was also clear that he believed he deserved the most attractive of them all. To test her theory, Jane turned his attention to Elizabeth. “Perhaps you might prefer my next younger sister, Elizabeth. She is intelligent and witty and quite popular in the neighborhood. If not she, Mary is the next in order of age.”

Reluctantly, Mr. Collins cast his eyes around the room, passing right over Elizabeth.

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