A Winter Wrong: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation (Seasons of Serendipity) by West Elizabeth Ann

Author:West, Elizabeth Ann [West, Elizabeth Ann]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Pemberley Possibilities
Published: 2014-07-21T16:00:00+00:00

...❄...

8

The night following his aunt's admonishment, Darcy swirled the cup of brandy in his hand as he sat stewing in his study. His entire acquaintance with Miss Elizabeth Bennet replayed in his mind and he couldn't believe he had been so mistaken.

"Colonel Fitzwilliam, sir" the butler announced, allowing Darcy's cousin to enter the study and help himself to drink.

"No, cousin, please don't get up."

"What are you doing here?" Darcy asked sourly.

Richard ignored his cousin, downed his drink and quickly proceeded to pour another. He patted his breast pocket and then reached in to produce two finely rolled cigars. Setting his drink down, the Colonel clipped the ends and offered the pair to his cousin for first choice. Reluctantly, Darcy selected one of the offerings to light and puff.

Finding his normal chair unoccupied, the Colonel took a seat next to his cousin and stared at the fire.

"Aunt Maggie shared this afternoon's visit I suppose?"

Instead of a reply, the Colonel merely winked and settled deeper into the chair before letting out a belch. "I was instructed to come wish you joy," he raised his glass in mockery, "after, that is, I help you woo the woman, or so my mother commands." Richard reached forward for an ashtray to tap the tip of his cigar.

"I wish to marry her, not bed a widow."

"And before you marry or bed, most women prefer some conversation and there you are below my touch."

Darcy fumed and crossed his legs before taking an especially long drag on his cigar. The tobacco tasted rich and bold and he wondered how Richard had come to procure such fine specimens of the vice.

"She hates me. There is really no further point to discuss."

Richard slapped his knee and began to laugh. "Yes, mother told me as much. You have to admit, it's rather perfect that the one woman to catch your eye in all this time has standards higher than your own."

Darcy grunted and stood to tap his own cigar on the ashtray. Preferring to stand, he leaned on the mantle piece and stretched his legs, sore from sitting in one place for so long. "So what would you have me do?"

Richard leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes in reflection. "Dissect the enemy. Locate the weak points. Attack!"

"This isn't a battle strategy, Richard."

"Is it not?"

Darcy finished his own drink and returned it to the brandy cart. He didn't care for more because he knew if he started, Richard would drink him into oblivion and the only one in pain tomorrow would be himself. "I insulted her on our first meeting, then insulted her father's legacy by accusing him of debauchery while he was alive, and likely the worst thing I've done, I don't even think I could ever forgive."

"Come now, it can't be that bad."

"You have no idea. I orchestrated the sale of her father's most prized possessions, his books, to raise money for that toad of a parson of Aunt Catherine's."

Richard gave out a low whistle as only cavalry men can do.

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