A Most Wonderful Year: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Andreea Catana

Author:Andreea Catana [Catana, Andreea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Sequels, Not in Amazon Library
Amazon: B08F1SQ7VW
Goodreads: 54935124
Published: 2020-08-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

In the evening, Elizabeth and Lady Catherine, who was still accompanied by Mrs. Jenkinson, reunited in the drawing-room in the comfort of a new tacit agreement between themselves. Georgiana and Kitty joined them gladly, the first providing the musical amusement necessary for an evening’s relief before a promisingly busy week, while the latter sat in respectful silence.

Elizabeth’s thoughts were mostly engaged in revisiting the events of the day that had been diverse and full of astonishment – a most unexpected day. First, there had been Lydia, with her outrageous proposal of having her new life sponsored by her sister, followed by Lady Catherine’s expectations of her role as Mrs. Darcy. She had felt enraged by the first, and then surprised by the latter. Still, both ladies had something in common, that neither had considered what Elizabeth wished or hoped, or even agreed to, even though these were things that mostly affected her. She felt both had been selfish.

“If only Fitzwilliam were here, I would seek his counsel…”

Elizabeth felt a sudden uneasiness; there was still a discussion pending between her and Fitzwilliam. A most important one. The kiss had given her hope, but there were other things that had happened in his absence. She would have to first admit that Darcy was right and she was wrong about Lydia. Lydia had a restlessness that had grown since her time with Wickham, that could no longer be contained or tamed, and which threatened HER family now with even more force than the first time.

It was in the midst of such thoughts that Lydia appeared in the room. Georgiana was about to end her recital. Lydia’s intrusion during such a moment was looked upon by Lady Catherine briefly, yet no word of reproach was uttered, nor particular attention given to her. Lydia accommodated herself next to Elizabeth on the sofa, under Elizabeth’s amazed gaze. Immediately, she responded with an innocent smile, then turned her attention to Georgiana’s performance, leaving Elizabeth to wonder about the nature of her serene disposition.

“I hope Lydia will not employ another of her schemes now,” Elizabeth thought, struggling to follow the conversation that followed in the drawing-room.

“We expect Colonel Fitzwilliam to arrive any time soon,” Georgiana informed her ladyship, when the subject moved from Georgiana’s performance to the pending ball.

“Possibly on the day when Darcy is set to return from London,” Elizabeth added, voicing her own desire.

“And perhaps, even Mr. Hennessy shall accompany them. At least, I hope so.” Georgiana blushed instantly at having the boldness to utter the name of the gentleman to the room. Lydia and Kitty exchanged a quick glance of complicity, which did not escape Elizabeth’s attention.

“Mr. Hennessy? I am not familiar with any family of such a name in London.”

“Yes,” Elizabeth said, “Mr. Hennessy’s family is from Bath.”

“Bath? I am not particularly fond of that town myself. I have found that it attracts all sorts of unsavoury individuals in search of an easy life.”

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