All Hallow's Eve by Sotis Wendi

Author:Sotis, Wendi [Sotis, Wendi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-10-16T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Netherfield Park

When the group returned to the house, the Hursts’ coach sat near the front door. William smiled widely at his wife.

Elizabeth laughed. “Do not become overconfident, William. The coach as yet has no trunks atop. You shall see.”

As they removed their outerwear, they heard Charles’ voice echo down the staircase, “Caroline! Louisa! You are walking in the wrong direction! The staircase is this way. As soon as your trunks are loaded, the coach will leave for London.”

Elizabeth and William began to ascend the stairs as a shrill voice answered loudly, “Do not be ridiculous, Charles. If the coach must return to London, it can do so—without our trunks! We will require them here, and that is final! Perhaps tomorrow.”

Elizabeth slipped her hand onto William’s arm, giving it a little squeeze. The way her eyes sparkled along with her self-satisfied expression was so attractive that it almost made him forget that he had just been proven wrong.

“But, you cannot stay in the family wing!” Charles’ voice sounded panicked.

“And why should we not stay in our usual chambers?”

The smile fell from Elizabeth’s face, and her eyes widened. William’s expression became stoic.

Elizabeth whispered, “That is our wing!”

He nodded once. “It was.”

Charles’ mind was obviously engaged in formulating something that would satisfy his sisters and keep the Darcys’ secret safe. He sputtered, “Well... I thought... perhaps...” he hesitated, beginning again in a more confident tone, “I thought that perhaps you would try sleeping in the chamber where you plan to place Lady Susan when she eventually comes to visit—yes, to be certain that it is comfortable enough for her. The Hursts can stay in your second choice.”

“That is completely unnecessary, Brother. I shall order new mattresses for all of the guest rooms—to be changed after the Bennets go home! Perhaps we will fumigate the rooms, as well!” Two ladies’ footsteps were heard walking away from the staircase.

~%~

The Philipses’ card party

Lieutenant Denny could not help but notice everything about Jane Bennet. It had been so from the first moment he had laid eyes upon her. Tonight, he especially noted the way her face brightened whenever Charles Bingley’s name was mentioned.

If only... but no, it could never be. He had never doubted that Bingley was the better man. Denny could not even dream of having such a superior lady for himself.

As he observed the way her rosy lips moved as she spoke, Denny reminded himself that he was, in general, happy for her. Bingley was, without a doubt, a man in love—and a rich man at that. Jane would be well taken care of—better than he could ever manage. Yet, he had not been able to stop himself from falling in love with the golden-haired beauty, nor could he help but cherish the past several minutes which she had spent conversing with him and only him. Genuinely interested in what he had to say, she had looked into his eyes and had even smiled at him. He was certain that he would never forget the way she had pronounced his name.

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