An Escape from London (Three Sisters from Hertfordshire Book 3) by Meg Osborne

Author:Meg Osborne [Osborne, Meg]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: Regency Historical Romance, Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth and Darcy, Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Austen Fan Fiction, JAFF
Publisher: Meg Osborne
Published: 2018-08-29T00:00:00+00:00

JOHN WAS MORE THAN a little disappointed when, at last, Jane Bingley mentioned a headache, and declared her intention to go to bed. It was not late, but it could hardly be described as early, yet to John, who had been thoroughly enjoying his evening, it brought things to a close all too soon. He and Caroline had played three games of chess so far. The first, he had surrendered. The second, he had won. This third had been the most intriguing. He felt certain that Caroline Bingley was putting all her skills to the task, and she was a tough opponent. He was half inclined to let her win, and give her the victory of the evening, not merely the game. He felt somewhat certain, however, that if he did this, she would see through it. She would not thank him for sparing her feelings, and he respected her too much, at that moment, to offer anything other than a fair fight.

“You may leave our game here, Miss Bingley, if you prefer,” he said, trying to keep the reluctance he felt from showing in his voice. “We can resume it tomorrow, perhaps.”

“Mr Ashton, if you think I am likely to trust you in leaving our game half concluded, then you think wrong.” A sly smile crept onto Caroline’s features, and she made her move quickly, stymieing his advance. “I do not possess a photographic memory, and whilst I do not like to cast aspersions on a gentleman’s character, how could I be certain you would not be tempted to arrange certain pieces to your advantage in my absence?”

John laughed, then. She had laid heavy emphasis on the word gentleman as if reminding him that he was nothing of the sort, but the slight was given gently, in good-humour, rather than as an insult.

“Oh, Caroline, you need not retire simply because I intend to,” Jane announced. “I see you are enjoying your game. So stay, do, and finish it. Charles is content to remain too, aren’t you?”

Bingley smiled, a little guiltily, and admitted that he was quite happy to remain in his seat and finish his drink.

The party lessened by one, John returned his attention to the chessboard. His plans had been thoroughly routed by Caroline’s latest move, and he regarded the battlefield thoughtfully, turning his head this way and that, as he rethought his strategy. At last, he picked a piece almost at random, certain he could see no way out, but equally certain he would not give up without a fight. He moved the piece, and, as he set it down, he saw the smile on Caroline’s face, and realised his error too late.

“Alas, Mr Ashton, your last move has been your undoing.” With no small amount of glee, Caroline snatched up a piece, made her move, and captured his king. “And with that, I win.”

“And with that, you win.” John bowed his head, his own smile of congratulations mirroring Caroline’s expression of delight at her victory. “You are a talented player, Miss Bingley.

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