An Unconventional Education: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Sydney Salier

Author:Sydney Salier [Salier, Sydney]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe, Not in Amazon Library, Prequel 1
ISBN: 9798678203502
Google: fyfSzQEACAAJ
Amazon: B08GK2WHRV
Barnesnoble: B08GK2WHRV
Goodreads: 55085883
Publisher: Independently published
Published: 2020-08-23T04:00:00+00:00

16 Tempted

The assembly was in full swing when the party from Netherfield made their entrance. Sir William Lucas immediately rushed over and welcomed them, offering to make introductions. Mr Bingley declared he was delighted to meet the leading families of the area.

After introducing them to his own family, Sir William Lucas performed the introduction of the Netherfield party to Mrs Mortimer.

‘A lady estate owner, how quaint,’ murmured Miss Bingley in her most supercilious manner.

‘Indeed, Miss Bingley? It is really much more common than you might think,’ replied Mrs Mortimer with a pleasant smile. ‘Even in our small community there are two others. I would be most pleased to introduce you.’

Miss Bingley looked as if she had just smelled something bad, but she recovered her composure enough to reply in her haughtiest demeanour, ‘you are all graciousness. In the first circles one usually does not associate with members of the minor gentry.’

‘Of course, Miss Bingley, I quite understand. I suppose with your background you are not overly familiar with country gentry, but in a small community such as this, we are always happy to assist new neighbours in the furtherance of their education.’

Mr Darcy who had observed this encounter, was hard pressed to maintain his stoic demeanour. He had expected to be displeased with the society in this small backwater. Instead, one of the first ladies he encountered had taken the measure of Miss Bingley, and politely and cleverly scored a hit. It was even funnier because Miss Bingley had missed the point.

He was so absorbed in his musings, he almost missed Sir William introducing him. ‘It is indeed a great pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mrs Mortimer.’

‘The pleasure is all mine, Mr Darcy,’ replied Mrs Mortimer and added, ‘I hope you will not mind my saying that I was sorry to hear about your father’s passing, five years ago. He was a good man.’

‘You knew my father?’ Darcy was surprised to encounter someone who had known his family in this community.

‘We were acquainted. My late husband’s estate is near Tamworth in Warwickshire. It is not so far from Pemberley.’

‘I went to Cambridge with a Gerald Mortimer who was from that area…’ Darcy left the question hanging.

‘Gerald is the grandson of my husband from his first marriage,’ the lady explained before addressing the group. ‘But let me introduce you to my daughters. Miss Jane Mortimer and Miss Mary.’

Bingley immediately asked Jane to dance, and she accepted with pleasure.

‘I would introduce you to my daughter Elizabeth as well, but she is currently chatting with friends.’

The music was starting for the second set, and Bingley led Jane to the dancefloor. Miss Bingley clutched Darcy’s arm and coquettishly demanded, ‘this is our dance I believe, Mr Darcy.’

He grudgingly agreed and followed her brother.

~~~oo00oo~~~

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