Anne de Bourgh's Best Friend: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson A Lady

Author:Shana Granderson A Lady [Lady, Shana Granderson A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-02-20T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

Mary Bennet felt as if she was floating on air when she thought about her fiancé. A few days after her birthday—her nineteenth—Richard declared his love for her, which she told him, in no uncertain terms, she returned in full measure.

Like Jane and Andrew before them, they decided an official courtship would accomplish nothing that had not already been accomplished. Hence, Richard had dropped onto one knee and proposed. It had been ever so romantic and Mary had accepted him with alacrity, then when Richard spoke to Mama and Papa, permission and blessings were conveyed without delay.

It had not pleased her to learn Richard had been forced to wait a year before declaring himself, however much she understood her parents’ reasoning for imposing that particular restriction. There were no more parental restrictions, but there was a reason Mary and Richard had not set a date yet.

Thinking of Anne made Mary very sad. There was no doubt their cousin was nearing the end of her all too short life. As happy as they were, they were not so insensitive as to have the most joyous day of their lives when Anne was so close to leaving the mortal world.

The main worry Mary had was when Anne passed how Lizzy would react. She would need all of their support which was another reason for them not to choose a date yet. All of the Bennet sisters had become very close to Anne over the years, but none of them shared a bond similar to the one between Anne and Lizzy. The two of them could not have felt closer had they been sisters by blood.

Each night Mary prayed for a miracle. She begged Him to heal Anne so rather than mourn her, Anne would be at her wedding and live a long and full life. So far, God had not granted her prayer. Nevertheless, Mary still kept asking every day.

~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~

Fanny and Bennet were seated in the study to discuss the report Philips had provided regarding the potential lessee of Netherfield Park. For a few months now the estate had been solely owned by Bennet thanks to a few years of exceptionally good profits at both estates. Even though he had tried to insist Gardiner be paid more than he had invested, his brother had flatly refused.

“Thomas, is there anything in the report which would disqualify Mr. Bingley?” Fanny asked.

“No Fanny, I see nothing of concern,” Bennet averred. “Even had Richard not assured me regarding his friend’s character, I would have accepted him as a tenant.”

“What of the sister?”

“She is no longer a weight around his neck since Mr. Bingley set her up in her own establishment. Richard has told many stories about the woman and her unswerving hunt of his cousin.”

“Did Richard not say his elusive cousin will be one of the party at Netherfield Park if Mr. Bingley is awarded the lease?”

“Yes Fanny, he most certainly did. Like his late father, the current Mr. Darcy is an avid chess player and bibliophile.

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