Artifice and Attraction: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Variation by Maddie Rowden & a Lady

Author:Maddie Rowden & a Lady [Rowden, Maddie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-10-29T16:00:00+00:00

“All right, I will tell you, and you alone, but when you have heard all that I say, you may wish not to have been told.” Elizabeth sighed heavily, embarrassed for both of them of the awful impression their family had made.

“I’m quite sure I’ll manage my feelings.” Jane smiled. “At least better than you are managing yours.” The comment earned her a glare from Elizabeth.

“Here it is, in all its dreadful detail — I did accept his offer.” She stopped when Jane squealed happily. “Do try to rein in your enthusiasm, Jane, the story is far from done.” She then proceeded to reveal to her the entirety of the situation — how she had accepted the offer, how cordial and pleased he had been.

Then she relayed how he had gone to Longbourn, missing the ball by so doing. Finally, she related how poor his opinion had been of his visit and how she had allowed that he might pretend his offer had never been made if that was his wish.

“Oh, it was so awful, Jane! Had you seen the expression, the displeasure, the horror upon his face — even you could have found no pretty words to describe it.”

Jane shook her head in disbelief. “If there is any horror in the matter, it is to be expressed at the lack of manners Mr. Darcy exhibited in remarking upon the behaviour of our parents and sisters! It displeases me greatly to speak ill of anyone, but in your confidence, I will confess myself quite perplexed that a gentleman such as he could show so little regard for your feelings, for proper manners! How appalling!”

“I must admit that it was very hard to hear his opinion stated so. But Jane, if we are to be honest with each other, you and I must acknowledge just how very bad our family might appear to an outsider, especially someone of such class and status as Mr. Darcy.” She shook her head despairingly.

“I am not privy to the details of the visit, but in good faith, although it pained me to hear it, I cannot but allow that his judgment, though harsh, was not at fault. Without you or me there to rein in their theatrics, it chills me to think of what chaos he must have witnessed!”

Jane was quiet for a time, studying her before she spoke. “It is very unlike you, Lizzy, to leap to the defence of a gentleman like this.” She sipped her tea and considered a few moments.

“I do believe that you, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, are in love.”

Elizabeth threw her head back against the cushions and let out a groan. “I make no admission nor denial, for it matters not! It’s too late, Jane — everything is ruined. He thinks I set out to deceive him, to lure him into marriage like some kind of strategising coquette! We may as well be French in his eyes, for all the warmth he feels towards the Bennets now.”

“So you believe he will allow your strategy, then?” Jane was sorrowful.

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