As Good as a Lord by P. O. Dixon

Author:P. O. Dixon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction & Literature
Publisher: Regents and Cotswold Book Group
Published: 2015-09-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8 ~ All that Glisters

The Davenport sisters were always competing with each other for one thing or another. Separated in age by fewer than two years, their rivalry over Mr. Darcy’s affections would be no different. Having argued between themselves on the terms of engagement, they resolved that, when it came to such matters as who would be the next mistress of Pemberley, there were no rules. May the better woman win they politely acquiesced over tea.

The next day when Darcy and Lady Bethany were enjoying a leisurely walk around the park, she said, “Sir, I hope you do not subscribe to the sentiment that a younger sister should not be married before the eldest.”

“I cannot say that I do.”

She then clung a little tighter to his arm. “You do not know how much it pleases me to hear you say that.”

Thoughts of his own conduct in offering his hand to Elizabeth came to mind. If events had unfolded as he had planned, she would be married before her older sister. Pleasurable thoughts of what it would have been like if she had accepted him soon filled his head. Elizabeth would be the one on my arm sharing a leisurely stroll around the park. Elizabeth would be sharing my home with me ... my bed.

In time, there would be children: a son and heir, and a younger son as well and daughters, who were as charming and witty as their mother. Our life at Pemberley would be perfect—everything life was meant to be.

“Mr. Darcy?”

The soft call of his name shook him from his reverie. “Yes,” he responded.

“Yes, the sky is the loveliest shade of green you’ve ever seen; or yes, as in you have not heard a word I’ve said?”

“I beg your pardon, Lady Bethany.”

“Oh, I shall forgive you just this one time, but only if you will indulge me.”

“What would you like for me to do?”

“You simply must tell me what has you so pre-occupied this morning?”

What indeed? There could only be one thing or rather one person on his mind: Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Where is she? What is she doing? Is she enjoying one of her solitary rambles? Shall I expect to see her at any moment? Dare I wish it? Is she attending her mother? Perhaps she is tucked away in the library with her lovely head buried in a book.

“You are correct—I have been distracted. However, the precise cause is not something I am at liberty to discuss. I promise you my undivided attention from this moment forward. Will that do?”

“I suppose it will have to for now. Mind you, Mr. Darcy, I promise to exact a more fitting retribution at my leisure. You, sir, have been forewarned,” she said teasingly.

Later that very afternoon, Darcy found himself engaged in a similar conversation with Lady Althea. The two of them were walking along the water’s edge, enjoying nature’s summer medley when, out of nowhere, her ladyship said, “Sir, it is commonly held that it is improper for a younger sister to be married before the eldest.

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