Attempted Compromises: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Tiffany Thomas

Author:Tiffany Thomas [Thomas, Tiffany]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Compromise (D&E), Forced Marriage
ISBN: 9781956548174
Goodreads: 224074101
Publisher: Saving Talents
Published: 2025-01-27T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

The morning of the Netherfield tea dawned with a wintry chill that clung to the air despite the pale sunlight filtering through the clouds. Elizabeth woke to the sound of raindrops pattering faintly against the windowpane and sighed as she gazed at the sky, which threatened to unleash a heavier storm later in the day.

The Bingley carriage arrived promptly at Longbourn that afternoon, gleaming in defiance of the muddy roads from the morning’s rain and the cloudy threats of more. Jane and Elizabeth stood in the hall as Hill helped them into their cloaks, their mother bustling about with last-minute instructions and reminders.

“Now, Jane,” Mrs. Bennet said, adjusting her eldest daughter’s bonnet, “do not let that odious Miss Bingley overshadow you. Remember to sit where Mr. Bingley can see you clearly. And Lizzy,” she added, turning to her second daughter, “try not to antagonize anyone. Not everyone appreciates your sharp tongue.”

Elizabeth gave her mother a tight smile, holding back the retort that rose to her lips. She was used to these admonishments, but today, her thoughts were elsewhere. As Hill opened the door and the chill of the afternoon breeze swept inside, Elizabeth glanced at Jane, who was already stepping forward with her usual serene grace.

They climbed into the carriage, and as soon as the door was shut and the wheels began to turn, Elizabeth allowed herself to sink into the seat with a sigh. The countryside rolled by, its muted colors softened by the gray skies above. She tried to focus on the familiar sights, but her mind kept drifting back to Netherfield.

Caroline Bingley. Elizabeth couldn’t decide which was worse—the idea of enduring Caroline’s sly remarks and thinly veiled insults, or the possibility that Caroline would simply ignore her altogether. Either way, she knew the evening would be fraught with tension. The presence of Mrs. Hurst, who so often mirrored her sister’s disdain, would do little to improve matters.

And yet... a flicker of excitement sparked within her, unbidden. Darcy. The name alone sent a ripple through her chest, a curious mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. Elizabeth had been replaying their conversations over the past weeks in her mind, each one revealing more of the man beneath the aloof exterior. She found herself eager to see him again, though she quickly reminded herself not to dwell on it too much. It was merely the prospect of engaging in stimulating conversation, she told herself, nothing more.

“You seem lost in thought, Lizzy,” Jane said, her voice gentle and teasing. “What occupies your mind so thoroughly?”

Elizabeth turned to her sister with a wry smile. “I was merely considering how best to endure an evening with Miss Bingley. Her charm, after all, is matched only by her graciousness.”

Jane laughed softly. “Perhaps you might be surprised. Miss Bingley may not be the easiest of companions, but she does make an effort to host us.”

Elizabeth arched an eyebrow but refrained from commenting further. Jane’s determination to see the best in everyone was both her greatest strength and her greatest flaw.

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