Believing in Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Renata McMann & Summer Hanford

Author:Renata McMann & Summer Hanford [McMann, Renata]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2017-04-05T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

As the tumult and heartbreak receded, her fury didn’t return.

For some reason, hearing that Elizabeth’s youngest sister and his former rival were happily wedded spurred John Lucas into finally going to Liverpool in pursuit of Miss King. He made no secret to Elizabeth and his family of where he was going or why, though he forwent mentioning it was Elizabeth’s idea. When he returned over a week later, dejected, he also made no secret of how his efforts were received.

Miss King had welcomed him, but her uncle considered him a fortune hunter and kept them apart. John Lucas reported managing a brief private meeting with Miss King where he asked her to wait until she was of age. The bulk of his dejection seemed to stem from her reply that three years seemed like forever to her and she couldn’t promise anything.

Elizabeth tried to see, but failed to detect, any marked antagonism toward her on John Lucas’ part. After three days, she was happy to conclude he failed to blame her for his state of misery. He, like she, must realize that at least he’d tried.

The family was seated to dinner on the fourth day after his return when a pounding at the door was followed by the entrance of Miss Mary King. Her red hair was half down and her clothing showed signs of being slept in. She carried a small bag, which might have held one change of clothes.

John stood as soon as she was shown into the room. “Mary,” he exclaimed, rushing to her side.

She flung herself into his arms. “I couldn’t let him separate us.”

Elizabeth stared at the young woman in shock, peering past her in vain for a chaperone. Belatedly, everyone else started to stand, Elizabeth along with them. Charlotte cast her an incredulous glance. Elizabeth replied with a shrug. She was as shocked as Charlotte.

“Miss King,” Sir William said, his tone kind. “What a pleasant, if unexpected, surprise.”

She stepped from John Lucas’ arms, smoothing her hands over a hopelessly wrinkled skirt before curtsying. “Sir William. Please forgive me for disturbing your dinner.”

“Not at all, dear,” Lady Lucas said as she came around the table. “Would you like to join us? Or care to refresh yourself?”

Miss King looked up at John Lucas, then around the room. “I . . . that is, I should like to refresh myself, thank you.”

“Of course.” Lady Lucas turned back, her eyes finding Elizabeth. “Elizabeth, could you show Miss King to your room? I think it would be best if she shares with you for the time being.”

“Yes, of course.” Elizabeth came around the table, offering John Lucas and Miss King a reassuring smile. She instantly comprehended that Lady Lucas had given her the additional role of chaperone, for there were empty bedrooms available. Elizabeth approved. A young woman who had traveled days by herself to reach a man might not baulk at the length of a hallway.

“Miss King,” Elizabeth greeted.

“Miss Bennet, thank you,” Miss King said, offering a weary smile.

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