Complicated Attachments: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Denise O'Hara & A Lady

Author:Denise O'Hara & A Lady [O'Hara, Denise]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-05-25T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

It did not take long for word to spread that Elizabeth had recovered and the sisters were home. The very next day, Mr. Wickham came to call. After he had been served tea in the company of Mrs. Bennet and all five of the sisters, Wickham begged Jane to walk with him. She was hesitant, afraid of doing what must be done lest she hurt him. However, it would hurt less if done sooner, so she knew she must gather her courage.

“I must admit I was rather surprised to discover you were staying at Netherfield Park,” Wickham commented as they strolled up the path through the fields that led to the large oak tree with the bench below. “Tell me, how was your time there?”

“It was most unexpected for me also, since we could not have foreseen Elizabeth falling ill. Most of my time was spent in her care and consumed with concern for her. Once she began to recover, I found my time there most pleasant.”

“Was Darcy in residence at the same time?”

“He was.”

“And how did you find him?”

“I found him to be most agreeable. I admit he does not seem quite at ease among society, but in the privacy of Netherfield, he was most gracious to my sister and myself. It is also apparent he holds Mr. Bingley and his sisters in great affection.”

“I see,” Wickham replied with a pained sigh. “Well, I suppose I could not expect him to reveal his cold hearted and cruel nature to a new acquaintance such as yourself.”

They had reached the bench and Wickham took Jane’s hands and pulled her down to sit beside him. He looked deep into her eyes. “Jane, I missed you terribly while you were gone. I wanted to call upon you at Netherfield but knew Darcy would make me unwelcome. I did not wish to cause any unpleasantness for your host or yourself. I know we have not known each other for long, but how much I longed to see you made me realize the depth of my feelings for you. I would very much like your permission to officially court you, with a view to making a promise to you.”

Jane bit her lip. The moment had come. “Mr. Wickham, I am most flattered and honored by your request. You must believe me when I say I have no desire to hurt you, nor did I have any intention of leading you on, for I find that type of behavior despicable. The truth of the matter is that although I find your company most pleasant, my time at Netherfield Park has caused my heart to desire and hold hopes of another. I am so terribly sorry, but I must refuse your offer.”

“Not Darcy!”

“No, no, Mr. Wickham, it is not Mr. Darcy who has gained my admiration.”

“Oh, then it must be Bingley.” Wickham said, his face sad. “I have to say I am deeply disappointed by this decision and my heart is genuinely pained. You captured it from the moment I set eyes on you.

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