Compromising Mr Darcy - The Accidental Rake: A Regency Romance inspired by P&P by Sydney Salier

Author:Sydney Salier [Salier, Sydney]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2022-04-13T00:00:00+00:00

16 Up the garden path

Since it was a pleasant day, Bingley proposed a stroll in the garden before partaking of refreshments, a suggestion with which Jane heartily concurred.

When they put forward this idea to the rest of the party, all but Mrs Bennet, Miss Bingley and Mary agreed to accompany them.

As soon as they reached the garden Bingley offered his arm to Jane and set off towards the furthest reaches of the garden. Since his friends were aware of Bingley’s hope to speak privately, Richard allowed himself to be monopolised by Lydia and Kitty, while heading in a different direction.

Lady Matlock took Elizabeth’s arm and chose a path which kept them close to the house and out of hearing of the others, leaving Darcy trailing behind.

‘Now that we can speak privately, I wish to apologise for my sister and her husband, since they are not here to offer their own apologies.’

‘Why would you apologise for Lady Catherine?’ Elizabeth tilted her head in puzzlement.

‘No, my sister Anne who was married to George Darcy... my nephew’s parents.’ Lady Matlock gave Elizabeth a pained smile. ‘They were good people and did their best to raise Darcy to have good principles. But they also taught him to be proud of his family to the exclusion of all others, and to think meanly of anyone not connected with his family.’

The Countess grimaced. ‘Would you believe he even disdains some of the highest nobility… Admittedly, they deserve no respect, but still…’ She chuckled weakly. ‘At least his parents taught him to have impeccable manners to all.’

Lady Matlock paused briefly to gather her thoughts. ‘Even though I, my husband, as well as my sons tried to get him to come off his high horse, our arguments were to no avail. I suppose that having been treated like a tasty hare by the majority of ladies in town did not help matters.’

‘I gathered that there had been a number of attempts to force Mr Darcy into marriage,’ Elizabeth indicated her understanding.

‘Precisely.’ Suddenly Lady Matlock sported an impish grin. ‘Fortunately, he received a great shock recently, which has started to bring him to his senses. I believe a certain young lady objected quite vehemently to his attitude.’ Before Elizabeth could do more than open her mouth to deny the allegations or to apologise, Lady Matlock continued, ‘it was the best thing that could have happened to him.’

Elizabeth closed her mouth with a snap at those words and raised her brows. ‘I would not have thought that Mr Darcy would change his opinions easily.’

‘A long slow ride through pouring rain gave him time to reconsider his attitude and expectations. You may find him greatly changed… although I would not expect those changes to be consistent. Years of habit may be hard to overcome.’

‘What are you trying to tell me, My Lady?’

‘Give him the benefit of doubt when his old habits make an appearance, but feel free to… remind him to mind his manners when necessary.’

They continued their stroll while Lady Matlock subtly questioned Elizabeth about her history.

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