Darcy vs Bingley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (American Edition) by Gianna Thomas

Author:Gianna Thomas [Thomas, Gianna]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2017-10-11T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter XV

Expecting only an express from Colonel Fitzwilliam when he returned to Netherfield, Darcy was pleased to see the man himself.

“Richard, are you well?”

“As well as can be expected after training some of the most incompetent youngsters I’ve had yet to see. Two of them nearly blew up a hot cannon. I spotted them in time and prevented them from putting a second pack of explosives inside. An explosion would have killed anyone within twenty to thirty feet of the cannon. Total idiots. You would think they could count after they left school.” He ended his tirade with a curse that even embarrassed Darcy and Bingley.

“I’m sure everyone is grateful that you prevented an accident of that magnitude.”

“Accident? Incompetence is more like it. Young pups don’t have the sense God gave a grasshopper. Grasshopper is more intelligent.”

“You’re sure, Richard?”

“Sure? Sure of what?”

“That a grasshopper is more intelligent.” Darcy said it with such a straight face, that for a moment Richard didn’t realize he was bamming him.

“Cuz,” Richard said with a growl.

Darcy took a step back before his cousin could wrestle him to the floor as they did when they were still green boys, and Richard noted that Darcy had just teased him. Guffawing, the colonel gave his cousin a brotherly hug then stuck his hand out to Bingley as they were still in the entryway.

“Let’s go into my study and relax. Colonel have you had refreshments yet?”

“No, Bingley. I arrived a short while ago and just settled in. I would have come yesterday except my batman was unable to find me in time with Darcy’s express. I would appreciate coffee and something to eat as I have had only breakfast today. And I want to know why I was sent an express with a cryptic message, Darce.”

“Oh, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Louisa told me you just arrived. Is your room adequate for your needs? I need to order refreshments. Give me a moment and I’ll join you.”

Once he was able to get a word in edgewise, Bingley said, “Caroline, please order coffee, sandwiches, and cake sent to my study. Unfortunately, we have business to discuss, and we will see you at dinner.” Thanking her, the three went to Bingley’s study and shut the door much to Miss Bingley’s chagrin.

Stamping her foot at the closed door, Caroline went to the library and rang for Mrs. Nicholls and ordered food for the men. Only after she disappeared, did the footman snicker at her discontent. Laughter followed her no matter where she went in the house. Most of the servants, though, had learned to hold their laughter until she was out of earshot. A dressing down from Miss Bingley was not pleasant.

***

“Well, cuz, what is this big emergency you expressed to me?”

One name was enough to have the colonel catapult from the chair, red-faced and ready to take on an army.

“Wickham! What has that dastard done now? Is he here? Why haven’t you had him arrested?”

“Richard, please sit down. I just discovered he was here yesterday.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.