Darcy's By Debt: A Pride & Prejudice Forced Engagement Variation by Katherenne Meier

Author:Katherenne Meier [Meier, Katherenne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Debt, Arranged Marriage, Purchased, Read
Goodreads: 58708486
Publisher: Longbourn Lady
Published: 2021-08-03T04:00:00+00:00

Despite the excitement brought on by Elizabeth’s announcement, life continued as normal. Darcy sent around a note saying he would come call on Mr Bennet soon, and a slightly less formal note for Elizabeth expressing his pleasure at her acceptance of her hand.

Inevitably, the Bennet home drew other curious callers, which was partly why she dreaded Aunt Phillips’ party. She knew the talk would be of nothing but the unexpected match.

“I heard the news,” Mr Wickham said. “Congratulations are in order.”

“Thank you,” Elizabeth said politely.

She was unsurprised that news had spread even to him, though no formal announcement had been made. But as soon as they arrived at Aunt Phillips’ party, Kitty and Lydia began telling everyone who did not already know. Charlotte offered congratulations and a few lines of sage advice, and Elizabeth seated herself in a quiet corner out of sheer self-defence. She had not wanted all this attention, though she’d resigned herself to it for the time being. Darcy was not present, and she did not know if anyone had issued him an invitation. She supposed that was her duty but had not been thinking.

“It appears you and Mr Darcy were better acquainted than you let on,” Wickham remarked.

She did not like the insinuation in his tone and smiled at him sharply. “Well, it cannot be too much of a surprise since my sisters already discussed our private family business with you.”

“Yes, but I thought—and forgive me if I am too familiar—that you are a much more sensible woman, Miss Elizabeth. I only hope you do not come to regret your decision. Darcy is not an easy man.”

“About that,” she said, sipping her drink. “I did ask him about the accusations you made.”

His eyes widened. “Accusations,” he spluttered. “I made no accusations.”

“Then I must have misunderstood. For I was certain you accused him of denying you your inheritance from his father’s will and throwing you unjustly off Pemberley land.”

She paused, gaze roving idly through the crowd as if the matters they were discussing were no more important than the current state of the weather. “I find it a little odd, Mr Wickham, that you did not mention your acquaintance with Miss Georgiana.”

Elizabeth did not have to say anything else. Well, there was not much else she could say since Darcy had not given her any details. But she pinned Wickham with a stern look.

And was rewarded a moment later when his cheeks flushed. With outrage, she suspected, not shame. “Miss Georgiana is as cold and aloof as her brother,” he said tightly. “When she was younger, she was a sweet child.”

“Yes, though I suppose circumstances warranted a change in her demeanour.”

His eyes glittered. “Do not be fooled into thinking of her as an innocent miss. My tender feelings for her were taken advantage of most abominably. Her insufferable brother would not hear my side of the tale.”

She shook her head. “Neither would I have done, in his shoes. The entire situation is a trifle. . .” she shrugged and let him decide what word she meant.

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