Darcy's Deception: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Campbell Davies

Author:Campbell Davies [Davies, Campbell]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-04-19T16:00:00+00:00

16

Lydia sniffled, appearing completely unlike the fiery girl who had given Wickham a slap that afternoon. She adjusted her pillow under her chin and wiped her eyes with a soiled handkerchief. “I must admit, I-I thought he loved me. He made me promise to see him in Brighton! That we would dance as often as I wished at all the balls that would be held there!”

Jane rubbed Lydia’s back as Kitty, on the other side of Lydia, hugged her own pillow to her chest, her expression still morose after Jane and Elizabeth had admonished the two girls: Lydia for promising to meet Wickham in Brighton, alluding to a match that was illegitimate, and Kitty for supporting her sister’s secret. The only sense the two girls had displayed thus far was revealing the scheme to their eldest sisters. Lydia’s enthusiasm for breaking propriety and publicly admitting her favor to Wickham still shocked Elizabeth. Worse, Wickham had indulged and encouraged the attachment to form with no attempt to make it formal.

The devil wears a red coat and walks in Meryton! Whatever can we do to stop him doing this to some other poor soul?

At least some good had come of the afternoon’s fiasco: Lydia had forsworn Brighton. Now that Wickham had revealed the true thoughts of the regiment, she had penned a regretful rejection of Mrs. Forster’s invitation to join them in Brighton, saying that she wished to never see a redcoat again as long as she lived. Elizabeth doubted the pronouncement would last long past the week, but she now had hope that this unfortunate event would temper Lydia and Kitty’s wildness.

“Perhaps I can return to London with our Aunt and Uncle Gardiner,” Lydia said later that night as the four girls laid in the bed. Mary had not deigned to join them and the four girls were free to speak plainly. Lydia seemed to cherish the bond between the sisters and grow stronger because of it. Elizabeth herself found that her annoyance with her youngest sisters was ebbing away into a gentle love due to the renewal of their bond.

“A break from Meryton would do you good,” Jane agreed.

“Oh, and we can go to however many balls our aunt and uncle will attend!”

Lydia made a disgusted noise. “No! I am finished with balls and dancing—all of my so-called friends believe me a stupid goose of a girl and I would not bring that reputation to London. No, I will devote myself to my studies and become as virtuous as Mary—more virtuous even!”

While her two other sisters exchanged doubtful glances, Jane patted Lydia’s hand. “You are most dedicated when you have enthusiasm, Lydia. I would encourage it in you so you may improve your character where you may. Perhaps our aunt can help you—she is one of the finest women we know and would appreciate this change in attitude.”

“I promise,” Lydia murmured sleepily. The candlelight showed the redness lining her puffy eyes as she burrowed into her pillow. “If my reputation is as Wickham says, then I can only improve it.

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