Darcy's Fair Lady: Regency Pride and Prejudice Variation by Andrea David

Author:Andrea David [David, Andrea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Austenesque
Publisher: Artesian Well Publishing
Published: 2022-08-21T04:00:00+00:00

DARCY STRUGGLED TO contain his irritation at seeing Elizabeth with Greymore. His friend wouldn’t betray him. And Elizabeth was not truly his. So why was a sudden flame burning in his gut?

“Darcy,” Greymore greeted. “I hope you don’t mind my keeping your lovely fiancée company during your absence. I must get back to my duties, and leave her in your care.” With a bow, he withdrew.

Elizabeth rose, and Darcy absently handed her the lemonade. “I apologise.” He fought to keep the annoyance out of his tone. “I didn’t mean to be gone so long. I was stopped by well-wishers along the way.”

She spoke in his ear. “I hope Jane and I have passed our first test.”

A wave of desire rippled over him at the feel of her breath on his skin. He swallowed to ward off the emotion. “Splendidly. Lady Matlock has apparently enlisted Lady Greymore to help in singing your praises. One would hardly know this is your first ton function.”

“Then why are you wearing such a dour expression?” Her tone was teasing.

“You and Greymore looked cosy.”

“Forgive me. The bench only seats two. He was telling me how besotted you are with me.” She leaned in close. “Bravo on your acting skills.”

Darcy wondered what Greymore had been on about. At no point had Darcy pretended to be besotted with Elizabeth.

“Naturally a man must praise his fiancé to all his friends.”

“Naturally.” She placed a hand on his arm. “Forgive me if I seemed too familiar with him. We were primarily speaking of you. It’s clear the two of you are dear friends, and he would never betray you.”

“No, he would not.”

So why couldn’t Darcy dispel his cross mood?

He led Elizabeth back to the ballroom, where the performance resumed. The Covent Garden soprano offered more than beauty and clarity of tone. Her range and control enhanced her natural talents. From stunning arias to flirtatious country songs, her performance was exquisite. Darcy had rarely been so diverted of an afternoon.

As he and his fair companions prepared to depart, Bingley approached Jane. “May I call on you tomorrow afternoon? If the fair weather continues, we could take a turn about the square.”

“I would like that,” Jane agreed. Darcy felt strangely relieved at the prospect. A repair in that relationship would please Elizabeth, and he wanted to see her happy.

After depositing the ladies at home, he went to his club. It wasn’t long before Greymore joined him there. “I need a brandy and some quiet,” the earl said. “My mother and sisters are busy analysing every moment of the musicale—to squeeze out the last drop of gossip.”

“The performance was first rate.”

“As was the company. I must congratulate you. Miss Elizabeth Bennet is a delight. You’re a lucky dog to have found her.”

“She...” Darcy had no words to say to that. She was not truly his, after all. And Greymore hadn’t met her relations, apart from Jane.

Elizabeth had acquitted herself well. Darcy was pleased that Greymore admired her. That was the point of this ridiculous exercise, after all—to present Elizabeth as a believable prospective bride.

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.