Darcy's Affair in Brighton by Andrea David

Author:Andrea David
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JAFF variations, Elizabeth Bennet Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, Victorian romance, love story nobility engagement, British womens fiction beach novella, rich marriage wedding ODC, London Brighton family life sisters
Publisher: Artesian Well Publishing
Published: 2022-02-06T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Lizzy smiled as Darcy helped her into the carriage, followed by Georgiana. He sat on the bench opposite them, his back to the horses.

Seth was about to close the door when Georgiana said, “Oh dear, I’ve forgotten the reticule Miss Lydia lent me. I’m sorry, brother—I’ll be but a moment.”

Seth helped her out, and she rushed back into the house.

Lizzy and Darcy sat in the coach with the door open, waiting for Georgiana to return. Silence passed between them. There were so many things Lizzy wanted to say, but could not. Not in Seth’s hearing, and with Lydia and the Forsters gathered by the front door to see them off.

At last Darcy spoke. “I hate to be indelicate. But you must let your father know what this journey has cost you, that I might reimburse him.”

The trip had, in fact, been quite dear. She had been expecting to recoup the funds from Darcy, and had spared no expense. Yet she felt she must at least try to demure. “That is not necessary. My father is always happy to help a neighbour.”

Darcy’s brow knitted. He opened his mouth as if to object. But a shout interrupted him.

Outside the window, Seth raced across the street towards a curricle. It came to a stop as another vehicle crossed in front of it—just long enough for Lizzy to see that Georgiana was the passenger, and Perry Bingley the driver.

What on earth? Georgiana must have left the house through the back door. Had she made other arrangements for the return trip, which Elizabeth didn’t know about?

As the curricle got underway again, Seth jumped into the tiger’s box. Lizzy watched in astonishment a moment. Then, the realization came to her.

Georgiana had not come to Brighton for Wickham at all. She had come for Perry Bingley.

Darcy must stop them at once, or Georgiana would be ruined. Lizzy had a split second to decide whether to stay in the carriage.

If she stayed, she could be ruined herself.

She closed the door and banged on the ceiling. The coachman urged the horses into motion.

“Follow that curricle,” Darcy called to the man, violence in his tone. “There’s ten guineas in it for you if we catch them.”

Darcy came and sat next to Lizzy, presumably so he could face forward and watch their progress. Caged fury played on his features.

She could not help being aware of him, of his bergamot scent. But such thoughts would have to wait for a more opportune moment.

As they wound through the streets, Perry’s lighter vehicle had the advantage. She and Darcy were just able to keep the fleeing couple in sight—until they reached the open road. Then, Perry sprang the horses and disappeared from view.

“Surely we will catch up,” Lizzy said, “as long as the curricle stays on the main road. They will have to stop and change horses at some point.”

“Yes,” Darcy said thoughtfully. He did not sound encouraged.

“This was not a very well-planned scheme,” she continued, thinking aloud. “For young Mr. Bingley to

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.