Darcy's Spotless Reputation by Jane Grix

Author:Jane Grix [Grix, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: jane austen fan fiction, mr. darcy, regency romance, romantic comedy
Publisher: Jane Grix
Published: 2017-03-24T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

The next evening at Mrs. Phillip’s party, Mr. Wickham singled out Elizabeth to talk to her. Rather than play whist, he sat beside her.

Elizabeth was flattered. Mr. Wickham was easily the most handsome man in the room and he was superior in his person, his countenance, air and walk.

They began by discussing the weather, but then he asked about her spectacles. “I almost did not recognize you without them,” he said lightly, with a smile that said he was joking. He looked at her face and gown as if he appreciated her extra efforts in dressing.

Elizabeth said, “My mother does not approve of them. They are currently in my reticule only to be brought out if there is an emergency.”

He nodded and glanced in her mother’s direction. “Would you like me to tell her about Lady Ranleigh who has one hundred pairs of spectacles, all differently designed? She matches them to her gowns.”

Elizabeth said, “A hundred pairs? Truly?”

“Of course not. I made up the story entirely,” Wickham confessed with a charming smile, “but if you think it might be beneficial –”

Elizabeth shook her head, amused by his absurdity. “No, thank you.”

They spoke briefly about Meryton and his first impressions of the town. “It is a sweet town, with everything one could want.” He looked her directly in the eyes. “I am enchanted.”

Elizabeth looked down at her gloved hands. When she looked up again, she saw that Mr. Wickham was looking about the room.

“Are you looking for someone?” Elizabeth asked.

“Looking to avoid someone, actually. I wondered if Mr. Darcy would be present tonight, but I am relieved to see that he is not.”

“No,” she said. “He would consider himself too grand to dine with my aunt and uncle Phillips.”

“Has he been staying at Netherfield long?”

“About a month,” Elizabeth answered. “He is a man of very large property in Derbyshire, I understand.”

“Pemberley. I know it well. I was born on the estate and spent my youth there.”

Elizabeth was surprised. “Then you must know Mr. Darcy well.”

“Too well,” he said cryptically, then added, “No, I should not tell you my woes. You would not believe me.”

“I believe I can be impartial.”

He shook his head. “No, everyone admires rank and position. They think the Master of Pemberley can do no wrong. No one would believe my dealings with Mr. Darcy. It is best if I keep my peace.”

His tone implied some nefarious doings. Elizabeth knew she was not the only one who had been disgusted by Mr. Darcy’s pride. His actions at the Assembly and later events had offended many in Meryton. Elizabeth had begun to view him more charitably, but she was interested to hear what Mr. Wickham had to say. “You are the best judge of that,” she said. “But if you choose to tell me, I will listen without prejudice.”

His eyes softened. “You have a good heart. Thank you.”

Mr. Wickham then processed to tell her his history, how his father was the late Mr. Darcy’s steward and how he had been a favourite of that Mr.

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