Dear Father Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Linda Blanchette

Author:Linda Blanchette [Blanchette, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2014-12-09T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Darcy wandered through the park near where he last saw her. He was hoping to see Elizabeth again. He needed to know if Mr. Claus was correct. Could it be possible that Elizabeth Bennet was in love with him? He thought he knew her well. He had watched and studied her for weeks. He knew every nuance of her smile, laugh, and soul, but it had surprised him when she had rejected his marriage proposal. Furthermore, what he could not understand was why? Why reject a marriage proposal that would be to her and her family’s benefit, even if she did not love him? It did not make any sense.

After a second turn around the park, he decided to leave the park and head to Cheapside, when he heard a familiar laugh. Looking over, he spied Elizabeth and another young woman with two small children, laughing as they headed towards the pond. Darcy stood back and watched. He enjoyed seeing her beautiful face again, and noted how wonderful a mother she would be. His heart squeezed in pain at the thought that her children would not be his.

Elizabeth, feeling as though she was being watched, glanced up. “Mr. Darcy,” she whispered. Still reeling from the heartbreaking conversation she had had with her aunt, she remained glued to her spot.

“Elizabeth,” he softly whispered, as he approached her. Now standing before her, his words failed him, leaving him unable to say anymore.

After a few moments of staring at each other, Elizabeth said, “Mr. Darcy, I am surprised to see you here.” Clearing her throat, she added. “Excuse my poor manners; is your sister in good health?”

“Yes, she is well,” he commented, looking into her eyes, which were now somewhat different. Normally they sparkled when she looked at him. Now they contained fear and uncertainty, and she appeared tired.

“And your relatives, they are well,” she lamely expanded.

“Yes, yes, they are all extremely well, thank you,” he responded, noting her nervousness which he found encouraging. She must care for me, at least a little; otherwise she would not be so uneasy, he thought and hoped.

Glancing around, he asked, “Are you alone?”

“No, my aunt’s children and a maid are feeding the ducks right there,” She pointed in the direction of a young woman who was handing two small children small pieces of bread for the ducks.

“Would you like to sit down? There is a bench close by that would allow you to still see them.”

Elizabeth nodded. For a moment, they sat in silence, Darcy tried to figure out how to find the information he wanted, Elizabeth began, “Mr. Darcy, please accept my apology again. Had I known, I would not have presumed to come to your home.”

“Miss Bennet… Elizabeth,” he whispered her given name to himself, “You are welcome in my home, anytime.”

When she was about to remark, a well-dressed man with a fashionable young woman came upon them, “Mr. Darcy, how are you?” he said with enthusiasm.

Both Darcy and Elizabeth stood as Darcy stiffened next to her.

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