Disruption at Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Emily Russell

Author:Emily Russell [Russell, Emily]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2018-01-08T07:00:00+00:00

Lambton had one small gaol that did not hold many prisoners. Most of them would have been brought to the larger gaol in Derby. Will Ford was at this time the only occupant and he did not bother to rise when he saw them. He looked at Elizabeth, then turned away with a sullen look on his face.

“Look at the lady, Will,” said Mr Cole. Elizabeth moved closer to watch as the man slowly rose from his seat. There was no surprise when he turned to face her. She had already known it was him. They observed one another for a long moment before she nodded.

“Yes. That is the man.”

“And that is the girl who rode through the woods with a man, her dress up around her knees,” said Will with a sneer. Mr Cole banged at the door and Will flinched, but was not deterred.

“I have known Darcy since we were lads,” he said. “I know how high and mighty he is. Nothing will mortify him more than having to lower himself to marry a woman to avoid scandal.” He grinned at Elizabeth. “I have done you a nice favour, though. You cannot deny things will work out very well for you if he marries you. You should thank me.”

Elizabeth looked at him in disgust. Darcy watched him steadily and looked as if he would not dignify the man by responding to his taunting.

“When is the wedding?” he continued cheerfully. “I assume I am invited? I was there for the beginning of your courtship, after all. Why should I not be there for the natural conclusion?”

“Thank you for your interest in our affairs,” said Darcy dryly. “But I am afraid it has come to nothing. Miss Bennet and I are already engaged.”

Elizabeth looked at him in astonishment, but she realised he was technically right. If everyone believed them engaged, they were as good as.

He continued, “So I am afraid the leverage you have attempted to gain has come to naught. What else can you offer us in exchange for your life?”

The man glowered at him. “Still think you’re a cut above the rest,” he said, sneering.

“You are a lowly thief, sir. It is not hard for him to be above you when you have made it such an easy challenge,” said Elizabeth coolly. “You spoke quite forcefully as to what you might do to me. You are asking a lot if you expect us to have mercy for you, but if you can help in other ways, we might be persuaded.” She grinned at him and could not resist adding, “After all, my betrothed is the most powerful man in the county. He has a lot of influence.”

“What help would you like?” asked Will. He slumped back into his chair and kicked his scuffed boots against the wall to avoid looking at them.

“For starters, the names and whereabouts of your accomplices,” said Mr Cole. “You must be able to tell us where they are and how we can find them.

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.