Drawing Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Duology by Melanie Rachel

Author:Melanie Rachel [Rachel, Melanie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-08-04T04:00:00+00:00

Elizabeth knocked on her father’s study door, holding the folded letter from her aunt. She had considered bringing her small ledger, the one she traveled with, but thought that might just as well wait for the actual writing of any marriage contract. Aunt Olivia seems so eager for the match, she probably has John and the solicitors working on the contract already. She took a deep breath and when her father called out “Enter,” she turned the knob and stepped over the threshold.

Mr. Darcy stood from his chair, inclining his head slightly, his gaze warm. “Miss Elizabeth.”

“Mr. Darcy,” she replied, meeting his eyes and waiting just a moment too long to turn to her father. “I imagine you two are prepared to delve into the details, Papa?” She handed him Aunt Olivia’s letter, and waited for the full-throated laugh she knew was coming. She was not disappointed, but it did make her feel foolish.

“That woman should play chess,” her father remarked when he finally regained control. “She is always ten steps ahead of us all.” He raised an eyebrow and tipped his head towards Darcy, as if to ask permission. She nodded once, and Mr. Bennet handed it over.

Elizabeth observed Mr. Darcy’s face as it changed from interest, to confusion, to pleasure, and wondered if she could capture that transition on paper.

“Your aunt is correct,” he said, now unsmiling, handing the letter back to her. “We do raise the finest Arabians in all of England at Pemberley.”

How does he keep his face like that? Is he joking? “Is that your only reaction to the letter, Mr. Darcy?” she asked, unable to keep a touch of petulance from her tone. His reply was one brief upward tug of his lips. He is. Oh, Lord, Jane was right. I shall have to keep my wits about me. She could hardly wait.

Mr. Bennet barked out another laugh. “This is a fine day for me,” he said, wiping a tear from the corner of one eye. “I will add my voice to Aunt Olivia’s and heartily approve this pairing. The two of you together will be endlessly entertaining.”

“Yes,” Elizabeth replied, her tone both fond and lightly mocking. “Entertaining you is precisely what we were hoping for when I agreed to a courtship, Papa.”

“Well,” Mr. Bennet said, “call for more tea, Elizabeth, if you would like some. Then you should fill Mr. Darcy in on your life with the Russells, since you have agreed to a courtship and your aunt evidently favors the match.”

“I do not require tea, Papa,” Elizabeth said, taking a seat. She clasped her hands together and placed them in her lap, staring down at them while she considered where to begin. “I suppose it is not necessary to request that the details of this conference remain private, but I shall ask anyway.”

Both men assured her of their assent. She nodded, lifted her head, and began. “The day I turned thirteen, my Uncle Phillip and Aunt Olivia gave me a unique gift…”

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