Enduring Connexions: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by J. Marie Croft

Author:J. Marie Croft [Croft, J. Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Angst, Not in Amazon Library, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
ISBN: 9781956613582
Google: bRqlzwEACAAJ
Barnesnoble:
Goodreads: 96029047
Publisher: Quills & Quartos Publishing
Published: 2023-01-31T05:00:00+00:00

Early the next morning, strolling through the orchards, Miss Taylor had a long talk with Elizabeth. Although her friend would disclose no further details, Elizabeth was assured that young Master Maguire was not related by blood to Mr Darcy. The gentleman’s character was then exalted to an almost sickening degree.

“Darcy was great fun when we were children. After his father’s death, I saw Pemberley’s new master only occasionally. He has no hostess. His sister is only fifteen, so he rarely entertains there. A quiet man, he never rattles on merely to hear the sound of his own voice. He is a listener, speaking up only when he has something worthy to say. Even then, he chooses his words carefully.”

Elizabeth’s quiet chuckle did not go unnoticed by Miss Taylor. “Why do you scoff? I have seen Darcy converse politely and intelligently with dukes, tradesmen, clergy, cottagers, and servants alike. He even has a wonderful sense of humour, unleashing it only when comfortable with someone. But there are few he trusts enough to reveal his true self. Those making his acquaintance in a ballroom rarely know the real man. In those situations, he is like an actor playing a role, hiding behind a mask. He finds it all rather taxing.”

They stopped to watch several deer roaming amongst apple trees. “Darcy is a fastidious gentleman, but he leaves it to his valet to stay current on fashion. You must agree he is in good looks and always impeccably turned out. He is fervent about his duty to his family name…and Pemberley, his legacy. He is chivalrous and fiercely loyal. Woe betide anyone who speaks or acts against those he holds dear, particularly his sister. And I can speak from personal experience. His vile cousin, the Viscount Winster, publicly slighted my parents and me during a musicale at Torway Hall years ago. We all heard it, including Darcy. Although my friend did not take Winster to task immediately, he did privately speak to him later, and his cousin eventually apologised to us.”

“By your account, Mr Darcy seems a scrupulous, honourable man.”

“Oh, indeed! He can be stubborn, though he is willing to consider new ideas. Abhorring deceit, he is honest to a fault. Imperfect, he has known failure, but he learns from each mistake. First and foremost, he is a gentleman. While not of the peerage—although his mother, Lady Anne, was—Darcy is noble because of fine qualities and high morals. Not only is he a man of principle, he is a man with principles.”

Linking her arm with Elizabeth’s, Miss Taylor turned towards the house. “Like I said yesterday, I do not know who will be good enough for him to marry, but I do know he would not want a controlling wife—a woman like his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Nor a weak one like his cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh. Or a jealous harpy like Miss Bingley. Darcy admires beauty, but his head will not be turned by it. He needs a true partner to stand by his side, a gentle lady who will be not only a lover but a leader.

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