Entanglements of Honor: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Renata McMann & Summer Hanford

Author:Renata McMann & Summer Hanford [McMann, Renata & Hanford, Summer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Not in Amazon Library, Compromise (non D&E)
Amazon: B01BW4WKAK
Goodreads: 29214917
Published: 2016-02-16T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

Darcy

Darcy remained in his room until nearly dinnertime, worried he would be unable to conceal his anxiety. He’d reviewed his walk with Elizabeth and been unable to find any enthusiasm on her part. She’d spoken to him with all politeness, but had seemed untouched by anything resembling the looks Miss Bennet bestowed on Bingley. Darcy was beginning to suspect Elizabeth did not truly wish to marry him. He only hoped it was due to a lack of acquaintance, not an outright lack of regard.

It seemed hardly fathomable to him that in the time they’d spent together, her feelings for him hadn’t grown more appreciative, as his had for her. Why, their every interaction, each parley, showed him how well suited they were. All else aside, she should be pleased enough to wed him for his wealth. Any other woman would be.

Dinner turned out to be much less satisfactory than their walk. Mrs. Hurst made continuous attempts to belittle and exclude Elizabeth and Miss Bennet. Mr. Hurst, as usual, did not seem to care. Bingley and Miss Bennet obviously didn’t even notice, which at least spared Miss Bennet’s feelings. Elizabeth was overly subdued, causing Darcy to worry she would not, in fact, be able to stand up to his family. Only Miss Bingley forwent increasing his displeasure in the evening, likely recognizing continued objections to the marriages would only serve to antagonize the people whose goodwill was important to her.

After an unpleasant meal where he hardly managed to speak with Elizabeth, who spoke little to anyone, Darcy braced himself for an equally disagreeable dinner at Longbourn the following evening. The entire Bennet family would be there, along with the unmet cousin. Darcy disliked meeting new people as a general rule and had little hope for a man who spoke highly of his aunt.

When the occasion arrived, the cousin confirmed his dislike. Darcy had never had a high regard for his aunt’s judgment, but his opinion was lowered further by the knowledge Lady Catherine had selected Mr. Collins for the church she attended. Early in the evening, Darcy came to the conclusion that, much as the night before, this dinner was to be endured, not enjoyed. He consoled himself that the following evening he and Elizabeth would finally be alone.

“I say, excuse me,” Mr. Collins’ nasal tone broke into Darcy’s musings. “That is, Mr. Darcy? I beg your pardon, sir, but I cannot remain silent on a matter that is most troubling to me. I am sorry, sir, but I must issue a reprimand.”

Darcy turned to regard Collins, having no notion what the man spoke of but assuming his expression would deter elaboration.

“A what? Mr. Collins,” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. “How can you say such a thing to Mr. Darcy? He is above reproach in all regards. I simply will not have you speak that way at my table. Mr. Bennet, do something.”

“I beg your pardon, Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bennet,” Mr. Collins said. “I cannot stay silent. Lady Catherine would not approve of it.

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