Extraordinary Devotion: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation (When Love Blooms Book 3) by Rose Fairbanks

Author:Rose Fairbanks [Fairbanks, Rose]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General Fiction
Publisher: Rose Fairbanks
Published: 2017-10-11T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

“Colonel Fitzwilliam,” the stable boy said in surprise. “I did not know to ‘spect you, sir.”

“Think nothing of it, lad,” he tossed the boy a coin and sauntered to the house.

Over the years, Richard often appeared unannounced at Pemberley. Of course, he should have considered writing ahead. He would hate to offend Elizabeth, but it slipped his mind until he was too near the estate. If Richard had to guess, between the master and the mistress of the estate, the former would be more likely to frown at Richard’s appearance. Not that Darcy could blame his cousin. Once he finally wed Belinda, he would not want unexpected guests either.

The subtle raising of eyebrows was the only indication from the ageing butler that he was as surprised as the stable boy to see Richard. Soon, he was shown into the blue saloon. Tea arrived before his hosts, and Richard chuckled at the amount of time he was kept waiting. All the while, he enjoyed the refreshments — especially a different type of biscuit than Darcy’s cook usually provided. Undoubtedly, the handiwork of Elizabeth. After fifteen or twenty minutes, he finally heard the steps of his cousin and new bride.

“Richard, we were not expecting you,” Darcy said in his usual low voice and came forward for a hearty handshake.

“Forgive me. I hope I did not interrupt anything.”

Elizabeth blushed slightly as she curtseyed and Richard bowed over her hand. “Not at all. Please be seated.” She set to work on refilling Richard’s cup and plate.

“No other guests? Where is Georgiana?”

“I do not believe it is customary to entertain others so soon after marriage.”

Darcy sent Richard a stern look, causing his lips to twitch. “Indeed.”

“Georgiana is at Netherfield,” Elizabeth said.

Darcy nodded in confirmation.

“She hated choosing between lending support to Miss Bingley or staying with my sisters, but as Netherfield has more space and is such a short distance, we felt it the wiser choice.”

Elizabeth spoke with confidence and naturalness as though she often arranged living arrangements for sixteen-year-old ladies. Richard examined his cousin’s response. He knew Darcy had not thought well of the Bennets before. Recently, there been some rift between Elizabeth and her father which nearly resulted in Elizabeth and Darcy being separated forever. Undoubtedly, Darcy had not wanted his sister in the same house as the man.

“I will not keep you in suspense about my presence,” Richard said. “I have returned from another trip to Huddersfield.”

Across from him, Elizabeth shuddered slightly and reached for her husband’s hand. He squeezed it tightly. The last time Richard was in Huddersfield, there had been an attack on one of the mills Darcy and his friend Bingley owned. Darcy’s arm had been wounded and was still in a sling. They had arrived in the area mere days after their wedding and Richard could not think of a more terrifying ordeal for a new bride to live through. All the more reason he wished to resign his commission as soon as possible.

“I take it matters are not resolving?” Darcy asked.

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