Family Secrets: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Karen Kate Rowley

Author:Karen Kate Rowley [Rowley, Karen Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe
Goodreads: 165700969
Published: 2023-05-26T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Darcy had started to anticipate some affiliation between the Bennets and the de Bourghs, even if solely due to his aunt's vehement denial that any such association could exist; however, he was not prepared for such a sensational confirmation. He half-ascended, with the intention of offering assistance to Mrs Phillips, only to retract when that respectable lady was engulfed by her nieces. Aunt Catherine's clamorous protestations merely served to pound a throbbing ache into his head.

Fitzwilliam caught his gaze and contorted his countenance into a wry expression.

Darcy shook his head at his cousin. At least Anne was spared from this madness. It would be detrimental for her to witness her mother screeching like a harpy, proclaiming that Mrs Phillips must be a degenerate liar for daring to suggest that her Janet would engage in such a disrespectful act.

He blinked in astonishment as Mrs Bennet stood and strode purposefully toward Lady Catherine, administering two resounding slaps, one on each cheek.

For a prolonged—blissfully quiet—interval, her ladyship was rendered speechless by this assault.

Mrs Bennet inclined her head towards the startled Earl. "Your lordship, I find a sharp shock typically suffices to pacify a bout of hysteria. The lady should consume a small measure of brandy to calm her nerves."

Darcy bit his lips, suppressing a smile, particularly since his uncle was struggling to maintain a composed countenance.

"I am grateful, madam," replied he, his voice only slightly unsteady. "Would you be so kind as to make the arrangements? I defer to your wisdom in this regard."

Mrs Bennet curtsied and withdrew to the door, where Darcy suspected a gathering of servants stood in anticipation, eavesdropping. If he were candid with himself, he would have preferred to join them at the door, thereby avoiding witnessing his aunt's madness.

Lady Catherine finally regained her voice. "How... how can this..."

To Darcy's surprise, his Aunt Eleanor responded calmly, albeit with a steely edge in her tone. "My dear sister, you were overcome with emotion. Do endeavour to remain composed until the brandy is brought to you."

Perhaps it was the shock of witnessing gentle and serene Lady Eleanor approving of such treatment that caused Lady Catherine to subside. In any case, she had not found her voice until the indomitable Mrs Bennet returned with the brandy.

"Sip it slowly, your ladyship. It shall calm your nerves." Though the woman's tone remained respectful, Darcy could not shake the disconcerting impression that she derived a degree of inappropriate amusement from the situation.

Undoubtedly, her presence was sufficient to keep Lady Catherine quiet and—astonishingly—compliant.

Darcy doubted Mrs Phillips fared any better. Awaking to a flock of Bennet girls and their genuine concern must have starkly contrasted with Darcy's family's inquisitive and not entirely benevolent gazes.

The Earl offered a slight bow. "I offer my sincere apologies, madam. I had not intended to cause such a shock."

Mrs Phillips once assisted to a chair, could only blink in response.

He continued as though oblivious to her reaction. "Please, do not fret that you shall suffer the consequences of others' actions. You

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