Four Days at Netherfield by Jann Rowland

Author:Jann Rowland [Rowland, Jann]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence
ISBN: 9781990856549
Goodreads: 216358896
Publisher: One Good Sonnet Publishing
Published: 2024-07-10T04:00:00+00:00

As Darcy was approaching at a trot when all this was occurring, he saw the moment that Miss Elizabeth stepped to the side, placing herself in front of his sister. While uncertain about what was happening, Darcy could see the protective stance she assumed, and since he trusted Miss Elizabeth’s judgment and instincts, the sight provoked him to spur his horse into a faster canter. The reason for Miss Elizabeth’s consternation became clear when he came close enough to see the faces of those involved.

“Bingley, to me!” exclaimed Darcy, digging his heels into the beast, vaulting from the saddle upon reaching them a moment later.

With Bingley following, Darcy surged forward and confronted Wickham, putting himself between the rogue and the ladies.

“Wickham!” snarled Darcy, enjoying Wickham’s alarmed retreat though it was only a step. “How thoroughly unpleasant it is to see you here.”

“Darcy!” growled Wickham in return when he had mastered his emotions. “Slumming in the country? Why, I might never have expected it from the high and mighty master of Pemberley. What would your father say?”

“If I was slumming, I am certain he would say much less than he would if he knew the sort of snake you have become. What are you doing here, Wickham?”

“I might have thought even you would understand, given the uniform I wear.” Wickham fixed him with a rictus of a grin and added: “You must have seen it adorning your cousin’s frame often enough.”

Darcy snorted with utter disdain. “You? A member of the militia? Even with the relaxed discipline of the home guard, you can be nothing but a fox amongst the chickens. Tell me, Wickham, who did you convince of your respectability sufficient to serve as an officer?”

“I serve well enough,” growled Wickham.

“Here, what is this?” asked another voice, revealed to be Lieutenant Denny when Darcy’s eyes found him.

“Do you know this man, Lieutenant?” demanded Darcy.

The lieutenant stopped short, surprised by the shortness of his tone, though Darcy wondered at his confusion. He had been close enough to hear the entire exchange, certainly enough to understand it was not cordial.

“It was by my auspices that he joined the militia,” said the lieutenant, finding his courage. “Do you know him?”

“Oh, yes,” replied Darcy, fixing his glare on Wickham yet again. “With George Wickham, I am well acquainted, indeed, for I have many sorrows to lay at his feet.”

“I would not be in this predicament if you did not withhold what was my rightful due,” snarled Wickham.

“Do not make me laugh, Wickham,” replied Darcy. “I shall not allow you to spread your vicious tales, not in Meryton. You can claim ill use all you wish, but we both know that our dealings were more than fair; I also possess the proof to back up my claims. You, on the other hand, have nothing more than a glib tongue and a winning smile.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Darcy,” came a soft voice.

For a wonder, it was Miss Lydia—Darcy did not think he had ever heard her speak in anything softer than a loud squeal.

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