Franchise & Follies: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cinnamon Worth

Author:Cinnamon Worth [Worth, Cinnamon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-12-30T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Darcy left the dining room dejected. Another meal had passed, with Miss Bennet offering one-word answers and casting icy glares in his direction. He had even attempted to goad her into speaking by steering the conversation toward America’s involvement in the Napoleonic wars, but to no avail. Yet, he should be grateful. He could never have her, and she was making this reality easier to accept, but a small part of him needed something to prove that their connection had been real, if only to hold on to as a treasured memory that could bring a small bit of warmth during the bleak years he would face married to Caroline.

A servant carrying a silver salver stopped in front of him and said, “These have just arrived for you, sir.”

Darcy took two letters from the tray and thanked the man. Turning the first missive over, he noted that the writing was in his cousin’s hand. He walked down the hallway that led to the library. No one would disturb him there since the room was rarely used.

The book collection was sparse compared to those Darcy was accustomed to, but the room was decorated with taste and elegance. Even without his advice, Bingley had done well in selecting a country home. He went to the window, drew back the curtains, then broke the wax seal and read the page.

Richard accepted the invitation to join him at Netherfield and was bringing Georgiana.

Darcy smiled. At last, he could break the news of his engagement to his sister. His gaze returned to the page.

They would arrive tomorrow, but Richard would need to return to London after delivering Georgiana. It seemed he had some minor business to see to and had used this as an excuse to explain their hasty retreat from Rosings Park.

Silently, Darcy thanked his cousin for crafting a reason. Their aunt was the suspicious type. It was best if she knew nothing about his pending marriage until it was a fait accompli. He refolded the sheet and opened the second letter. It was from his attorney. He scanned it for information about Mr. Bollinger’s heir or Pemberley, only to find a single line at the end of the page saying that Evans had made no progress.

Instead, Evans had written to inform him that after reviewing the contract sent by Gardiner, he had requested some minor alterations. He also forwarded the estimate received from Walworth’s Watches and Jewelry for the reproduction of his mother’s necklace.

Darcy frowned. When he had gone to the jeweler, he’d never imagined he might reacquire Pemberley. Bollinger’s death had changed everything. Now, as much as it pained him, he needed to delay restoring his mother’s necklace. His resources were needed elsewhere. He had learned the importance of compromise. If a small sacrifice today gave his sister the chance to one day marry on the grounds of Pemberley, he was certain their mother would approve.

The door hinge squeaked, alerting him that someone was entering. He refiled the second missive.

“I thought I might find you here,” Bingley said.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.