From Admiration to Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Sophia King

Author:Sophia King [King, Sophia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-06-15T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

“They are both excessively shy,” Mrs Gardiner remarked as she took her niece’s arm. “I can see how they might come across as proud and above their company, but I am sure they are far more pleasant when they are around those they know well. It is strange that people who have every advantage the world can bestow on anyone should be so shy and ill at ease.”

“It is,” said Elizabeth slowly. “I had not considered it as such before. I heard Mr Bingley express surprise at Mr Darcy’s behaviour in public, so I had a notion that he was often different. It would be interesting to know what he is like when he is completely at ease.”

Mrs Gardiner looked at her niece with a smile. She took her arm and linked it through her own. “Perhaps he just needs the right woman to bring his better nature to the forefront,” she suggested.

Elizabeth stared at her aunt and burst out laughing. “Oh, good heavens, Aunt,” she said. “Mr Darcy is far too used to having his own way. Any wife of his will have far too much to contend with, not the least of which is his aunt who I understand is a nightmare. I do not envy the woman Mr Darcy marries. She will have to put up with a great deal.”

“Hmm,” said her aunt. “Perhaps, but let us not judge too hastily. For my part, I found Miss Darcy to be a dear, sweet girl. I look forward to getting to know her better and seeing her tomorrow. Perhaps you could befriend her and draw her out? I am sure your lively manners will be just the thing she needs.”

“I am open to such a friendship,” said Elizabeth. But would Mr Darcy be keen for them to continue a friendship? How would he feel about his sister becoming the intimate friend of a woman who stayed in Cheapside? But on the other hand, he had been eager to introduce her to Miss Darcy, and he had allowed her to invite them to his home. Perhaps he had lost a little of his snobbery.

“What of Lydia?”

Her aunt’s voice interrupted her thoughts. Elizabeth stared at her in horror. “Dear God,” she said. “I forgot about Lydia. What can we do? She would embarrass us and cause poor Miss Darcy to retreat into her shell even more than she already has.” She sighed and not for the first time, she inwardly raged at her father for making her take her youngest and most troublesome sister with her.

Mrs Gardiner patted her arm, although her eyes were also troubled. “I am sure we will find some way to make her behave,” she said. “Perhaps we can tie her to a chair?”

“And put a handkerchief around her mouth?” suggested Elizabeth. The pair laughed. “I am not sure even that will work,” she said. “But I hope we think of something. I would not inflict Lydia on anyone.” She paused as she considered her words.

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