From Ashes to Heiresses by Renata McMann & Summer Hanford

Author:Renata McMann & Summer Hanford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: renata mcmann, summer hanford, pride and prejudice variation, jaff, pemberley, darcy and lizzy, mr darcy, clean pride and prejudice variation, sweet pride and prejudice variation, elizabeth bennet
Publisher: Renata McMann
Published: 2020-08-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

Elizabeth followed Jane to their room to make ready for the evening. Now that she and Jane were alone, she was aware of sorrow threatening to overwhelm her once more. Almost angry at the emotion, she tamped it down as best she could. There was no way to lessen her heartbreak over losing her parents, sisters and home, but she knew she must be strong now for Jane. She fervently hoped Jane could be strong too. They had to get Mr. Wickham out of their lives and make sure he stayed out.

Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley had returned to Netherfield Park to make their preparations as well. As Elizabeth changed her dress and arranged her hair, she found contemplating Mr. Darcy’s behavior a surprisingly effective distraction from her grief. She’d never seen him so relaxed and comfortable. He’d treated her Uncle Phillips with respect. No, Mr. Darcy had treated her uncle as an equal. On top of that, he hadn’t shown the slightest bit of annoyance at either her aunt’s slowness in learning her part or for Jane’s timidity. It was a welcome change, for she couldn’t have borne an afternoon with a haughty Mr. Darcy. Not with her nerves already stretched thin by mourning. Elizabeth thought kindness suited his eyes.

Later that evening as they trailed their aunt and uncle into Lucas Lodge, Elizabeth could see Jane’s nervousness return. Jane stopped in the entry hall, for she was to wait above stairs in the youngest Lucas’s room. He was a boy of about seven and adored Jane. Elizabeth knew he would ask her to read to him or play soldiers. She hoped it would keep Jane distracted until their aunt fetched her.

“It will all go just as we’ve planned,” Elizabeth whispered.

“How can you be so certain?” Jane asked.

“Mr. Darcy knows Mr. Wickham quite well. They grew up together. Don’t worry.”

Jane managed a weak smile. “I feel awkward being here while we’re still in deep mourning. People will think we didn’t love Mama, Papa and our sisters enough.” Jane was on the verge of tears.

“People will come to understand. Please don’t fret. We’ll have this behind us soon.”

Jane nodded, looking unconvinced.

Elizabeth gave her a quick hug, then a gentle shove toward the steps. After watching Jane go up, she hurried after her aunt and uncle. She reached them in time to accept the arm her uncle offered.

Entering the large parlor on her uncle’s arm, Elizabeth searched through the sea of familiar faces for Mr. Wickham. It didn’t take long to spot him standing beside the refreshment table speaking with Colonel Forster. Elizabeth was grimly pleased. Wickham’s choice of both location and companion couldn’t be better.

“He’s by the refreshment table,” Elizabeth said under her breath to her uncle.

He nodded, adjusting their course.

As they crossed the room, Elizabeth tried to ignore the stunned looks. She hoped what she’d assured Jane was true; people would understand the need for their presence in Lucas Lodge tonight and not condemn them for being out so soon.

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