Hearts Under Wager: A 'Pride and Prejudice' Novella Variation by Newton Pembroke

Author:Newton Pembroke [Pembroke, Newton]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Foolish Lizzy Bennet, Shy/Misunderstood Darcy
Goodreads: 216700351
Published: 2024-11-30T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

The atmosphere at the Parsonage was fraught with nervous energy as Mr. Collins bustled about, urging the household to hasten their preparations. “We must not keep her ladyship waiting,” he declared, his voice carrying an air of exaggerated deference. “Punctuality is a virtue that pleases Lady Catherine most profoundly, and I would not wish for us to appear lacking in her estimable eyes.”

Elizabeth exchanged a glance with Charlotte, who rolled her eyes in silent commiseration before smoothing her gown. Though outwardly composed, Elizabeth’s heart quickened with trepidation at the thought of the evening. She would have to face Mr. Darcy once more, knowing full well the weight of her recent discoveries—and of her apology yet unspoken.

When the carriage arrived at Rosings Park, Mr. Collins leaped out eagerly, extending his hand to assist the ladies with the same pomp that marked all his actions. “What an honour it is,” he murmured to no one in particular, “to dine two nights in a row with her ladyship.”

The grandeur itself offered little solace to Elizabeth as they entered the vast dining room. Her eyes were immediately drawn to Mr. Darcy, seated beside Colonel Fitzwilliam. As their gazes briefly met, a surge of awkwardness swept through her, her composure threatening to falter. Darcy’s expression remained unreadable, though the slight tightening of his lips suggested an unease he was working hard to mask. Colonel Fitzwilliam glanced between them, and Elizabeth could sense, from the knowing look exchanged between the two men, that they had discussed her. Whether it was about the wager she had overheard or her confrontation with Darcy the day before, she could not tell. The knowledge unsettled her further.

Lady Catherine greeted them with her usual authoritative air, her gaze sweeping over the guests like a queen surveying her subjects. As Elizabeth took her place at the table, she braced herself for the scrutiny she knew would follow.

“Miss Bennet,” Lady Catherine began shortly after the meals were served, her voice cutting through the low hum of conversation, “you are looking better this evening. I trust you are feeling entirely recovered?”

Elizabeth inclined her head politely. “Yes, Lady Catherine. I am much improved, thank you.”

Lady Catherine pursed her lips, her tone laced with reproach. “I hear you have been taking several walks, even in this dreadful weather. It is no wonder you fell unwell. Such behaviour is an invitation to fever.”

Before Elizabeth could respond, Mr. Darcy spoke, his voice calm yet firm. “I must disagree, your ladyship. A walk in fresh air is often restorative, even in cooler weather. I daresay Miss Bennet knows well how to care for her own health.”

Elizabeth blinked in surprise at his defence, but she quickly recovered. “Indeed,” she added, her tone measured but carrying a subtle weight of sincerity. “The fresh air has been most beneficial. And I am grateful for the concern and... kindness shown to me of late.”

Darcy’s gaze briefly met hers, his expression unreadable, but Colonel Fitzwilliam’s brow lifted ever so slightly, as though he understood the unspoken sentiment beneath her words.

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