Her Good Opinion: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by April Floyd

Author:April Floyd [Floyd, April]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Not in Amazon Library, Foolish Lizzy Bennet
Amazon: B097BHPDX5
Goodreads: 58354954
Published: 2021-06-15T04:00:00+00:00

11

The Christmastide Festival held such excitement and a festive spirit that Elizabeth found herself laughing and smiling with Miss Darcy and Jane as they watched the acrobats, clowns, and minstrels perform in the streets.

Mr. Darcy pointed to a particular acrobatic team on two beautiful white horses down the way and the ladies were instantly enthralled.

Elizabeth did not realize she had held her breath through the whole of the act until the performance was done. She breathed deeply and declared her enjoyment to Mr. Darcy.

“I have never seen such a display, and on horseback! I can ride, but certainly not that well.”

Mr. Darcy shrugged. “I have many horses and am a skilled rider and I could not begin to perform so well. They are truly talented.”

The people around them threw coins and some bills into the street and cheered for the acrobats. Elizabeth opened her reticule to retrieve coins for Jane, Miss Darcy, and herself, but Mr. Darcy stilled her arm.

“Allow me,” he said and gave coins to his sister and Jane before turning to Elizabeth, a questioning look in his eyes.

She held out her gloved hand and he placed the coins in her palm, his fingers brushing against the bare skin of her wrist as he drew back his empty hand.

“Thank you, sir,” she said before hurrying to throw her coins with Jane and Miss Darcy,

His accidental touch, a sweeping across her wrist so quickly done, left Elizabeth with a breathless feeling, quite like the horses and acrobats had done. When she rejoined him, he offered his arm and on they went down the street.

Miss Darcy was ahead of them with Alexander. The two of them laughed often and stopped at nearly every stall for chestnuts, oranges, ribbons, and candies. Elizabeth’s heart was lightened just by their gaiety alone.

“It seems the winter air and a good festival provide their own magic when combined,” Mr. Darcy said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Elizabeth agreed. “Aunt Madeline and Mama would take turns hosting the family at Christmas time. Although I will miss Christmas with all my sisters together, and without our dear Papa, this one will be memorable for its own gifts of the season.”

“I must say, I had not thought of the loneliness that you will face this Christmas. It is an especially difficult time because your heart will always recall the ones you spent with loved ones who have gone on.” Mr. Darcy’s voice was tempered by sadness.

Perhaps it came from his own memories of his father and mother. Elizabeth held tighter to his arm. “I had not expected to lose Papa so soon. And Mary is to wed Mr. Collins. Jane and I wish to attend, but we do not want to cause difficulty for our mother.”

“It is strange to think of him behaving in such a manner. Has he harmed any of your sisters or your mother?” Mr. Darcy inquired, speaking of Mr. Collins.

Elizabeth looked up at Mr. Darcy. “I do not think he would harm them physically, but there are other ways to harm a person.

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