How To Get Caught Under the Mistletoe: A Lady's Guide: A Pride & Prejudice Christmas Novella (Christmas With Darcy and Elizabeth) by Alix James

Author:Alix James [James, Alix]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Winsome Wit Publishing
Published: 2023-10-23T18:30:00+00:00

Mr. Van der Meer was a much less vexing partner. We laughed quite merrily, and all about silly things like the temperamental snowfalls or the tune of a particular song. Nothing of consequence that would test my mind much, so I permitted myself simply to relax and be easy. Oh, I was not immune to the jealous glances of other ladies in the room—one of them being Miss Bingley—but I could not trouble myself to care. Why should I? It was not as if I meant to steal our eligible host away for myself. Besides, he did not seem the man to lose his heart on the dance floor. He was polite and flirtatious with everyone.

The dance ended with a deep curtsey and polite applause. I thanked Mr. Van der Meer as he led me to the edge of the floor once more. Then I sought out Charlotte, keen to commence my matchmaking for the evening. But as I slipped through the crowds, strains of hushed conversation gave me pause.

“Those Bennet girls are pretty enough, I suppose, but have you seen their gowns? Muslin that has grown almost transparent from so much use, and last season’s lace—no fashion whatsoever.”

My steps faltered, but I refused to look as if I had heard, so I pressed on.

“And the older one, what’s her name... Miss Lucas? Poor dear wanders about like a specter. An absolute fright. It is not merely the question of whether she is on the shelf, but how high of a ladder was required to put her there!” This was followed by a titter of voices, and my ears burned. If they only knew…

“Positively countrified. What can they mean by making such a spectacle of themselves? Setting their caps for the likes of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Van der Meer? Utter foolishness.” That sounded like Caroline Bingley’s voice.

I started walking faster, trying to leave the voices behind me, but one more stung like a lash. “Oh, but the worst is that younger sister. I hear she thinks of herself as quite the wit, but she is deceived if she thinks she can turn Mr. Darcy’s head that way. I know for a fact that he prefers a lady of breeding and decorum.”

“You do?” Miss Bingley asked. “Has he said as much?”

“Why, yes, he did. Only this evening, he said that very thing to me, as a matter of fact, and I—“

I heard no more. My cheeks were burning, and if they had not seen me yet, they would soon, if I tried to go to Jane or Charlotte. The whispers floated just out of sight, their sources obscured by fans and gloved hands. The room was full of Caroline Bingleys—so full, it seemed, that there was no place for people like me. Like Jane, with her sweetness, or Charlotte with her patient goodness. I doubt not that if I had lingered, I would have heard slights of my aunt and uncle in the next breath—even here, at a party hosted

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