Lost in Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Madeline Kennet

Author:Madeline Kennet
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: short story, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
Published: 2017-03-09T05:00:00+00:00

Reasons for Marriage

“I hope that you were able to enjoy your last week in Kent,” Mr. Darcy said. “It has concerned me that I might have spoiled the last of your holiday for you.”

“It was not unenjoyable,” she replied. “I did spend a lot of time in contemplation of some disagreeable things, but I still enjoyed my walks and the company of my friends. We also dined with your aunt two more times after you left.”

“Yes,” he said. “I can understand what sort of an entertainment that would have been. On that subject, I would like to apologize for my aunt’s incivility to you. There were several times when I shuddered at hearing the way in which she spoke to you. Her criticism of your playing and her offer for you to practice on the pianoforte in Mrs. Jenkinson’s room were particularly rude. Your forbearance in tolerating her was admirable.”

“I could hardly do anything else considering that I was enjoying her hospitality,” Elizabeth said. “Besides, I soon became used to Lady Catherine. As Mr. Collins puts it, she likes the distinction of rank to be preserved.”

“She certainly does. It comes from having been raised in an exceptionally proud family. My mother also had a great share of pride, but it was tempered by a warm-heartedness which her sister does not possess. Indeed, Lady Catherine has always been the worst of the family. You may be able to guess from Colonel Fitzwilliam’s manners that his parents are more amiable people.”

“I can well believe it. I did like the colonel very much. His good nature reminded me of Mr. Bingley.”

“I saw that you got along well. With some envy, I must confess to my shame. There I was wanting to claim you as a friend, but falling into the old habits of provocation and disagreement, and in the meantime, it was with my cousin that you were fast becoming great friends. It was clear that you liked him better than me. To be honest, there were a few times when I wondered exactly how far that liking went.”

“No further than thinking him a likable person and very good company.”

“At least he gave excellent representation of my family. I am glad that you met him or else you might be thinking that all my relatives are like Lady Catherine, which would be no recommendation of my suit. I wonder now that I could have said such dreadful things about your family without being struck by the failings of my own. It was very good of you not to throw that in my face.”

“I did not think of it to be honest. I expect I would have done if I had, but I was too busy abusing you in every other way.”

“One can hardly blame you,” he said. “It was a very rude proposal. It haunts me that I began by telling you I had struggled against my feelings. That was an ill-conceived notion. What man could really want to marry the lady who

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