Love Unfeigned: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (Timeless Love: Darcy and Lizzy variations) by MJ Stratton & Jane Austen

Author:MJ Stratton & Jane Austen [Stratton, MJ & Austen, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2025-02-08T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter thirteen

February 1812

Darcy House

Darcy

The bell rang, alerting Darcy to Bingley's arrival. He was late—a good half hour, if the clock's time was true. It was very unlike him. His friend was more apt to arrive early than make others wait upon his arrival.

The door to the parlor opened. Georgiana sat at the pianoforte. She had been invited to dine with the gentlemen. Her companion, Mrs. Annesley, was to join them, making the entire thing very proper. Her playing stopped suddenly, and Darcy turned away from her to the doorway. In swept Caroline Bingley, followed by the Hursts and Mr. Bingley.

His friend looked utterly distraught. He shrugged his shoulders and mouthed, "I will explain later," before turning to greet Georgiana. His sister had come out from behind the pianoforte, and her face was contorted oddly, as if she was trying to keep an unpleasant expression off her face.

"Mr. Darcy!" Miss Bingley cried, swooping in and curtseying prettily. "I am so pleased to be here tonight! When Charles told me you had invited us to dinner, I said, 'How very fortunate we are to have Mr. and Miss Darcy as friends.' Did I not say that, Louisa?"

"Indeed you did!" Mrs. Hurst came forward, tipping her head in agreement. "Thank you very much, sir, for having us." Hurst had wandered off to the side table that held the decanter and had poured himself a glass of port. He did no more than a grunt in greeting before plopping down on the settee and taking a deep drink from his glass.

"Dinner is served." Thankful for the announcement, Darcy reluctantly extended his arm to Mrs. Hurst, the highest ranking lady in the room besides Georgiana. Miss Bingley stared daggers at her sister but latched onto his other arm, leaving Bingley to escort Georgiana and Mr. Hurst to escort Mrs. Annesley.

His unwanted guests chattered in his ear as he escorted them to their seats. His staff, ever efficient, had placed three extra settings at the table. Darcy deposited the sisters at the far end before moving to his spot at the head of the table. Miss Bingley looked irritated but said nothing. Georgiana sat on Darcy's right, in her usual spot, when they dined together. Hurst, Mrs. Annesley, and Bingley filled the other chairs. The table was terribly mismatched, but he found he did not care.

Darcy had looked forward to being able to converse freely with Bingley. He intended to tell his friend that he hoped they would one day be brothers by marriage. Despite the letter from Elizabeth which had arrived earlier that day, he still had hope for the future. Her words had cut him to the core, but it spoke well of her intelligence and character that she could admit she had been in error, and detect Wickham's lies without being explicitly informed of his poor behavior.

The letter sat on his desk. He had not responded to it, though he already knew he would offer Elizabeth his whole-hearted forgiveness. He would have plenty

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