Love in the Afternoon: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Speck

Author:Kate Speck [Speck, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Not in Amazon Library, Prequel 1, Interquel
Amazon: B07QRS2W8L
Goodreads: 45156438
Published: 2019-06-10T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

The young people decided on a stroll in the gardens while Lord and Lady Matlock spoke with Mr. Bennet and the now-subdued Mrs. Bennet who remained speechless after regaining consciousness. Lady Matlock found the Mistress of Longbourn very silly but diverting and harmless. She spoke kindly to the witty gentleman, complimenting him on Elizabeth’s skills in making conversation and her knowledge of history and philosophy. Lord Matlock had been impressed with his favourite nephew’s wife and liked her father immensely even if Mrs. Bennet was not much of note, especially since she remained quiet as to not offend their lordships who had championed Darcy’s marriage to her headstrong daughter Elizabeth.

Darcy and Elizabeth walked arm in arm outside and laughed together as Elizabeth shared her stories of her childhood and how often her dresses were torn or muddied from being out of doors more often than in.

The other ladies also stayed in the gardens, breathing in the flowers and playing with the hounds, while Richard walked behind the married couple and Jane walked with him, making very light conversations.

Although no longer needing his cane, Colonel Fitzwilliam had continued to have pains on his back and neck from his war injuries and wished to sit down, but desiring to be a gentleman, he did not know of a way to escape his companions. Seeing that Anne and Georgiana were only several yards away and Jane Bennet could easily join her sisters, he spoke out to the couple who was several feet ahead.

“Darcy,” Richard called out, “I am going to sit for a little while on this bench. I hope you will not mind losing my company.” He smirked, catching the brightness on his cousin’s eye, understanding that Darcy wanted some privacy with his wife.

“But of course, Richard,” Elizabeth agreed, “I hope you are not having much discomfort again. I know you have not rested as much as you should.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled, “I will be well, Mrs. Darcy. Go and enjoy your time with your husband. Perhaps Miss Bennet would like to join the other ladies?”

Darcy and Elizabeth quickly walked off and Richard headed towards the bench to take a seat, fully expecting Jane to walk away from him, but was surprised when she took a seat on the bench first.

“Can you tell me what is bothering you, Colonel Fitzwilliam?” Jane began timidly. “My sister had written to me about you and that you had been wounded from the war and how fortunate you are to be alive and walking.”

Richard looked at the gentle lady carefully and felt his heart beat wildly. He could no longer deny that she was one of the most beautiful women he had ever met and her kindness made her infinitely more attractive. He took a quiet breath before replying, “I was shot on the back, about three inches from my spine, Miss Bennet, and although the surgery was successful, I have pains on my back and neck, as my entire body becomes stiff.”

Jane, who had found

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