Meryton Matchmakers by Kristi Rose

Author:Kristi Rose
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-944513-08-5
Publisher: Kristi Rose

Chapter Eleven

Elizabeth knew she couldn’t hide in the restroom all night. Ugh, she hated that Darcy’s presence had sent her seeking refuge. Thankfully, the restrooms in the hotel were high-end and came with a lounge area. There, Elizabeth had dropped her head between her knees and tried not to hyperventilate. It took a while, but her heart finally slowed, the heat from her embarrassment, obvious to all by the bright red of her cheeks, had finally subsided, and the tingly feeling she’d gotten across her body when her eyes met his was gone. Replaced by nausea. What had she done? What was she to do? She was so confused, and seeing Caroline Bingley hanging from Darcy’s arm had only exacerbated the situation and her reaction to it.

The door to the restroom was pushed open quickly, and Jane stepped into the room. She looked harried.

“Finally! I have been looking everywhere for you.” She pushed away a dislodged lock of hair fallen from her topknot. Her nostrils flared.

“Here I am.” Elizabeth spread her hands wide and leaned back against the couch, wishing the night was over. She wanted her comfy pajamas and a pint of ice cream. Or two.

“What did you say to Lydia?” Jane crossed her arms.

“She said we had a problem, and I told her to handle it.” When Elizabeth waved her hand dismissively, she noticed it continued to tremble.

Jane threw her hands in the air with exasperation. “Oh, well that explains it. This is all your fault.”

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. “What is my fault?”

“The bachelor auction that is going on right now. Well, it might be done by now since it took me forever to find you.”

Elizabeth tilted her head so she could hear clearly. “Come again? A what auction?”

“Lydia and George are auctioning off the men. Granted for small amounts and for good causes, but regardless. All the couples you paired, with the exception of a few, split from your setup and joined the auction.”

Elizabeth jumped to her feet. “What? Why?”

“Lydia said many of the pairings were wrong, and people were leaving. Oh, and she gave everyone a free month’s membership.”

Elizabeth pushed past Jane and walked briskly to the event room. Once inside, she came to a screeching halt, Jane slamming into her back.

The buzz of the room was loud, people laughing. Her quiet, calm adult venue now had the feel of happy hour.

George was at a table holding a mic, his attention on Lydia, and they were laughing.

“All right, all right. That was interesting,” he said with a shake of his head. “You only had to match the bid, sir, not double it. But we appreciate your generosity and your eagerness to meet that lovely lady.” George gestured to a tall, bookish woman Elizabeth recalled was a college professor. She was walking into the next room with the guy Elizabeth had considered a good match for Suzie Carmichael. His several tattoos and affinity for long rides on his chopper had not melded with the professor’s need for a quiet and reflective person.

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