Mr Bennet Takes Charge by Jann Rowland

Author:Jann Rowland [Rowland, Jann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781989212011
Publisher: One Good Sonnet Publishing
Published: 2019-02-20T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter V

Excitement, the thrill of being on the road, of traveling into an uncertain future can only sustain one for so long, when nothing of significance occurs. In time, the soporific effects of the swaying of the carriage took their toll, regardless of what the travelers heard outside. While they passed through London, the sound of the coach’s passage was louder on the cobbled roads, and there were signs of life there, as there was activity at all hours in the sleeping city.

When they reached the countryside beyond, the effect became all that much more pronounced. As she drifted along with the motion of their passage, Elizabeth noted with a clinical detachment that her father had surrendered to sleep, and the state was one which soon beckoned Elizabeth to its embrace.

Though she had no notion of when it had happened, the teasing sounds of low voices brought Elizabeth to consciousness again, though it was a pleasant floating sensation rather than a return to full wakefulness. As a result, Elizabeth did not move, though once again conscious, and her eyes remained closed. Slowly she became aware of the conversation which had caused her to awake, and while it was conducted in low tones, she found she could hear it clearly, as if it was meant for her ears alone.

“I must own, Darcy, I cannot account for how you managed to get yourself caught up in this.”

“Should it not be obvious?”

A snort told Elizabeth what Colonel Fitzwilliam thought of his cousin’s reticence. “Well, your interest in Miss Bennet was clear to any who cared to look, though you should be thankful it escaped Lady Catherine’s notice.”

“When does Lady Catherine see anything except what she wishes to see?”

“Which is fortunate, indeed. Mr. Collins, of course, is equally blind, which also must be beneficial for you, as the moment he knew, Lady Catherine would also have known. But I am convinced Mrs. Collins was well aware of it, too, though that lady is capable of circumspection.

“But for a man to seek out a woman who once refused him is astonishing, Darcy, especially one with your character.”

“I am not so inflexible.” Mr. Darcy sounded aggrieved.

“No, you are not. But you are slow to change. From your recitation of events, I might have thought the matter beyond all hope.”

Elizabeth almost gasped. Mr. Darcy had informed Colonel Fitzwilliam about his failed proposal! Then again, she had told Jane. Colonel Fitzwilliam must be the closest Mr. Darcy had to a brother, so, perhaps, it was not so surprising he had confessed it.

“You are perfectly aware I would not even have informed you had you not badgered me incessantly.”

“To risk sounding like Lady Catherine, I am your closest cousin and, as such, am entitled to know all your dearest concerns. You require someone to ensure you do not make a hash of everything.”

The quiet chuckle informed Elizabeth that Mr. Darcy found his cousin amusing. “Someone, indeed.”

“Well, how do you account for it?”

“It is quite simple. After leaving Kent, when

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