Mr Darcy's Little Secret : A Pride and Prejudice Variation Romance by Emma St. James

Author:Emma St. James [St. James, Emma]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2022-03-01T00:00:00+00:00

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Of course, Lizzy had told Jane about Miss Caroline Bingley’s visit, but she had been vague about their conversation, telling her sister that Miss Bingley’s acidic prattle had bored her to tears. She was sad when she saw Jane shrug her shoulders and not bother to ask after Mr. Bingley at all. It was this action that made Lizzy think that Jane had managed to put all thoughts of Mr. Bingley out of her mind forever, and so did not think much of it when Jane excused herself to go into the garden for some fresh air.

In the carriage, on the way back up to Derbyshire, Jane gave a small gasp.

“Whatever is the matter, Jane?” Aunt Gardiner wanted to know.

“Nothing, I assure you, Aunt,” Jane whispered, “I felt the effects of the coach’s swaying, that’s all.”

But later on, when they had arrived at Wardley, Jane told Lizzy the truth, “I completely forgot that Colonel Fitzwilliam was to ask his parents, the Earl, and Countess of Matlock, to invite us to their soirée next week. And now they will be led to believe I was capricious about their hospitality! Lizzy, whatever shall I do?”

Lizzy rubbed her nose, watching her sister carefully when she replied, “No need to fuss, Jane dear. Simply write to our Uncle Gardiner in London and ask him to send back a refusal with your sincerest apologies and regret that you have been called away.”

Jane dithered, “But could not such a sincere refusal be taken as encouragement, Lizzy? I would not want the Earl and Countess to think I wanted to visit their establishment more than anything else in the world. Cannot Uncle Gardiner simply return an apology, saying that circumstances have arisen that necessitated our departure from London?”

“That seems a trifle long-winded. Do you think mentioning your regret will be misinterpreted by the Colonel and taken as encouragement, I think you mean?” Lizzy asked blandly.

And when Jane nodded her head sadly, Lizzy knew her sister still held feelings for Mr. Bingley in her breast.

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