Mr Darcy's Proposal: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Martine Jane Roberts

Author:Martine Jane Roberts
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Read, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
Published: 2017-07-27T04:00:00+00:00

Darcy assisted his sister from the carriage and then offered Miss Bingley the same courtesy.

This time, Caroline ignored his outstretched hand, making a show of alighting from the equipage without any assistance.

“I am quite capable of managing two steps unaided, Mr Darcy,” she stated.

Having entered Longbourn, Mrs Bennet went to great lengths to make her guests welcome. From fussing over their seats and plumping up the cushions, to offering to move everyone’s chairs either closer to the fire or further away from the heat. Nothing was too much trouble, she assured them.

Finally, just when Mrs Bennet seemed happy that everyone was settled and reasonably comfortable, dinner was announced.

The consumption of the first three courses of soup, fish, and lamb had been uneventful, passing with benign conversation from all present.

Relieved that Caroline appeared to be behaving herself, Darcy and Bingley began to relax.

Caroline had smiled and nodded when complimented on the beautiful quality of her couture by Mrs Bennet.

In return, Caroline had then praised Mrs Bennet on the delicious repast, saying how her hostess must treasure such an excellent cook. She had even borne Lydia’s impertinence with a smile when the young girl commented on how unfashionably tall Caroline was, and what an inconvenience it must be for Caroline’s modiste to have to use extra cloth for all her gowns. Her fixed smile gave no hint of what was to come.

Finally, as the meal came to an end with the cheese board being produced, along with the fruit and dessert wine, Caroline’s mood visibly changed.

Having lulled everyone into a false sense of security, and comfort, she now unleashed her vitriol.

Turning her attention first to Jane.

“I have been remiss in wishing you joy, my dear sister to be.”

Jane smiled shyly, and said,

“Thank you, Miss Bingley. I am so pleased you approve.”

“Oh, I don’t, but Charles won’t listen to reason,” Caroline said with a superior air. Then, before any of her shocked fellow diners could respond, she turned to Elizabeth, saying,

“And Miss Eliza, I understand you are to marry Mr Darcy? A surprise, I must admit. These many weeks now you seemed to have preferred, and yes, I must say even enjoyed the attention of Mr Wickham. Now, if you had announced your engagement to that gentleman, no-one would think you were setting your sights above the station you now occupy.”

“George has never like Lizzy half as much as he likes me!” Lydia declared loudly, as she slammed her cutlery onto the table.

“Go to your room this instant,” hissed Mrs Bennet, for once in no humour to indulge her youngest child.

Together, Mr Bennet, Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy all rose. Mr Bennet looked at the young men in turn, and Charles looked to Darcy, and Darcy looked at his sister.

Georgiana was staring down at her untouched fruit, her trembling hand rattled the fruit knife against her plate.

Cursing himself for relaxing his guard on Miss Bingley, Darcy raised his hand to silence the room.

“I think you have said quite enough, Miss Bingley. You already made your sentiments know to Charles and me at Netherfield, Madam.

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