Mr. Darcy's Redemption: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella by Cassie Fairfax

Author:Cassie Fairfax [Fairfax, Cassie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Compromise (D&E), Read
Goodreads: 222606872
Published: 2024-12-14T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 8

Elizabeth's cheeks burned as she hurried down Meryton's High Street, acutely aware of the whispers and sidelong glances that followed in her wake. She kept her chin high, refusing to give the gossipmongers the satisfaction of seeing her discomfort, but her heart raced with a mixture of anger and humiliation.

"Lizzy," Jane murmured, her voice low and concerned as she matched her sister's brisk pace. "Perhaps we should return home. We can complete our errands another day."

Elizabeth shook her head, her jaw set with determination. "No, Jane. I will not cower in the face of idle gossip. We have every right to be here."

Even as she spoke, Elizabeth caught sight of Mrs. Long and her nieces huddled together outside the milliner's shop. As Elizabeth and Jane approached, their conversation abruptly ceased, replaced by meaningful looks and poorly concealed smirks.

"Good morning, Mrs. Long," Elizabeth said, forcing a polite smile. "I trust you are well?"

Mrs. Long's eyes widened in exaggerated surprise, as though shocked that Elizabeth would dare address her. "Oh! Miss Elizabeth. I... yes, quite well, thank you." Her gaze flickered to Jane, a hint of relief in her expression. "And you, Miss Bennet? How is your family?"

The pointed exclusion of Elizabeth from the inquiry stung more than she cared to admit. Jane, ever the peacemaker, stepped in smoothly. "We are all very well, thank you, Mrs. Long. And how are your nieces? I trust they are enjoying the fine weather?"

As Jane engaged in polite small talk, Elizabeth's attention was drawn to the whispered conversation between Mrs. Long's nieces.

"Can you believe the nerve?" one hissed, not bothering to lower her voice. "After what Lady Catherine said about her, she still has the audacity to show her face in public."

"I heard she trapped Mr. Darcy into the engagement," the other replied, her eyes gleaming with malicious glee. "Some sort of scandalous encounter in the woods. No wonder Lady Catherine was so furious!"

Elizabeth's fingers curled into fists at her sides, her nails biting into her palms as she fought to maintain her composure. She wanted nothing more than to confront the gossiping girls, to defend her honor and the sincerity of her relationship with Darcy. But she knew that any such outburst would only add fuel to the fire of speculation.

"Come, Jane," she said, her voice tight with suppressed emotion. "We mustn't keep Mrs. Long from her shopping."

As they moved away, Elizabeth caught Mrs. Long's parting words, clearly intended to be overheard. "Such a pity about the Bennet girls. To think, they once had such promise. But I suppose that's what comes of improper behavior and ideas above one's station."

Elizabeth's steps faltered, the words hitting her like a physical blow. Jane's arm slipped through hers, offering silent support as they continued down the street.

"Pay them no mind, Lizzy," Jane whispered. "They know nothing of the truth of the situation."

Elizabeth nodded, grateful for her sister's unwavering faith. But as they approached the tea shop where they had planned to meet Charlotte Lucas, she couldn't

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.