Mr. Darcy's Most Reckless Kiss: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by April Floyd

Author:April Floyd
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
Published: 2020-10-26T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 12

IN THE HALLWAY, Elizabeth wrapped her arms around herself and bit her bottom lip to keep the tears from falling in front of the colonel. Before she might dissemble, Richard placed a strong arm around her shoulders. “I believe the best course of action is to take a nice long walk.”

Elizabeth was grateful for his presence and for the fact that he allowed her to only nod her head in agreement. She did not trust the lump in her throat enough to speak.

Leaving the sad atmosphere of the home, her spirits lifted as the sun touched her face. The beauty of nature allowed her to regain her composure as the colonel led her across the great green expanse at the front of the house and on into the park proper. They walked a path that Elizabeth had preferred ever since her arrival in Kent.

For a while, they were silent as each considered their own private thoughts. When they came upon a wide stream that moved swiftly along, Elizabeth was truly content for the first time in many days.

“I believe sitting with your husband has not been entirely awful,” the colonel teased as Elizabeth bent to retrieve a stone from the ground nearer the stream.

Breathing deeply of the sweet air that mingled the scent of wildflowers and rushing waters, Elizabeth released the smooth oval stone and watched as it skipped several times across the stream before it sank.

“I wondered what it would be like to sit with him now that we are wed, I cannot deny it. And I had invented difficulties in my head as a manner of torture. But the loss of Miss de Bourgh, and the seeming return of Mr. Darcy’s health, rendered my doubts as weak as lamb. I am sad for this family but pleased to have my own out of danger. I suppose that could be seen as selfish.”

The colonel considered Elizabeth’s words. “From what I have witnessed, you are far too practical of a lady to harbor any defects akin to selfishness. There is always relief in the passing of danger, Elizabeth.”

To hear her name fall so easily from his lips in the course of conversation gave Elizabeth the feeling that he had accepted her as family. Her own sentiments for the colonel were that he was as a brother to her now. “You are too kind, Richard. Everyone may have a bout of selfishness for none of us are perfect. But you are correct, I do admit a certain relief that my husband is well. I only worry that we are not suited to be husband and wife.”

Richard Fitzwilliam chuckled with intense merriment, wiping the tears at the corners of his eyes before he spoke. “I declare but you are a match for my cousin, fair Elizabeth, and he well knows it. Allow me to reveal one of his many secrets, one that is most pertinent since you are Mrs. Darcy. He never, in all his years, wrote to me of any lady before you.

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