Of Opinions and Opportunities: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jae George

Author:Jae George [George, Jae]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

When Charles returned to Town in early February, Jane was feeling much better - stronger and less fatigued - and was anxious to see her new home in Derbyshire. The estate was called Westerfield and was less than thirty miles from Pemberley. Charles described it as being approximately the size of Longbourn, with an income of about three thousand pounds per annum. “Darcy thinks that with a little modernization of the current farming practices by next year that figure could be nearly four thousand. I am very excited for you to see it, Jane, but you must not agree to make the trip unless you are truly feeling well enough. I will be content to wait until after our child is old enough to travel if you wish.”

“No, indeed, Charles,” Jane averred. “I am feeling well and can’t wait to see the estate.” Elizabeth retreated to her room, leaving the couple alone to enjoy each other’s company and wondering if she should travel with them or wait and join them with Mrs. Gardiner in the spring.

∞∞∞

Her aunt was of the decided opinion that Lizzy must stay for at least a part of the season. “Lizzy, we have friends who come to Town at this time each year that I would like to introduce to you. And though our social engagements are not of the highest circles, we have connections to many wealthy men of trade. I believe that we can offer you an enjoyable month of activities before you and I must leave for Derbyshire.”

True to her word, Mrs. Gardiner began making plans for her niece immediately, starting with a new wardrobe. After choosing fabrics, visiting the modiste, and shopping at multiple shops on Bond Street, Elizabeth was tired of London society before she had even attended any events.

Those began the second week in February when Lizzy’s aunt and uncle invited two young men and their parents to dinner at Gracechurch Street, the fathers of both being her uncle’s business associates. The young Misters Rushing and Crumbliss were both taken with Elizabeth’s beauty and intelligence and called on her separately the week following the dinner.

On his second call, Mr. Rushing arrived in a smart curricle to take Elizabeth on a drive in Hyde Park. The young man was slightly overenthusiastic about his vehicle and spent much of the drive to the park trying to impress her with his driving skill. Speeding around wagons and pedestrians had rather the opposite effect on the young lady, causing her to cringe frequently and hold tightly to the bench seat. When he at last returned her to Gracechurch Street and invited her for another drive the following day, she was delighted to honestly state that she had a prior engagement.

The following afternoon, Elizabeth shared a very pleasant excursion with Mr. Crumbliss. After a tour of the British Museum, they browsed Hatchard’s bookstore and then went to Gunter’s for tea and ices. While they chatted and enjoyed their fare, Mr. Darcy and his sister Georgiana entered the shop.

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