Once Upon a Compromise: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Novella (A Merry Match for Mr. Darcy Book 2) by Jennifer Joy

Author:Jennifer Joy [Joy, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-05-30T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

No sooner had I begun to consider what a friendship with Elizabeth might mean than she put an end to my internal monologue. “What moved you to accept Sir William’s invitation to call at Lucas Lodge?” she asked conversationally.

More at ease in her company, I replied, “He and his son invited me to see the newest acquisition to their stables. They have been kind neighbors to Bingley. I wished to call on Sir William to prove to him… and myself… that I have not become a complete boor.”

She smiled at me. “That was kind, though I will reassure you on one point: Sir William is much like Mr. Bingley in his tendency to think well of everyone. I doubt there is anything you could have done that would make him think poorly of you.”

“He is kinder than most.”

My comment’s effect was contrary to what I had intended; it did not inspire Elizabeth to smile.

Instead, she chewed on the corners of her lips again. It occurred to me that she did this whenever she was anxious. “He is kinder than I have been. Mr. Darcy, I must apologize. I mocked you to my family and friends… to whoever might lend their support to me and turn against you, a stranger and newcomer. I regret the damage I might have done to your reputation here, sir.”

So intent had I been on my apology to her, I had never imagined she might have a reason to apologize to me. The reciprocity soothed my conscience even more than her forgiveness did, and I was grateful for it. “If your neighbors turn against me, it is because I gave them reason to think unfavorably of me. It is not a condition without remedy, and I ascribe none of the blame to you.”

She nibbled on her bottom lip and then tried to stick out her hand but thought better of it when the blanket slipped down her bare shoulder. “Shall we imitate Sir William and focus instead on each other’s merits, Mr. Darcy? May we start over with a fresh slate wiped clean of all our offenses and misunderstandings?”

I could conceive of nothing I would like better and told her so.

With a deep breath, she smiled. I wondered if she felt half as content as I did. “Now that I have gained your improved opinion”—really, she must have no idea how highly I held her in my estimation—“I shall divulge the reason I was caught walking alone in this tremendous storm.” She squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head. “I, too, was on my way to Lucas Lodge. I meant to call on Charlotte but discovered Mr. Collins is now a guest in her home. Having only refused his offer of marriage yesterday, I did not feel my presence desirable.”

Would that I have been a fly on the wall to overhear that conversation! “You really refused him?”

“Most resolutely.”

As I could well imagine! I should not have smiled, but I did. “Was that why you were not wearing a coat when we met by the hedgerow?”

Her cheeks reddened.

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