Once Upon a December by Rose Fairbanks

Author:Rose Fairbanks [Fairbanks, Rose]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rose Fairbanks
Published: 2015-11-14T05:00:00+00:00

*****

“Father, I have been thinking,” Elizabeth heard her sister, Mary, say one day shortly after Christmas. “Before we met Mr. Bingley, you had teased Mama about the importance of proper introductions.”

“Yes, what of it?” he replied testily. Any mentions of the Bingleys or Netherfield currently brought on complaints from their mother about Mr. Bingley’s continued absence, combined with Elizabeth’s rejection of Mr. Collins. Fortunately, Mrs. Bennet was not in the room at the moment.

“How can we know the true character of a gentleman who has no connections in the area?”

“Surely we have seen enough to know Mr. Bingley’s amiability,” Elizabeth replied.

“Was six weeks enough to learn that? He was most uncivil by not even calling to say goodbye before leaving the area.”

“He may still return,” Elizabeth said.

“If you believed that, then why would you have encouraged Jane to go to London?”

“Well, his being encouraged to stay by his friends does not mean he is any less amiable.”

Mr. Bennet put aside his book. “Now that presents an interesting idea. Perhaps there is such a thing as too amiable. What do you think Lizzy? Mary?”

“A person may lack a certain resolve,” Elizabeth said, knowing she had accused Mr. Bingley of that only weeks ago.

“He may have very good reasons for staying in London. Or his friends may, should they truly be encouraging him. I am more interested in the case that we may know a person for quite some time and not truly know them at all. Something I think worth reflecting on with the officers of the militia and their frequency in our home,” Mary said while giving pointed looks to Kitty and Lydia.

“Colonel Forster has assured us of the gentlemanliness of every officer,” Elizabeth said.

“Mr. Wickham was a new recruit, and Colonel Forster did not know him before he joined the regiment. We have now known Mr. Wickham for about a month, and I daresay all I know is that he hates Mr. Darcy.”

“Hates Mr. Darcy? On the contrary, Mr. Wickham has surprising patience and fortitude with Mr. Darcy after how cruelly he has been treated by the man.”

“But you only know that because of Mr. Wickham’s testimony.”

“Which you only knew first because you keep him all to yourself!” Lydia exclaimed from across the room.

“Do not tell me you are crossed in love too, Lizzy,” their father teased.

“Hardly, sir.”

Mr. Bennet nodded his head in acceptance. “Now, is there truth to Lydia and Mary’s claims? You like him so much because Mr. Darcy has slighted the fellow as well?”

Elizabeth felt heat rush to her cheeks. “I only have sympathy for his position. It is not that I commiserate with him for being found unworthy of Mr. Darcy’s attentions.”

“Ah, but he found you unworthy at first sight and Mr. Wickham he knew all his life. Mr. Wickham tells us that Mr. Darcy was jealous of him. Now, what can possibly be his reasoning for slighting you then?”

“He slighted the entire area! He thinks we are unworthy of his notice!”

“So, why would Wickham

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