Perilous Siege: Pride & Prejudice in an Alternate Universe by C. P. Odom

Author:C. P. Odom [Odom, C. P.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Meryton Press
Published: 2019-03-29T04:00:00+00:00

After an exchange of greetings, Lieutenant Denny said, “If I might, ladies, I would beg your permission to introduce my friend Mr. Wickham. I have just returned from town as you know, and I enticed my friend to accompany me and, I am happy to say, to accept a commission in our corps.”

Lydia and Kitty were highly pleased to hear such of this young man who presented a most gentlemanlike appearance and only wanted regimentals to make him completely charming. All the ladies found his appearance to be greatly in his favor, combining the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, and a good figure. He possessed, in addition, a pleasing and gentlemanly address and quickly showed an ease and command of amiable conversation.

The whole party was talking together agreeably when the sound of horses drew their notice. They looked up to see Bingley and his two guests riding down the street and obviously headed their way.

“Ah, Miss Bennet, ladies!” Bingley exclaimed, removing his hat with a sweep of his arm and bowing from the saddle. “We were riding to Longbourn to enquire after your health, Miss Bennet, but I am pleased to see you are in fine spirits.”

“Thank you, sir,” Jane said, returning his bow with a curtsey, as did her sisters. She was about to make introductions when Darcy’s eyes were arrested suddenly by the sight of the new friend of Lieutenant Denny.

Mr. Wickham immediately touched the brim of his hat and said simply, “Darcy.”

Despite his surprise—a most unwelcome one—Darcy said in reply, “Wickham,” giving a nod and touching his brim. “I thought you remained in town,” he said, and would have said more if not for Lydia’s interruption.

“Lieutenant Denny just told us Mr. Wickham accompanied him from town and is going to accept a commission in the regiment!” she said breathlessly.

“I see,” was Darcy’s only comment, and Jane then proceeded to complete all introductions.

Bingley and his friends stayed for only a few minutes of conversation before making their farewells and continuing their ride. The party resumed speaking with Denny and Wickham quite amiably, but Elizabeth idly wondered how Darcy and Wickham knew each other.

They do not seem as though they are particularly acquainted, she thought. They must hail from similar backgrounds. Perhaps they met at Cambridge.

For herself, she did not know whether she was sorry or relieved Darcy had not spoken to her.

***

Once beyond Meryton, McDunn turned to Darcy. “I got the distinct impression of a certain coolness between you and this Wickham.”

Darcy nodded. “In truth, I have known George Wickham since we were boys, McDunn. His father was a fine man who had the stewardship of Pemberley during my own father’s life. He was quite taken with young Wickham, who was his godson, and even supported him at school and later at Cambridge, neither of which Wickham’s own father could have afforded.”

McDunn digested that for a bit, looking over at Bingley, who also listened. Finally, McDunn said, “Stop me if this is none of my

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