Pride and Passion: A Scandalous Love Story: A Passionate Variation of Pride and Prejudice by Vivienne Hartwell

Author:Vivienne Hartwell [Hartwell, Vivienne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: 1st Edition, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Angst, Naughty Bits (aka PWP), DNF, Purchased
Goodreads: 219795588
Publisher: MEDIAS
Published: 2024-09-29T04:00:00+00:00

* * *

It was a few weeks later when they finally made the journey back to London. The city was as bustling and vibrant as Elizabeth remembered, the streets filled with carriages and pedestrians as the season began in earnest. But this time, her return to London was different. She was no longer Elizabeth Bennet, the country girl from Longbourn. She was Elizabeth Darcy, the wife of one of the most powerful men in the city.

Their arrival was met with curiosity and polite interest, though Elizabeth could sense the undercurrent of gossip that still swirled around them. Lady Matlock, ever gracious, had extended an invitation for them to stay at her townhouse, and it was there that Elizabeth and Darcy found themselves preparing to face society once more.

The first event of the season was a grand ball hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, and it was clear from the moment they arrived that the night would be one of intense scrutiny. The ballroom was filled with London’s elite, all dressed in their finest attire, and as Elizabeth and Darcy entered the room, she could feel the weight of a hundred eyes upon them.

Darcy, ever the consummate gentleman, kept his arm firmly around her waist, his presence a steadying force as they moved through the crowd. But even with his support, Elizabeth couldn’t help but feel the tension in the air—the quiet, whispered conversations that followed them from one end of the room to the other.

“Is it true? Were they forced to marry in a rush?”

“I heard the scandal nearly ruined her reputation.”

“She doesn’t look the part of Mrs. Darcy, does she?”

The whispers were subtle, but Elizabeth heard them all the same. They cut through the air like knives, and though she kept her head held high, each remark felt like a small blow to her confidence.

But Darcy remained calm, his expression unyielding as he guided her through the room. They exchanged pleasantries with various guests, engaging in polite conversation with those who approached them. And though Elizabeth could feel the weight of society’s judgment pressing down on her, Darcy’s quiet strength never wavered.

It wasn’t until later in the evening, when they found themselves near the refreshment table, that they encountered Caroline Bingley.

Caroline, dressed in a gown of shimmering silver, approached them with a sly smile on her lips, her eyes gleaming with barely concealed malice. “Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy,” she greeted them, her voice dripping with false politeness. “How lovely to see you both.”

Elizabeth’s body tensed at the sight of her, but she forced a polite smile. “Miss Bingley,” she replied coolly. “I trust you are enjoying the evening?”

Caroline’s smile widened, though there was no warmth in it. “Oh, indeed,” she said, her eyes flicking to Darcy. “It is always a pleasure to attend such events. One never knows what one might learn.”

Elizabeth could feel the undercurrent of her words, the insinuation that Caroline was still clinging to the rumors that had plagued their marriage. But before she could respond, Darcy stepped forward, his expression cold and unyielding.

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